The OH bought us a hot air balloon ride over the Lakes for Christmas and we had it booked for today – however – after the scorcher that was 4/7/11 (see TR here
http://www.walkingforum.co.uk/index.php/topic,14871.0.html) – the rest of the week had been a bit changeable. As instructed we rang the recorded line at 2.30pm to see if the balloon was still on – unfortunately it wasn’t.
I can’t say I was too surprised as the clouds were moving pretty fast. The OH seemed really disappointed though…..maybe he just didn’t fancy me dragging him on a walk at 3pm!
Anyway off we went – see Route below: approx 8.8miles ascent 3292ft according to memorymap.
Not long after setting off from Netherbeck Bridge – looking towards the Scafells.
Looking up at Yewbarrow – my new favourite…see TR (
http://www.walkingforum.co.uk/index.php/topic,14969.0.html)
Looking across the waterfalls to Knott Ends on the other side of Nether Beck
Scoat Fell in the distance
Now I actually can’t remember if this is Haycock or not – (that’ll teach me for taking so long to put my TRs on!) but I do remember we thought it was dead ahead at one point, only to realise we had a big swing round to the left.
Looking back at Seatallan and Middle Fell
I must say it felt like a bit of a slog up to Haycock! It wasn’t sunny but it felt pretty humid!
Reaching the saddle where the wall stretches for miles in either direction and looking over to Ennerdale. I always love it when you get the surprise view over into the next valley.
Looking back over Yewbarrow and Illgill Head to the unmistakeable Harter Fell.
Over to about half left and it’s the Scafells and a section of Scoat Tarn poking out – that’s our route of return later…..(Scoat Tarn NOT the Scafells!)
Me with a similar backdrop to the above
Looking over to Red Pike (Buttermere one) and Grasmoor
High Stile Ridge and the lower slopes of Steeple
Follow the wall up to Scoat Fell and then on to Steeple sticking out to the left
And a bit closer
Looking back down to Wastwater and the Coniston Fells beyond Illgill Head
Looking back to Ennerdale with Crag Fell reaching down to the water.
And again but with Bowness Knott and Great Borne in the picture
Can’t get lost on this bit!
The dome shape of Great Gable seen over Dore Head.
Looking back to the two humps in the haze…..Haycock and Caw Fell
And the other hump on the left is Seatallan
Pillar
Steeple!! Yey!! It looks fantastic!
Skiddaw Fells in the distance
The OH on Steeple with 1 other walker
Close up – Red Pike directly behind
Looking down towards Ennerdale
Mirklin Cove
Now my turn to get to the summit – looking back along the first section of the path
Nearly there….I met the other walker coming the other way (don’t think he really wanted to say hello!!)
Looking back to Mirk Cove
Over to Steeple and Great Gable popping up again like a Hungry Hippo!!
The views 360 degrees really were amazing and the OH made sure I stopped to take them all in……it was nearly 7pm and I thought he’d be wanting to get going….
Difficult to tear yourself away though….I turned round and he was on one knee!!!!!