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Regions - Trip reports, destination advice, recommended routes, etc. => Lake District => Topic started by: karl h on 21:41:01, 20/10/20

Title: TR 17-18th October Wrynose Pass to Lingmell and back
Post by: karl h on 21:41:01, 20/10/20
Dull but calm conditions were forecast this weekend which is pretty much how it turned out, the Sun only briefly showed itself and I was unlucky in that there was cloud on every summit I reached.
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/roundhowwc-17-18-10-2020/P1140536.jpg)
An early start meant that I had no trouble parking at the Three Shire Stone and was soon heading along the path by Red Tarn. The Crinkles and Bowfell are in cloud but there was enough brightness in the sky to give me hope it might lift.
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/roundhowwc-17-18-10-2020/P1140537.jpg)
And I did have view of Pike of Stickle from the start of the climb towards Crinkle Crags.
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/roundhowwc-17-18-10-2020/P1140542.jpg)
But as I climbed the mist stubbornly hung around and I couldn't see a thing until the first Crinkle loomed out of the gloom
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/roundhowwc-17-18-10-2020/P1140547.jpg)
There are a couple of dramatic gullies on the climb to the top this looking down one of them.
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/roundhowwc-17-18-10-2020/P1140554.jpg)
Still plenty of cloud about but Great Langdale is clear.
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/roundhowwc-17-18-10-2020/P1140555.jpg)
Heading for the Bad Step, I wondered if the climb up would be more tricky than usual as the rock was wet but I got up with no trouble.
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/roundhowwc-17-18-10-2020/P1140564.jpg)
Again not a lot to see from Long Top, the highest of the Crinkle Crags. This is the little tarn just below the summit.
.(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/roundhowwc-17-18-10-2020/P1140568.jpg)
The cloud cleared briefly from the Scafells as I made my way along the wonderful undulating ridge.
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/roundhowwc-17-18-10-2020/P1140574.jpg)
Another view of Great Langdale with Windermere in the distance.
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/roundhowwc-17-18-10-2020/P1140576.jpg)
Bowfell was hidden for most of the way to Three tarns and then was only visible for a few minutes.
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/roundhowwc-17-18-10-2020/P1140589.jpg)
Unfortunately I had no views all over Bowfell, Esk Pike and Great End. This is the summit of Great End appearing out of the mist.
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/roundhowwc-17-18-10-2020/P1140591.jpg)
A bit of a leg wobbling look down Central Gully.
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/roundhowwc-17-18-10-2020/P1140624.jpg)
After leaving the summit the sky suddenly cleared for a few minutes giving me a view of the Langdale Pikes.
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/roundhowwc-17-18-10-2020/P1140631.jpg)
And upper Eskdale.
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/roundhowwc-17-18-10-2020/P1140632.jpg)
Ill Crag teases me by fleetingly appearing then hiding again.
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/roundhowwc-17-18-10-2020/P1140637.jpg)
Once down to Calf Cove I turn right and descend by Greta Gill, it's a bit steep and there is no real path but I managed to get down unscathed.
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/roundhowwc-17-18-10-2020/P1140643.jpg)
I was heading for Lingmell which is the big fell behind the small bump of Round How and as I had plenty of time I climbed Round How from where there were brilliant views of the fells roundabout.
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/roundhowwc-17-18-10-2020/P1140647.jpg)
Although I was sheltered from the wind there must have been quite a breeze over Styhead because banks of cloud were constantly tumbling over the pass.
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/roundhowwc-17-18-10-2020/P1140657.jpg)
I spent quite a while sat on Round How and eventually Great Gable and Styhead Tarn came out of the cloud.
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/roundhowwc-17-18-10-2020/P1140661.jpg)
Brilliant view of Lingmell and Piers Gill from Round How.
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/roundhowwc-17-18-10-2020/P1140670.jpg)
After a while the cloud started to descend so I set off for Lingmell. This is passing the top of Piers Gill from the Corridor Route.
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/roundhowwc-17-18-10-2020/P1140676.jpg)
Lingmell was added to the list of summits without a view but again the cloud added to the drama of the very steep gullies passed on the top.I had originally planned to camp on Lingmell but the wind here was blowing quite strongly and was very cold so I made the decision to return to the shelter of Round How.
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/roundhowwc-17-18-10-2020/P1140677.jpg)
Again absolutely calm and quite a bit warmer by Round How. Greta Gill which I followed down is the lower point to the left of the crag.
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/roundhowwc-17-18-10-2020/P1140683.jpg)
After a very still night I returned to the Corridor Route but this time I turned off left to start the climb to Broad Crag col.
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/roundhowwc-17-18-10-2020/P1140688.jpg)
The pitched path heads up to a small hanging valley from where it's a "one step forward, two steps back" ascent to the col..
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/roundhowwc-17-18-10-2020/P1140690.jpg)
Once at the col I have virtually the same conditions underfoot but this time descending Little Narrowcove.
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/roundhowwc-17-18-10-2020/P1140699.jpg)
Hard Knott and Harter Fell seen from the grassy descent at the foot of Little Narrowcove.
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/roundhowwc-17-18-10-2020/P1140701.jpg)
Looking back up Little Narrowcove.
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/roundhowwc-17-18-10-2020/P1140705.jpg)
Following the Esk now along the Great Moss. This is looking back to Esk Hause.
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/roundhowwc-17-18-10-2020/P1140707.jpg)
Dow Crag on the right with Pen and Rough Crag just about visible in the mist.
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/roundhowwc-17-18-10-2020/P1140710.jpg)
Slight Side on the left and Cam Spout Crag on the right seen from where the Esk takes a turn to the south east.
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/roundhowwc-17-18-10-2020/P1140713.jpg)
My way back to Wrynose Pass and my car was up over Stonesty Pike so I have another steep pull up the grassy tongue to the right of Swinsty Gill, seen here on the hillside ahead.
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/roundhowwc-17-18-10-2020/P1140719.jpg)
If Carling did lunch spots.
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/roundhowwc-17-18-10-2020/P1140721.jpg)
On to the grassy climb now, it's head down and plod time.
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/roundhowwc-17-18-10-2020/P1140726.jpg)
The Dunnerdale fells seen from one of many mini rest stops on the climb.
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/roundhowwc-17-18-10-2020/P1140731.jpg)
Looking back over Lingcove Beck to a completely cloud covered Scafell range.
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/roundhowwc-17-18-10-2020/P1140732.jpg)
Once over Stonesty Pike I have a brief view of my last top of the day, Cold Pike seen here on the right.
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/roundhowwc-17-18-10-2020/P1140735.jpg)
But the mist rolled back in again and Cold Pike completed the full house of summits without a view.
My routes were -
17th Wrynose Pass - Red Tarn - Crinkle Crags - Bowfell - Esk Pike - Great End - Greta Gill - Round How - Lingmell - Pitch under Round How ( about 9 miles 4000 ft ascent )18th Round How - Corridor route - Broad Crag Col - Little Narrowcove - Great Moss - Lingcove Beck - Swinsty Gill - Adam-a-Cove - Stonesty Pike - Cold Pike - Red Tarn - Wrynose Pass. ( about 7.5 miles 2500 ft ascent )
Title: Re: TR 17-18th October Wrynose Pass to Lingmell and back
Post by: Ridge on 22:03:49, 20/10/20
Quote
If Carling did lunch spots.
  ;D


Lovely atmospheric photos.
Title: Re: TR 17-18th October Wrynose Pass to Lingmell and back
Post by: April on 07:54:00, 21/10/20
Now that is a proper Karl route  ;D


Not one I would sign up for! The descents down Greta Gill and Little Narrowcove  :o 


Lovely photos Karl and you did get some nice views for a little while  O0
Title: Re: TR 17-18th October Wrynose Pass to Lingmell and back
Post by: richardh1905 on 08:31:36, 21/10/20
A great outing, Karl  O0  That walk along Crinkle Crags, Bowfell, Esk Pike and on to Great End must be the best high level ridge walk in the Lakes. I quite fancy doing the full Upper Eskdale round sometime, all the way around to Scafell.


I'm with April - not sure that I would fancy that Little Narrowcove scree chute with a full pack. Or the Bad Step in the wet, for that matter. Maybe I'm getting timid in my dotage! :D


Title: Re: TR 17-18th October Wrynose Pass to Lingmell and back
Post by: pdstsp on 08:51:27, 21/10/20

Cracking route that Karl - though you don't half chose some interesting descents!  Glad you got a camp out this time after bottling it on Red Screes ;D

That walk along Crinkle Crags, Bowfell, Esk Pike and on to Great End must be the best high level ridge walk in the Lakes.


Funnily enough someone famous once said that, Richard - your favourite man  ;D ;D
Title: Re: TR 17-18th October Wrynose Pass to Lingmell and back
Post by: richardh1905 on 09:10:13, 21/10/20
Funnily enough someone famous once said that, Richard - your favourite man  ;D ;D


Did he now? Well in this instance I agree with him - it is a fabulous high level walk across the wild heart of the Lake District, full of interest.  O0
Title: Re: TR 17-18th October Wrynose Pass to Lingmell and back
Post by: pdstsp on 10:44:57, 21/10/20
Certainly is. 
Title: Re: TR 17-18th October Wrynose Pass to Lingmell and back
Post by: karl h on 12:05:45, 21/10/20
Thanks all  O0


It is an excellent high level walk..if you can see any of it ;D


Highlight of the weekend was sorting out a couple who were having a domestic on the corridor route. He was insisting the route in their guide book went up to Broad Crag col. She was adamant that he was wrong and wasn't leaving the main path for no-one.
They asked me and I confirmed that the main path was the easiest route to the pike.  ( and when he looked properly  at the book that's the way their map showed )
The look of smug triumph she gave him was a picture  ;D
I of course kept a carefully neutral face, with just a hint of comradeship with a fellow hen pecked husband  :D

Title: Re: TR 17-18th October Wrynose Pass to Lingmell and back
Post by: pleb on 16:54:26, 21/10/20
Photos aren't up to your usual standard, very misty.
Was it the beefy school of photography?  ;D
Title: Re: TR 17-18th October Wrynose Pass to Lingmell and back
Post by: karl h on 17:18:50, 21/10/20
Photos aren't up to your usual standard, very misty.
Was it the beefy school of photography?  ;D


I know, it was a lovely sunny weekend, I just hadn't bothered to clean the lens  ;D

Title: Re: TR 17-18th October Wrynose Pass to Lingmell and back
Post by: Mel on 18:49:20, 21/10/20
Fabulous atmospheric pics Karl  O0


Love the one where you've captioned it:
"The cloud cleared briefly from the Scafells as I made my way along the wonderful undulating ridge."


That looks a smashing wild camp spot too.
Title: Re: TR 17-18th October Wrynose Pass to Lingmell and back
Post by: karl h on 21:20:18, 21/10/20
Thanks Mel, O0

That looks a smashing wild camp spot too.
It was. Lovely and calm with a burbling beck beside me lulling me to sleep  :)

Title: Re: TR 17-18th October Wrynose Pass to Lingmell and back
Post by: MkPotato on 04:59:03, 23/10/20
That’s a cracking route, and the first day is an impressive amount of ascent. 


That path up to broad crag col is a real [censored]. I did it last year, as I wanted to get to Broad and Ill Crags the direct way. There was still snow on parts of it, and the best method seemed to be getting all the way to one side, and pulling yourself up using the rock, otherwise the scree was punishing. Thankfully, not too long. Coming up the other side must be a nightmare, if it’s more of the same.
Title: Re: TR 17-18th October Wrynose Pass to Lingmell and back
Post by: karl h on 19:03:12, 23/10/20
That’s a cracking route, and the first day is an impressive amount of ascent. 


Cheers MK Potato O0
That path up to broad crag col is a real [censored]. I did it last year, as I wanted to get to Broad and Ill Crags the direct way. There was still snow on parts of it, and the best method seemed to be getting all the way to one side, and pulling yourself up using the rock, otherwise the scree was punishing. Thankfully, not too long. Coming up the other side must be a nightmare, if it’s more of the same.


I found the right hand side to be the best way as you say helping yourself up with the solid rock
Little Narrowcove wasn't as bad as I had feared it's mostly larger rocks which all seemed pretty solid.
Title: Re: TR 17-18th October Wrynose Pass to Lingmell and back
Post by: Skip on 21:58:24, 23/10/20
Excellent pics of a fine route. Nice one  :)
Title: Re: TR 17-18th October Wrynose Pass to Lingmell and back
Post by: karl h on 10:58:42, 24/10/20
Excellent pics of a fine route. Nice one  :)


Cheers Skip O0