~Base Brown to Great Gable~
7th September 2016
A midweek escape to check on some old friends, it's four years since I set foot on Great Gable!
The Westmorland Cairn, Great Gable
Scroll down for photos and a description of the walk....
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The tent was pitched at Scotgate, Braithwaite. The village shop has recently reopened after Storm Desmond (5th Dec. '15). The proprietor has placed benches outside for people to sit and enjoy the location. Cumbria County Council has demanded that they be removed as they are obstructing the highway. You Decide! Grey skies greet our arrival at Seathwaite for the ascent of Base Brown (centre).
Styhead Gill
Yurts have arrived in Seathwaite. The plan is to follow Sour Milk Gill up to the hanging valley of Gillercomb. Walk start time of 10:10hrs.
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Top Waterfall, Sour Milk Gill
It took about 40 minutes to climb up the restored footpath adjacent to the waterfalls. We are joined today by Jo Hall and Amber the Dog.
Deep, clear pools are ideal for the dogs to cool off. Raven Crag of Grey Knotts is in the background. The route up Base Brown involves following the Gillercomb path until it levels off and then turning left to aim for the "Fallen Boulder", passing such on the top side.
Fallen Boulder
I fear that most "climbers" of Base Brown will not attempt the direct ascent, but it is relatively easy and offer great views and much rock drama. The "Fallen Boulder", a "Perched Rock" and the "Hanging Stone" are all mentioned in Wainwright's Book Seven, but only one gets a mention on the OS map - the path up is not shown on the map, but it is well-defined.
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The view over the Fallen Boulder and the Hanging Rock - looks more precarious from below.
Molly at the top of Base Brown 2,120ft asl
Perhaps it's not as sunny as we would have liked or expected, but it is warm and dry and that can't be bad. Next target is Green Gable.
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To Green Gable |
View to Base Brown |
This is where we meet other walkers, heading up from Gillercomb.
Green Gable Summit 2,603ft asl
Ennerdale
The bit between the Gables is called Windy Gap and normally is, but wasn't today. Ennerdale extends from its source up here several miles westwards to the lake and West Cumbria.
It took 30 minutes from Green to Great Gable summits. Even in mist you know you are at the top, sandwich eaters are all around.
The Memorial
The top of Great Gable is a special place for most fellwalkers; it hosts a war memorial and is commands superb views to the north-west and across to the Scafell range - sometimes. Hence, I was disappointed to find scattered ashes within one stride of the summit - just above this memorial. Regardless of "final wishes", it is important for the scatterers to be discreet and respectful of everyone else who wishes to enjoy specail places, like this. There is more than an acre of land up here, no shortage of ground for everyone, well not quite everyone.
Wastwater
The humid, wispy clouds danced around Great Napes and threw up some welcome gaps so we could see the valleys below.
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Down...
To Styhead Tarn
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The Stretcher Box, an invaluable resource for the stranded and injured fellwalker. Styhead Tarn comes into view and marks the route down to Seathwaite.
Amber & Molly
I think some bridges survive floods better because less debris is carried on higher slopes whereas, lower down, fallen trees are a great danger to footbridges.
To Stockley Bridge
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Stockley Bridge
You are not allowed to pass this bridge without taking its photograph!
Seathwaite Farm
Walkers: Jo Hall, Amber, Molly and Me.
Time taken: 7hrs over a distance of about 8 miles.
Route: Seathwaite, Sour Milk Gill, Base Brown via the notable rocks, Green Gable, Windy Gap, Great Gable, Styhead Tarn, Stockley Bridge, Seathwaite.
Weather and conditions: Warm, calm and generally sunny but less so close to the highest points where misty clouds persisted.
Gable Summiteers
All photos copyright Richard Ratcliffe 2016 ©
Take me back to the start ....