~Skiddaw Little Man to Lonscale Fell~
2nd April 2023
Molly on top of Skiddaw Little Man
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Today's walk starts at 0830hrs from the roadside parking on Brundholme Road, Keswick. The prospects are for the low and total cloud cover to lift and disperse by midday; the walk proceeds over the A66 and adjacent to Whinny Brow, Molly advances on The Cumbria Way as we climb gently around the north-western slope of Latrigg.
To "The Tourist Path"
There is parking for about 25 vehicles on Gale Road, just behind us now. I say vehicles because there were at least four campervans in position. Climbers of Skiddaw can reduce the climb value from 2850ft (from Keswick) by approx. 800ft by starting from the elevated position. Notwithstanding the fact that the vehicle users might not be climbing Skiddaw, why would you want to ascend on one of the highest peaks in Lakeland and knock so much off the ascent?
The Tourist Path
No secrets here and as Wainwright says "it is not so much a climb as a mountain-walk - to a grand airy summit". Of all my ascents to the top of Skiddaw, I think this is only the second time I've gone up this way.
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The cloud base awaits us...
Lesser Man
Just a bit of cheeky kidology here, I asked the chap in the photo if this was the top of "Little Man" whilst knowing it wasn't; he confirmed that it was. Ignorance is bliss! I'm not one of those know-it-alls; the pure mountain anoraks who know everything, so I thanked him and looked forward to taking another photo in a few minutes.
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Molly on top of Skiddaw Little Man 2,837ft asl |
That's Me |
It is almost impossible to have me n'Molly in the same photo at a summit, she just doesn't "get it" and wanders off.
The Others
On the ascent, we merged with a couple of blokes from Preston along with Tony in the company of two ladies, all from Cleveleys (twixt Blackpool and Fleetwood). I thought it was near Grimsby at first, but soon corrected myself.
The Fence
The route to Skiddaw is simple and one mile in length. Half an hour later, we are all on top of Skiddaw.
Molly on top of Skiddaw 3,053ft asl
Here, the other walkers proceeded to the north with a view to finding their way to Skiddaw House and then maybe up over Burnt Horse ridge to Lonscale Fell. Me 'n Molly were not so ambitious and turned tail for a direct route to Lonscale Fell using the path which avoids Skiddaw Little Man and runs over Jenkin Hill. It's 1100hrs.
To Jenkin Hill and Lonscale Fell
Sale How
An ethereal scene as the cloud disintegrates, disperses and starts to disappear. The view here takes in Sale How nearest the camera and High Pike furthest away. The way to Lonscale Fell is little more than a gentle stroll
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We pass a couple of walkers who will probably get clear views if and when they reach Skiddaw summit; Molly contemplates the purpose of the fence as we make progress towards our next target.
Molly on top of Lonscale Fell 2,344ft asl
It's No.213 for Molly and when we reach No.214 on another day, she will join the prestigious list of canine completers of the Wainwright Fells; I will complete my second such round at the same time.
Burnt Horse
I wonder if anyone knows the origin of the name? Burnt Horse is written on the OS map just north of the prominent ridge, but it surely refers to the ridge. Maybe on a different day, someone saw the dark scarred remains of a fallen equine in the shape of the heather on the crags of the ridge?
Blencathra
The photographs don't really do the views justice from this vantage point on the East Peak of Lonscale Fell. It's a pity this isn't the summit of the fell, it is much more fun than the highest point.
Lonscale Fell Descent
It's a full 800ft of steep slope down the edge of the Lonscale Crags, walkers wise to stay close to the fence. Peter and I climbed up here many years ago, it's tough. We passed a few climbers in differing states of anguish, more than one asking if they were nearly there.
The Gate
The gate marks a significant change to our walk, we can now saunter easily along the track back to Gale Road.
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Whit Beck
The path fords Whit Beck, the stream which flows down from the col between Jenkin Hill and Lonscale Fell.
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North-Western Fells |
Dodd |
It would appear the weather forecasters were correct. A solution for me would have been to set off later, but that's not in my nature.
The Skiddaw Massif
Nearly back at the car now. We made good time and I decided if there was a parking space next to Fitz Park, we would go on to the grass for a bit of a wind down.
Fitz Park, Keswick
Walkers: Me n' Molly
Time taken: 5hrs 30mins over distance of about 11 miles.
Route: Brundholme Road, over the A66, Gale Road, tourist path up to Jenkin Hill and up to Skiddaw Little Man. Forward northwards to Skiddaw summit. Return to Jenkin Hill via the by-pass route to avoid reascending Little Man; fence route to Lonscale Fell and its East Peak. Down the steep path to the "Cumbria Way" track back to Gale Road and so through the woods, over the road and back to the car.
Weather and Conditions: Cloudy to start with and misty on top before brightening up for Lonscale Fell and beyond.
Greetings: Plenty and all polite; Skiddaw is one of the "tourist fells" along with the likes of Scafell Pike and Catbells to name just two. Seekers of solitude need to look elsewhere.
Refreshments: In the park is Cafe West, a fantastic place for less-able members of society to work and learn all manner of skills. The service is excellent and quality of food and drink is always good.
Eagle Crag will be No.214.
All photos copyright Richard Ratcliffe 2023 ©
Take me back to the start ....