Friday 23rd January 2009

Start point: Kiln Bank Cross (SD 215 933)

Kiln Bank Cross - Stickle Tarn - Stickle Pike (OF) - Kiln Bank Cross

Distance: 1 mile     Total Ascent: 105 metres     Time Taken: 30 minutes

Weather: Cold wind, snow. 4oC.

The rain was heavy throughout last night which of course fell as snow above 300m. I walked Stickle Pike but the view to the high fells was mostly obliterated by the angry looking snow clouds today. Just because Stickle Pike is small in stature, it doesn't make the climb or descent any easier when there is wet, slippery snow around - as I found out to my cost!

Caw across Kiln Bank Cross.

The view from further up the climb.

The path to Stickle Pike.

Footprints in the snow and a glimmer of sunshine.

Blue sky over Stickle Pike.

Glittering Stickle Tarn.

Looking back to the Duddon Valley, those clouds look very snow laden.

Moody Stickle Tarn.

Panoramic Stickle Tarn. Select on the image to see a larger version.

Climbing to Stickle Pike summit looking towards cloud covered Harter Fell across Stickle Tarn. I managed to rip my gloves when I slipped on this section of the climb...just great!

Stickle Pike summit.

Whitfell, The Pike and Hesk Fell across the Duddon Valley.

The Duddon Valley from the summit.

Black Combe.

Casper - more snow for him to roll around in today!

I spotted this out of place carnation in the summit cairn on Stickle Pike.

The Duddon Estuary over Great Stickle. Look at those clouds over Black Combe to the right - that is a big snow shower and it's coming straight for us.

Having a look into Dunnerdale, but that's not the way for us today Casper. We made a quick descent to the north, but perhaps quicker than strictly necessary as the snow on that steep section was wet and slippery. As I slipped and slid down on my backside, I did wonder if I would ever stop but thankfully I managed to grab a passing boulder!

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