Wednesday 1st February 2012

Start point: Brackenclose (NY 182 074)

Brackenclose - Lingmell - Lingmell Col - Scafell Pike - Mickledore - Lord's Rake - West Wall Traverse - Symonds Knott - Scafell - Green How - Brackenclose

Distance: 6 miles     Total Ascent: 1162 metres     Time Taken: 5 hours 30 minutes     Start Time: 08:00

Weather: Clear with a cold wind. 3oC

Route Map

Cold and clear was the forecast and that was spot on today. This is a relatively short distance mileage wise but the time taken tells how difficult the going was at times. The wind made it hard and the deep snow in Deep Gill made it even harder.

Note: Ice axe and crampons were required for this climb. Lord's Rake, The West Wall Traverse and Deep Gill are difficult and not for the unwary.

Sunrise over the Scafells.

Wast Water and Middle Fell from the start of the steep climb to Lingmell.

Climbing higher, looking into Mosedale.

Looking back down, Illgill Head to the left. This climb was all in the shade, the sun had to climb above Scafell yet.

Red Pike, Scoat Fell and Pillar at the head of Mosedale.

Looking back to Illgill Head. Once beyond the snowline the wind really picked up, it was Siberian! It made the going tough along here and it seemed to take an age to get to Goat Crags.

Scafell in mono.

Into the sunshine at last and Great Gable comes into view.

Crossing to the column, visible up to the right.

Great Gable from Lingmell Crag.

The column on Lingmell looking to Great End.

The view across Styhead Tarn.

Lingmell summit.

Great End from the descent to Lingmell Col.

Back into the shadows climbing the north face of Scafell Pike with a great view across to Skiddaw and Blencathra.

Onward and upward.

Scafell Pike summit ahead.

Directly below the column.

Frozen Scafell Pike summit.

I can see for miles and miles - a fabulous view from Scafell Pike today.

A cold view towards Scafell.

Top dogs - Casper and Dougal summit the roof of England.

It turned to 'proper winter' when I was up here with clouds swirling around and the sun shining through.

Looking across to Esk Pike and Bowfell.

Dougal weighs up the best way down.

Scafell from Pulpit Rock, Lord's Rake is the diagonal gully on the right.

Down at the stretcher box at Mickledore it is time to get the crampons on.

At the foot of Lord's Rake.

To be continued...

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