Bowfell

Walked on 20/01/2016

Start point: The Old Dungeon Ghyll car park (NY 286 062)

Old Dungeon Ghyll – Rossett Gill – Rossett Pike – Angle Tarn – Esk Hause – Esk Pike – Ore Gap – Bowfell – Three Tarns – The Band – Old Dungeon Ghyll

Distance: 9.2 miles Total Ascent: 986 metres Time Taken: 6 hours Start Time: 09:00

Weather: Cool and clear. 2°C

All I can say about today is wow! What a fantastic day to be out on the fells, the sunshine made it really warm so I was in shirt sleeves for most of the walk and there was snow – lots of snow – everywhere. The views were stunning, this really was day to remember and ones like this are all too few and far between.

On the way past, a beautiful pink hue on the Coniston fells from Torver.

The Langdale Valley was frozen and mostly in mist this morning but this was the view on emerging.

Heading for Stool End, Crinkle Crags caught in sunshine.

The head of Mickleden, Rossett Pike (our first port of call today) in the sunshine

Crossing Mickleden Beck.

The Langdale Pikes towering above Mickleden.

The sun is coming out now and there is a lovely blue sky.

Looking back along the frozen valley.

Heading for Rossett Gill climbing up in the centre distance.

The way to go.

Looking back from the climb...

...and a bit higher...

...and on and on. The going was quite arduous at times, the path was lost under knee deep snow so it was a best estimate only for the route.

Rossett Pike from the top of Rossett Pass.

The frozen summit of Rossett Pike looking along Langstrath.

A close up on Blencathra.

Mickleden from the Mickleden cairn. Dougal found a Philips screwdriver atop a rock here...if anyone's lost one, let me know (and more to the point, why?)!

Dougal and Fletcher were enjoying the conditions today.

Esk Hause (between Great End and Allen Crags) looks an easy target from here but it was not as straightforward as it looks. Frozen Angle Tarn can be seen below the first section of rocks, then there is a climb and a further descent before another climb all in knee deep, soft snow.

Looking back the other way to Rossett Pike from the fist climb, blazing a trail.

These two were fed up waiting for me!

Angle Tarn.

A beautiful winter wonderland.

Climbing to Esk Hause a big bank of cloud was slowly spreading southwards.

The view from Esk Hause.

You may well gaze in wonder Fletcher my lad!

Great End, Great Gable and beyond.

The Scafells.

View? What view?

The Scafells from Esk Pike summit.

Derwent Water and Skiddaw from Esk Pike.

Bowfell ahead.

What a day!

Descending to Esk Hause.

Climbing to Bowfell.

The Scafells from the summit.

A close up of Scafell and Scafell Pike.

Looking across 3 Tarns (which looks like no tarns today) to Crinkle Crags.

The Great Slab and beyond.

Looking back to the summit from the descent.

Heading down to 3 Tarns, Fletcher looks like he is sliding down.

The Scafells from the tarns.

Pike o' Blisco from The Band.

Descending The Band, Great Lansdale already back in the shadows.

The setting sun on the Langdale Pikes.

Esk Pike

Height: 885 metres / 2904 feet Grid reference: NY 23660 07505 Category: The Southern Fells

Derwent Water and Skiddaw from the summit of Esk Pike

Esk Pike from the cross shelter

Esk Pike

Walked on 09/07/2014

Start Point: Cockley Beck (NY 246 016)

Cockley Beck – Moasdale – Lingcove Beck – High Gait Crags – Yeastyrigg Crags – Pike de Bield – Esk Pike – Ore Gap – Bowfell – Three Tarns – Shelter Crags – Crinkle Crags – Stonesty Pike – Little Stand – Ulpha Fell – Cockley Beck

Distance: 9 miles Total Ascent: 1013 metres Time Taken: 6 hours Start Time: 07:30

Weather: Lovely, 21°C

It was perfect summer weather for a walk up to Esk Pike from Cockley Beck – this is definitely the quiet way to do these fells and I didn’t see anyone until 3 Tarns and then one or two on Crinkle Crags. By the end I was completely boiled, but hey – not complaining! This walk will feature in Trail magazine later this year.

First sight of the Scafells from Moasdale this morning - lovely.

Scafell and Scafell Pike before heading down to cross Lingcove Beck.

The south ridge to Esk Pike in the foreground.

Close up on Scafell Pike, Scafell to the left and Ill Crag to the right.

Scafells panorama.

Fine views from High Gait Crags.

Mono Pike.

The King of the Fells and the fell that is king.

Looking back along the ridge to Hard Knott and Harter Fell.

The Lion King.

Climbing higher across Yeastyrigg Crags.

Looking across Pike de Bield to the Scafells. Further along from Pike de Bield is a large cairn (marked 'memorial cairn' on 2nd edition Wainwright's), the brass plaque on it says 'Gerry Charnley 1929 - 1982.

Langstrath from Esk Pike summit. Esk Pike and Bowfell were swirling in and out of the mist all morning and it was a shock to hit the cold air.

Heading for Bowfell across Ore Gap.

The dark outline is the south ridge of Esk Pike (just climbed) and beyond is the finest view of the Scafells of all, taken from Bowfell.

The Great Slab of Flat Crags and the Langdales.

Crinkle Crags across Three Tarns.

Down at the tarns and a chance for Dougal to cool off.

Pike o' Blisco, Windermere beyond from Crinkle Crags.

The highest swimmer in England at 854m in Crinkle Crags Tarn.

Rounding Long Top, Dougal checks out the way across the fifth (or first!) Crinkle and over to Stonesty Pike and Little Stand.

Great Langdale.

Stonesty Pike summit - I think Birkett got the wrong one when he chose it.

Beautiful weather and pools on Little Stand.

The Duddon Valley from the descent of Little Stand.

Looking back up from the road - there is a way down somewhere!

Bowfell

Walked on 26/07/2011

Start point: Cockley Beck (NY 246 017)

Cockley Beck – Moasdale – Lingcove Beck – High Gait Crags – Yeastyrigg Crags – Pike de Bield – Esk Pike – Ore Gap – Bowfell – Three Tarns – Shelter Crags – Crinkle Crags – Adam-a-Cove – Moasdale – Cockley Beck

Distance: 9.3 miles Total Ascent: 1013 metres Time Taken: 5 hours 15 minutes Start Time: 06:40

Weather: Sunny spells, warm. 19ºC

Today’s weather promised much but ended up being a mixed bag with clouds swirling in and out throughout the walk. Despite this it was really still and warm and very clear making it a good day to explore this quiet and remote area at the head of Eskdale.

Bowfell route map.

Heading into Moasdale it looks like a promising morning.

Looking back to Grey Friar across Cockley Beck.

First sight of the Scafells. Mmm, they look quite tempting!

Gateway to heaven.

A great sheet of cloud was moving across from the east by the time I reached the head of Moasdale, Esk Pike and Bowfell ahead.

The route to Esk Pike is along the central ridge via High Gait Crags and Pike de Bield Moss.

Crossing Lingcove Beck.

Scafell Pike, Broad Crag and Ill Crag from Low Gait Crags.

Pike de Bield Moss, the route to Esk Pike via the south ridge.

The heads of state - Scafell and Scafell Pike.

Scafells panorama.

Long Green reflection.

Scafell in sunshine now.

Dougal and Casper on High Gait Crags.

Scafell Pike and Pen.

Scafell Pikes reflected.

On the summit of Pike de Bield. It was interesting to see how the clouds were forming around Scafell as I climbed.

The route to Esk Pike from Pike de Bield, clear for now but by the time I got there it was enveloped by clouds.

Looking through the mist to Bowfell, right.

Smoking fells in mono.

Langstrath from Esk Pike.

Skiddaw and Derwent Water across Glaramara.

The clouds swirling around Scafell Pike.

Angle Tarn and Rossett Pike from the descent to Ore Gap.

A panoramic view across Ore Gap to Esk Pike from the climb to Bowfell.

Looking northwards from Bowfell, that way looks to be the clearest today, from Grasmoor to Skiddaw.

The summit of Bowfell.

The Langdale Pikes beyond The Great Slab of Flat Crags.

Crinkle Crags through there somewhere.

Shelter Crags and Crinkle Crags from the descent to Three Tarns...and there are three tarns again too!

Bowfell Links.

Bowfell from the climb to Shelter Crags.

Shelter Crags and Bowfell from the fifth Crinkle, Gunson Knott.

Hell Gill, The Band and Great Langdale.

Clearing over the Scafells once more but Dougal is too busy planning our route to look. The central darker ridge is the one used to climb Esk Pike.

The first and second Crinkle from the third.

Crinkle Crags and Bowfell from Long Top, the summit of Crinkle Crags.

Dougal and Casper summit Crinkle Crags.

Crinkle Crags Tarn, at 854m it is the highest tarn in the Lake District and in England.

At the foot of the Bad Step.

Crinkle Crags.

Great Langdale and Pike o' Blisco, Windermere beyond.

Dougal slides down Adam-a-Cove.

Esk Pike and Yeastyrigg Gill.

Back into Moasdale looking at Bowfell and Crinkle Crags.

Bowfell

Walked on 11/02/2010

Start point: The Old Dungeon Ghyll car park (NY 286 062)

Old Dungeon Ghyll – Rossett Gill – Rossett Pike – Angle Tarn – Esk Hause – Esk Pike – Ore Gap – Bowfell – Three Tarns – Buscoe – Oxendale – Old Dungeon Ghyll

Distance: 9.1 miles Total Ascent: 1016 metres Time Taken: 4 hours 45 minutes

Weather: Cool and clear. 4°C

It started off really dull and it clouded over almost as soon as I set off from Great Langdale – but lo and behold, the sun came out and the skies soon became glorious blue. It really was great day on the fells, most of the walk was completed in shirt sleeves and even though it was icily cold, the sun really warmed it up. It was really quiet up there too and I only saw two other people – on the descent to Three Tarns.

It was decidedly grey at the start of the walk along Mickleden - I didn't hold out much hope for the weather today, but pressed on regardless.

Mind you, it looks a bit brighter over Pike o' Stickle now.

Looking back along Mickleden to Great Langdale.

Bowfell from the bridge across Stake Gill.

The start of the Rossett Gill path, Bowfell ahead and Rossett Pike to the right.

Rossett Pike looking resplendent in the sunshine and what a difference in the weather in less than an hour.

Bowfell from the Rossett Gill path, Bowfell Buttress is the lofty pinnacle.

Mickleden and the Langdale Pikes from the zig-zags.

Casper comes back to see where I am in this snow filled gully.

Rossett Pike from the top of Rossett Pass.

The view to the east from the summit of Rossett Pike.

Mickleden from the Mickleden Cairn.

Casper and Dougal are enjoying their walk in the sunshine today.

Esk Pike and Great End from Rossett Pike.

The same view over frozen Angle Tarn.

Looking back over Angle Tarn to Hanging Knotts.

Little Dougal Doo blazing a trail for Esk Hause - he's born to it, that lad.

Having a look at Great End from Esk Hause.

Esk Pike from the cross shelter.

The climb to Esk Pike from Esk Hause.

The Scafell Pikes from the climb.

Derwent Water and Skiddaw from the summit of Esk Pike.

Hard Knott and the Duddon Estuary.

The Helvellyn ridge and Langstrath.

The view across to Windermere from the top of Bowfell.

The Scafells.

Crinkle Crags and beyond.

Scafell Pike from Bowfell.

Two black shiny noses.

The Great Slab of Flat Crags.

Looking back to Bowfell's summit.

The descent to Three Tarns, Crinkle Crags ahead.

The Scafells from one of the tarns.

Bowfell Links from on one of the tarns!

That looks more tarn-like, however it is frozen solid too.

Pike o' Blisco and Buscoe - that descent was interesting in places, the usual bogginess replaced with great sheets of ice.

Bowfell and Buscoe Sike.

Hell Gill falls.

Oxendale.

Late sunshine on Side Pike.

The Langdale Pikes, with full sunshine on them now.

Bow Fell

Walked on 17/10/2006

Start point: The Old Dungeon Ghyll car park (NY 286 062)

Old Dungeon Ghyll – Rossett Gill – Rossett Pike – Angle Tarn – Esk Hause – Esk Pike – Bow Fell – Three Tarns – The Band – Old Dungeon Ghyll

Distance: 10.1 miles Total Ascent: 1086 metres Time Taken: 4 hours 30 minutes

Weather: Generally overcast with long, sunny spells and a warm 18oC.

Today was another overcast day initially but the low lying mist seemed to lift by the time I reached the head of Rossett Gill and indeed it was a sunny and pleasant day to the north and from there until Ore Gap conditions were great. Heading up to Bow Fell and from then on, the mist descended and visibility was reduced somewhat. The resurgence of Angus continues unabated as he tackled another rough, long walk with consummate ease.

A welcoming party to a misty Mickleden.

The Langdale Pikes shrouded in mist.

The mist was starting to lift as I walked beneath them.

Pike o' Stickle.

Mickleden.

The mist was almost gone as I approached Rossett Gill.

Bow Fell to the left and Rossett Pike to the right.

Stake Gill.

Rossett Gill and Rossett Pike.

Rossett Pike from the top of Rossett Pass.

The Langdales back in mist from Rossett Pike.

You keep a look out that way, I'll look this way...on Rossett Pike.

Bow Fell from Rossett Pike.

Esk Pike across Angle Tarn.

Angle Tarn.

Glaramara.

Great End.

Kirk Fell and Pillar through the gap between Great End and Great Gable.

Allen Crags from Esk Hause, the cross shelter to the lower right.

Allen Crags and Glaramara from the climb to Esk Pike.

Ill Crag from Esk Pike.

Looking across Sprinkling Tarn to Seathwaite Fell; Great Gable, Green Gable and Base Brown are beyond.

Looking along the River Esk and Great Moss, overlooked by Slight Side, Scafell and Scafell Pike with Esk Buttress and Pen in the centre distance.

Bow Fell appears from the mist, it was back under cover by the time I arrived.

Angus and Casper in the sunshine on Esk Pike.

Looking back to Esk Pike from the climb to Bow Fell.

Up and over a misty Bow Fell and back down to Three Tarns, a lovely spot with a great view of the Scafell range beyond.

Browney Gill from The Band.

Still a bit misty over Mickleden but The Langdale Pikes are clear of cloud now.

It's not just good, it's golden - Lingmoor Fell.

The Band.

Bow Fell

Walked on 10/02/2006

Start point: The Old Dungeon Ghyll car park (NY 286 062)

Old Dungeon Ghyll – Rossett Gill – Rossett Pike – Angle Tarn – Esk Hause – Allen Crags – Esk Pike – Bow Fell – Three Tarns – The Band – Old Dungeon Ghyll

Distance: 11.4 miles Total Ascent: 1331 metres Time Taken: 4 hours 20 minutes

Weather: Cold at first, but warming up nicely in the sunshine with clear, blue skies. -2°C to 4°C

Angus set an absolutely blistering pace today, he was like a young pup for the tough walk up to Bow Fell from Great Langdale! The ‘come on’ bark was an almost constant noise and I think he was happy to be out in the sunshine, as was I. He was recognised on Esk Pike today – I think fame is going to his head!

Walking along Mickleden, Bow Fell up to the left, Rossett Gill in the centre and the first target of the day, Rossett Pike, on the right.

Looking up to Pike o' Stickle and Loft Crag - the Langdale Pikes.

Pike o' Stickle and the 'axe factory' screes.

Blue skies and sunshine - lovely.

Looking back along Mickleden to the Langdale Pikes from the ascent of Rossett Gill.

The steep Rossett Gill path.

It's still freezing out of the sun on the side of Bow Fell.

Rossett Pike from the top of Rossett Pass.

Angus, your tongue has grown longer with the pace you have set!

Looking back to the Langdale Pikes and Rossett Pike from Angle Tarn.

Looking east to Helvellyn over a frozen tarn on Tongue Head.

Skiddaw overlooking Keswick and Derwent Water from Allen Crags.

Pillar, Great Gable and Green Gable over Sprinkling Tarn.

...and a wider view.

Looking north over to the Buttermere fells from Esk Hause.

Upper Eskdale.

Langstrath from Esk Pike.

The view from Esk Pike.

The Duddon Estuary and the Furness peninsula from Bow Fell - I can see my house from here (okay, perhaps not technically correct - it is actually the other way round!). Caw and Stickle Pike are in the middle distance.

Scafell and Scafell Pike from Bow Fell.

...and closer up.

Heaven indeed - lying by Three Tarns in the sunshine with the highest land in England behind for a great view.

The Scafells over one of the (frozen) Three Tarns.

Side Pike and Lingmoor Fell from the descent of The Band.

Great Langdale from The Band.

Bow Fell

Walked on 13/01/2005

Start point: Cockley Beck (NY 246 016)

Cockley Beck – Moasdale – Lingcove Beck – High Gait Crags (254) – Yeastyrigg Crags – Pike de Bield (255) – Esk Pike (256) – Ore Gap – Bow Fell – Three Tarns – Shelter Crags – Crinkle Crags – Stonesty Pike (257) – Little Stand (258) – Ulpha Fell – Cockley Beck

Weather: Mainly clear interspersed with cloud and a biting wind on the tops. Snow above 600m.

Today’s walk was a l o n g walk from Cockley Beck to Esk Pike and Bow Fell. The long, boggy run in along Moasdale was helped by the spectacular views (the best?) of Bow Fell, Esk Pike and the Crinkle Crags. The Sca Fells were in cloud all day so I didn’t get to see to much of them , unfortunately. I really rated this walk – thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish.

Bow Fell route map.

Elevation profile of the route. Key: HGC=High Gait Crags, PdB=Pike de Bield, EP=Esk Pike, BF=Bow Fell, SC=Shelter Crags, CC=Crinkle Crags, SP= Stonesty Pike, LS= Little Stand