Scafell Pike & Lingmell

Walked on 16/01/2025

Walking Diary 2025

Start point: Brackenclose (NY 182 074)

Brackenclose – Brown Tongue – Scafell Pike – Lingmell Col – Lingmell – Brackenclose

Distance: 9.6 km Total Ascent: 979 metres Time Taken: 4 hours Start Time: 07:00

Weather: Beautiful and clear. 2°C

This is probably the only time of year to get on Scafell Pike without anyone around so I set off early to catch the sunrise. I didn’t quite make it this time but was near enough. The wind really picked up at the Lingmell Col and of course it was cold and biting. I had a chat to the ‘Wasdale Womble’ on the way up (she was already on the way down!) and there was a couple of guys on the summit but apart from that I saw no-one all morning. I sheltered on Lingmell for a coffee before making the steep descent down the nose back to Wasdale. What a great morning!

Route Map

Dawn moon-set from Hollow Stones.

First light on Great Gable climbing up from the Lingmell Col.

The tops of the fells to the north lit up with the sunrise.

Phew, made it to the top of Scafell Pike just after sunrise!

All worth it for the views, here looking across to Scafell.

The view to the north, Derwent Water, Skiddaw and Blencathra all visible. Note that all the snow has gone on Blencathra now (last week's walk!). The weather looks quite calm in the photos but it really was blowing a gale up there and it was freezing cold.

Low lying cloud in the valley's to the south.

Looking along the Scafell ridge.

Fletcher.

England's top dog, fur blowing in the wind!

Scafell Pike casting a shadow over Mosedale. There is a glimpse of Low Tarn on the centre left of this photo.

Lingmell summit picked out in the sun on the way down.

Lingmell summit.

The view to the north-east across Styhead Tarn.

Just one little biscuit...please.

The slender column above Lingmell Crag. This sits below the highest point and true summit.

It looks as though it has a smaller sibling a little further down now.

A view into Mosedale.

Close up on Great Gable.

Mickledore from Lingmell.

Paws for thought.

Wasdale Head gets a little sunshine.

Wasdale classic view.

Scafell Pike

Walked on 26/04/2016

Start point: Wasdale Head (NY 186 084)

Wasdale Head – Moses Trod – Skew Gill – The Band – Great End – Scafell Pike – Lingmell Col – Lingmell – Wasdale Head

Distance: 8.3 miles Total Ascent: 1280 metres Time Taken: 5 hours 30 minutes

Weather: Cold with lots of heavy snow showers. 4oC.

Today we had a walk up to the Scafells – I had intended to climb Great End via Skew Gill and did indeed scramble up 80% of the way but it became apparent that there was no way to climb out due to the sheet ice covering the sides so I reversed that section and ended up climbing via The Band. I’ll save Skew Gill for a dry summer’s day! It was still a good walk even with the frequent snow showers backed with strong winds that made the going tough at times. Back to full blown winter gear again…

Heading along the track past St Olaf's Church.

Looking back the other way.

Crossing Gable Beck.

Climbing alongside Spouthead Gill looking back towards Wasdale Head.

Lingmell and Piers Gill.

At the foot of Skew Gill looking across to Great Gable.

The same view from higher up. As the end of Skew Gill was approaching it became obvious that there would be no safe route of exit - the walls were covered in sheet ice so there was nothing for it but to turn back. Best to try this one in summer during a dry spell.

Back on the Corridor Route looking back at Lingmell.

Styhead Tarn.

Glaramara.

Looking across Styled Tarn to Green Gable and Base Brown, Skiddaw in the distance.

Great Gable from The Band.

A big snow shower coming in, this was to be a feature for the rest of the walk today.

Dougal and Fletcher check out Sprinkling Tarn.

Dougal and Fletcher.

Great End.

Close up on Piers Gill...

...and on Great Gable. Looks like they are redoing the path, hence the visible black bags.

At the top of Skew Gill looking to where we were earlier...so near yet so far.

A bit of sunshine on Sprinkling Tarn and Seathwaite Fell now.

Looking down the short scree filled ravine that is Wainwright's 'pedestrian route'.

Scafell Pike from Great End shortly before a big snow storm came in, a return to full on winter!

The final climb to Scafell Pike from Broad Crag.

Fletcher, the highest dog in England today.

We were on our own on the summit today.

Descending to Lingmell.

The summit of Lingmell.

It's looking a bit moody over in Mosedale.

Scafell pike from the Lingmell col.

Another big snow shower coming in over Wasdale.

Wasdale Head and Mosedale back in the sunshine (for now).

More snow.

Lingmell

Height: 807 metres / 2649 feet Grid reference: NY 20925 08144 Category: The Southern Fells

Lingmell is recognisable in the Lake District logo in the classic Wast Water shot.

The summit of Lingmell

The slender columnar cairn on Lingmell. A clear view to the east with Helvellyn dusted with snow.

Lingmell across Wast Water

Scafell Pike

Walked on 01/02/2012

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. 3°C

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.

An annotated version of a photo from above, showing the route to Lord's Rake and onwards. I think the climbers (circled) at the foot of the Scafell Crag give a good idea of the scale.

Pulpit Rock on Scafell Pike.

Looking back to Mickledore from the foot of Lord's Rake. You can see my tracks down Rake's Progress on the right.

The view to Scafell Pike from the climb of Lord's Rake. Not much opportunity to take photos here as I was concentrating on the job in hand. Remember: Ice Axe and Crampons were required from the foot of the rake onwards.

Made it to the top! Looking back down Lord's Rake. Everyone wants to know about the chockstone sitting at the top of Lord's Rake and whether it will fall. Undoubtedly it will one day as it is only resting across the top. For the moment (today only, I will make no predictions and you need to assess the situation yourself if you are going this way!) it seems pretty solid. This photo was taken with the three of us sat underneath it. I had planned to carry on across Lord's Rake until I looked beyond the chock stone and saw a very similar picture to the last time I was here in snow - there was a great slab of snow between me and the second col which was just a chute down to Hollow Stones below. I'm not certain it could be crossed as it looked a bit unstable, too dodgy for me anyway and there were no other footprints showing that anyone had tried it. The next thing to look at was the West Wall Traverse and it was a climb up an icy wall to get to it and once there I was committed to continuing that way.

Scafell from the West Wall Traverse.

Looking back to the top of Lord's Rake from the West Wall Traverse. The chockstone is directly below the left hand edge of the large rock (my footprints go beneath it). The West Wall Traverse was straightforward enough but once into Deep Gill, it acted like a wind tunnel and there was snow constantly blowing down it. At least the snow was quite soft but it was knee deep in places and made for an arduous climb. The gully is probably at an angle of about 60 degrees and it looked a long way down when I looked back and it was much harder work than Lord's Rake. Needless to say, every kick of the crampons and every bite of the axe were made to count on this climb.

Made it! Deep Gill from the top.

Scafell summit from the top of Deep Gill.

The view from Symonds Knott across the top of Deep Gill. The left hand part of the 'Y' was my exit point and you can see my footprints below it.

The summit of Scafell.

There is a haze layer to the west, looking across Burnmoor Tarn and Miterdale, Whin Rigg and Illgill Head to the right.

Looking north from frozen Scafell.

One the descent from Scafell - Symonds Knott, Scafell Pike and Ill Crag in view.

Brrr, there was a chilly wind across here.

Seatallan, Yewbarrow and the western fells from the descent.

Wasdale Head.

Yewbarrow.

Looking back to Scafell, the moon rising to the left.

Dougal takes in the sunny view.

Wast Water.

Scafell Pike and Scafell from Lingmell Gill.

Lingmell via the Corridor Route

Walked on 24/09/2010

Start point: Wasdale Head (NY 186 084)

Wasdale Head – Moses Trod – Corridor Route – Lambfoot Dub – Lingmell Col – Lingmell – Wasdale Head

Distance: 6.4 miles Total Ascent: 866 metres Time Taken: 3 hours 30 minutes Start Time: 07:30

Weather: Rain, strong wind. 10C

The forecast was looking good for this morning but when I pitched up at Wasdale Head at first light it looked anything but. The wind was fierce and the rain driving by the time I got to Sty Head. I made my first objective which was Lambfoot Dub, a small and remote tarn which nestles below Great End. The second objective was Scafell Pike but that went by the wayside in the end. Read on to see why…

Lingmell route map.

Early morning Illgill Head.

Red Pike over red bracken.

Great Gable towering above.

Crossing Lingmell Beck looking to Great End.

I'd almost had enough by the time I got here, this was the 'over trousers and fleece stop'. The wind had been very strong and constant and now it was lashing with rain which all added up to make me wish I had stayed in bed.

On the other hand, perhaps it is getting a little brighter over Wasdale below.

Lingmell and the chasm of Piers Gill.

Looking across to Great Gable from the Corridor Route.

Lingmell and Piers Gill again but it has stopped raining at last.

It is clearing to the north with a view to Styhead Tarn and Derwent Water beyond from the Lambfoot Dub shelf.

Lambfoot Dub and Broad Crag. I went 'off piste' to find this tarn and now have it earmarked as a place to bathe next summer!

Looking the other way across Lambfoot Dub to Great and Green Gable.

Great End from the climb to Lingmell Col.

Wet and windy on Lingmell. Having been head numbingly buffeted by an extremely cold and strong wind for the last couple of hours, I had really had enough of it by now - Scafell Pike can wait till next time!

Styhead Tarn from Lingmell.

A view into Mosedale and Pillar.

Wasdale from the descent.

Scafell in cloud and dogs going the wrong way.

Wasdale Head and Mosedale.

Mickledore.

Pillar and the sunshine over Wasdale Head.

Scafell Pike

Walked on 04/03/2010

Start point: Brackenclose (NY 182 074)

Brackenclose – Lingmell – Lingmell Col – Scafell Pike – Mickledore – Hollow Stones – Brown Tongue – Brackenclose

Distance: 5.8 miles Total Ascent: 1061 metres Time Taken: 4 hours

Weather: Clear, 7oC

I was drawn back to Wasdale today by the almost irresistible force of the high fells and more great winter walking weather. The views from the top of Scafell Pike were stunning this morning and yet again there wasn’t a soul about. We took a slightly unusual route of descent as explained later…

Scafell Pike route map.

In the shade at the start of the climb to Lingmell, I needed to get to the wall a third of the way up to get into the warm sunshine. Dougal doo proved himself a world class long jumper by vaulting the cattle grid on the way here from the car park not once but three times (one way, then back and then back again!). He has an odd style, all four legs tucked under and a huge leap like a lamb or a deer. I thought he looked quite motorcross-y as he was sideways on as well!

Looking to Wasdale Head, shaded by Scafell with Pillar and Kirk Fell dominating the background.

Pillar from further up and into the sunshine now.

Early morning Wast Water and Illgill Head.

Up onto Goat Crags looking across Lingmell Col to Broad Crag and Scafell Pike.

Mosedale from the column on the western end of Lingmell.

Great Gable.

Casper has a look over the edge - what a day, what a view.

Dougal looks guilty at this act of sheer vandalism in the snow - the second 'i' has a paw print for a dot, giving the game away!

Great End from the summit of Lingmell.

Piers Gill below Lingmell.

Descending to Lingmell Col before the climb to Scafell Pike. There were no paths and no footprints visible so we would have to blaze our own trail up there today.

Looking back to Lingmell - you can follow our trail all the way back to the top.

With snow on, the climb to Scafell Pike looks almost impossibly steep. Here Dougal tries to get up hopping on two legs only.

Frozen cairns on the climb.

Raised footprints and the view to Skiddaw.

Approaching the summit.

The summit of Scafell Pike.

Broad Crag, Ill Crag and Great End in the foreground with the Helvellyn ridge, Fairfield and a view to High Street beyond.

A 360 panorama from the summit of Scafell Pike.

I'm not sure where Dougal thinks he is off to but I guess he is checking out the view to Esk Pike, Bowfell and Crinkle Crags.

Scafell from Scafell Pike.

Across Ullscarf to Helvellyn, where some lucky person is in a hot air balloon.

Blencathra.

Skiddaw.

Pillar.

Crinkle Crags and a ghostly, distant Ingleborough.

Top dogs on the roof of England.

The summit was all ours today, in fact we never saw a soul for the whole walk.

Scafell from the cairn on Pulpit Rock.

The view towards the Coniston fells over Great Moss.

Scafell from the approach to Mickledore, Lord's Rake to the right.

Once at Mickledore it would have been a steep and icy descent into Hollow Stones - I donned crampons and had my ice axe at the ready but when I was about a third of the way down the steep section, I looked up to see Casper (and by default, Dougal) issuing a refusal. No way were they coming down that way, so there was nothing for it but to climb back up and then back up across Pulpit Rock to drop back down via Lingmell Col. Thanks Casper! (Actually it wasn't so bad, it took half an hour to get to where I would have been descending this way).

Scafell Crag from the Hollow Stones path.

Looking down on Wast Water with a snow capped Seatallan to the right.

Mickledore.

Following the path to the north of Brown Tongue.

The view back up to Scafell Pike from Lingmell Gill.

Lingmell and the Scafells across Wast Water.

Great End via Skew Gill

Walked on 01/04/2009

Start point: Wasdale Head (NY 186 084)

Wasdale Head – Moses Trod – Skew Gill – The Band – Great End – Ill Crag – Broad Crag – Scafell Pike – Lingmell Col – Lingmell – Wasdale Head

Distance: 7.8 miles Total Ascent: 1115 metres Time Taken: 5 hours 15 minutes

Weather: Sunny spells, warm. 12oC.

Some walks are pretty and some are easier than others but today’s walk is best described as a gnarled and hard going. I climbed Skew Gill to reach Great End and that was a hard scramble (Note: to repeat, Skew Gill is a hard scramble and in no way is it a ‘walk’) and had a look at Cust’s Gully before climbing Great End and walking the Scafell Pikes. It was really quite pleasant at times too, warm and spring like and not too many people about either.

Great End via Skew Gill route map.

Wast Water dawn reflections.

Reflected Great Gable, Lingmell, Scafell Pike and Scafell.

St Olaf's Church surrounded by Yew Trees, Kirk Fell behind.

Great Gable.

Yewbarrow and Wasdale Head along Lingmell Beck.

Great End ahead. Skew Gill, the route of ascent can be seen as the dark diagonal line to the left of the highest part of the fell.

Crossing Lingmell Beck.

Looking back to Wasdale from Spouthead Gill.

Lingmell and Piers Gill.

Great Gable and Kirk Fell from the entrance to Skew Gill.

Yes Casper, that way!

Casper leads the way in Skew Gill. It is best to stay in the middle with the gill rather than climb the sides, which become very steep.

Great Gable from Skew Gill.

It was certainly more than a bit rough and damp in Skew Gill today.

Suddenly you pop out from the top of the ravine, blinking into the light. The top part of the gill almost looks as though there is now way out when you turn the right angle corner and a bit of a climb is required to escape the steep sided ravine. Here's a bit of sunshine on Great Gable and Kirk Fell from the head of Skew Gill.

The view to the northern fells across Sprinkling Tarn and Seathwaite Fell from the top of The Band.

Sprinkling Tarn looks tranquil today.

Great and Green Gable across Styhead Tarn.

Great End. Cust's Gully is the snow filled one on the right.

The low lying valleys beyond Esk Hause are filled with morning mist.

Cust's Gully. I had a look and made it as far as the black rock sticking through the snow about a third the way up. The snow was part frozen and treacherous so there was no way I would risk going any further today, similarly the branch gully to the right was snow filled too so it was the pedestrian route further round to the right for me. When I reached the top and looked down Cust's Gully, there was a big cornice of icy snow there so that would certainly have been tricky to surmount. I think I will have another look in the summer.

Nice and clear across to the north western fells today.

...and the Gables.

Ill Crag, Broad Crag and Scafell Pike from Great End.

The Langdale Pikes, Lingmoor Fell and Windermere from Great End.

Scafell Pike.

Casper says he is fed up with scrambling now.

Esk Pike and Bowfell.

Great Moss and Upper Eskdale from Ill Crag.

Broad Crag from Ill Crag.

The mist starting to rise and swirl round the ridge from Eskdale. At this stage it didn't look as though I would make it to the top before the view was obliterated as the cloud began to surround me.

Pillar beyond Lingmell from the climb to Scafell Pike.

Casper has made it, the highest dog in England - and the top is still clear!

Skiddaw from Scafell Pike.

Scafell across Mickledore.

Mosedale from the trig column.

Descending to Lingmell Col, Lingmell beyond.

Mosedale from the column on the western end of Lingmell.

A panoramic view from Lingmell.

Great Gable.

Scafell Pike from Goat Crags.

Illgill Head and Wast Water from the descent of Lingmell.

Wasdale Head and Mosedale, Pillar at it's head.

Wast Water.

Kirk Fell and Great Gable from the final crossing of Lingmell Beck.

Scafell Pike

Walked on 24/03/2008

Start point: Brackenclose (NY 182 074)

Brackenclose – Lingmell – Lingmell Col – Scafell Pike – Mickledore – Lord’s Rake – Green How – Brackenclose

Distance: 5.8 miles Total Ascent: 1030 metres Time Taken: 4 hours 30 minutes

Weather: Snow, some bright spells. 5ºC.

Where better to experience winter conditions than the roof of England, Scafell Pike. I set off early today to beat the Bank Holiday crowds, in fact so early that I didn’t see anyone! The snow made the going tough at times with the snow often being knee deep and sometimes deeper than that. I also took in Lord’s Rake, a difficult prospect at any time of year and even more so in the snow. Warning: if you are going to attempt a similar walk in these conditions, you need to be adequately prepared and have the correct equipment to enable you to do it safely.

Early morning in Wasdale and there is a dull light on Lingmell, Scafell Pike and Scafell.

Lingmell. I followed the ridge climbing to the left.

Wasdale Head from the climb, Pillar and Kirk Fell have a covering of snow.

Mono Scafell Pike and Scafell, split by the cleft of Mickledore.

Looking back down to green fields and Wast Water from above the snow line. Illgill Head and Middle Fell are catching some early morning sun.

Looking into Mosedale, the fells looking a bit different to last week.

Blue sky to the west.

Scafell Crag on Scafell.

Lingmell Col. Lingmell summit is to the left.

The column on the northern edge of Lingmell with Mosedale beyond.

Casper on Lingmell, Illgill Head and Wast Water behind.

Great Gable, the summit shrouded in mist.

Great Gable and Lingmell Beck. To the right is Styhead Tarn.

Casper at the column.

Looking back across Lingmell Col from the start of the climb to Scafell Pike with Lingme

A similar view from further up the climb - it definitely seems to be getting brighter.

First glimpse of Derwent Water with Skiddaw and Blencathra beyond. It was really cold now and there was a biting wind.

Cold wind and frozen beard.

Scafell Pike summit ahead.

It looks quite sunny to the north-east now.

...and over to Seatallan, Yewbarrow, Haycock and Red Pike.

Clear over Mosedale too.

Frozen boulders.

I think I timed this one just right - although there were brief sunny interludes, the summit was generally in cloud and the ceiling was ever present as can be seen in this photo.

A view straight through to Criffel in Scotland over Kirk Fell and between the High Stile ridge and the northern fells.

Easter Bank Holiday traffic at the summit of Scafell Pike.

The view to the south from the summit. To the right is Harter Fell with the dark pyramid of Stickle Pike, the Duddon Estuary and the Furness peninsula beyond.

The view to the north-east from the summit.

Looking across Great Moss to the Coniston fells.

The summit.

Suddenly, there is a change in the weather again on the descent to Mickledore. There are blue skies over Scafell now.

Broad Stand from Mickledore. On the far right is the vertical cleft of Lord's Rake, today's route of ascent. All I need to do now is get to it!

Climbing towards Broad Stand.

Great Moss and the Coniston fells from Mickledore.

Lord's Rake.

Looking down Lord's Rake from the top. Crampons and ice axe were essential for this treacherous part of the climb.

I wouldn't sit under the chockstone for too long Casper, you never know when it will fall.

The second section of Lord's Rake from the top of the first. Waist deep virgin snow and a steep drop to the right made this a tricky prospect.

Looking back to Scafell Pike and the top of the first section of Lord's Rake - you can see the chockstone if you look closely.

The third and final section of Lord's Rake. The far scree slope is clear of snow but first there is another tricky descent through deep snow.

At the top of the final section of Lord's Rake, it was like entering another world with a really strong blizzard blowing. I decided to give Scafell a miss this time and make a quick descent to the valley.

Looking back up to wild Scafell.

Wast Water and Middle Fell from the descent and it's still snowing.

Lingmell, the route of ascent. The snow continued to fall heavily, even at valley level.

Scafell Pike

Walked on 23/11/2007

Start point: Brackenclose (NY 182 074)

Brackenclose – Lingmell – Lingmell Col – Scafell Pike – Mickledore – Lord’s Rake – West Wall Traverse – Scafell – Green How – Brackenclose

Distance: 6 miles Total Ascent: 1162 metres Time Taken: 3 hours 45 minutes

Weather: Cold and clear. 5oC.

It was predicted to be clear today and I wasn’t disappointed when I went up to Scafell Pike, it was a complete contrast to yesterday’s rain. The climb to Lingmell straight up the nose is a steep one and it was really cold on this section as the sun was hidden behind Scafell for much of the ascent. The climb to Scafell Pike was bitterly cold too, being in shade until I reached the upper parts. The top was icy with little clumps of snow around but in glorious sunshine. The only fell I could see with a decent dusting of snow was Helvellyn to the east. I climbed to Scafell via Lord’s Rake and the West Wall Traverse before the steep drop down back into Wasdale. A superb days walking; conditions don’t come much clearer than this.

Wast Water from the steep climb up the direct route to Lingmell.

Out of the shadows and into the light climbing to Lingmell.

Wasdale Head and Mosedale with Red Pike, Scoat Fell and Pillar encircling it.

Casper is leading the way today.

Near the summit of Lingmell now at Goat Crags. We crossed the wall and headed left for the column overlooking Wasdale on the northern edge of Lingmell.

Great Gable.

The slender columnar cairn on Lingmell. A clear view to the east with Helvellyn dusted with snow.

Looking across to Mosedale.

The column and Mosedale.

The Great Napes on Great Gable.

A distant snow clad Helvellyn.

The summit of Lingmell.

It was really cold approaching the summit of Scafell Pike with a biting wind. No chance of a drink here either as my drinking tube was frozen.

The north-western fells from Scafell Pike. All was clear to Grasmoor and Skiddaw with Derwent Water and Styhead Tarn in view. That looks like a shadow of me on top of Scafell Pike too.

Mosedale from Scafell Pike.

Casper, officially the highest dog in England.

Windermere in view between Bowfell and Crinkle Crags.

Scafell.

Skiddaw, Blencathra and Derwent Water.

Brrr! Looking back to the summit of Scafell Pike.

Following the cairns on the decent before heading over to Scafell.

Scafell Pike from Mickledore.

Pulpit Rock.

Heading for Lord's Rake. These two are already halfway up but we caught them by the fallen chockstone (which has still not moved, by the way). We then went via the West Wall Traverse and Deep Gill, which is to the left.

Looking back down Lord's Rake.

Not the greatest of photos, but this was the top of Deep Gill - snow and sheet ice on an incredibly steep climb.

Finally out at the top of Deep Gill.

Scafell Pike and Esk Pike from Scafell.

Esk Pike and Bowfell.

Water, water everywhere but not a drop to drink - it's all frozen for Casper up on Scafell.

The summit of Scafell.

Descending Scafell towards Wast Water. To the left is Illgill Head, to the right is Middle Fell and Seatallan.

Great Gable and Lingmell.

Burnmoor Tarn and Illgill Head.

Blue sky looking back up to Scafell.

Wasdale Head dwarfed by the giant fells surrounding it.

Wasdale Head and the field system.

Yewbarrow.

Wast Water from the descent.

Lingmell from Wasdale.

Looking through the trees to Lingmell.

You know I can't resist this view.

Lingmell.

Scafell Pike

Walked on 11/05/2006

Start point: Wasdale Head (NY 187 086)

Wasdale Head – Piers Gill – Lingmell – Scafell Pike – Foxes Tarn – Scafell – Lord’s Rake – Wasdale Head

Distance: 9 miles Total Ascent: 1200 metres Time Taken: 5 hours

Weather: Warm and hazy. 21ºC.

It was another warm day today, the sun was beating down and all was still. This is an interesting round to reach the well known highest peaks in the country, ascending alongside Piers Gill and descending down Lord’s Rake. This route manages to avoid the inevitable crowds and apart from Scafell Pike itself, where there were dozens of people, we were alone for virtually all of the route. Casper is getting there now; he seems to be getting used to climbing the rockier sections after being taught a thing or two by Angus on this walk.

Yewbarrow, Great Gable and Lingmell reflected in a calm Wast Water (England's deepest lake).

Pillar above Wasdale Head.

Kirk Fell - Yew trees surround St. Olaf's Church (England's smallest church).

Great Gable.

Great Napes on Great Gable.

Looking back along Lingmell Beck to Yewbarrow.

...and from further up Lingmell, Red Pike now in view.

Another view of Great Napes.

The great ravine of Piers Gill.

Walking alongside Piers Gill, Lingmell above. Can you spot Angus?

Piers Gill from further up.

Approaching the Corridor Route, the silhouette of Scafell Pike beyond.

Kirk Fell and Great Gable from the Corridor Route.

Made it! - on the summit of Lingmell overlooking Styhead Tarn.

The summit cairn on Lingmell.

Great Gable from Lingmell.

The highest dog in the country! Casper on Scafell Pike (England's highest mountain).

Broad Stand across Mickledore.

Angus leads the way on the path (!) to Foxes Tarn.

Scafell Pike from the Foxes Tarn route.

Foxes Tarn (or should that be 'Two Dogs Tarn'?). The smallest named tarn in the Lake District.

Burnmoor Tarn and Wast Water with Illgill Head and Whin Rigg between from the summit of Scafell.

Mosedale from Scafell, virtually the whole of last weeks walk is visible from here.

Descending Lord's Rake, Angus heads towards the fallen chock stone.

Descending the scree section of Lord's Rake.

Pulpit Rock on Scafell Pike - you can just make out a climber on top of the highest pinnacle.

...and another one below.

Looking back to Mickledore - Pulpit Rock is on the left, Lord's Rake exits centre right on the scree run.

Wasdale Head from the descent. Pillar is centre distance, flanked by the nearer Yewbarrow and Kirk Fell.

Wast Water.

Gorse and Great Gable.

Scafell Pike

Walked on 11/10/2004

Start point: Wasdale Head (NY 187 086)

Wasdale Head – Piers Gill – Lingmell (179) – Scafell Pike (180) – Lord’s Rake – Scafell (181) – Wasdale Head

Weather: A grey day. Very cold wind on the tops.

Today’s walk is an ascent to the roof of England with a climb to Lingmell via Piers Gill and an ascent of Scafell via Lord’s Rake. Both of these routes require a certain amount of scrambling and Lord’s Rake is at present considered unsafe due to the large, loose boulder lying in wait to crash down at the top of the first section. There are warning signs in place at the bottom to warn of this – any ascent using Lord’s Rake is at your own risk…

Yewbarrow along Lingmell Beck.

Great End from the path alongside Lingmell Gill.

The Great Napes on Great Gable.

The great chasm of Piers Gill, a thousand foot declivity, looking up to Lingmell Crag. The ascent to Lingmell col is up the left hand side and requires some scrambling in places. The view over the side of the shear cliffs is awesome...and scary.

Great Gable from Lingmell - it feels like you can almost touch it from here. I could hardly stand up on Lingmell as the wind was so strong and very cold.