Far Easedale Round

Walked on 26/04/2024

Walking Diary 2024

Start Point: Lancrigg Car Park, Easedale (NY 331 083)

Lancrigg Car Park, Easedale – Stythwaite Steps – Tarn Crag East Ridge – Tarn Crag – Codale Head – Sergeant Man – High Raise – Low White Stones – Greenup Edge – Brownrigg Moss – Calf Crag – Gibson Knott – Helm Crag – Lancrigg Car Park, Easedale

Distance: 17.3 km Total Ascent: 805 metres Time Taken: 4 hours 45 minutes Start Time: 07:45

Weather: Cold wind, clear spells, 5°C

I have had this walk lined up for a little while but was waiting for a suitable weather window to do it. I was rewarded for that wait today, the weather being absolutely fantastic and coupled with the surroundings made this walk very enjoyable from start to finish – I can well recommend it. When I looked back through my walks, the last time I was up on Tarn Crag was in 2010 – an unbelievable 14 years ago!

Easedale at the start of the walk and what a beautiful start to the day. The birds were singing and there wasn't a breath of wind.

Looking across Easedale to Sour Milk Gill with Tarn Crag beyond, the pointed summit is where we are heading, climbing along the east ridge.

Heading into Far Easedale towards Stythwaite Steps.

The crossing of Far Easedale Gill at Stythwaite Steps (which is now a footbridge).

Looking into Far Easedale with Calf Crag at the head, the way we will be returning later.

Just at the top of the wall on the climb from the footbridge, these rocks mentioned by Wainwright can be seen. He calls it 'Interesting boulder' and the drawing is shown on The Central Fells, Tarn Crag 6. "The two boulders illustrated above still have foliage (heather and tree) and are a destination popular enough to have encouraged the creation of a path".

Hey, ewe! I wonder what has caught this Herdy's attention?! (Clue: he has 4 legs, a waggy tail and is my walking companion!).

The prominent Rock Tor on the east ridge, a good marker to let you know you are going the right way.

Looks like Fletcher was just in time with his new haircut, he is loving the weather above Easedale Tarn.

Blea Rigg across Easedale Tarn, the conditions were perfect up here.

Tarn Crag ahead with Deer Bield Crag to the right. The summit is the pointed peak in the centre.

Tarn Crag summit. There is not much of a cairn left now.

Water, water everywhere...the pools are frozen still on the tops when we crossed Tarn Crag southwards to have a look over Easedale Tarn.

Back to Tarn Crag summit - this is the rock plinth that marks the summit.

Beautiful shifting light on Codale Tarn, beyond is Harrison Stickle and Pavey Ark.

Fletcher leads the way on the climb to Codale Head.

Sergeant Fletcher checks out Sergeant Man .

The clouds seemed to be building now as we summited Sergeant Man, here looking down on the back of the Langdale Pikes, Pavey Ark to the right with Stickle Tarn visible, Lingmoor Fell and Side Pike central and the Coniston fells beyond.

A magnificent view of Bowfell and the Scafells from Sergeant Man.

Great Gable and High Stile over Glaramara.

Once we reached the summit of High Raise (the centre of the Lake District and the highest point on today's walk) I stopped for a while and had a brew taking in the fantastic views in near perfect conditions. It is one of my favourites fells and it never fails to disappoint. This is looking into Langstrath from the coffee stop.

Look at this view to Skiddaw and Blencathra, it is magnificent. When I first sat down there wasn't a breath of wind and it was silent apart from the chirruping of the Skylarks. 10 minutes later when I stood up to carry on, the wind had picked up noticeably so its looked like I hit the sweet spot with timing there!

I headed down to Low White Stones following the path.

Descending Greenup Edge, even normally dull Ullscarf is looking good today.

It always strikes me that everything seems within easy reach from here, Sergeant's Crag and Eagle Crag especially as they are so near yet for me it is a long drive round to Borrowdale to climb them from that side.

There is a new pavement under construction across Wythburn, I must say these large slabs make the going a lot easier than trying to get across the previously boggy area.

Fletcher crosses the gateway through the invisible fence.

Heading for Calf Crag and the start of the return leg.

looking along Far Easedale to Grasmere from Calf Crag.

Fletcher in a thoughtful pose.

Looking across Far Easedale to Tarn Crag from Gibson Knott.

...and looking along to Helm Crag from the same place.

A Birds Eye view of the path walked earlier. At the bottom is the bridge at Stythwaite Steps. Follow the wall up and round and Wainwright's 'interesting boulder' is also visible.

Helm Crag ahead looking across Bracken Hause.

Looking back to Gibson Knott from the climb to Helm Crag.

The Howitzer, the summit rocks that mark the top of Helm Crag - also known as the Lion and the Lamb.

A little further on and these are the rocks that give the fells the local name of The Lion and the Lamb (although from this side it should be The Lamb and the Lion!).

Grasmere - town and lake.

I spotted this plaque hidden away in Lancrigg Gardens on a small rock. It is in Latin, the inscription reads "Hoc in supercilic sedebat Dorothea Wordsworth dum ex ore fratis prope inambulantis carmina describit" translated as "Dorothy Wordsworth used to sit at this spot, writing down the poems that her brother dictated as he walked nearby".

Greenup Round

Walked on 06/01/2016

Start point: Stonethwaite (NY 262 137)

Stonethwaite – Great Crag – Low Saddle of Coldbarrow Fell – High Saddle of Coldbarrow Fell – Ullscarf – Greenup Edge – Low White Stones – High Raise – Sergeant’s Crag – Eagle Crag – Stonethwaite

Distance: 10.6 miles Total Ascent: 975 metres Time Taken: 6 hours Start Time: 08:30

Weather: Mist on top, at least it was dry! 7C

I wanted to do a decent walk today as it feels like ages since I have been on a long one. Much of this one is a trudge over boggy ground at the best of times but it seemed like hard work today with that and the navigation required in the mist proving a little tricky at times – I must be getting rusty! I managed to walk round in circles on Ullscarf and High Raise so I guess I’d better keep practicing…

Dawn over Eagle Crag.

Following the track from Stonethwaite.

The sun is still rising as I exit the woods at Lingy End.

I like the way the sun is shining through between Eagle Crag and Sergeant's Crag.

Looking into the far reaches of Borrowdale.

The view from the northern end of Great Crag, I think all today's round can be seen from here (which is more than could be said when I was actually on them!).

Base Brown and Brandreth.

Dock Tarn.

All is peaceful here.

Reflections.

Climbing the wall to High Crag.

Coldbarrow Fell and Ullscarf seem to be disappearing fast lads!

A fabulous glimpse into Langstrath from the climb.

Langstrath.

On Low Saddle looking to Watendlath Tarn and Derwent Water. Things turned distinctly colder here with a raw wind blowing and the mist constantly swirling. Time to layer up.

A hole in the sky looking from High to Low Saddle - and that was about it for views for a good while.

High Raise.

Suddenly back out of the flag descending towards Sergeant's Crag.

Sergeant's Crag ahead and it looks like it is sunny over Skiddaw.

On Sergeant's summit. I bumped into someone who recognised us, the first person I had seen all day.

Looking back to Sergeant's Crag from the wall corner on the way to Eagle Crag.

Big Douglas and Little Fletcher looking like they have had a thoroughly good time in the mud.

The Eagle of Stonethwaite.

Back into Greenup, Eagle Crag was descended on the south side today.

Heading back to Stonethwaite. On the way there were many scars in the hillside that showed the power of the water that has recently been flooding the area with some of the path washed away as well. Close to Stonethwaite we bumped into locals Gill and Trevor who also follow the site.

Low White Stones

Height: 731 metres / 2398 feet Grid reference: NY 28247 10052

Helvellyn and Fairfield from Low White Stones

Greenup Round

Walked on 19/03/2012

Start point: Stonethwaite (NY 262 137)

Distance: 9.1 miles Total Ascent: 941 metres Time Taken: 4 hours 30 minutes Start Time: 09:50

Weather: Some bright spells, cold wind. 10C

It started off brightly enough today but the clouds were soon rolling in and the wind was once again mighty cold. There was some fresh snow visible on High Crag showing just how cold it was and the going to Ullscarf from Dock Tarn was made that bit tougher by the boggy going underfoot.

Greenup route map.

Eagle Crag from Stonethwaite Bridge.

Looking back to Stonethwaite from the climb to Willygrass Gill.

Above the woods with a view to Grey Knotts and Fleetwith Pike, Honister lit up by the sunshine.

Greenup.

Eagle Crag and Sergeant's Crag, between them is High Raise with Pike o' Stickle just about in view to the right.

Skiddaw in the distance from the heathery walk to Great Crag.

Great Crag summit.

The route ahead - over Dock Tarn to Low Saddle, High Saddle and Ullscarf.

Down at Dock Tarn, Dougal and Casper camouflaged as rocks.

Looking across to Great Gable and High Stile from the climb of Coldbarrow Fell - this is a real boggy mess across here.

Bowfell at the head of Langstrath.

Water in a line - a puddle, Watendlath Tarn, Derwent Water and Bassenthwaite Lake.

It was really quite a cold wind up here and the cloud was rolling in from the west over Bowfell and the Scafells, Sergeant's Crag and Eagle Crag in the foreground.

Blea Tarn below, from Low Saddle.

Looking the other way, to High Saddle and Ullscarf.

Low Saddle and Great Crag from High Saddle.

Ullscarf summit, looking to High Raise.

Fleetwith Pike and the High Stile ridge.

After a boggy trudge along Greenup Edge, High Raise seemed near enough so I decided to squeeze that in today as well. This view is from Low White Stones looking to Helvellyn and Fairfield.

Up on High Raise I bumped into three StridingEdge fans from Chorley who were walking from Langdale, it was good to have a chat up there today...and Dougal and Casper enjoyed their biccies and sarnies (given, not stolen I hasten to add!).

A touch of sunshine in Langstrath...we're not going that way today boys!

Sergeant's Crag ahead.

High Raise and Pike o' Stickle from Sergeant's Crag.

Dougal works out the route to get to Eagle Crag.

High Raise and Sergeant's from Eagle.

Dougal and Casper - complete with evidence of their bog trotting - on Eagle Crag.

A bit of sunshine down in Borrowdale now.

The steep descent by the wall.

A nice place for the dogs to swim.

Eagle Crag from Stonethwaite Beck.

Greenup Horseshoe

Walked on 21/04/2008

Start point: Stonethwaite (NY 262 137)

Stonethwaite – High Crag – Low Saddle of Coldbarrow Fell – High Saddle of Coldbarrow Fell – Ullscarf – Greenup Edge – Low White Stones –High Raise – Sergeant’s Crag – Eagle Crag – Stonethwaite

Distance: 8.3 miles Total Ascent: 890 metres Time Taken: 4 hours

Weather: Overcast. 12oC.

It was yet again hazy and rather grey this morning for a walk around the Greenup skyline yet there were still some great views from these central fells. The route up to Ullscarf can only be recommended for the increasingly improving view on the way up but not the terrain which is rough, pathless and boggy. The descent from Eagle Crag though was better than the climb up I found – it’s a steep one, that!

Eagle Crag from Stonethwaite Bridge.

A hazy Eagle Crag from the path that is part of both the Cumbria Way and Coast to Coast routes.

Eagle Crag and Sergeant's Crag after the steep climb through the woods.

...and again from further up. I followed the skyline up to the left, which is Greenup Edge, to High Raise before descending Sergeant's Crag and Eagle Crag.

Climbing High Crag. Across the Borrowdale Valley are Dale Head and High Spy.

High Raise beyond Eagle Crag, Greenup to the left, Langstrath to the right.

A bit of sunshine on High Tove and High Seat.

Climbing Coldbarrow Fell with a view of Watendlath Tarn and Derwent Water.

Blea Tarn from Low Saddle, Armboth Fell beyond.

Low Saddle on Coldbarrow Fell.

Casper, the Lion King.

High Saddle on Coldbarrow Fell.

Bowfell, Esk Pike and the Scafells from the summit of Ullscarf, Great Gable a distant right.

Ullscarf.

Another all too brief glimpse of sunshine on the climb to Low White Stones looking over Greenup Edge to Ullscarf.

Heading for High Raise.

Snow topped Scafell Pike and Great End from High Raise.

Sunlight on Great Gable.

A southerly silhouette - the Coniston fells beyond the Langdale Pikes.

Great Gable over Glaramara.

Descending to Sergeant's Crag, left and Eagle Crag to the right.

High Raise from Sergeant's Crag. The lump on the far right is Pike o' Stickle.

Eagle Crag from Sergeant's Crag.

Hold on tight Casper! The summit of Eagle Crag.

Sergeant's Crag and Langstrath from the summit of Eagle Crag. At the head are Bowfell and Esk Pike.

Borrowdale from Eagle Crag.

Cascades on Langstrath Beck.

Lovely clear pools on Langstrath Beck. If it was 10 degrees warmer...

A final, still hazy view to Eagle Crag from Stonethwaite.

High Raise

Walked on 27/02/2006

Start point: Grasmere (NY 337 076)

Grasmere – Goody Bridge – Helmside – Steel Fell (464) – Greenup Edge – Brownrigg Moss – Low White Stones – High Raise – Sergeant Man – Codale Head – Brownrigg Moss – Calf Crag – Gibson Knott – Helm Crag – Grasmere

Distance: 11 miles Total Ascent: 1000 metres Time Taken: 5 hours

Weather: Dull and grey with the snow showers. 5°C

Today’s walk was from Grasmere with a circuit of Greenburn, also taking in High Raise and Sergeant Man. There was lots of snow about today with mini-blizzards on the higher sections of High Raise and Sergeant Man.

Looking across to Helm Crag from the steep ascent to Steel Fell.

Lots of OFC members and dogs on the way up to Steel Fell.

Looking across to the snow capped Helvellyn ridge across Dunmail Raise.

Seat Sandal.

Looking back down Steel Fell to Helm Crag with Grasmere beyond with the snow falling now.

Steel Fell summit.

Thirlmere from Steel Fell.

Helvellyn across an un-named tarn on the ridge to Gibson Knott.

Brownrigg Moss with Greenup Edge in the distance - the route to High Raise.

An icy beck on Low White Stones.

The central fells and Bassenthwaite Lake.

Steel Fell just beneath the clouds from Low White Stones.

Langstrath from High Raise.

Angus complete with snowy beard on High Raise.

A snowy High Raise summit.

Bow Fell from High Raise.

Crinkle Crags from a frozen tarn below Sergeant Man's summit.

Pavey Ark and Harrison Stickle from Sergeant Man.

On the edge of Sergeant Man, Stickle Tarn below.

A snowy Saint Sunday Crag and Fairfield contrast against Dollywagon Pike and Seat Sandal with Steel Fell in the centre.

The Lion and The Lamb from the top of the Howitzer, the summit of Helm Crag; Grasmere and Loughrigg Fell beyond.

Grasmere from The Lion and The Lamb.

Easedale.

Helm Crag from Easedale.

Jack’s Rake

Walked on 17/08/2005

Grasmere – Easedale – Easedale Tarn – Belles Knott – Stickle Tarn – Pavey Ark – Thunacar Knott – Sergeant Man – High Raise – Low White Stones – Greenup Edge – Brownrigg Moss – Calf Crag – Gibson Knott – Helm Crag – Grasmere

Distance: 12.5 miles Total Ascent: 1256 metres Time Taken: 4 hours 45 minutes

Weather: Turning sunny and warm. 23°C.

Today was a choice of walk for 14 year old James; as he’s wanted to climb Jack’s Rake (sorry Angus, not a walk for dogs!) and Helm Crag (commonly known as ‘The Lion and the Lamb’) for a while, we killed two birds with one stone today and did a long round from Grasmere. The weather started somewhat dull but by the time we reached Easedale Tarn, the sun shone and it turned into a glorious day with memorable, superb views from our lunch stop on High Raise.

Jack's Rake

Easedale Tarn.

Belles Knott - the 'Matterhorn' of Easedale.

James on the summit of Belles Knott, looking across Easedale to Blea Rigg.

Codale Tarn, Tarn Crag, Belles Knott and Easedale Tarn.

Stickle Tarn, Harrison Stickle and Pavey Ark.

Approaching Jack's Rake which can be seen as a diagonal groove centre right - left.

Looking up the steep Jack's Rake.

Climbing the Rake.

Stickle Tarn from Jack's Rake.

Harrison Stickle from Pavey Ark.

Another view of Harrison Stickle from one of the tarns on Pavey Ark.

The view from High Raise.

Bow Fell from High Raise.

Skiddaw in the distance from the summit of High Raise.

The Gibson Knott - Helm Crag ridge from Calf Crag.

Approaching Helm Crag, Grasmere in view to the right.

James admiring the view from the true summit of Helm Crag, on top of the rocks known as 'The Howitzer'. Wainwright never reached this highest position on Helm Crag!

The Howitzer on Helm Crag.

Grasmere from Helm Crag.

High Raise

Walked on 28/06/2005

Start point: Stonethwaite (NY 262 137)

Stonethwaite – Eagle Crag (374) – Sergeant’s Crag (375) – High Raise – Low White Stones (376) – Lining Crag (377) – Stonethwaite

Distance: 7.9 miles Total Ascent: 837 metres Time Taken: 3 hours 30 minutes

Weather: Sunny and warm, 26°C.

It was a warm one today, 22°C when we set off and getting warmer all the time. Every step was a step towards heaven, one of those days you dream all winter about. The climb up to Eagle Crag is very steep from Stonethwaite and the sun beating down did nothing to ease that, once up there it is a great walk with lovely views along Langstrath to the Scafells.