Scafell Pike

Walked on 14/01/2022

Start point: Brackenclose (NY 182 074)

Brackenclose – Brown Tongue – Scafell Pike – Mickledore – Lord’s Rake – Scafell – Green How – Brackenclose

Distance: 7.5 miles Total Ascent: 1140 metres Time Taken: 4 hours 30 minutes Start Time: 06:45

Clear above cloud                 
Temperature      2 ℃ 
Felt like        2 ℃
Wind Speed       0.9 mi/h
Wind Direction   SSE

Conditions looked favourable for an inversion again today so I took the leap of faith and set off in the dark heading for Scafell Pike to get the best chance of seeing a sunrise over the inversion. Of course you never quite know – will it, won’t it? Climbing higher and through the clouds is a magical moment; witnessing the sunrise in such a place is a truly jaw dropping and inspiring moment; a great day to be on the fells.

When I reached the Lingmell ColI came through the mist and into a fantastic dawn. On the climb to the summit it was already dawn and it was a fabulous sight, here looking to Lingmell and Great Gable appearing through the cloud in the early light.

Frozen rocks on the summit made the going slippery, here with Fletcher camouflaged against them. I hit the summit dead on sunrise at 08:25, phew!

Scafell Pike sunrise - fantastic!

It was beautiful the way the rising sun lit up the rocks - and Scafell - like a martian landscape.

Great Gable and Green Gable through the mist, beyond is Grasmoor.

looking along the Scafells to a distant Blencathra left and the Helvellyn ridge above the cloud.

Skiddaw...just appearing.

Sunrise panoramic.

I was joined by runner Dan on the summit to witness the sunrise.

Me with Fletcher.

The Coniston fells and sun pillar.

Scafell and beyond an ocean of clouds.

As the sun rises, Scafell Pike casts a shadow with a Brocken Spectre visible .

All looking good now the sun has risen. I talked to one other person (the 'Wasdale Womble'!) but apart from that the roof of england was all mine for a good half hour this morning.

We headed over to the southern cairn for a closer look at the sea of cloud and sat with a coffee for a while to contemplate life. Looking back to the main summit there is still no one around.

Coniston.

Fletcher looking down on Pen, Crinkle Crags beyond.

Any biscuits?

Bowfell and Crinkle Crags panoramic.

Blencathra all alone.

Time to move on much as I wanted to stay. The next stop would be Scafell via Lord's Rake so first of all we need to head down to Mickledore over more treacherous icy rocks.

The sun beating down on Mickledore.

Closer up on the edge of the inversion.

Looking across Mickledore to Broad Stand. The cloud was pouring over the ridge as we crossed.

Fletcher wondering which way we are going.

At the top of Lord's Rake looking back to Scafell Pike. The chock stone has fallen since the last time I was here (admittedly it was a while ago!) and the way round the top was a bit of a squeeze.

Pillar and the Mosedale fells.

Lingmell and Great Gable.

The Scafells from the summit.

Looking across Scafell to Symonds Knott - only the highest fells are through the clouds now as it has lifted - Lingmell has disappeared.

The view to the south.

Great Gable and Skiddaw (which looks so close!).

Fairfield beyond Esk Pike, the gentle rise of High Street to the right.

Time to head down (steeper than I remember!) from Scafell and into the clouds. As we headed down the sun was directly shining behind us projecting Brocken Spectres.

Once you se one you can't stop seeing them.

Brocken Spectre and 270 degree fogbow.

I don't recall having seen a fogbow before.

Down below the clouds was this - a different world to the one I have just spent the morning in!

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.

Scafell Pike

Height: 978 metres / 3209 feet Grid reference: NY 21548 07223 Category: The Southern Fells

Scafell Pike is the highest fell in England. On the eastern face of Scafell Pike is a subsidiary summit named Pen.

Scafell Pike and Ill Crag from Great Moss

Scafell Pike

A panoramic view to the north-west from Scafell Pike

Scafell and Scafell Pike from Bow Fell

The Scafell range from Harter Fell

Scafell Pike from Harter Fell

Pen

Height 762 metres/2500 feet Grid Reference NY 22155 06742

Pen is a subsidiary summit to Scafell Pike overlooking the Esk Valley to the south east of the main summit.

The River Esk and Great Moss below Pen with a nice temperature inversion to the south.

Scafell Pike via Pen

Walked on 11/06/2014

Start Point: Jubilee Bridge (NY 213 011)

Brotherilkeld Farm – Lingcove Bridge – Great Moss – Pen – Scafell Pike – Mickledore – Lord’s Rake – Scafell – Slight Side – Catcove Beck – Brotherilkeld Farm

Distance: 10 miles Total Ascent: 1178 metres Time Taken: 7 hours Start Time: 10:50

Weather: Murky, 16°C

I had a full day available today so I wanted to do a good long walk – I did think the weather would turn out better than it did but it was still good to be out and walking in mist has its own merits of complete solitude, even on the popular fells such as this.

Heading into Upper Eskdale and the mist was lying quite low on the fells. I was hopeful of it getting out later.

Walking alongside the River Esk. This is a lovely and peaceful part of the lakes in any weather.

Cascades on the Esk.

Lingcove Bridge.

...and a view of the bridge from a little higher up the path to Great Moss.

On the climb to Pen - the briefest glimpse of Scafell.

Esk Buttress - and that was it for views for a good while. I climbed the steep path to Pen (the top took a bit of finding as I could hardly see my hand in front of me!) then over to Scafell Pike.

Heading down to Mickledore.

Looking back to Scafell Pike - the blue sky did appear (if only fleetingly).

Pulpit Rock from the foot of Lord's Rake. I was surprised to see how much the path from Mickledore to Lord's Rake has eroded recently.

Lord's Rake.

The chock stone is still standing although there seems to be more large boulders around it. Up on Scafell it was as misty as it was on the Pike - I chatted for a while to a couple who were completing their 214 up there, congratulations to both.

Dougal, my ever faithful friend.

Looking back to Scafell from Long Green. There were lots of Brocken Spectres to see along here with the sun trying to shine through.

Slight Side summit.

Slight Side from the descent.

Amazing how I can see Pen from here yet couldn't earlier when I was stood next to it!

Slight Side again, from further down.

I spy!

Harter Fell across Brotherilkeld and it turned into a lovely evening.

The Scafells

Walked on 10/01/2013

Start point: Brackenclose (NY 182 074)

Brackenclose – Brown Tongue – Scafell Pike – Ill Crag – Broad Crag – Great End (and return) – Mickledore – Hollow Stones – Brackenclose

Distance: 7.5 miles Total Ascent: 1247 metres Time Taken: 6 hours Start Time: 06:45

Weather: Sunny above the clouds. 3oC

With the ridge of high pressure sitting over the Lake District and the persistent fog at lower levels there was a very good chance there would be a temperature inversion today which fortunately proved to be correct. I set off early from Brackenclose to try and catch the sunrise from the roof of England and I am glad I did, it was a fantastic morning to have the highest peaks in the land all to myself with some stunning views.

Just made it in time - sunrise from the summit of Scafell Pike.

What a beautiful morning with a big temperature inversion sitting over most of the Lake District.

This was interesting to watch, the cloud is pouring over Sty Head into the valley between Great Gable and Great End. In the distance are Skiddaw and Blencathra.

Summit view.

A panoramic of the cloud inversion. Select on the image to see a larger version.

Red sky at the trig. column and an inversion over Buttermere in the distance.

Scafell Pike summit positively glowing, from the southern cairn.

Mickledore and Broad Stand.

Scafell panorama.

Looking along Upper Eskdale to Caw, Harter Fell and Green Crag.

Black Combe and Whitfell above the sea of cloud.

Glowing sun.

The Grasmoor and Dale Head groups of fells beyond the Gables.

Far reaching tentacles.

The descent from Scafell Pike to Broad Crag, Ill Crag to the right and Great End.

Scafell Pike from Ill Crag.

Scafell Pike and Ill Crag (and Casper!) from Broad Crag.

Sunny on Great End.

The view to Skiddaw and Blencathra over Sprinkling Tarn.

Skiddaw with High Spy central with Seathwaite Fell summit at the very bottom of this photo.

A panoramic from Great End. Select on the image to see a larger version.

Looking across Rossett Gill to Great Langdale.

Dougal and Casper are loving it.

Looking back along the Scafells from Great End.

Ocean of dreams - Caw and Harter Fell.

A fabulous view on a fabulous day.

Lowly Stickle Pike has put in appearance beyond Harter Fell.

Crossing the Broad Crag col, the cloud was pouring into Upper Eskdale.

Another chance to sit and watch with wonder, the cloud pouring across Pen then floating up towards me.

Back on Scafell Pike with sunshine and loveliness all around.

Descending to Mickledore.

This icy descent is not for the faint hearted.

Pulpit Rock.

Descending to Wasdale.

Yewbarrow.

Wast Water. On the way home, I had to see what the view was like from Stickle Pike looking the other way...

...unfortunately conditions had changed a little but there was still a nice inversion over the Duddon Valley with the Scafell in view top left.

Caw.

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.

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.

Scafell Pike

Walked on 25/06/2009

Start point: Brotherilkeld, car park at the bottom of Hardknott Pass (NY 214 011)

Brotherilkeld Farm – Lingcove Bridge – Great Moss – Little Narrowcove – Broad Crag col – Scafell Pike – Mickledore – Lord’s Rake – West Wall Traverse – Deep Gill – Symonds Knott – Scafell – Slight Side – Catcove Beck – Brotherilkeld Farm

Distance: 10.4 miles Total Ascent: 1140 metres Time Taken: 5 hours 45 minutes

Weather: Sunny, breezy on the tops. 21C.

I fancied a bit of a scramble today so I headed for the Scafells from Eskdale in beautiful weather to do just that. The Little Narrowcove route is a steep one but straightforward and Lord’s Rake and Deep Gill were as good as ever. I was out early today so there were not so many people around; Casper did manage to get spotted on the descent from Slight Side though, and it is always a pleasure to bump into StridingEdge followers up on the fells.

Scafell Pike route map.

Early morning start at Brotherilkeld.

Looking back to the sunshine over Brotherilkeld Farm.

The River Esk and Bowfell.

Lingcove Bridge, still in the shade.

Into the sunshine climbing alongside The Esk and first sight of the Scafells.

The Scafells from the gorge of the Esk.

Scafell Pike and Scar Lathing from the bend in the River Esk.

Scafell Pike.

A fine morning over Great Moss.

Slight Side and Scafell.

Slight Side where I will descend later.

Looking back to Harter Fell through the gap of the gorge.

Scafell Pike and Ill Crag.

The beautiful River Esk.

Great Moss.

Scafell Pike reflection.

Sky over Scafell Pike.

Onward and upward Casper.

The subsidiary summit of Pen is to the right overlooking Esk Buttress.

Scafell and Cam Spout.

Looking back along Great Moss.

Heading for Little Narrowcove which is around the base of Esk Buttress and then steeply up to the left.

Esk Buttress.

Little Narrowcove - for masochists only!

Little Narrowcove.

Almost at the top of Little Narrowcove.

In the hollow of Little Narrowcove.

Climbing to the Broad Crag col.

No need to ask what he thinks of this one!

The view from the Broad Crag col.

Looking north from the col, Lingmell, Kirk Fell and Great Gable amongst others in view.

Top dog - on Scafell Pike.

Looking towards Styhead Tarn and Derwent Water.

The summit of Scafell Pike.

Scafell and Mickledore.

Pulpit Rock from the descent to Lord's Rake.

Lord's Rake from the bottom...

...and from the top.

Mosedale from the West Wall Traverse. The chock stone at the head of Lord's Rake is centre left.

Climbing Deep Gill.

The head of Deep Gill (the top of the descent to the West Wall Traverse with the Pinnacle (left-centre) and the Oracle (bottom right)...like the man himself...

Scafell Pike from Symonds Knott.

Looking the other way to Scafell's summit, the cross memorial in the centre.

Yewbarrow and I can see Low Tarn too, where I was swimming the other day.

A hazy view to the west of Burnmoor Tarn, Illgill Head and Wast Water.

Symonds Knott and Scafell Pike from Scafell.

Long Green and Slight Side on the descent.

Looking back from Slight Side.

There was a strong breeze up here today.

The Scafell Pikes from Slight Side.

Slight Side from the descent.

Hard Knott.

Scafell across a sea of green bracken.

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 25/09/2008

Start point: Hardknott Pass (NY 231 014)

Hardknott Pass – Hard Knott – Lingcove Beck – Scar Lathing – Great Moss – Pen – Scafell Pike – Broadcrag Tarn – Cam Spout – Great Moss – Lingcove Beck – Hard Knott – Hardknott Pass

Distance: 9.3 miles Total Ascent: 1240 metres Time Taken: 5 hours 45 minutes

Weather: Overcast. 17ºC.

The weather certainly didn’t turn out as I expected with it being rather grey and I didn’t really know which route I would take until I did it. I must say it took longer than I thought and it was pretty arduous going at times over boggy ground coupled with a steep ascent and descent. It was still enjoyable though – this is my favourite area of all.

Dawn at an un-named tarn on Hard Knott.

Sunrise over Wrynose Pass.

Esk Pike, Bowfell and Crinkle Crags from Hard Knott summit.

Heading into Upper Eskdale it all looks a bit gloomy and the cloud is starting to form on the tops.

The Scafells ahead.

Bowfell and Crinkle Crags.

Slight Side and Scafell, hidden by cloud.

Bowfell.

Casper plans the route - there is a steep descent to cross Lingcove Beck then a steep climb again over the knolls in the middle distance.

Casper hides in the bracken shortly after the crossing of Lingcove Beck.

Lingcove Beck.

Slight Side and Scafell from Scar Lathing, Sampson's Stones on the mound beneath Cam Spout Crag.

Scafell Pike hidden by cloud with Ill Crag to the right.

Casper above Great Moss.

The cloud is clearing from Scafell Pike now. The peak to the right of Esk Buttress is Pen. Now, should I climb Pen or climb Little Narrowcove? In the end I decided on Pen and climbed following the gill to the left of Esk Buttress - which was steep to say the least!

The Scafells reflected in a tarn on Great Moss.

Scafell.

Esk Pike at the head of Great Moss.

Great Moss from the climb to Pen, Hard Knott and Harter Fell in view.

Volcanic sedimentary layers on the summit of Pen.

The formidable East Buttress on Scafell.

The way to Scafell Pike from Pen.

Scafell, Broad Stand and Mickledore from the Eskdale Cairn on Scafell Pike.

Pillar, Kirk Fell, Great Gable and beyond from the summit Scafell Pike.

Looking over Styhead Tarn to Derwent Water, Skiddaw and the northern fells.

The eastern fells beyond the Scafell ridge.

Broad Stand from Broadcrag Tarn - the highest tarn in the Lake District at 827m according to Wainwright and Birkett...but my mapping software shows Foxes tarn at 837m and Crinkle Crags Tarn (near the summit of Long Top, un-named on the OS map) at 854m. Now, should I climb Lord's Rake and climb Scafell or descend Cam Spout? Oops, look at the time - lets go!

Descending the Cam Spout path.

Upper Eskdale from the descent by Cam Spout, which was a mere trickle today.

Looking back to Cam Spout and Scafell.

The aforementioned Long Top.

I don't believe it! (to coin a phrase) - sunshine on Great Moss.

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.

The Scafells

Walked on 21/05/2007

Start point: Brotherilkeld, car park at the bottom of Hardknott Pass (NY 214 011)

Brotherilkeld Farm – Lingcove Bridge – Great Moss – Esk Hause – Great End (510) – Ill Crag (511) – Broad Crag (512) – Scafell Pike – Mickledore – Lord’s Rake – West Wall Traverse – Deep Gill – Scafell – Slight Side – Catcove Beck – Brotherilkeld Farm

Distance: 12.5 miles Total Ascent: 1295 metres Time Taken: 6 hours

Weather: Sunshine. 18oC.

The sun finally shone today for this personal favourite walk to the Scafells from Brotherilkeld via Upper Eskdale and Great Moss. Conditions were almost perfect with the warm temperature and a light breeze and hardly a soul about apart from the usual congestion on Scafell Pike summit. I didn’t take Angus today as this sort of walk is too tough for him now, but Casper came and managed to take it all in his stride. I hope you enjoy today’s photographic journey as much as I enjoyed being there – what better place to be on a Monday morning?

Bow Fell above Brotherilkeld Farm.

Looking back along the walk to Upper Eskdale.

Following the River Esk with Bow Fell still looming large ahead.

Lots of falls and cool, clear pools on the Esk.

Lingcove Bridge.

Looking back along Eskdale from Throstle Garth, Lingcove Bridge is lower left.

The Scafells come into view climbing the gorge of the River Esk.

Scafell and Slight Side, the Esk still in the foreground.

Scafell Pike and Ill Crag.

Casper has a rest before the walk along Great Moss.

Scafell Pike and Ill Crag across Great Moss.

Scafell Pike.

Great Moss - the route from here is below Pen on the left and climbing to the depression of Esk Hause ahead.

Scafell Pike from Great Moss.

Cam Spout in the foreground of Scafell.

Looking back to the Scafells above Great Moss.

Up onto Esk Hause there seemed to be more clouds to the north, here looking over to Allen Crags.

Skiddaw and Derwent Water from Esk Hause.

The northern fells from the climb to Great End.

Skiddaw and Derwent Water from the summit of Great End. I had intended 'saving' Great End until I finished my round of the Birketts, but what the heck, it was too nice to miss the view today.

Pillar and Great Gable from Great End.

Scafell Pike ahead.

Looking down on Great Moss and the route used in ascent from Ill Crag.

Broad Crag from Ill Crag.

Casper on Broad Crag.

No mistaking the route to the summit of Scafell Pike from here, looks like it is busy up there as well.

Looking over Styhead Tarn to Derwent Water and Skiddaw from the summit of Scafell Pike, the highest point in England.

The route to Mickledore with Lord's Rake shown to the right.

Pulpit Rock from the path to Lord's Rake.

Climbing Lord's Rake, a steep scree filled gully.

The fallen rock - still there balancing at the top of Lord's Rake.

Looking back down Lord's Rake from the start of the West Wall Traverse. The entrance to the West Wall Traverse to the right of this photo is very eroded now, much worse than I remember it.

The view from the first section of the West Wall Traverse. The West Wall Traverse is a gently inclined high level path joining Lord's Rake and Deep Gill.

Looking back to Lord's Rake. The large boulder is at the top of the first section, the fallen boulder is resting across the top of Lord's Rake to the lower left.

Climbing Deep Gill - it was cold and damp in here and it looks as though some of the large boulders are recent falls.

Looking back down Deep Gill.

Deep Gill from the top.

Looking over Wast Water to the west coast from the summit of Scafell.

The Mosedale fells from Scafell.

Casper summits Scafell.

Bow Fell and Crinkle Crags from Slight Side.

Looking back to Slight Side from Cat Crag.

Border End and Hard Knott across Eskdale.

Eskdale.

Hard Knott from Taw House farm.

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 30/01/2006

Start point: Brotherilkeld, car park at the bottom of Hardknott Pass (NY 214 011)

Brotherilkeld Farm – Lingcove Bridge – Great Moss – Little Narrowcove – Pen (448) – Scafell Pike – Mickledore – Lord’s Rake – West Wall Traverse – Scafell – Slight Side (449) – Catcove Beck – Brotherilkeld Farm

Distance: 12.2 miles Total Ascent: 1327 metres Time Taken: 5 hours 45 minutes

Weather: Very cold at valley level -4°C. Once into the sunshine it was just like a summer’s day – shirt sleeves all the way!

The weather turned out even better than I was expecting today – I thought it would be clear, but it was unbelievably so and very warm with a temperature inversion to boot! I have been ‘saving’ this walk for a while which includes a steep scramble up to Pen, a subsidiary summit of Scafell Pike, and the scrambles of Lord’s Rake and the West Wall Traverse. It is for this reason that the walk had to be Angus-less; he would never have managed it today. As it turned out, it was one of the most memorable days I have ever had in the fells – one to remember. I make no apologies for the number of photos included in today’s walk – there could have been lots more, it was so hard to weed them out. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Scafell at the head of Upper Eskdale from Brotherilkeld. The cold, dark valley contrasts with the sunlit higher slopes.

Still in the cold Esk Valley - Bow Fell and the Crinkle Crags catch the early sun.

The River Esk.

Lingcove Bridge, an old packhorse bridge.

Further up the River Esk. River Esk movie clip.

Scafell Pike, England's highest.

Slight Side and Scafell along a part frozen River Esk.

Scafell Pike and Ill Crag across Great Moss. The sound of silence - Great Moss movie clip.

Looking to Esk Hause along Great Moss, Esk Pike to the right.

Esk Buttress with the rocky peak of Pen, the first target of the day. How the heck are you supposed to get up there?

Cam Spout Crag, Cam Spout waterfall and Scafell.

Esk Pike from the ascent of Pen.

Icicles on Pen; things were happening in the valleys now.

Looking south to Harter Fell and the Coniston fells.

The River Esk and Great Moss below Pen with a nice temperature inversion to the south.

The way ahead: Scafell Pike from Pen.

At the top of Little Narrowcove.

Looking north to an inverted Ennerdale with Mellbreak and the Loweswater fells showing through the cloud. Great Gable is in the foreground on the right.

Looking over Styhead Tarn to Skiddaw and Blencathra.

The valleys to the east are inverted as far away as Ingleborough and Whernside in the Yorkshire Dales.

A panoramic view of the eastern fells from Scafell Pike.

Select on the image above to see a larger, annotated version.

Looking south-west to Harter Fell.

Pillar above Mosedale.

A panoramic view to the north-west from Scafell Pike.

A close up of Ennerdale; the view extends to Scotland behind the Loweswater fells.

Skiddaw.

Whitfell with the cairn visible and Black Combe beyond. North Wales is on the horizon over the sea of cloud.

The Pillar group of fells in golden light from Mickledore.

Lord's Rake; the fallen stone is still there at the top.

...and here it is.

Looking back down Lord's Rake.

At the start of the West Wall Traverse.

Looking down the steep scree slope.

The West Wall Traverse from the top.

Looking down on Wast Water from Sca Fell; Illgill Head is on the left, Middle Fell right.

Looking across to Scafell Pike from Scafell with Great Gable centre with the High Stile range and Skiddaw beyond.

Still there - Whitfell and Black Combe.

The Scafell range from Slight Side.

Slight Side from Catcove Beck.

Border End and Hard Knott across Upper Eskdale.

Scale Gill falls.

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.

The stony summit plateau of Scafell Pike.

Scafell across Mickledore. Lord's Rake, the route of ascent to Scafell can be seen to the right of the picture pointing diagonally left to right.

The first section of Lord's Rake with the large, loose boulder clearly visible at the top.