Start point: Gale Road End (NY 281 253)
Gale Road End – Skiddaw Lesser Man – Skiddaw Little Man – Skiddaw – Jenkin Hill – Lonscale Fell – Lonscale Pike – Gale Road End
Distance: 7 miles Total Ascent: 800 metres Time Taken: 2 hours 45 minutes Start Time: 08:45
Weather: Hazy, in and out of cloud, 9C
Today the weather was a lot better than yesterday and the sun was trying to burn through the haze and cloud most of the morning. My original intention was to go to Blencathra but I soon changed my mind when I saw the stubborn cloud on the top and Skiddaw looked a better bet with its wispy cloud which looked as though it would disappear at some point. It was noticeable how busy all the walking areas seemed to be today too, perhaps it is an indication that winter truly is over and the promise of better weather has brought people back to the area. We were recognised on Lonscale Fell today by a couple of Striding Edge fans and it was good to stop and have a chat for a while.
Skiddaw route map.
At the Hawell Monument. Skiddaw is covered in cloud but I was hopeful it would clear by the time I made it to the top.
Looking to misty Thirlmere from the climb and there is only my car glinting in the car park to the right.
The north western fells are pretty much snowless now.
Keswick and Derwent Water.
The view from further up the path as we headed into the cloud.
Skiddaw Lesser Man (and Casper) ahead.
Skiddaw Lesser Man summit.
A hat and glove stop was required at Skiddaw Little Man as it was a chilly wind and the clouds briefly parted to reveal a heavy cloak of cloud over the Helvellyn ridge.
Skiddaw ahead.
Carl Side and Ullock Pike - Dougal, you're going the wrong way!
Walking the cloud covered Skiddaw summit plateau and there is a another brief break for a quick view to the Back o' Skiddaw fells.
Bassenthwaite Lake below.
The summit of Skiddaw.
Dougal and Casper on the summit.
Looking back along the plateau from the trig column. This photo reminds me of an old one I have with Angus similarly sniffing around like Dougal...
Angus on Skiddaw, 2005.
Cloud capped Blencathra.
Lonscale Pike and Little Man.
Lonscale Fell revealed.
Lesser and Little from a frozen pool on the way to Jenkin Hill.
The Helvellyn ridge from Jenkin Hill.
Heading for Lonscale Fell - hurry up says Dougal!
All the Skiddaw's from Lonscale Fell.
...and the view from the cairn.
The boys have a look to Great Calva from Lonscale Pike.
Catbells and the rest beyond Derwent Water and Latrigg. The car park has filled up since I left!
Solitary post on the descent.
Crossing Whit Beck.