Start Point: Kirkstone Pass (NY 401 080)
Red Screes via Kilnshaw Chimney from Kirkstone Pass
Distance: 1.3 miles Total Ascent: 342 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 15 minutes Start Time: 16:40
Weather: Sunny, 6°C
You have to seize the opportunity when you can…so I did. A bit of a lung buster, but could I make it to the top of Red Screes before sunset? Well, I gave it a go climbing via Kilnshaw Chimney which is just about the most direct route you can get to any summit. This will be a Trail route in the June edition of the magazine.
Note: Kilnshaw Chimney requires a couple of climbs so be aware plus it is usually running with water so expect to get wet and of course it is slippery. Don’t bother in winter unless you have all the necessary gear.
The eastern face of Red Screes is into the shadows already
Kirkstone Pass from the scree
A steep climb
Red Scree
Looking from the base of Kilnshaw Chimney
Onwards and upwards
Windermere from the chimney exit - the actual climb of the chimney took 15 minutes
Just made it - Red Screes summit
Wow, it was just gorgeous and well worth the effort to see the dying embers of the day, alone on Red Screes
Long shadows across Middle Dodd and Patterdale
The north-west face of Red Screes doesn't get much sun in winter
Setting sun - the cloud capped fell is Coniston Old Man, the central pyramid is Harter Fell
Mono Ill Bell and the end of the day