Start point: Whicham Church (SD 135 827)
Whicham Church – Black Combe (OF) – South Top of Black Combe – Seaness – Whicham
Distance: 4.7 miles Total Ascent: 574 metres Time Taken: 1 hours 45 minutes
Weather: Hazy with the odd sunny spell. 14C.
It feels like ages since I have been to Black Combe and even longer since I ascended from Whicham Church, the quickest and easiest way to get to the top. The weather wasn’t good for distant views as it was very hazy and the predicted rain came as I set off home in the car.
Black Combe route map.
Looking across to Kirksanton and Silecroft Wind Farm. Some people complain about windmills spoiling the view but at Kirksanton there is an application to build a new nuclear power station right by that wind farm. I know which I would prefer.
Foxgloves at the foot of Black Combe.
'Which other fell can be ascended in carpet slippers?' said Wainwright about the climb to Black Combe along this path from Whicham.
Looking back from further up the path. There are virtually no distant views today as it is so hazy but the Furness Peninsular can be made out on the horizon.
Black Combe summit ahead. What's Casper up to?
Having a roll in the grass of course!
The summit of Black Combe.
Casper in the shelter.
My, what a long tongue you have little Beardie boy.
Black Combe summit tarn.
The South Top of Black Combe.
Looking back over the tarn to the summit from the South Top of Black Combe.
The large cairn on the South Top with the Duddon Estuary beyond.
Descending to the Whicham Valley. The main path drops down in the middle of these two rises but I detoured off to the right which is Seaness. Is that Sea as in the water beyond the coast or does it have the same name as me?!
The Cumbrian coast from Seaness, Walney Island beyond.
Black Combe from Seaness.
Whicham Church.