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.

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.

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.

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.

Not the greatest of photos, but this was the top of Deep Gill - snow and sheet ice on an incredibly steep climb.