Start point: Greendale (NY 144 056)
Greendale – Middle Fell – Seatallan – Greendale Tarn – Greendale Gill – Greendale
Distance: 8 km Total Ascent: 726 metres Time Taken: 2 hours 30 minutes Start Time: 10:25
Well, 2 walks in 2 years – not bad eh! What fantastic weather this morning as well, much better than I was expecting. When I got to Wasdale the skies were clear and sunny but the cloud was building up over the high fells for the duration of the walk and it eventually caught us up on Seatallan. I can’t grumble at all with that though as it was really quite warm in the glorious sunshine. As ever, the Western side of the Lake District was very quiet and there was hardly a soul around.
Unbelievably, the last time I walked Middle Fell was 2015 and Seatallan 2014!
Wow, what a surprise in Wasdale this morning! I thought conditions would be okay but always a treat top see it this clear.
Just follow the path from Greendale.
A light dusting of snow on Scafell.
It was really quite warm in the sun as indicated by Fletcher's tongue.
The cloud was starting to build throughout the walk, at least it was clear when I made it to the top of Middle Fell, here looking across Wast Water to the Scafells from the summit cairn.
Yewbarrow and Great Gable are still clear but look at the cloud building to the right of this photo.
Kirk Fell and Great Gable beyond Yewbarrow.
It was gorgeous up here today and no-one about.
Strike a pose Fletcher.
You can never tire of this view....
...fabulous.
Looking towards the West Cumbrian coast.
Heading along the Middle Fell summit plateau.
Haycock.
Fletcher is trying to find the best route down and then which way to climb Seatallan.
The Scafells - gone!
This is a steep climb to Seatallan, Fletcher my lad.
Looking down on Middle Fell and Greendale Tarn.
Seatallan summit - we are being enveloped in cloud now.
The head of Blengdale.
We made a direct descent today rather than following the (probably) more usual route to Glade How and Buckbarrow. When I looked at the map I was close to a named, marked stone on the map (Carling Stone). I never noticed anything and have not noticed it before - I wish I had looked at the map and seen it but will make a note for next time.
Perhaps Fletcher knows which one the Carling Stone is!
Greendale Gill.
A gathering.
John Atherton (and the bunny) says
It’s been a long time since the the last set of photos like these, you certainly haven’t lost your eye for a good photo and Fletcher knows how to pose! I haven’t trawled the archives for a long time but I’m sure there will be similar photos with an earlier model!
Sean McMahon says
Thanks John, you could be right!
Karl Holden says
Two walks in two weeks!
Thought I’d fell asleep and woke up in 2010 😉
Really great to see you ( and Fletcher ) out and about
Sean McMahon says
Thanks Karl, it’s almost like the good old days!
Neil Dyson says
Looks fantastic, will you be posting the maps?
Sean McMahon says
Thanks Neil…yes probably although I don’t think many would want to follow the direct route up and down that I took!
Lesley Ritchie says
Superb photos as ever Sean. Gorgeous weather & colours too.
Made me think of our fab group walkies up there back in the day. Meeting Joss Naylor being the highlight for sure hey!! We had different weather didn’t we? Remember there being lightning strikes elsewhere that day too!
We went up that very steep ascent to seatallan too…”ouch my knees lol”
Look forward to more walks from you & the laddo xxx
Sean McMahon says
Thanks Lesley, yes that was a while ago! StridingEdge is 20 years old in January!
Beverley says
That was the days of 6 photos on card, but still good and valuable information to help others. Glad to see you out, my days are sadly over but can still look and reminisce.
Sean McMahon says
Good to hear from you Beverley, one of the old stalwarts 🙂
Martin Block says
HI Sean, so lovely to see you back out and about. Your photos of Middle Fell stir some fantastic memories in me and are hugely appreciated. Thank you!
Mike Ventress says
Great photos Sean. I was on the SE walk with you too on these fells. Where do the years go. Hope you are all well
Sean McMahon says
All good here, nice to hear from you Mike.