Start point: Wasdale Head (NY 186 084)
Wasdale Head – Moses Trod – Gavel Neese – Beck Head – Great Gable – Westmorland Cairn – Sty Head – Wasdale Head
Distance: 10km Total Ascent: 850 metres Time Taken: 3 hours 40 minutes Start Time: 09:50
Weather: Wild and windy. 2°C
The summit of Great Gable was cloud covered when I arrived at Wasdale Head but I was hopeful that it would clear out a little – certainly towards the coast there was sunshine and blue skies. That never quite materialised but it was still a great walk. Originally I planned to visit Napes Needle but the weather conditions at the top made me change my mind about that one; it was simply too windy to attempt the south traverse. Instead I dropped down to Sty Head on the main path as it was the safer and more straightforward option.
![694A2776 694A2776](https://www.stridingedge.net/wp-content/gallery/2024-01-26-great-gable/694A2776.jpg)
Looking back down to Wasdale from the Gavel Neese climb - I was ever hopeful that the blue sky and sunshine would come through the clouds.
![694A2792 694A2792](https://www.stridingedge.net/wp-content/gallery/2024-01-26-great-gable/694A2792.jpg)
Kirk Fell from Beck Head and time to layer up as the weather conditions changed from pleasant to less than pleasant as soon as I reached the col.
![694A2802 694A2802](https://www.stridingedge.net/wp-content/gallery/2024-01-26-great-gable/694A2802.jpg)
Fletcher at the snow line - he always manages not to look impressed. From here the summit of Great Gable was mainly in the cloud and the wind was icy and fierce!
![694A2813 694A2813](https://www.stridingedge.net/wp-content/gallery/2024-01-26-great-gable/694A2813.jpg)
Heading for the Westmorland Cairn there were fleeting glimpses of Wasdale through the rapidly parting clouds.