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.
Great Gable from the track to Burnthwaite Farm.
The long and winding road.
Looking to Sty Head across Lingmell Beck from Moses Trod.
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.
Climbing higher - phew this is steep!
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.
Climbing a little higher, there is a view of the tarns and a better view of Kirk Fell.
A peep into Ennerdale and a view of High Stile.
A better view of the Ennerdale Valley as we climb and now we can see over into Buttermere.
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!
Great Gable summit plaque looks like it has been cleaned up.
Heading for the Westmorland Cairn there were fleeting glimpses of Wasdale through the rapidly parting clouds.
Made it and even just standing up here was quite tricky in the wind, so there was no time for hanging around.
Torchlight.
Fletcher checks out Styhead Tarn and Sprinkling Tarn.
I am only interested in biscuits.
Styhead Tarn and Seathwaite Fell.
A new Stretcher Box at Sty Head, Great End beyond.
Skew Gill.
Piers Gill and Lingmell.
The way back to Wasdale.
The Great Napes.Napes Needle (originally today's plan) is visible bottom left of the Napes.
Cat Rock silhouette.
Gable Beck from the bridge.
The Wasdale Head Inn.