What a fabulous week of weather it has been, almost every day sunny and bright. I was up nice and early to get out for a round of the Langdale Pikes, a firm favourite round of nine and for many others I suspect. It was a glorious day and a great way out of winter into full blown spring weather. Just beautiful!
What a fabulous spring morning and not a soul around even at this low level, here looking up Stickle Ghyll and the way ahead.Ate the top of the first steep section looking back down Stickle Ghyll to Lingmoor Fell. I crossed the Ghyll here rather than further up at the more usual place, I think it is a better path on the other side.At that more usual crossing point further up was this sign – a pointless one in my view, what do you think? What about the other 999,999 paths that have loose stones?Wow, it was beautiful indeed as Stickle Tarn came into view. It was flat calm and not a breath of wind. This is Pavey Ark reflected.A clear view of Jack’s Rake running diagonally bottom right to top left on the rocky face of Pavey Ark.Harrison Stickle reflected, we will visit the summit later on. You can just see the ripples on Stickle tarn, of course that is Finlay having a dip – I couldn’t keep him out today! There were a couple of swimmers at the opposite end beneath Harrison Stickle, I’m not sure I would fancy that as it was still pretty cool as the sun climbed higher. As I skirted the eastern side of the tarn there was a solitary wild camper but still it was very quiet. We climbed the North Rake to Pavey Ark which was a great scrambling experience for young Finlay.Looking towards the Coniston fells from the steep North Rake, climbing above Stickle Tarn now.The final steep part of the North Rake.Finlay off piste, no doubt sheep spotting or checking out the fine view towards Windermere.On Pavey Ark summit and it is clear as a bell looking at the Coniston fells and Harrison Stickle.Sergeant Man and Helvellyn from Pavey Ark.Finlay on Pavey Ark, Wainwright #32. He is such a poser now – as soon as the camera comes out he sits to attention, ready for a well deserved treat.I made a boggy and pathless traverse below Thunacar Knott to head for Sergeant Man. The way arcs around to the left and then back up to the summit.The view from Sergeant Man, Pavey Ark (where we have just been) is in the foreground.Time for a sit down, a coffee and a sandwich/bonio after the main part of the climbing was done. What a fine view over to Great Gable from here.Close up on Pavey Ark and the North Rake path can be seen quite clearly.The skylarks were in full song as we climbed from Sergeant Man and it was just a lovely morning too be out and about. Finlay was soon in this boggy tarn to cool off – there is such a fine view all round from here.The next stop was High Raise, always a favourite of mine. The views from this central fell are far reaching in all directions, Skiddaw and Bassenthwaite are seemingly within touching distance!England’s finest – Bowfell and the Scafell Pikes with Langstrath below.Skiddaw, Blencathra and Finlay.The stony summit of High Raise.Close up on Bowfell.I have walked this way quite a few times but when I got to the top of Thunacar Knott I couldn’t quite remember which was the Wainwright summit as it doesn’t appear to be the highest cairn of the two. Anyway I walked right past it to the tarn taking this fine view of the western fells.Harrison Stickle from “point 2372′”. This was when I realised my error in Finlay’s Wainwright bagging quest so I retraced my steps back to the recognised Wainwright summit cairn.…and here we are 3 minutes later, at least it was not too far to go back with High Raise beyond. Thunacar Knott Wainwright summit (!)Pike o’ Stickle from the path heading south to Harrison Stickle.Harrison Stickle summit and there is still barely a cloud in the sky nor any people – it was 11:10 when I took this shot.We did hang around for a little while, I would think it is a rare day indeed when this summit is devoid of people. Finlay seemed to enjoy the view along Great Langdale.Looking in the opposite direction with our next two objectives visible in the centre ground, Loft Crag on the left and the distinct rounded lump of Pike o’ Stickle to the right.It’s a shame you have to descend to ascend!Pike o’ Stickle, Bowfell beyond.Loft Crag.The climb to Pike o’ Stickle is a bit of a scramble in places although the ‘paths’ seem more distinct these days than I recall. We met a couple descending as we climbed but once again the summit was all ours today. That got me thinking – could it be a full house of summits to ourselves today? We had 6 out of 7 so far completely clear – most unusual, especially in this popular area.A little bit of cloud coming over now for Wainwright #37 for Finlay.Loft Crag, Windermere beyond.Blea Tarn.There is a great view of Mickleden and Rossett Gill/Rossett Pike from this lofty perch as well as the giants beyond, from Bowfell to Great Gable.Pike o’ Stickle from the top of the scree run that houses the ‘Langdale Axe Factory’. A lady we passed here said that we cut a pair of striking figures from below when we were stood at the top. Thank you!On Loft Crag and it was indeed 7/7 summits to ourselves! I think that is the lady we passed at the top of Pike o’ Stickle now, also cutting a striking figure.Good effort Finlay, another 7 Wainwright’s today – 38 in total so far.One little added extra was the Birkett summit of Thorn Crag which is a continuation to the eastern edge of the ridge, here looking back to Loft Crag and Pike o’ Stickle. It was such lovely day it would be a shame to miss this one out. Prior to this, at the foot of Loft Crag I passed the time of day with a guy climbing in the opposite direction. It wasn’t until he continued that I realised he had a prosthetic leg – what a great effort climbing up that steep way.Descending towards Dungeon Ghyll and looking back up to Thorn Crag and Harrison Stickle.Dungeon Ghyll. There was a welcoming, cooling dip for Finlay when we finally reached the Ghyll at the bottom marking the end of a fabulous walk.I couldn’t resist a classic shot of The Langdale Pikes from the road on the way out of the valley.
