There has been a brief interlude with fell walking due to holidays and the like plus of course the weather has been so warm lately with the prolonged heatwave, I was mindful of the extreme temperatures when taking Finlay out onto the fells. Today looked like it might be our kind of ‘back to it’ walk – not too taxing with the temperature dropping slightly plus we were up early to make the most of the early cool temperature. It was a lovely walk, really enjoyable and fantastic to be out. Finlay is maturing really well now, he is great off the lead and he knows sheep are to be ignored. Hopefully we will recommence our Wainwright journey forthwith.
Early morning light on Wasdale. What a place of beauty on a morning such as this – very peaceful and calming.Looking across to Middle Fell, the target of today’s walk. There are already camper vans dotted around and I know this place is going to get very busy over the next few weeks. A sign of the times and the areas popularity is the Park & Ride scheme in place to try and stop people driving up the valley and the double yellow lines painted the full length of the valley. It’s a shame but there is no accounting for some people; personally I think I will stay away from Wasdale until September, mores the pity.Buckbarrow catching the early morning sunlight.The path from Greendale is straight ahead through the rapidly growing bracken. It always makes me think of Joss Naylor when I am here, I bumped into him a few times as he lived just up the road.Climbing higher and looking across to the screes, the car parking places are adjacent to the houses to the right.Seatallan comes into view on the climb.Looking across to the Cumbrian coast across Buckbarrow. Finlay found out that some pools are deeper than others as we climbed this section as he ran and jumped into one and disappeared – it was a little deeper than expected!Made it! The summit of Middle Fell with the familiar notch of Mickledore between Scafell Pike and Scafell. There was a lot of high, wispy cloud around and it was certainly cooler than It has been of late – perfect!The view to Haycock, left, and Great Gable on the right.Not a new Wainwright for you Finlay, we have been here before!A fabulous silhouette from Middle Fell – all the big guns are there – Yewbarrow, Kirk Fell, Great Gable, Lingmell and the Scafells plus, of course, Wast Water below.
Close up of the high and mighty!
Looking south east to the Cumbrian coast from the summit, a thick band of cloud coming in now.On the descent of Middle Fell heading for the col between it and Seatallan. Finlay is conducting a sheep survey.Greendale Tarn is mirror finished today and it was oh so peaceful here.A panoramic of Greendale Tarn.We descended the path alongside Greendale Gill which was just perfect for Finlay as he could have as many paddles/drinks/wallows as he liked! It was perfect walking conditions now, pleasantly warm but with a cloud covering now. As we descended, it was great to see that everything had burst into life at midsummer – there were plenty of Harebells in full flower, we were buzzed by Meadow Pipits and one in particular seemed to be following us plus every footstep disturbed clouds of moths (Satin Grass Veneer moths when I looked them up!). Fabulous! As I left the valley I was driving against the tide of people coming in, so I was glad I was up and out early…and it was also perfect timing to get to The Sawmill Cafe (well recommended) for a full English for me and a swim in the River Irt for Finlay. All in all, a perfect morning!
