Lake District
EPIC MOUNTAIN EXCURSION
1 NY235121 A bridleway starts from Seathwaite Farm, heading south-west through yards to cross a river. Continue for 500m and a path junction is reached. It’s not an obvious junction, initially through a gate and fields.
2 NY235116 This is a significant ascent, taking well over an hour – at first through rising sheep fields, on an intermittent track, heading for the impressive Hind Gill. After rain, the beck tumbling down through the narrow gill is dramatic. But you’ll be forgiven for noticing the steep start instead! After Hind Gill, the angle eases as Glaramara’s more grassy flanks are gained. Generally heading south-east, at 700m, reach Combe Head – a very pleasant place to rest awhile.
3 NY247108 Now heading south, the jumbled outcrops of Glaramara’s summit become apparent, always keeping interest along this classic Lakeland top. A rocky scramble leads to a summit cairn and the following journey is possibly one of the best in the area – rising and falling over rocky outcrops and grass – all the time towards the highest of the Central Fells, like a magnet. There are numerous small tarns and outcrops to nestle within, depending on the wind direction and rest breaks needed. The key summit of Allen Crags is reached at 785m, with a dramatic view of the bulk of Great End to west. Descend on a good path, south-west to Esk Hause.
4 NY232081 Esk Hause – a gateway to many mountains! Check the time of day here, for this is an exit point, back to Seathwaite, via Sprinkling Tarn and Styhead Tarn, if you need it. Your route continues to ascend west, on a rocky path through Calf Cove to a grassy flattening between Great End and Ill Crag. Make the most of this, before emerging on to a boulder-strewn plateau. Traversing between Ill Crag and Broad Crag (the summits of which are obtainable if you’re Wainwright bagging – and you have the extra time), care needs to be taken in the wet and mist to keep on a good bearing and remain upright, following intermittent cairns and worn rock. Descend south-west through rocks and a steep path to a col at the top of Little Narrowcove.
5 NY217074 A final ascent to Scafell Pike, initially taking the ridge path direct, before this breaks out on to Scafell Pike’s characteristic boulder field. Suddenly the large summit cairn appears – and probably more people. Once you’ve soaked in the vista of sea and mountains from England’s highest peak, descend west-northwest on a well cairned path, but taking care in mist to keep on this bearing.
Drop down to slabs of rock, where the rocky path veers right and then left, before flattening at a junction, with the flanks of Lingmell ahead. Here you can descend to Wasdale or Seathwaite. Choose wisely!
6 NY210076 Turning east-north-east, turn your back on Wasdale and head for the top of Piers Gill to pick up the Corridor Route in descent. This mountain path weaves in and out of gills and descends gradually to Styhead Tarn, giving an impressive journey among high summits. Take care on eroded ground at the head of Piers Gill, and note the scramble upwards to continue the path at NY219084. After the final gully of Skew Gill, head north to meet a wider track above Styhead Tarn.
7 NY221094 Turn left to reach a clear path
junction and Mountain Rescue stretcher box. It’s a more steady descent on a wider track, keeping Styhead Tarn on your right. Cross a wooden bridge at NY223102 (although the mapped bridleway crosses below this, use the bridge). This is pleasant walking at a gentle descent angle, until the final descent to Stockley Bridge, around Greenhow Knott, above the hidden Taylorgill Force waterfall. The valley bottom is beckoning now!
8 NY234109 Stockley Bridge is a classic, ancient packhorse bridge dating from the 1700s. It is a fitting place to pause and drink in the sound of the rushing beck from Grains Gill beneath your feet. Keep this river to your left as you complete your journey north back to Seathwaite Farm.