Wasdale Head in the sunshine

The forecast was good, and I’d managed to wangle a day off in lieu. It was a great decision. After a 2 hour drive to Wasdale Head, I kitted up quickly knowing that I had a good walk ahead of me.

Taking the path to Black Sail Pass, I passed a few folk. It was warm and felt overdressed in my long trousers and long sleeved top. Shorts and T shirt would have been fine had the walk remained in the sun and out of the wind all day. As it was, I had made my choice and had to stick with my attire.

Pillar summit

Black Sail path was reached within the hour before heading off towards Pillar. I’d climbed on Pillar Rock before but never got to see the top of the fell. The weather was perfect.

Steeple from Scoat Fell

A quick drink stop and then it was on beyond Wind Gap to head up Scoat Fell, then popped to visit Steeple. Again a drink stop and time to admire the view.

Haycock from Scoat Fell

Next stop was Haycock and on to Caw Fell. I was running low on fluids and regretted not taking more.

Caw Fell

Returning along the same path over Haycock before traversing Scoat Fell to reach Red Pike.

Red Pike from Scoat Fell

Red Pike is an amazing ridge with long drops down to one side. This is followed down to the col at Dore Head. By this time I had run out of water and decided not to try Yewbarrow. It was a shame as I’ll have to come back specially for this.

A rapid descent down Dorehead Screes was hard on the knees.

Yewbarrow on the left with Dorehead Screes

Foolishly I had no money with me otherwise the Wasdale Head Inn would have had a pint less beer in their barrels. But I’d managed to tire Pippa out!

I’d walked for 5½ hours and covered quite a lot of ground (18.5 km) and climbed a lot of slopes (1350 m). With 6 Wainwrights on board, I felt I’d made the most of the day. I headed back home feeling weary and was amazed at the reflections in Wastwater.