Scrambles and Wainwrights combined

Seathwaite Slabs

I’d arranged to meet Lindy near Penrith and then head off to Seathwaite.

It was gone 10 am by the time we got to the car park and it was filling up nicely – not surprising considering it was still half term and the weather was perfect (again).

Our plan was to scramble up Sourmilk Gill, Seathwaite Slabs, Gillercombe – North East Buttress, then carry on around the fells to return to the cars. I was hoping for a Wainwright or two and wasn’t disappointed.

The easy scramble of Sourmilk Gill was icy in parts but these can easily be avoided. It was perfect – the rock was dry, and there was ice lingering in the deeper shadowy recesses. We made good progress with Cloggy and Pippa showing us the way. Pippa hasn’t done much scrambling and she was often finding the separation from me too much to bear. This is not good when you next foot or handhold was taken by a collie looking at you in the face.

Lindy keeping in the sun and avoiding the ice



Lindy topping out of Sourmilk Gill

Popping out at the top, Seathwaite Slabs on the right give a nice scramble away from the stream and these can be made as easy or as hard as you liked. Both Cloggy and Pippa made light work of them running up and down to see us.

Cloggy checking progress

Gillercombe was the next stop and was looking good in the sunshine. The route up the North East buttress was in full sun for most of the way up before levelling out and becoming less craggy to the summit of Grey Knotts. Homemade flapjack was consumed before we reached the summit and I trust that is was tasty enough for you Lindy?

Gillercombe/Raven Crag

Nearly there

A lovely section of path leads to Brandreth and down to Gillercombe Head, but the views around to Pillar, Haystacks, High Crag, High Stile, Fleetwith Pike and Dale Head were stunning.

Pillar from Grey Knotts

Haystacks, High Crag and High Stile Grey Knotts

We skirted around Green Gable to cut the corner off and headed for Base Brown. A good stop for a few posing pictures and to take in the remaining views before we pressed on to the summit.



Getting ready for a pose with Base Brown beyond

There is a scramble up from Seathwaite to Base Brown, but were not too sure of a descent down it (that is if we could find it). We followed the walkers path down and ended up at the car feeling good about the day, both dogs loved it and were showing their appreciation all the way around.



A quick rest stop to admire Gillercombe before heading down

Heading for home

A drink and toasted sandwich in the Little Chef near Rheged finished off another excellent day in the Lakes.

Next weekend……(more of the same?)