Today I head to the Lakes with Stef and Tuss as companions for Sophie and I. We had planned to park at the car park north of Latrigg, however we found a spot opposite the Underscar Hotel which would mean avoiding an uphill trek as the last bit of our walk. Having completed that trek first, we head up the Skiddaw path. The morning weather is glorious if on the chilly side, with views of the snow on the top of the hills.
The first peak, Lonscale Fell, requires a slight detour from the straight line path planned due to the snow masking any path. The more sensible route being to circle round following the contour lines.
From Lonscale Fell we get a wonderful view of the ridge heading to Blencathra (Walk 1) and the plateau of Mungrisdale Common (Walk 41) walked earlier this year. However this walk heads in the opposite direction to Skiddaw Little Man, from which there are great views out to Derwent Water as well as the Common.
From Skiddaw Little Man we stride out into a bitter icy wind for Skiddaw, an extra peak on this walk as it’s already been climbed as part of the Lakes 3000 (Walk 10) and will be one of the few done twice in the course of completing all the Wainrights. The photo of the trig point does not tell the whole story. Prior to this Sophie, showed her ‘nesh’ side by cowering behind the pillar to get out of the wind.
The snow we had seen so far did not reveal it’s true self until we ventured on towards Carl Side. Sophie looking down as we tried to find the easiest route through the snow field.
Eventually after a few forays we found a path a few others had made so we are able to pick our way down in the steps they had made. Not walking to Stef’s liking but she gamely made it down as I managed the 2 dogs. On reaching the top of Carl Side we stop for lunch and Stef proudly tries to point out to Tuss and Sophie the line of the descent through the snow, however Stef’s lunch seems to attract more admiration.
The descent from Carl Side runs along the ridge to Ullock Pike, via Long Side. Its a little icy in places but the views back to Skiddaw are worth turning around for.
As well as those ahead of us down on to Bassenthwaite Lake, where we watch a flotilla of ducks glide into a sheltered spot.
Once on Ullock Pike we continue along the ridge, before dropping down into the valley and turning back on our selves to walk back to the car via Dodd Wood. There is logging activity in the woods so we are diverted away from the original route, but it makes little difference to distance, however due to the late hour we do not ascend Dodd but leave for another day.
