It's hard to imagine a better day to climb to the summit of Scafell Pike, England's highest mountain, with a bright and frosty start and visibility to the horizon. Few could have found reason to complain as we headed off from Seathwaite farm, with snow capped mountains, bathed in the morning sun in every direction.
As we made our way steadily up towards Stockley bridge, numb fingers and toes began to thaw and before long we were stopping to remove a few layers before the ascent up past Taylorgill Force towards Styhead Tarn.
Around half way up towards the waterfall, the sun popped its head above Glaramara and with this, yet another pause to readjust clothing was needed as by now the temperature had really got up, with many of the group continuing on in attire more fitting for a summer ascent.
As is always the case in the Lakes, the weather can take a drastic turn and no sooner had we reached Styhead Tarn, some 25 minutes after our last stop, a small flurry of snow had the group quickly donning waterproofs before heading on, up the corridor route.
before long however the sun was back out and with the cloud all but gone we were treated to impressive views out towards Great Gable, Wasdale and beyond as we made good time along to corridor route up towards Lingmell Col.
With our arrival at the col, we started to negotiate the first few patches of snow left over from the winter and by kicking a few steps in some of the unavoidable sections, we made short work of this section of wintery walking before arriving at the summit just after 1pm.
The views from the top were some of the best I've seen from this mountain, with clear skies, bright sunshine and just enough cloud to serve as an impressive backdrop to all of the Lake District's major summits. We could see at least 15 miles in all directions with the wind farms off of the west coast being clearly visible.
From here, 9 very happy walkers descended via Broad Crag and Esk Hause, with cameras bursting with photographs, before arriving back at base in Seathwaite farm at around 5pm.
A great day was had by all and with such spectacular views and great weather throughout, this is surely a day that will be remembered for many years to come.
