“This is it: the Mecca of all weary pilgrims in Lakeland; the place of many ceremonies and celebrations, of bonfires and birthday parties; the ultimate; the supreme; the one object above all others; the highest ground in England; the top of Scafell Pike”
A Wainwright
The Borrowdale Valley offers some of the most varied walking in the Lake District, from the high tops of Scafell Pike and Great Gable at the southern end of the valley though long ridges like High Spy to the beautiful lower rambling fells of Grange Fell.
Over this weekend we will cover two classic fell walks, both different but both very special.
On Saturday we will climb Scafell Pike from Seathwaite, a wonderful circular walk climbing the highest peak in England. Sundays walk climbs Great Gable, a favourite of many fellwalkers with some of the most spectacular views in the Lake District.
“Great Gable is a favourite of all fellwalkers, and a first favourite with many”
A Wainwright
Scafell Pike
By far our most popular route we will take in the highest peak in England along with some of the most spectacular scenery in the Lake District.
From Seathwaite we will climb above Taylorgill Force to Styhead Tarn and Styhead Pass where we will meet the beginning of the Corridor Route which we will follow to Lingmell Col, here we have the option to take in the additional summit of Lingmell, a great viewpoint over Great Gable and the Wasdale Valley.
From Lingmell Col we will climb the short path onto the summit of Scafell Pike.
The route then takes us north along the summit ridge, past Broad Crag and Ill Crag where again we have the option of taking in the summit of Great End, the fifth highest mountain in England.
We now descend over Esk Hause with views over The Langdale Pikes and Windermere before turning again to the north and descending alongside Grains Gill back to Seathwaite.
Great Gable
From Seathwaite we will climb alongside Taylorgill Force and follow the beck to Sty Head Tarn and the stretcher Box at Sty Head.
From here we will climb the path directly to the summit of Great Gable, with some of the most spectacular views of the Lake District, we will make a short detour to the Westmorland Cairn with the wonderful views over the Wasdale Valley and Wast Water.
From the summit of Great Gable we will continue over the lower summit of Green Gable before descending over Base Brown and alongside the waterfalls of Sour Milk Gill back to Seathwaite.
Where to meet: The Turning Circle, Seathwaite
Postcode: CA12 5XJ
Grid Reference: NY 235 121
Directions
From Keswick: Leave on the Borrowdale Road (from the mini roundabout near the co-op).
Follow this road for approx 8 miles, passing through Rosthwaite until just before reaching the village of Seatoller a narrow lane leads off to the left on the bend, signposted to Seathwaite, camp site and Sty Head. This road can be busy and has passing points (unmarked), blind bends and walkers in the road, also a few sheep for good measure, please drive carefully.
Follow this lane, parking as close to the end near the farm as possible, we will meet at the turning circle before the farm entrance gate.
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