“In the mountains there are only two grades: You can either do it, or you can't”
Rusty Baille
Over 3 days of walking we will climb all four summits over 3,000ft in height, on day-one we will ascend Skiddaw by the wonderful Ullock Pike ridge.
Day two will take us up Helvellyn by the infamous Striding Edge ridge and on day 3 we will climb Scafell Pike and Scafell from Wasdale, the two highest summits in England.
A wonderful three days of walking over very varied routes with every changing scenery.
“This is it: the Mecca of all weary pilgrims in Lakeland”
A Wainwright
Skiddaw & Ullock Pike
By far the best route up Skiddaw. We climb from High Side onto Ullock Pike continuing over Long Side and Carl Side before climbing to the summit of Skiddaw.
Throughout the ascent we will have wonderful views over Bassenthwaite on a good day and as we reach Long Side the views over Borrowdale and Derwent Water will be revealed to the south.
We will descend the northern slopes over Bakestall to meet the track at Dash Falls, following the track back to Peter House Farm and crossing the fields back to High Side.
Helvellyn & Striding Edge
One of the most spectacular walking routes in the Lake District, although not the longest it does involve a little exposure along the Striding Edge ridge.
From Glenridding we will climb the good paths to Lanty's Tarn where we will follow the ridge onto Birkhouse Moor with wonderful views of the crags along Striding Edge and Helvellyn and down in the opposite direction over Ullswater to the Eden Valley.
The route now follows the ridge climbing onto Striding Edge where we will follow the sharp ridge until the final steep climb to the summit of Helvellyn.
From the summit we will descend over Swirral Edge to the summit of Catstycam where we will again have great views down to Ullswater and back across Red Tarn to Striding Edge.
A grassy descent from Catstycam will bring us down onto the main path to the old Greenside Mines and on to Glenridding.
Scafell & Scafell Pike
A wonderful route climbing the two highest mountains in England. The walk begins at the Wasdale Head Inn at the head of the valley, an area steeped in mountaineering history, the Fell & Rock Climbing Club was formed in the Inn and some of the earliest rock climbs were recorded on some of the huge crags surrounding the head of the valley.
From Wasdale Head we climb by either the Brown Tongue path or the shoulder of Lingmell to the summit of Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in England.
From Scafell Pike we descend to Mickledore and then a little way down the Eskdale side of the ridge to pick up the path climbing alongside the waterfalls (and sometimes through the waterfalls when it's been particularly wet!) to Fox's Tarn and then onto the summit of Scafell, the second highest mountain in England, the quieter of the two summits with wonderful views all around.
From Scafell we descend the old path over Green How down to Brackenclose and the Wasdale Valley.
Each participant will be required to bring suitable equipment for their chosen event, please see Kit List tab above.
Day 1:
Where to meet: High Side, Bassenthwaite
Postcode: CA12 4QG
Grid Reference: NY 236 310
Directions
From Keswick: High Side is located on the A591, the main road between Keswick and Bassenthwaite. Leave Keswick on the A591, signposted to Carlisle crossing the A66 at the roundabout, follow this road trough Dodd Wood and continue until the Ravenstonedale Hotel is passed on the right.
A short distance after the hotel a lane will lead of to the right, signposted to Orthwaite, follow this lane for approx. 400m until a lay by is seen on the right, we will meet here.
Day 2:
Where to meet: Outside Glenridding TIC
Postcode: CA11 0PA
Grid Reference: NY 386 169
Directions
From the South Lakes: From the A591 between Ambleside and Windermere turn onto the A592. Follow this road over the Kirkstone Pass descending to Brothers Water. Continue on this road to the village of Glenridding. A car park will be found to the left in the centre of the village, park here (pay and display) we will meet outside the Tourist Information Centre on the car park.
From the North Lakes: From the A66 between Keswick and Penrith turn off onto the A592, near the Rheged Centre, signposted to Ullswater, follow this road south along the shore of Ullswater to the village of Glenridding. A car park will be seen on the right (pay and display), just after the garage, we will meet outside the Tourist Information Centre in the car park.
Day 3:
Where to meet: Outside the Wasdale Head Inn
Postcode: CA20 1EX
Grid Reference: NY 186 087
Directions
Gosforth can easily be found on the A595 road south of Egremont (An easy drive south from Cockermouth and Workington). Follow the road through the village, turning left as the road forks on the High Street.
Follow this road taking the left hand fork (avoiding Nether Wasdale) and follow the road signs for Wasdale Head and Wastwater.
When a junction is reached near the lake (Wastwater) turn left and follow this lane past the end of the lake until after two sharp bends a car park is seen on the right of the road, a short distance away from the Wasdale Head Inn. Park here and we will meet outside the Wasdale Head Inn.
Each participant is expected to have suitable personal equipment for their activity this should include the following:
- Walking shoes / Boots
- Waterproof clothing (Jacket and trousers)
- Suitable clothing for walking (no jeans)
- Warm tops
- Packed lunch
- Spare clothing
- Water
- Hat
- Gloves
- Torch (preferably a headtorch)
- Spare batteries for the above
For winter walks (November to March) events please also bring the following:
- Spare Gloves
- Flask & Hot Drink
The Following equipment may also be useful if owned:
The following equipment will be provided by The Lake District Walker should winter conditions require:
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Lakeland 3000's 3 day challenge Review by Sarah
I did the Lakeland 3000's 3 day challenge. To be able to do the 3 highest peaks in 3 days was a great challenge which I thoroughly enjoyed and guides John and Ross were brilliant. The weather, the chosen routes and the company was perfect. Looking forward to doing more walks with The Lake District Walker. (Posted on 20/06/2016)
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The Lakeland 3000's Review by Clare Jones
The Lakeland 3000's 3 day challenge was amazing , exceeding my (already high !) expectations .
The routes up were really well chosen, great company , good weather and great guides (perfect combination of good sense of humour and laid back confidence and knowledge ) .
Thanks so much John and Ross , I felt really lucky and privileged
to be there and am looking forward to doing more . (Posted on 19/06/2016)
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