A massive day in the Scafell massif!
A super duper day with returning client Mark up in the Scafells. Over the last 3 years or so Mark has been getting us to guide him on various scrambles in the Lake District & N.Wales, and most recently he asked if we could guide him on a specific route through the Scafells which probably ranks up there as one of my fave days working on the hill.
Fortunately it was another bright and warm day as I met Mark at The Wasdale Head Inn. Our route started into upper Wasdale and we made way for the Piers Gill path - a secluded and extremely pretty way up towards Scafell Pike. As the Piers Gill path hit the Corridor Route we ventured across to enjoy a grade 1 scramble up the edge of Broad Crag to it's summit. This hidden little gem is well worth a visit. We descended to Broad Crag col and then descended Little Narrowcove towards Eskdale, but before long we broke off to the summit of Pen, a small summit on the Eskdale side of Scafell Pike. This made an excellent lunch spot and we spent most of the time staring down into Eskdale. We enjoyed short scramble onto the back end of Scafell Pike and we then traversed around towards Mickledore (the col between the Scafells). At Mickledore we watched the multiple climbers enjoying the steep crags and I showed Mark the infamous Broad Stand and he even ventured through 'Fat Mans Agony', the rocky squeeze that starts this tricky scramble. From here we descended 'Rakes Progress' and ventured up the first section of Lords Rake (a stone shoot on the side of Scafell). As we reached the first col we then split off this and completed the 'West Wall Traverse' which is a rocky trod that heads into the heart of Scafell. This was super atmospheric and a fab final ascent for the day. From near the top of Scafell we walked down grassy slopes until we reached the scree slope at Rakehead Crag. This is usually used as a runners descent as part of the Bob Graham Round but we fancied a go - and it was the best thing we did - soooo much fun! A short walk back from Lingmell beck and we were back at the start wearing big smiles! Cheers, Mark! #LivefortheNow
