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UWR 16 & 17: Seathwaite Fell & Great End via the edge of Custs Gully |
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Written by John Paterson
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Saturday, 10 May 2008 |
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Ann, Roger, Jo and myself did a walk from Seathwaite which contained not one but two Unfrequented Wainwright Routes and we enjoyed it immensely in mostly hot and humid conditions. First, we climbed directly up to the summit of Seathwaite Fell from the Stockley Bridge to Sty Head path. This is described by Wainwright but the lack of a proper path indicates that it is rarely done. It is a routine steepish ascent on grass but has good views and gives access to a rather enjoyable walk from Seathwaite Fell summit to the foot of Great End via the shore of Sprinkling Tarn. Next we climbed up to the top of the "Band" then to the edge of Branch Gully and Cust's Gully. This is an interesting test of route finding at first to locate a way up to the top of the "Band" from Sprinkling Tarn, followed by a steepish but easy ascent on broken rock to the edge of the gullies. Thereafter a boulder slope requires care but soon leads to the summit plateau of Great End. This is an excellent route with great views into Cust's Gully and deserves to be on every walker's "to do" list. Afterwards we descended to Esk Hause and then climbed Allen Crags before making a direct descent South West to Ruddy Gill and Grains Gill which lead back to Stockly Bridge and Seathwaite. All in all a fine expedition! The full album is available on Webshots at http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/563378772aAhVXd |
| FORNSIDE CHRONICLES |
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I first walked the Whiteside to Hopegill Head ridge 40 years ago and hoped that I would get to do it in winter conditions one day. I never imagined that it would be as late as April 8th when I finally completed a winter traverse. |
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Today I had lunch with Alan Hinkes on Helvellyn! Well, to be more accurate, I was having lunch at the summit shelter when Alan popped up with a party of climbers. Read on....... |
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The Lost Sheep
"I love the Lake District. Went for first time 20 months ago. OFC website is the best thing I've found, along with all the members' sites. My kids at school log on every morning as well." Sue Sullivan
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