Scafell Pike - The Final Peak

14th May 2011, A dull cloudy day.

Scafell Pike - 978 mtr (3209')

Start: Wasdale Head Car Park. OS map OL6, Grid ref: NY 187086 

Distance:  7 miles return walk.  

Time:  6.5 hrs including camera stops.

Up with the larks at 5am - had a picnic to pack for the final mountain in my Three Peaks challenge.  Doug had recruited two walking helpers in Gary and Justin, I think it was in case I had to be carried down the mountain, anyway, 7am arrived and we were on our way.

Doug had been happily telling me for weeks that this was the hardest peak yet and how I would struggle, I was determined to prove him wrong.  How hard could it be?  I'd already done Ben Nevis.  After a brief supplies stop in Ambleside we decided to follow the Satnav to Wasdale Head.

Hardknott Pass, scary paths, beautiful views.

You know you should have followed the map instead of the Satnav when you find yourself precariously perched on tiny lanes that are weaving their way merrily over the mountain on Hard Knotts Pass, instead of around the bottom.  There were several comments of 'I thought we were walking the mountain, not driving it!'  We did have to stop at one point to take some pictures though.  After an added hours travel we parked up in the Wasdale Head carpark along with fellow walkers.

DB auditioning for the next
series of The Great Outdoors.

Justin and his amazing rucksack

Now I had a better view of Scafell a few doubts started to creep in.  Not to worry though, we had our survival expert, Justin, on hand with his trusty rucksack; an Aladdins cave of tinfoil sheets, high energy bars, torches, whistles and shelter.  Surely we didn't need all that.

We started out about 10am and it wasn't long before Gary and me were stopping to take pictures of the valley below and Wast Water.  It was to be the first of many David Bailey moments.

Wast Water

That Kodak moment.

The next photo op., was a small waterfall that we decided would be good for an arty shot.  I waded in - waterproof boots don't you know - and snapped away.

Wet boots and Arty shots

After another climb we stopped for a quick snack and to make the most of the spectacular views.  The climb is worth it just for that.  I thought I could glimpse the top of the mountain but was soon brought down to earth when they told me it was just the cloud line.

Navigating the stream

Top banana.

Wast Water Views

Left or Right?

Onward and upward we went, past Hollow Stones, until we reached a fork in the path.  Left seemed to be for the average Joe, definitely me then, and right was for the more experienced walker as that one involved a scramble.  More photo's and then jackets and waterproofs were put on as the weather had started to take a turn for the worse.  Justin cheered me up though by pointing out what wonderful views I was missing through all the clouds.

After another hours walking we were on the last leg.  The rocks had become very slippery and it was easy to lose your footing so going was quite slow.  Especially for me!  When the final cairns came into view leading a path to the trig point, the hail stones were coming at us horizontally.  Not pleasant.

I was amazed to see so many walkers at the top along with several very wet, tired looking dogs.  I don't think Jasper would have made it, not without doggy walking boots anyway.  I would have ended up carrying him down in my rucksack I think.

Cheers M'dears!

A glass of champagne to toast our achievement and then a quick munch on our picnic.  Justin's rucksack came into it's own when he pulled out a camping stove and made us all lumpy hot chocolate.  Don't think hot chocolate ever tasted so good.  Gary had found himself a little nook to sit in and looked as though he was frozen through.

I'm not cold...no, really, I'm not...

Cooking up a storm.

Had a scary moment at the beginning of the descent when my hands were so cold they were painful and my knees were hurting.  Thought I might not make it down again.  I had visions of having to live on the mountain drinking lumpy hot chocolate and sleeping in Justin's shelter wrapped in tin foil.  But once everyone know I was worried they all took it in turns to walk with me and make sure I was OK.

I have to say, the weather really hadn't been kind to us; it rained most of the way down.  Sore feet, aching knees, wet through and oh, by the way, waterproof boots don't like being immersed in running water for longer than 10 minutes - soggy feet after crossing the stream for the second time!  I realise that Doug may have been right and that this was a proper mountain, but I've done it now and even with all the hard work it was a great experience and I couldn't have done it without the help of Justin, Gary and of course Doug.  Thanks guys.

Now, who's up for Helvellyn?