Meet Time: 09:30
Start Time: 09:45
Finish Time: 16:00-16:30 approx
Start Location: National Trust Car Park, Great Langdale – next to the Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel LA22 9JY
Car Parking: National Trust Car Park, Great Langdale.
Miles: 9.5
Ascent: 3,400 ft / 1035 metres
Grading: Strenuous – Hard on account of amount of continuous steep climb combined with length of walk. The walk is not technical, though there is much steep rocky ground requiring careful footing.
Terrain: Predominantly rocky surfaced paths, bouldery on the top of Bowfell.
Route Description:
A mountainous outing taking in the excellent Esk Pike and mighty Bowfell. Leaving Old Dungeon Ghyll we head mostly on the level through the upper reaches of the Great Langdale Valley known as Mickleden. On reaching the sheepfold marking a junction to Stake Pass, we take the path rising to our left overlooking Rosset Ghyll. The route zig zags it’s way quite steeply until we come level with the top of the Ghyll. From here it’s a short rise to the top of Rossett Pike, our first ‘Wainwright’ of the day. Hopefully we will have good views looking back down over Mickleden. From the summit we head north to Esk Hause, bypassing the dark waters of Angle Tarn. At the Hause it’s a fairly short climb to the top of Esk Pike. This is excellent fell often overlooked by it’s neighbours, it stands at the head of the Esk Valley and on a clear day has great views all round. Leaving the summit we head south down to Ore Gap and then it’s a steep increasingly bouldery climb to the superb Bowfell. A careful descent off the top takes us to The Three Tarns. Ahead is the path to Crinkle Crags, we instead make an exit down the path known locally as ‘The Band’, reaching Stool Farm at it’s foot. From the farm it’s a short level walk back to the Car Park.
Hazards: As noted, the route covers much rough steep ground. Walkers need to be particularly careful in this respect, good footing required at all times, especially on descent. There is a farm that needs to be crossed through, walkers with dogs must keep them on the lead in the vicinity of the farm. The walk includes gates only at the start and end of the walk, there are no stiles.
Weather / Clothing: As always please dress appropriately with regard to the expected weather conditions. Suncream and hat strongly advised if forecast is a bright/sunny day, early September sun still has some oomph in it. Equally waterproofs required if forecast is for showers or rain. Walking boots are essential, and warm clothing/change of clothes advised if forecast is windy or wet, the tops of the fells can get particularly chilly under strong winds and rain. Please bring plenty of water and food.
Contact: If you would like to join this walk, you must contact Damian on number removed by no later than Friday 4 September 10pm. The walk leader has the right to cancel/postpone or vary the walk should circumstances dictate.
We strongly advise walkers to carry hand sanitiser and to touch as little as possible during the walk. We will walk 2m apart as much as possible. We will not be able to share any equipment, drinks or food. Please carry a mask in your bag in case it is needed. If we need to go through a gate, the walk leader will take responsibility for opening and closing the gate to save multiple people touching it.