Meet time: 9.15am
Start time: 9.30am
Estimated finish time: 2pm – 2.30pm
Distance: 6.5 to 6.6 miles (10.46 – 10.62 kilometres)
Ascent: About feet 2710 (826 meters)
Ramblers walk grading: A (Strenuous)
Start point: Seathwaite Farm
Postcode: CA12 5XJ
Car parking: There is a car parking spaces all along the country road within the Seathwaite valley- best to get there before 9am though as those spaces can fill up fast!
It is the responsibility of each walker to make sure they understand where to park. If you are not sure where the car parking/meeting point is, you must contact the walk leader at the latest the day before the walk. You should not rely on mobile phones or postcodes. There is often no mobile reception near walk meeting points and postcodes are for the nearest place nearby but should only serve as a guideline. Please allow plenty of time to find a parking space so that walks can start promptly.
Description: The route begins from Seathwaite and immediately takes the footbridge over the Grains Gill river (approaching Sour Milk Gill). Now west of the river we follow a narrow path southwards to come to the northern side of Taylor Gill Force- and see this mighty waterfall up close. Afterwards the path continues in a westerly direction until it eventually merges with the major path heading towards Styhead Tarn.
From Styhead Tarn we continue on westwards until we get to the stretcher box, from there we take a faint path which marks the beginning of the “Climbers path”, a path cutting through the mighty western slopes of Great Gable. The path soon cuts through a boulder field until it moves out of unfriendly territory and cuts through the scree slopes gradually gaining height. Eventually the path starts arcing northwards and arrives at Beckhead Tarn, two ponds between Kirk Fell and Great Gable.
We then begin the very steep and formidable ascent up the northward side of Great Gable. There are paths but they often zig-zag around. After the struggle the route yields once at the top of Great Gable-offering spectacular views of the Scafell Range, Kirk Fell, Ennerdale, Buttermere, Skiddaw Range, Helvellyn Range and some of the central Fells.
After having lunch at Great Gable we take the eastern route and begin ascramble downwards towards Windy Gap, between Great Gable and Green Gable, and then there is a short ascent to Green Gable. The mountain of Green Gable is pretty impressive in its own right and there is a great view of Great Gable and Gable Crag.
At last the path becomes gentler and easier after Green Gable. There is a gentle descent in a roughly northeastwards direction to Blackmoor Pols (between Green Gable and Base Brown) and then the valley where Sour Milk Gill originates from. The last part of the walk is a somewhat steep descent out of the valley and into the Seathwaite valley, the path comes close to the waterfalls of Sour Milk Gill. Finally, it is back to the footbridge and back to Seathwaite.
IMPORTANT: It is very important to keep on the path during the Napes Needles section of the walk, the first part soon cuts across a boulder field, and the rest of the path goes along huge scree slopes. The final section is literally a desire line across lumpy rock. So, a lot of care is warranted as this is treacherous terrain!
Please contact Miles on 07842 783319 by 10pm on Friday 5 August if you are coming on this walk (text or phone, or message on Facebook (Miles Saunders-Priem)). This walk is not suitable for dogs due to the Napes Needles part of the path- it is unfortunately too narrow, on both sides of the path are scree and loose rock, and some parts are a scramble.
Please check the weather and bring appropriate clothing (waterproofs and spare warm clothing), footwear and enough food and water. The leader reserves the right to turn away any walker not suitably equipped. The leader may cancel the walk or modify the route dependent on conditions.
Car sharing is now possible – please contact the walk leader to arrange.
New members: please note the walk leader may ask for more information about your walking experience. This is to ensure you have the fitness required to complete the walk that is planned safely.