Back of Wastwater
12th March 2014
Today was beautiful. Clear blue skies that were captured in the quiet, still waters of Wastwater.
My journey took me up the long and winding valley of Nether Beck. This valley is quiet and long, but accompanied by stunning stream. The Beck collects water from the steep sided mountains that form the walls of this valley, and tumble down to meet the great lake of Wastwater.
As the valley twists and turns, very soon the view out is cut off. This creates a very wild and lonely atmosphere as you too feel cut off from the rest of the world. There are no signs of man other than the thin trail under your feet. Ahead are the soaring Fells, that seem far off, never getting closer.
However, I eventually reach the summit of Haycock, with its extensive views over Ennerdale and the vast wilderness of Blengdale Forest and Stockdale Moor (areas I have yet to explore).
I then followed the mountain route that linked the summits of Scoat Fell, Steeple and Red Pike. This rolling track forms the crest that surrounded the Nether Beck Valley, like the jeweled studs that form the circlet of a monarchs crown.
I had not seen anyone throughout the whole expedition, until near the end. Having descended to Dore Head, the col (in Lakeland called a Hause) between Red Pike and the fiercely steep face of Yewbarrow, I saw two walkers in trouble on the steep rock of Yewbarrow. Fortunately another walker was at hand, helping guide them off the worse of the rock. The route they were on is shown on the map, but can be desperate if not used to steep ground. All was well.
A great day finished with a stunning sunset over the lake. Scafell and all the adjoining mountains were bathed in a warm, orange glow.
My journey took me up the long and winding valley of Nether Beck. This valley is quiet and long, but accompanied by stunning stream. The Beck collects water from the steep sided mountains that form the walls of this valley, and tumble down to meet the great lake of Wastwater.
As the valley twists and turns, very soon the view out is cut off. This creates a very wild and lonely atmosphere as you too feel cut off from the rest of the world. There are no signs of man other than the thin trail under your feet. Ahead are the soaring Fells, that seem far off, never getting closer.
However, I eventually reach the summit of Haycock, with its extensive views over Ennerdale and the vast wilderness of Blengdale Forest and Stockdale Moor (areas I have yet to explore).
I then followed the mountain route that linked the summits of Scoat Fell, Steeple and Red Pike. This rolling track forms the crest that surrounded the Nether Beck Valley, like the jeweled studs that form the circlet of a monarchs crown.
I had not seen anyone throughout the whole expedition, until near the end. Having descended to Dore Head, the col (in Lakeland called a Hause) between Red Pike and the fiercely steep face of Yewbarrow, I saw two walkers in trouble on the steep rock of Yewbarrow. Fortunately another walker was at hand, helping guide them off the worse of the rock. The route they were on is shown on the map, but can be desperate if not used to steep ground. All was well.
A great day finished with a stunning sunset over the lake. Scafell and all the adjoining mountains were bathed in a warm, orange glow.