Causey Pike, Scar Crags & Barrow

Sunday 9th August 2020

Walking Diary (All Walks) Lakeland Wainwrights North Western

Causey Pike, Scar Crags & Barrow

A lovely walk in the Coledale area of the North Western lakes where we also had excellent weather during our 8 mile circular route.

Starting off from Braithwaite, we first climbed up the nose of Causey Pike via Rowling End and then followed the excellent ridge over to Scar Crags where we enjoyed our luxury lunch on the northern side of the fell. The climb up Causey Pike is reasonably steep in places and a nice little bit of 'hand to rock' is needed right at the top, but nothing at all technical. After Scar Crags, we followed the path descending towards Outerside. A special request was made by my daughter to climb the small Birkett of Stile End (447m) as we headed towards Barrow - no problem at all, as we hardly noticed the extra bit of work. I'm still amazed that she suggested that - but its fine by me.

The day ended with a gentle descent of Barrow and a nice cold beer or two in the sunshine at the Coledale Hotel beer garden. A far cry from their last walk in the lakes, where I had to abort a walk to Scafell Pike at Styhead Tarn due to awful weather conditions.

It has to be said that this was a great day indeed.

The information contained in the material on this Website is for information purposes only and does not constitute advice.
Distance: 8.1 miles
Duration: 5:00 hours
Ascent: 2717 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Accompanied By: Lauren & Ben
Weather: Hot & Sunny

Wainwrights Visited

Barrow Causey Pike Scar Crags

3D outline of route

Parking

Roadside parking at Braithwaite on the Winlatter Pass road.

Going to be a warm one.

The turning towards Braithwaite Lodge

Skirting round the eastern side of Barrow as we head towards Uzzicar

The unmistakeable shape of Cat Bells comes into view

leaving the road as we start our ascent towards Rowling End

A good workout as the heat plays its part

Continuous stops to look back and admire the stunning views over to Derwent Water, Skiddaw, Blencathra et al.

And also into the Newlands Valley which seems to get greener every time I see it.

Finally sight of our first target - Causey Pike

"That looks like a challenge Dad" ! It's not - and it wasn't

See - nice and easy

Made it - time for a 'selfie' at the summit of Causey Pike

At the summit, looking over to the route along the ridge with Scar Crags the next summit

Ard Crags in the foreground with Robinson & Hindscarth behind

Grisedale Pike on the other side of the Coledale valley

Is this the worst path in the lakes ? Sail We took a right turn at the col and descended

Eel Crag and Coledale Hause

Looking back up the path to the col between Scar Crags and Sail

Force Crag mine. The last working metal mine in the Lake District, prior to its final abandonment in 1991.

From Stile End the view over to Causey Pike

On the summit of Barrow looking towards Keswick

You've done this before Lauren - You're just showing off now !

Two treats left in the day - a beer and a dip in the hot tub at Lauren & Bens lodge - now that's nice after a hot walk ! May be a while before I enjoy that luxury again.