Great End

Parking on the roadside near Seathwaite Farm.

After wandering past Seathwaite Farm, the next point of interest is the picturesque Stockley Bridge, a packhorse bridge used from the early 18th century. Always a good spot for a photo or two.

Once over the other side of the bridge there is a decision to make (both options are good). You can go left at the gate and head up Grains Gill or you can head straight on in the direction of Styhead Pass. I chose the latter for a change and followed the route of Styhead Gill.

Crossing Styhead Gill

Styhead Tarn with Great End behind (The Band in the foreground of the fell)

I always feel duty bound to photograph this stretcher box, don't know why ?

As I leave Styhead Pass and follow the wide footpath in the direction of Esk Hause, I can see the impressive looking Lingmell to my right.

Looking back in the direction of the very shapely Great and Green Gables.

The path gradually ascends to Sprinkling Tarn.

Arriving at Sprinkling Tarn, I couldn't resist having a quick nip over to Seathwaite Fell, so I headed away from Great End (seen here) to enjoy the delights of this pretty little fell bathed in the summer sun.

Seathwaite Fell has divided opinion as to where the actual summit is. Wainwright selected the 1970ft cairn right at the North End of the top plateau - but this summit cairn is over 2000ft and there is a slightly higher one in the next photo. Today I just visited these two, I've been to them all many times anyway.

The highest point/summit on Seathwaite Fell with the Gables in the background.

Having wandered around Seathwaite Fell for about 20 minutes, I returned to Sprinkling Tarn and left the main path at this point to head up the grassy slope of Great End, knowing that there was some work to do now.

It wasn't long before the views back down became more and more impressive.

Following a thin path as I turn right to go up and then round the band before turning to head directly upwards. A reasonable path is joined at this point as the route I took merged with one from Styhead.

It's just a question of picking the best way up - a little hand to rock is required in places depending upon the exact route taken.

As you can see - the route is clear and the scrambling is easy.

As the summit nears, there is a bit of boulder hopping to be done.

Great End summit cairn with Great Gable behind.

There's Scafell Pike in the distance, that's where most folk were headed today.

As I started to descend, my first port of call was Esk Hause with Esk Pike alongside.

Allen Crags and Glaramara in the distance.

It's here that I took a right turn and headed towards Grains Gill

The stone path follows the Gill all the way back down to Seathwaite

Looking back up the path with the 'wall' of Great End dominating the backdrop.

With the flank of Glaramara to my right, it was time to cross the Gill

Approaching Stockley Bridge, with a look back up the path

I couldn't resist - one last photo of Stockley Bridge as I head for home.