Great Gable, Green Gable, Brandreth & Grey Knotts

Parked at the upper end of the Seathwaite Road as I knew II would be returning via Seatoller, so no point going further up to the congested bit.

Approaching Seathwaite Farm

Stockley 'packhorse' Bridge with Seathwaite Fell behind

As I head up towards Styhead - A glance back towards the Borrowdale Valley

Approaching Styhead I was amazed to see three tents - all left at 10:15 in full view of the many walkers that would pass this way during the day. I guess the occupants have gone off in the higher fells and will return later on today to cook their tea! Disgraceful and selfish - There is general unwritten rule that even though wild camping is prohibited, as long as a small tent is put up late in the day and is taken down before the morning arrivals and all evidence of them being there is cleared and removed - then a 'blind eye' will be cast. This is a blatant abuse of this, and if others follow suit that lakes will be spoilt for all.

Still fuming, I start my ascent of Great Gable from the tarn. Looks like its gloomy ahead.

I don't often climb Great Gable by this route, but there is a well made pitched staircase virtually all the way to the top making for a steady plod all the way.

There's a first for everything ! This is the first time I've ever arrived on the summit of Great Gable and had it all to myself - and it's Bank Holiday Sunday ? I actually arrived at the top and didn't realise I was there for a few seconds as I'm so used to there being plenty walkers around.

Leaving the summit, I headed towards the col between Green and Great Gable (Windy Gap) - You can see Green Gable in the distance.

That's Aaron Slack path down there - Just doesn't look like a very appealing path to me, hence I've never tried it. I guess it's a more direct route to Styhead Tarn if nothing else.

Now nearing the top of Green Gable looking back at Windy Gap and the path I took down Great Gable

Green Gable summit

A lovely view down into Ennerdale with Pillar on the left and the High Stile Ridge on the right

Lunch with a view down into Gillercomb

A last look back towards the impressive Great gable

This looks like this is the summit of Brandreth...but....

But, according to the AW books - this is the "bare and cheerless place, a desert of stones" The main cairn incorporates three iron posts. Well there was just one there today mind - all the same we're at the top.

The glorious view over towards Buttermere and Crummock Water - with Ennerdale still in view on the left hand side.

Fleetwith Pike with sight of some of the ongoing mine workings

As I leave Grey Knotts and descend towards Honister Slate mine - Car park looks busy today

Picking up the Coast to Coast path as I walk down towards Borrowdale

Heading down towards the small hamlet of Seatoller (you can just see the white buildings through the trees)

Arriving in Seatoller near the end of todays walk

A goodbye to Norca who brought some South American charm and beauty to todays walk - Norca had joined me for the last hour or so of todays walk as our paths crossed at Honister. Unable to go home to Peru, she is stuck in the UK until travel restrictions ease so was enjoying some of the best countryside that the UK has to offer whilst she's here - So enjoy it whilst you can and I'll be over to do the Inca Trail one day !

One last photo before I arrive back at my car - L-R Thornythwaite Fell, Great End, Seathwaithe Fell and Base Brown.