Seathwaite Fell, Allen Crags & Glaramara

Tuesday morning at 09:30 and I've got whatever spot I want ! I could have grabbed one of the pole positions at Seathwaite Farm, but as I would be returning from the Seatoller side, I plumped for halfway down the Seathwaite lane. Joys of being retired and not having to be a weekend warrior.

Strolling down the lane towards the farm - I never tire of this splendid area - surrounded by Glaramara, Allen Crags, Great End, Seathwaite Fell and Base Brown, it's always a lovely feeling starting off from here.

The obligatory photograph of Stockley Bridge with Seathwaite Fell standing guard behind. I had this packhorse bridge and (amazingly) Grains Gill all to myself !

After the bridge there's a choice - Head straight on up to Styhead Tarn or turn left and follow Grains Gill. After a few minutes of consideration I decided to go left - the desire to add in Seathwaite Fell to todays walk was strong - but I knew I was on 'Grandad' babysitting duties at tea-time back in Teesside, so I should keep my walk limited to Allen Crags and Glaramara only today.

Seathwaite Fell is just too tempting as I reach to upper part of Grains Gill - Surely I can squeeze it in ! I'll just have to do an 'out and back' now though. Okay, I've convinced myself, I'll do that.

The great wall of Great End - a cracking path up the right hand side allows the fell walkers to ascend this mighty crag without fear - but certainly not today, I'm already clock watching.

Sprinkling Tarn

Seathwaite Fell summit (601m). The views all around are superb here - I could upload loads of photos - but I'll limit it to just this view northwards from the Borrowdale valley towards Keswick.

One more ? Okay, well here's Great Gable (left) and Green Gable (right)

Pressing on towards Esk Hause (now an hour behind schedule) - I veered off to the left, leaving the main path (used by thousands on their way to Scafell Pike in the summer) and picked up the path to Allen Crags

That short ascent was tricky as I was blasted by heavy rain, high winds and then hail ! Also, my wife chose to call me in the middle of me trying to undo the trapped zip on my waterproofs during this downpour. My argument for going today was now somewhat suspect as I'd said the weather was looking really good and that I should grab it whilst I can this week - "doesn't sound like it" was my wife's correct conclusion. Irony was that the sun was out ten minutes later !

Lunch with a view - Bowfell (left) and Esk Pike (right)

Looking back over towards Great End with Lingmell peeping round the right hand side. The unmistakable Great Gable to the right.

Glaramara.

Glaramara summit - looking over towards the familiar shapes of the Langdale Pikes. I always say that Glaramara is a tough climb, it may be that I often include it at the end of the days walk and hence I'm a bit more tired when I walk it - but the terrain is very rocky and uneven, the spine is very undulating, meaning you gain height and then loose it straight away, and then there are many false summits to conquer before finally reaching the actual summit. It's a lovely climb - so enjoyable, but I think it's a tough one. I've never actually ascended this summit from Borrowdale (I've always done it on descent back down to Seathwaite), but I bet that's a hard climb going up that way - I think I'd always prefer the Grains Gill more gradual climb - but maybe one day I'll give it a go.

Just after the summit and on the northern side, I look back at the bit of hand to rock climbing that had to be done. It's easy for me and my long legs - there's little exposure but I did need to park my bum a couple of times to lower my legs to the next ledge and so on before reaching the flatter ground.

As I say, this was quite a long descent and would make for a stiff climb if going the other way. I was now clock watching as my earlier Seathwaite Fell treat and slow speed covering Glaramara meant I was cutting it fine. No time to dawdle now.

Still time to look back and admire Coombe Dore. In my opinion the hardest bit of navigation in the lakes when going from Rosthwaite Fell to Glaramara around Coombe Door - It's always cloudy which certainly makes for a challenge. Think I'm due another visit - will plan it in over the coming months, a fine day recommended though this time.

The final bit of descent down Thornythwaite Fell towards Borrowdale. A quick change, drive home and it was time for a tired Grandad to take over Bath & Bedtime stories duties.