I have climbed Scafell Pike (highest mountain in England) many times as I posted before.
I hadn’t been up for a while, the sun appeared so thought it was time I returned for a casual walk up. I took all day about it rather than challenge style. Why? Because much more beauty is found on the way up or off track than just at the summit.
My favourite route up is from Seathwaite, nestled in the gorgeous Borrowdale south of Keswick and Derwentwater. It offers me my variety, views and wanderings that the straight up steep climb from Wastwater can’t give me as much.
From Seathwaite you casually climb for about an hour and when it suddenly flattens out from the gorge take a small detour off the Summit track… The beautiful Sprinkling Tarn (above/below) hides, peacefully, perfect. Sit and reflect.
If you like to stop and look around then keep looking back down…
The view over Borrowdale and over to Derwent Water, Keswick and Skiddaw etc gets grander and grander each step. I have found even in dull days the feeling of awe never recedes.
From Sty Head at the top of this valley there are options galore. Smaller peaks left and right, big wide valley views over each brow. Looking out South all the way over to Windermere and even Morecambe Bay, North to Scotland over the Solway Firth and East to see the Pennines rise in between the Helvellyn Range. Carry on to the summit of Scafell Pike or wander and wander, this peace is yours to marvel.
Summits themselves give goals, a different perspective each time. The Lake District weather helps in that even in a 5 minute period at the top you can go from no visibility at all to suddenly clear with the likes of wastwater and a lot of the North West of England before you.
Bye bye Scafell Pike.. for now.. see you soon… I have many more miles to tread around here again and I can’t wait to step in wonder.
Paul great update on Scarfel this was my first adventure after a serious operation. Your post brought back the great feeling of being there. I look forward to going back up again soon. All the best Glen
Beautiful 🙂 thank you for sharing
Thank you Ana
Looks like a wonderful place to visit Paul!! You make me want to hope on a plane 🙂
Hi Paul,
You are a genius both with your camera and pen! Wonderful!
We climbed Scafell Pike a few years ago when staying in The Screes and had rain, storm, hail, thunder and … sun! Loved it.
Hi Tina.. Thank you.. yes can’t beat a great weather mix can you? 🙂
May I post some of your photos (they are gorgeous!) on our Facebook page with a credit to you? Our Facebook page is for HouseSit Match. Please check us out between hikes! Thanks, Lamia
Thank you with pleasure… I will do thanks 🙂
Scafell Pike is fantastic – and it looks like you had the best season’s weather that day. I remember having all four seasons on the way up, and then again on the descent. Fabulous!!
aye I have had some moments up there 🙂