Sat 18 Apr 2015
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| The Little Tongue Gill path to Grizedale Hause |
Couldn't be better weather for a steep climb up a Lakeland Fell: not too hot and just a nice cool breeze. My only visit to the summit of Seat Sandal had been on 10 June 1983 starting at Bridgend in Patterdale and coming over St Sunday Crag. I was more fit in those days. The hard climb up the south ridge today was enjoyable because of the magnificent views westwards and also down to Dunmail Raise.
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| The summit cairn in view ahead |
I was not thrilled to find the prominent cairn that had been in view from the ridge was not the summit, but the stroll over the top of the fell was easy, and the views north and east were superb.
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| Looking towards Fairfield and St Sunday Crag |
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| Dollywagon Pike from Seat Sandal |
It was rather too cool to stop for our lunch so we took the path due north down to the tarn. Andrew's plan to include Helvellyn was quickly modified when he saw the direct route up Dollywagon Pike (only the start of it marked in the revised Wainwright). We found a pleasant spot out of the wind well above the tarn and settled down to drink in the view.
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| Fairfield & Coffa Pike from our lunch spot |
We stayed there in the sun for an hour at least, watching dozens of other walkers on the many paths on Dollywagon Pike, Fairfield, St Sunday Crag and Seat Sandal walking up and down the fells, all out for an energetic and enjoyable day in this beautiful area.
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| St Sunday Crag |
Andrew decided to return to the valley by first of all going back over Seat Sandal from the Hause. I, on the other hand, was quite content with the walk so far and elected to return by Little Tongue Gill; but I missed the junction and went by the normal route past the water cascade.
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| Andrew on the scramble to Seat Sandal |
He has offered a prize to any who can spot him...and catch him!
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| Gavel Crag* |
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| One of Gavel Crag's offsprings? |
I felt so free: my feet found their own way and I even overtook two couples. It's amazing what Morrison's Extra Power Pain Relievers can do for an aged fell walker! It was so warm I took off my overtrousers and continued down to the valley in shorts (shock/horror). I even beat Andrew down to the last few yards.
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| The cascade in Tongue Gill |
* Not to be confused with Gavel Pike on St Sunday Crag
