Lingmell (2649')

Sun 27 Sep 2015

Lingmell (right) in its context of Wasdale Head

Andrew called at 6:30 and he drove up to Wasdale Head. We started the walk along Lingmell Beck past the watersmeet AW mentions, but which we didn't find quite as attractive as he had. Then on to the east side of Piers Gill. Very enjoyable and all well so far.

AW's 'watersmeet' and Piers Gill


Further along, though, the small band of crags barring our way proved not to be as easy as AW says. I think we chose a route too far on the left, and at one point we had a very real chance of not being able to proceed, there being no hand holds to pull us up. Andrew was above me, and his stronger legs had got him up the last almost vertical tall step, which is where I felt in danger of falling back.
Reluctant to offer help that he thought I might feel too proud to accept, Andrew nevertheless resolved a frightening situation by responding to my request to extend his hand – which was all I needed to stop myself falling back should my leg not manage the final high step.

Andrew checks out the true path - from above!
Wonderful place for a snack

With great relief we found the correct path on easier ground further to our right and we stopped for a welcome snack above the sheer drop into Piers Gill. While there we noticed something that AW evidently missed – a rock perched on the cliff at the other side with a profile of a man’s face. Perhaps Piers, an old shepherd of the hills, after whom the chasm below was named?

Piers the shepherd?
The head of Piers Gill

After our rest we proceeded up to where the corridor route from Sty Head comes in on the left, and joins our path where it crosses the head of Piers Gill. On reaching Lingmell Col we turned right. We soon reached the summit of Lingmell in sunshine, enjoying spectacular views from Wast Water towards Great Gable, Sty Head and the cliffs and crags of Great End, Broad Crag and Sca Fell Pike. This was a view that Malcolm, Chris and I had not been able to see on account of being in cloud when we visited in 1996/7 (dates need checking)

The summit: just a step from Great Gable behind me!
 
Broad Crag and Sca Fell Pike from Lingmell


Illgill Head, Whin Rigg and Wast Water

This natural pillar is almost as tall as the summit cairn
Sca Fell Pike, a little more popular, as usual

As we dropped down on to Brown Tongue we checked out the position of Lord's Rake. Andrew had intended to climb it but we were out of time and he was in some doubt after our unnerving experience mentioned above. He is determined to do it another day. As AW once mentioned to me, the fells will still be there for the next visit.


Sca Fell and Lord's Rake

 On reaching the valley and changing our footwear and shirts, a glass of cider at Wasdale Head Inn went down very smoothly!