Wasdale Horseshoe

After completing the Garburn trail race near Windermere, I arrived at Wasdale after a longer than expected drive. But over two high passes - including Wrynose pass and some ideas for future treks. The fell race was really good. The course was shortened as the high pass had snow apparently. We didn't run that high but there was still very strong wind and rain about 3/4 way through. The course was mostly flat but had a nice downhill finish above Staveley. I stayed at the National Trust campsite and wasn't treking and trying to save as much energy as possible for the following day.

The horseshoe starts with a very steep climb up Kirk Fell, up nearly 800 metres. This took nearly two hours and was like walking up a set of steps. From the cairn at the top, a trail heads almost due east down a few hundred metres and then up to Great Gable. This was quite a steep summit, very rocky and with great views looking down above Wasdale. The cloud moved in, so I wasn't sure if the next summit would be clear. After a steep descent for 400 metres or so, you reach a crossroads with several options. To head up to Scafell, you take a southern heading path that slowly climbs. You can take a slow ascent around the front of Scafell, but there is also a good scramble beside Broad Crag. This is the quickest route up. Scafell Pike was busy as usual, so I headed to Scafell, a peak I hadn't been up before.

You need to descend 200 metres east of Mickledore, then you find a steep gully with a small stream flowing down it. This involves a bit of scrambling then a trail heads to the summit up a steep loose path. It's quite steep but fairly direct, so you reach the top quicker than you expect. The summit of Scafell is great. Amazing views of Wasdale and Burnmoor Tarn. It was quite clear so good views of the sea and the Isle of Man. An easy trail leads off the mountain to the west down to Wasdale - more sensational views!