sandy saunders wrote on Fri, 13 Feb 2004 16:20:50 -0000....
[Frank Weaver:]
> > We're going up to the Lakes next week and intend to do Scafell Pike for the first time. My wife
> > is ill at the moment so I'll just be doing it with my 13 & 11 year old boys (+ dog).
>
> Dont forget to get the weather from the National Park Weatherline on 017687 75757. Updated for the
> following day after 5:00pm. Good forecast for the Fells with such things as wind speed, temp,
> cloud cover and wind-chill factor for 3000ft (Scafell Pike region). Also, take a look at the
> weather forecast at www.wasdaleweb.co.uk, again a good indication of conditions. Included is a 72
> hour forecast.
I think the weather forecast is the key to this trip. Adjust your plans according to what it says.
If it's good, you'll no doubt have an excellent time, and you'll be exclaiming about what a lot of
ninnies there are in u.r.w. who tried to persuade you against it.
But if there's snow, ice and/or mist, then what people have said elsewhere in this thread
is all true.
> >
> > From what I've read the preferred route from Seathwaite is Taylorgill Force - Sty Head -
> > Corridor Route - Lingmell col - Scafell Pike.
A great route in good conditions. The path up the right-hand side of Taylorgill Force is a little
scrambly, which personally I enjoy. But if you want this can be avoided by taking the well-made path
from Stockley Bridge to Sty Head on the other side of the Force.
> This is the route Clare and I do as it is generally quieter than via Esk Huase,
Well, I'm sure there'll be people around, especially at Sty Head.
> however, it isn't an easy route for the unfamiliar. The path is mostly over rocks which can be
> difficlut to see in baad weather. There is one rocky step to go down just before Piers Gill, onto
> a ledge, which requires care. Will be worse if ice on the rocks. Also, easy to miss the path up
> the final section of Scafell Pike from Lingmell Col if the visibility is poor. Path is not very
> clear on the ground.
This advice is spot on. (The rocky step is just before Greta Gill, which is a short distance before
Piers Gill.)
>
> > Returning via Esk Hause and Grains Gill to Stockley Bridge.
>
> This would be the route I would use, up and down, for the first time if unsure at this time of
> year. Although, again, in poor visibilty it requires care from Calf Cove around Broad Crag to the
> col above Little Narrowcove
Again, I think this advice is spot on. In bad weather, this is the way I would probably go myself,
but I'd be wary about taking the kids.
--
Tim Jackson
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