Micro backpacking.

- July 13, 2013

I had a backpacking trip on my 2013 'to do list' so on Friday night after work we decided to make the most of the continued summer weather and headed off for a 'micro adventure'. We parked in Seathwaite at the head of Borrowdale and headed up Green Gable. It was still hot but we set a steady pace and were soon in Gillercomb where a cool breeze was much appreciated. We saw no one until just below the summit where we were surprised and shocked to see and hear 4 trail bike riders - not an activity suited to the fells of a National Park. They shot off down towards Sty Head Tarn from Windy Gap to leave us in peace enjoying some lovely evening light.

Our next target was Great Gable which we reached via Windy Gap and again it was deserted. The peace and quiet was, however, broken on the descent as we were again shocked to see the trail bikes coming up the Breast Route from Sty Head. Lets hope that this activity doesn't spread and ruin peoples enjoyment of the hills.

Once we reached Sty Head we decided to continue on to Sprinkling Tarn, a traditional 'wild camping spot', for the night. On arrival we soon had our wee backpacking tent up and then had some supper before going to bed after 11 pm.

Ready for the off - Seathwaite.

Starting the climb into Gillercomb.

Climbing out of Gillercomb.

Green Gable summit.

Heading for Windy Gap.

Climbing out of Windy Gap on route to Great Gable.

Descending the 'Breast Route' in late evening light.

At Sty Head.

Great End and Scafell Pike.

Our camp for the night - Susan seeking refuge from the midges.

We were up at 6am wanting to make the most of the early light while the fells were quiet. After a quick breakfast we packed and headed off for Scafell Pike via the Corridor Route. We met one party of '3 Peakers' early on but it was quiet until we joined the Wasdale track not far from the summit. The light was superb at times giving great views of some of England's highest and most rugged mountains.

After a break and some food just below the summit we descended to Broad Crag col and then headed for Great End. The temperature had risen by this point and we decided to have a lie down and enjoy the sunshine. By the time we headed off fto Esk Pike the Scafell Pike track was getting busy so we had timed our ascent perfectly. Esk Pike was, by contrast, quiet as was our final top Allen Crags where we stopped and had some food and drink.

To complete our wee tour we dropped down the Grains Gill Path to Seathwaite - stopping on route for a brew as we had the stove with us. We'd only been out for 24 hours by the time we reached the car but it had been a great little 'adventure' on our doorstep. We celebrated with an ice cream in Luchini's, Keswick.

Sunrise on Saturday at Sprinkling Tarn.