Mosedale Horseshoe, Wasdale.

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The forecast was for a dry day with cloud and an easterly wind so we decided to head south for a change. It was only 9am when we arrived at the Car Park in Wasdale and this was a good thing as, unknown to us, today was the Wasdale Show.
We decided to do the Mosedale Horseshoe clockwise to get the road walk in first and it was clear that the car park would soon fill up as a stream of traffic headed up the valley. There was a strong and cool wind so we were well wrapped up as we started the steep climb up Yewbarrow. It wasn't long. however, before the sun came out and we were sheltered from the wind. The track has been improved recently so we made good progress up the nose and were soon looking along Wast Water to the coast. The top was clear of cloud but the higher summits were shrouded which limited the views.
We decided to follow the 'Bob Graham' route, from the col between the north and south top to Dore Head, for a change. It's a clear track and is much quicker and easier than the scramble down Stirrup Crag. 
We had a quick drink and snack at Dore Head and then headed up Red Pike. We made good progress and had some good views despite the cloud on the higher summits. From Red Pike it was on to Scoat Fell and then out to Steeple's isolated top where we had lunch. The cloud cleared occasionally and there was even some blue sky.
Our final summit was Pillar and we were amazed to find it deserted. We had, in fact, only spoken to 4 other 'teams' to this point.
From Pillar we dropped to Black Sail Pass and then headed down to Mosedale. There were some stunning views south and west but the cloud refused to lift. Wasdale Head was very busy and the Kirkfell Fell Race was in full swing as we wandered back to the car. An excellent day in a superb part of the Lakes and we were home before 5pm.

Heading up the nose of Yewbarrow.


The sun came out and the temperature rose.


Fantastic view down Wasdale to the coast.


Some easy scrambling up to Yewbarrow summit.


Yewbarrow summit cairn.


On the ridge to Red Pike.


Looking back to Red Pike.


Scoat Fell.


Heading out to Steeple.


Steeple summit.


Steeple summit with clearing skies.


Looking back to Steeple form Wind Gap.


A cloudy Pillar Trig Point.


Views down Mosedale on the descent.




The green track down the valley.


Looking back up Mosedale.


A busy Wasdale Head on Show Day.


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