GRIKE, CRAG FELL, CAW FELL, HAYCOCK and LANK RIGG - 12th April 2008
Near Thwaites - Blakeley Raise - Grike - Crag Fell - Ennerdale Fence - Caw Fell - Haycock - Caw Fell - Lank Rigg - Whoap Beck - Near Thwaites.
15 miles, 4000 feet of ascent
The forecast said that the cloudbase would be at approximately 2400 feet, but when I reached the 1300 foot contour and it started to hail and the cloud enveloped me, I knew it was going to be ''one of those days''. By the time I reached the top of Grike visibility was pretty poor.
I passed the transmitter and then onto Crag Fell and no improvement in the weather.
Heading down and through the forest, the Ennerdale Fence came into view. AW was right when he said ''a fair march is needed even to get a foothold on the fell''. Having climbed further there was snow against the wall.
At the summit of Caw Fell there was plenty more snow. The stones that make up the cairn are a lovely colour and must be really spectacular at sun set.
Climbing over Little Gowder Crag was an interesting challenge as it was very slippery underfoot.
Lunch was very much a ''Table for one'' in the snow-filled wall shelter at the top of Haycock (my 200th Wainwright) and there wasn't much incentive to linger as the hail pounded me.
I then reversed my steps and headed down the Western ridge of Caw Fell. As I approached Bleaberry Gill the cloud started to lift and Lank Rigg came into view.
Having climbed up the side of Red Gill and turned left at the col I reached the Trig Point on Lank Rigg.
For the first time all day I had a decent view and was able to look back at Haycock, Little Gowder Crag and Caw Fell.
As I started the three mile walk back to the car, alongside the infant River Calder, the sun came out and there was some blue sky. Just a pity that it hadn't been like that earlier in the day!
Whilst the weather spoilt the walk to a large extent it was still a memorable day with me passing the 200 mark. 13 more Wainwrights to go in 5 walks. Bring it on!
All photographs taken with either a Nikon D40X (10.2mp) or a Nikon Coolpix 4200 (4.2mp)
