Another very calm night and by morning the views seemed a little clearer. The haze was hanging in the valleys with a layer of clearer weather above. It was already starting to warm up as I set off at 7am. My first objective was Haycock summit, which I soon reached.

Looking back from Haycock.

Interesting profile of Great Gable.

From the top I had a good view of my way ahead; it looked a long way. From this side Great Gable has a very peculiar outline. I looked almost impenetrable with sheer walls both left and right. The silhouette just in front is Kirk Fell and that is where I am heading. Scoat Fell was way in front of me and I made the right decision camping where I did because there was no water within a convenient distance around here. I followed the wall over Scoat Fell till I came level with Steeple.

I stopped briefly and heard someone coming up from Scoat Tarn. It was a man with pack and carrymat so I knew he'd been camping. Close behind was his female companion and it turned out they'd camped by Scoat Tarn. We chatted for a while then I continued and they went for a closer look at Steeple. There was a lot of up and down which was difficult in full pack and the steep descent to Wind Gap was a combination of route finding and a balancing act over the rough boulders.

Hazy view

Cairn with Great Gable in the distance.

A steep climb to Pillar followed then a glorious wander over the grassy plateau before starting the descent.

Small tarn off the main path.

Superb camp on Kirk Fell.

Approaching Black Sail Pass I met my third person of the day. At the pass I didn't stop but crossed the pass and climbed into the shadow of Kirk Fell and the steep climb. I lost the main path and followed a lesser route more to the south. It was steep and exposed in places but had no particular problems. It turned out to emerge only a short way from the main path. I followed the old iron railing posts all the way to the summit then looked for a decent pitch. A little way to the SE was a grassy area with superb views across to Great Gable and Scafell Pike. This was an excellent spot so I left my pack and headed off to Kirkfell Tarn to collect some water. I pitched the tent away from the path and settled down to enjoy the view and fine weather. I was secluded but elsewhere people were everywhere. A combination of fine weather and being a Saturday meant that Great Gable and Scafell Summits were crowded with people. The view from my tent must be one of the best in Cumbria.