Ambleside, High Pike, Scandale
Pass, High Sweden Bridge, Cumbria. |
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NY 3864 0543 |
descending Kirkstone Rd into Ambleside |
a still snowy Ambleside |
There was a lot more snow around than at home and a sign said the road was closed. I continued anyway and reached a point where the road is wide enough to park. It was still dark when I set off at 8am in the mist and drizzle. I descended Kirkstone Road back down to Ambleside and kept an eye open for Nook Lane which leads to Low Sweden Bridge. When I got to where it should be all I could see was a ‘The Green’ sign. I was on the right track but the ‘Nook Lane’ sign is there but not visible from the main road. There was still a lot of snow and ice on the road so I had to fit my ice studs again. |
I walked up the lane to Nook End Farm then through the gate to Low Sweden Bridge. The track then headed up the ridge towards Low Pike. Looking back I had a nice view of Loughrigg Fell across the misty valley. There was still a lot of snow around and as the temperature was around +4degC it was wet and bad for walking through. I soon reached the cloud and lost all views. I followed the wall and occasionally swapped sides to try and find the best going underfoot. The snow continued wet and too soft to walk on without sinking. |
Loughrigg Fell from Low Sweden Bridge |
not much to see on High Pike |
After High Pike I came to a cairn marking the branch to Scandale Pass. I took it and headed off into white snow, white cloud and nothing to see. Even with ice studs on I had to careful as the snow slop down to my right dropped steeply into Scandale Head. As I approached High Bakestone cairn the plastic connecting piece to the ice studs on my right boot snapped, rendering it useless. I still had my left one intact, but only just. The descent path was completely obliterated by snow so I used a compass bearing to keep me in the right direction. The descent to Bakestone Moss is quite steep but then it levelled off. There was still no visibility as I headed towards Scandale Tarn which is where I saw the first walkers of the day. |
I followed the wall down to Scandale Pass where a large party of walkers were resting. I turned right to follow the main path down by Scandale Beck. There was a lot ice about and it was tricky in places with only one safe boot. The whole area of High Sweden Bridge was sheet ice and took quite a bit of negotiating. I continued down Sweden Bridge Lane then left in to Ellerigg Road. At the end of the lane I crossed a stile into the field then followed the path to a farm track which took me back to Kirkstone Road. Turning left I returned to my car. |
above Scandale Beck |
After many years of use my ice studs, or mini spikes, fell apart. I'd already bought a spare set some time ago. They are called Grivel Spider and in my opinion work extremely well. |
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