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Date: 06/04/2012
From: Wasdale Head
Parking: Large car park at Wasdale Head
Start Point: The Church of St. Olaf
Region: Western Fells
Route length: 5.6 miles (9km)
Time taken: 3:00
Average speed: 1.7mph
Ascent: 865m
Descent: 865m
Wainwrights on this walk:
Great Gable (899m)
Additional summits: None
Other points of interest: Sty Head Tarn, The Great Napes
Ask anyone to draw a mountain and they will invariable, and probably accidentally, draw Great Gable (albeit with a spikier summit and a satisfying covering of snow), such is its almost perfect mountainous shape. A tremendous triangular symmetry greets visitors from Wasdale and its name could not be more fitting, standing proud at the end of Wastwater like a great roof over the southwestern fells. This was well and truly one of those walks that will live long in the memory. Not necessarily because it was the longest, most exciting or had the best views. No (though it could have done). Like many walks in the British Isles, it was the weather that etched itself into my memory during this walk and is a classic example of why I always carry a full set of waterproofs whenever I'm in the Lake District.
We spent a long bank holiday weekend staying in a rather nice B&B at Irton Hall. This choice of accommodation, unbeknown to us at the time of booking, made all the difference to the enjoyment of the weekend, thanks to the inclusion of a handy set of radiators and towel rails. More on that later.
We had a couple of walks planned for the weekend including the epic Mosedale Horseshoe but as a warm-up, the idyllic peaked summit of Great Gable was calling from its commanding position at the head of Wastwater. The route we had chosen was a simple circular from the Wasdale Head car park to Great Gable via Sty Head and back. No frills with this one.
Great Gable hides in the clouds |
Getting the equipment in order |
The Church of St. Olaf |
The prominent message etched onto one of the window panes |
Following the path towards Burnthwaite Farm |
Moses' Trod runs alongside Lingmell Beck |
The path steepens towards Bursting Knott |
A view back down towards Wasdale head |
Sty Head tarn |
Heading towards Aaron Slack |
The clouds descend as we climb Aaron Slack |
Family gathering at Windy Gap |
Climbing the narrow path towards the summit |
A short scramble is required to get to the summit plateau |
Sara enjoying the rain |
Sara makes her way to the summit |
A windy, wet summit |
With the rain falling and the wind getting in on the act as well, we didn't hang around on the summit for very long, groping our way down to find the path that runs between Great Napes and White Napes before heading down the nose of Gavel Neese. A combination of the rain and the steep, slippery scree-like path made for some arduous walking though we managed to reach the bottom intact and all accounted for. The fact that the pub at the Wasdale Head Inn was a mere couple of miles away spurred us on and before long we were huddled around their grand wood-burning stove, sharing knowing glances with everyone else whose waterproof kit was draped or hung off of every available bit of space.
Picking our way down the mountainside |
Descending Gavel Neese |
Still, despite the rain, Great Gable's a great walk up a great mountain. Revered by visitors from around the world, its place in the hearts of everyone associated with the Lake District is assured, thanks to its historic links to the birth of rock climbing and its long association with Remembrance Day. The fact that it is the symbol of the National Park is a testament to its almost perfect mountain qualities.
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