Scafell Pike via Mickledore on Ascent, and Corridore on Descent. Tuesday 26 June,

Walkers Michael Donlan and Danny Kirby
Beautiful weather promised to make this venture a success. The weather forecasters predicted clear skies and temperatures in the high twenties. Michael arrived at my house at 5 45 am for the two hour drive up to Wasdale.

Kitted up and ready to go. Although it was not yet 8 o clock, the temperature was already low twenties

Leaving the car park we went through the gate, just past the toilets and crossed the bridge over the dried up Lingmell Beck and followed the sign to Lingmell and Skafell Pike

The first part of the walk, we were in the shelter of the said Lingmell, before turning round the fell and heading upwards in the full glare of the sun. Michael looking back over Waswater.

Onwards and upwards.

We left the main path and took a minor path to the right, (not signposted) heading up to Mickledor. After climbing this well made path for some distance it petered out, leaving us with the option of what looked to be two difficult climbs, one straight on up what looked to be loose scree, and one to the left through a pass in the high cliffs. We decided to have a brew, whilst we pondered which route to take.

The beam of light in the background beckoned us to the more adventurous route.

A large area of loose rock had to be crossed before we could start our ascent up, through the cleft in the cliffs.

Looking across towards Sca Fell

Magnificent views were to be had looking back, as we started the ascent

This is what Lakeland is all about.

Continuing further up, more majestic views were to be had.

Looking across again to Sca Fell, Michael has identified a route up called Lords Traverse, which he intends to climb in the future.

We had another drink stop and marvelled at the majestic landscape.....

.....before the arduous climb over loose rocks to the summit.

Michael on the summit, working out our way down by an alternative route to get to our intended corridor walk

We engaged another climber to take our photograph

Some views from the top.

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The corridor route could easily be identified from the top, but to get to it, we were obliged to take the main path down the mountain (I thank the Lord we had not made our ascent by that route, as Michael said, " It has nothing to offer") until we got to the corridor path off to the right. A short distance along this path we sat us down for lunch. Lunch over we were about to set off when this American or Canadian couple came over to us. I took a photo of them and they took one of us with Spy Head Tarn in the background.

Piersgill, one way, but a reputedly difficult route down into the valley below. Michael decided on the longer but less difficult route down. Too much excitement in one day is not good for us, at our age

But even this route had it's challenges in places.

Our way back was through this valley. A more difficult way than it looks (for me at least) due to the terrain. But mountain goat Michael had no problem with it

The must have, Meanderthal bridge shot.

The final push back to Wasdale Head.

The Wasdale Head Inn. Phew!

That was hard work, (for me at least) but I wouldn't have missed it for the world.

9.5 miles with an ascent of 3071 ft
Thanks Michael for a great walk.

WELL DONE DANNY and MICHAEL !!!

Click here to see Michael's blog of the walk

NOTE.   "Midsummer Madness" is a recognised condition and is known to be treatable and in some cases curable. (John)