Red Screes and Wansfell Pike from the Kirkstone Pass

A lengthy walk with Ian Lyne
on a sunny but freezing day.

Route: From the car park opposite the Kirkstone Inn, a steep ascent to the summit of Red Screes, a long descent to the south into Ambleside and then up Wansfell Pike, along the ridge to Baystones, across the frozen bog to the pass and then a final walk along the A592 back to the car park.

Conditions: Very cold with thick waves of ice across paths (and some on the road, which put us off going over into Patterdale) and some snow on the tops (see pic!). Warm sunshine out of the wind, particularly heading up a busy Wansfell Pike. Perfect views to Sca Fell, the Pennines, the Howgills, Ingleborough (with snow) and Heysham!

Pub: Mid-walk: the Golden Rule. Post-walk: the Queen's Head at Troutbeck. Both Robinsons.

Lingmoor Fell

A short but strenuous walk given the ice and Lois’ broken wrist.

Route: From the outskirts of Elterwater via the Langdale timeshares (to minimise ice) to the Cumbria Way route. Thence up to the west of Oak Howe to Lingmoor Tan (pictured) and onto the summit. Down via the quarry.

Conditions: some ice still at ground level and snow higher up. A couple of rain showers.

Pub: Wainwright Inn for Sneck Lifter.

Troutbeck Tongue

A short but epic ascent at the end of three weeks of snow and ice (with Lois bearing a broken wrist).

Route: from Troutbeck church via Troutbeck park up the south face and back down Hag Gill.

Conditions: knee deep powdery snow on the top and fierce northerly gusts.

Pub: post walk, the Queen’s Head for pints of Mr Scrooge and Old Tom.