A Walk Elterwater 2016

Walk Leader: Peter Hitchcock
Total Distance: 11 Miles
Total Ascent/descent: 2580 ft
 

A Route, anticlockwise

Now that you have your walking legs back in trim, this month’s 18km outing does present you with a challenge – albeit for just a part of the trek though - you will be relieved to know!  From beautiful Elterwater, we depart NW along Great Langdale Beck to Old Dungeon Ghyll via the Cumbria Way which, for the most part, is very good underfoot and reasonably flat.  The views towards Great Langdale and Langdale Fell then Crinkle Crags to Bowfell are typically spectacular.  We then venture into the wilds along Oxendale Beck – so far 2 hours of flatish, easy going “stroll” – before commencing the challenge upwards to abeam the twin-tops of  The Pike of Blisco.  It is a 1hr steep but stepped climb, as steep as you will ever get/do/havedone with the Group but the stone steps do help.  The ascent to the plateau is up to about 1500’ (450-500m).

[The recce party climbed to the top of the Pike but it is considered that this could render the whole journey time too tight to ensure a comfortable return to Elterwater].  If we arrive at the plateau in especially good time we may well give it a go to the top, otherwise we shall stay on the plateau and have lunch overlooking Red Tarn where the views are just as brilliant as from the top of the Pike so you will not miss out AND you will save some puff!!

After lunch, it is downhill all the way (or nearly) but still quite a trek with 9kms to go so a nifty pace needs to be maintained. Part of this section will be on mountain road regrettably but traffic should be light.  All in all, excellent exercise for the day with memorable views.