Date: Friday 13th September 2024
Company: Just myself
Distance: 13.7km, Ascent: 850m
Time: 5Hrs 30Mins
On 28th December 2021, I set out to ascend Crinkle Crags and Bowfell. I got as far as the summit of Crinkle Crags before deciding to return back, as visibility was ten metres at best and I had forgot to pack my headtorch and didn't want to risk having to walk out in the dark. I decided to attempt the walk for a second time this morning.
Route:
I parked at the top of the Wrynose Pass, got suited and booted and set off walking shortly before sunrise. It was a beautiful, cold morning.
Pre-sunrise start:
I was almost certain the Wrynose Pass was in Cumbria, so seeing a large stone stating Lanchashire was somewhat confusing. Apparently, the Three Shire Stones are at the historic boundary of Cumberland, Lancashire and Westmorland.
Historic boundary stone:
I then commenced walking along the track that I have walked twice previously for ascents of Cold Pike, Crinkle Crags and Pike of Blisco.
First light hitting Cold Pike and Crinkle Crags:
The summit of Bowfell looked a long way off. Having done almost no hillwalking in the past year, my hill fitness is now non-existent.
Distant Bowfell beyond Crinkle Crags:
Great Knott:
I enjoyed reascending Crinkle Crags, it's a great series of rocky knolls with pretty-good views. When I ascended Crinkle Crags in thick fog, with snow underfoot, it seemed much trickier than it did today. I was surpised today how easy it was to reach the summit.
Crinkle Crags:
Ascending Crinkle Crags:
Crinkle Crags and Shelter Crags:
As I progressed along Crinkle Crags, I stopped to say hello to a Herdwick sheep. Somewhat surprisingly, it didn't run away on stopping to take its photo.
Herdwick:
Crinkle Crags:
I again visited both summit cairns of Crinkle Crags before continuing on towards Bowfell.
View from the summit of Crinkle Crags:
View towards Bowfell from the summit of Crinkle Crags:
The walk from Crinkle Crags to Bowfell took longer than anticipated confirming that I had made the right decision to turn back in December 2021 when without doubt I would have been walking out in the dark without a headtorch.
Bowfell:
The ascent of Bowfell was hard on my knees, feet, hips, ... I'm getting old
.Ascending Bowfell:
Looking back to Crinkle Crags during ascent of Bowfell:
Scafell and Scafell Pike from Bowfell:
Ascending boulders to summit of Bowfell:
While it was great to reach the summit of Bowfell, the walk back via Crinkle Crags would be challenging due to lack of hill fitness.
View from the summit of Bowfell:
I therefore just took my time returning to the car via my inbound route. An enjoyable day.