Warrington HF Rambling Club (From Warrington Guardian)

Warrington HF Rambling Club

10:03am Thursday 17th May 2012 in WI and Clubs

Warrington HF Rambling Club ON Saturday May 12, eight members of the club met in the tiny village of Buttermere in North West Lakeland. The walk, led by Gordon Sloane, started from the Fish Inn, close to the centre of the village, firstly crossing the valley bottom to Scale Bridge. After crossing the bridge the path headed North West towards Crummock Water and then East to reach the spectacular Scale Force, the highest waterfall in Lakeland. A short break was taken here for photographs and a short scramble up and down the lower falls to get a closer look at the upper falls. It was well worth the scramble.

The walk continued up the Eastern side of Scale Beck alongside the crystal clear waters of the fast flowing stream. Our party was now nine strong, as Dave from Rossendale was recruited at this point and he remained with us throughout the walk. The route then climbed out of the valley turning South East to reach Lingcombe Edge, where again a short rest was taken to allow us slower ones to catch up and for all to enjoy the fantastic Lakeland views that stretched as far as the Dumfries and Galloway hills to the North.

Suitably refreshed it was onwards and upwards to reach the first peak of the day Red Pike, lunch was taken on the summit nestled in the sheltered east facing crags with superb views of the lakes below, Blencathra to the North East and the Helvellyn range to the South East.

The next section of the walk followed the ridge to High Stile the highest peak of the day at 2,644ft, then onto High Crag and eventually onto Seat. The path along the ridge offered ever-changing views with the Buttermere valley below on the left, Ennerdale below on the right, Pillar, the Scafells, Great Gable and even the Isle of Man across the sea to the West.

After the descent from Seat there was some discussion as to whether to tackle another 550ft climb to the summit of Haystacks, however common sense prevailed, the decision was to take the Scarth Gap Pass path down to the shore of Buttermere and back along the lakeside to the village. A well-earned drink was taken at the Fish Inn at the end of a really nice walk on a really nice day with a really nice group of people.

For further details of our walks please visit our website www.warrington-hf-ramblers.org.uk or phone Daphne Thomas on 01925 821156.