Back of Skiddaw

Back of Skiddaw

A planned meeting with walking partner, Grant to knock of the two Wainwright’s that I had missed on my last trip to the Back o’ Skiddaw. Picked him up off the bus in Keswick and shot straight out to Binsey. I had told him that there was no way anyone else would want to go out to Binsey and I am sure he would not find any public transport to take him there. Personally I can’t understand why Wainwright included Binsey in his guide, possibly because it was there and for no other reason. Surprisingly the parking space was full with just space for one more on the end. A very quick and easy walk up to the summit which, was unfortunately lacking in the good views north, due to the un-seasonal warm weather haze. A prompt turn around and back down the hill like the veritable Duke’s men.





Grant at Binsey with no view





Back in the car and round to Longlands for the walk proper. We were amazed to find the parking space at Longland’s was full as well. Using the ability of the Discovery I managed to park on some rougher ground. I always argued that you could still find quiet spaces to walk in the Lake District but I am seriously doubting that there any quiet spots any more.

Trusmaddor Gap and Great Cock Up

We set off on route for Trusmadoor and immediately missed the path but with no harm done, we just made the height quicker. The route remained clear and the gap of Trusmadoor quickly came into view. A debate was then held about tackling Great Cock Up from the gap or from the north. This seemed another version of the old ‘it seemed a good idea at the time’ and we eventually dropped it. Although it looked as though there would be a stiff climb from the gap the route actually went around the back and gently climbed to the summit of Great Cock Up.

View to Bakestall

Kira with Skiddaw in background

Back down to the gap and Grant made for the direct line up to Meal Fell. This is a new slant Grant going for the direct route and me opting for the less direct. Grant is getting fitter by the week.

An easy track led up to Little Sca fell and from there an easy walk down to Brae fell. The scenery in this area looking northwards is very different to the more rugged areas of the southern parts of the Lake District but the interest comes from the deeply cut river valleys. These are more reminiscent of the Pennine areas than the Lake District.

The weather is very good for this time of the year and the fells are surprisingly dry. Last time I was walking between Sca Fell and Brae Fell the area in between was very wet underfoot. We also enjoyed a leisurely rest on Brae Fell in warm sunshine, now that is a new experience, generally we are shooting off the tops to get out of the wind.

From Brae Fell we headed back due south to cut across to Lowthwaite Fell and on over to Longlands Fell. At Grant’s behest we took the direct route of due west straight back down to Longlands. His regular walking on in the Lakes is not only increasing his fitness but is also affecting his enthusiasm for the head on approach to the fells.

7.2 miles 4 hours 30 minutes