A Journey’s End
So that left one: Green Crag.
Situated between Dunnerdale and Eskdale this is one of those rather nondescript tops. It’s either the first Lakeland top or the boundary of central Lakeland. There’s several tops in the area that could also be considered as valid tops for inclusion. Indeed there are at least three summits further south on the ridge that are higher.
A steady drive over to The Lakes just prior to New Year got as far as Ulpha where there was a sign indicating that the Ulpha Fell road was shut. We decided to risk it anyway. It seemed that there were some roadworks but these were suspended for the holiday period. What was somewhat more interesting was the amount of ice on the road. This made those sections that had been in the shade throughout the day were still slippy.
There were several cars heading the other way, so either they’d mad it up the hill or had turned round. Taking it steady we got to the valley floor without incident. The valley road was clear and we nabbed the final spot at the Wha House parking area.
Being the somewhat less popular side of Eskdale, after all there’s the Scafells on the other, we were a bit unsure as to the route out of the valley. Wainwright notes a couple of old peat roads but we’d no firm idea whether they were on the ground at lower levels.
Walking alongside the remarkably clear waters of the Esk we saw another couple begin to head upwards. “Let’s try that.”
It turned out to be one of the old roads and zig-zagged its way up the fellside. One or two sections might have been interesting with horse and cart but in general it was reasonable going.
As the gradient eased we welcomed the sun. Unfortunately it was right in our eyes so quite awkward to make out our way ahead. The peat road became indistinct, probably it diverged to separate workings, so we followed sheep trods and vague paths.
The summit loomed ahead but it required some meandering to avoid bogs and rock outcrops. The final cone looked rather awkward and it took a few wrong turns before we reached the top.
“Photo for the album”, I took hold of the dog while Cath did the honours. It was then I noticed ... The true summit! There! Sitting another 400m further on was another, higher, knoll. “Oh well” We work our way back down to the plateau and head towards the true summit.
It should have been obvious - no worn path leading upwards, etc. - anyway a well worn path led onwards. Another party were just ahead of us having gone past while we were on our diversion.
A patch or two of ice on the steep ground needed care then some rocky steps, way easier than on the other “summit” and then I was there. A fifty five year pilgrimage had come to an end. The party ahead of us were a family of three - the father shook my hand “Well done! We’ve a way to go yet”.
Max sat with me for the true finishing shot (he’s on four BTW) and we had our snacks. No whooping or hollering, just quiet reflection.
A different way back to the car and then to the pub where a pint of Wainwright somehow seemed appropriate.
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