Bowfell
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8th September 2001 - 6 Miles & 2800ft Ascent

Langdale NT Campsite  

OS OL 6 - NY 287 058

Bowfell (W) 902m / 2960ft OS OL 6 - NY 250 053
Whitestones On The Band 568m / 1863ft OS OL 6 - NY 261 061

My first time out on the hills on a weekend. Two nights camped on the Langdale NT campsite with a Saturday walk over Bowfell; accompanied by a work colleague Chris and his wife Fiona, this was to be her first outing onto the fells. A Friday afternoon arrival in Langdale found us erecting our tents before the forecast showers and windy conditions arrived.

Once sorted with our accomodation, we geared up and headed off up Stickle Ghyll for Stickle Tarn. Since it was 4pm, I had not intended to scramble Jack's Rake but to show Fiona the line up it, and to get an idea of what she thought of it. This probably was a good idea since as we arrived at the tarn the heavens opened up and the downpour commenced. The Langdale Pikes above us became immersed in the dreary cloud which accompanied the downpour, along with quite a strong wind. We traversed around below Harrison Stickle crossing Dungeon Ghyll and picking up the track from Loft Crag back to the Stickle Barn, arriving at approx. 7pm and enjoying a pint in our soaked state. Fortunately, we had taken our waterproofs and it wasn't that cold.

Saturday morning, 9.30am. We made our way to the ODG and up onto the Cumbria Way, passing below the Langdale Pikes and heading for Rossett Gill (below left). I was wearing for the first time, my Scarpa Manta M4 boots which I had purchased last December. I had decided to wear them in an attempt to break them in for the coming winter. As a result, I had blisters by the time we reached the bottom of Rossett Gill & Stake Pass. After applying the compeed plasters, we continued up Rossett Gill taking the old pony track (having remembered where it started) instead of scrambling all the loose rock and scree further up. The Langdale Pikes and Cumbria Way fell away behind us (below right) in the middle distance as we climbed up and out of the Langdale Valley to Angle Tarn. I really began to struggle for some reason on this walk, possibly down to the boots, so much so that I even packed away my camera.

 

We stopped for a short break at Angle Tarn then continued up and around the tarn to the Ore Gap, located between Esk Pike & Bowfell. Heading across Hanging Knotts, we reached the often busy summit of Bowfell, and this occasion was no exception. Needless to say we didn't hang around long before beginning the descent to three tarns and turning left to descend The Band. 

Descending The Band, to your left you have the Langdale Pikes (below left) and Pike O' Blisco to your right. Only when you actually reach Whitestones On The Band, does the Langdale Valley open up ahead and below you (below right), the view which stays with you until you reach Stool End Farm at the bottom of The Band.

 

A slight diversion at the bottom re-directed us around the farm for foot & mouth reasons, but we eventually made it to the very busy bar at the ODG for a well enjoyed couple of jars. This is my third time on Bowfell and all by the same route. I think I shall have to try the climbers traverse next time, just for a change.