The view back to Borrowdale - Great Gable Guided Walk
Great Gable Guided Walk
As well as walks to Scafell Pike, we offer guided walks to all other Lake District fells and a wide variety of other outdoor activities including:
Last week I met with Jane & Erin (mum and daughter) with a plan to summit Great Gable. This mountain had some significance for Jane hence this choice over others. We met early at Seathwaite in Borrowdale and discussed some of the route options available to us.
It was decided we would approach via Styhead and possible divert up to Windy Gap. The weather was being a bit damp and blustery but there was a promise of better things later, so off we went. Approaching Styhead I knew that Windy Gap would be just too windy, so we continued on to the rescue box above the tarn. Here it was very blustery but we were able to find some shelter and take on board some food.
Jane was concerned about the strong winds, but with some reassurance we continued on the direct path to Great Gable. The mountain was actually offering us some respite from the worst of the wind and the dampness had now all gone away. Still, we were walking in the mist and Jane had really come for some decent views, so was becoming less keen to continue. We rested again, now at about 700m above sea level, Jane decided she didn’t wish to continue upwards.
We began our descent, taking time to seek some proper shelter so we could enjoy lunch whilst still high in the mountains.
Soon we were below the clouds again and views opened up for us to enjoy. Parts of the Scafell range in all their grandeur and a brightness twinkled in the Borrowdale valley. We could spend more time simply enjoying our surroundings, marvelling at neighbouring landscapes, and spotting some rather lovely flora - check out the Heath Spotted Orchid.
This had been a good choice by Jane. Whilst the summit is always nice to reach, it really doesn’t need to be the main event of a day out, more a part of the journey. We could have made it to the summit today, but it would have been gruelling in the the strong winds, and all for zero views.
The summit of Great Gable will await a return visit from Jane and Erin, there’s no rush and after all, mountains are to be savoured. Thanks to you both for choosing Climb Scafell for this.
So whether you’re looking for a mountain day on foot, on rock, in water, or on two wheels, get in touch and let us help make your plans flourish into a memorable adventure.
Thanks for reading
Mark
Heath Spotted Orchid - Great Gable Guided Walk
Thanks to Jane for this lovely review - Great Gable Guided Walk