The weatherman said it the outlook was fair and with no rain forecast we saw a few hills in our weekend. A quick call to Churchstile campsite and Friday after work we were off. Car packed with the most basic camping equipment. Tent, chairs, blow up bed, duvet, pillows, kettle, tea and coffee. What else did we need?
Arriving at Churchstile in the dark wasn't on the cards but after a later finish at work than planned an a shop stop at Kirkby Lonsdale it was around 9pm when we finally rolled up. Could we get pitched in the dark and more importantly could we make it to the pub for last orders? Both were managed very successfully and we had time for not 1 not 2 but 3 little drinkies......uh oh, we're walking tomorrow !!!!
Up and out by 10am the following morning Haycock and Cawfell were our targets for the day. These 2 were a couple of Wainwrights left in the area unticked so we'd put that right today. A short driver down Wastwater and we found a little parking spot right next to where the path started up the first part of the hill.
It was warm and as we wandered up the path next to the little stream fleeces came off.
There were some gorgeous little waterfalls trickling down on the way up and since we'd all day we took the time to stop and get up close to see if we could capture the beautiful light that covered the hillside. It really was turning out to be a super day.
Onwards and upwards through the valley, gaining height all the time with Middle fell to our left and soon behind us and Seatallan coming proudly into view.
Scafell behind us in the other direction and then Scafell Pike poking its head out it really was a day for the loveliest of views only marred slightly by the occasional jet that streaked overhead.
After the final slog up to the left hand side with the now chilly wind blowing in from the sea, the summit of Haycock came into view with its nice little shelter over the wall.
We didn't stop here for the moment but continued onto Cawfell and since today's route was a linear route we'd be back on Haycock later.
Down off the fell and over to Haycock was a pleasant walk. Almost plateau-like however if you weren't aware of where the summit lay then you'd miss it as for little short people (like me)seeing the beautifully constructed cairn to mark the summit behind a high stone wall was a tough ask. Thankfully I was in the company of a taller person.....a map & GPS so all was well!
Over the wall the wind blew hard from the North and I quickly darted back over the other side to get a bit of shelter in the walk back up to Haycock. The sun was still bright in the sky and the light was starting to change as the afternoon took its grip. Shadows were more defined and that distant haze started to appear.
We were on our way back down after a quick snack stop at the shelter on Haycock. We'd timed ourselves and ideally wanted to get down in 3 hrs so we could get some ice cream at the campsite shop. That was our motivation and we moved forward and downwards at the fastest pace possible which in my case wasn't that fast but I was moving (ouchie knees today!)
The initial steep bit was over and we were awarded with some stunning views as we moved down through the valley. The late afternoon light was just beautiful bathing everything around in a warmish glow.
Almost down and the fantastic purple heather on the screes at Wastwater caught my eye and was a welcome site as we neared the end of our walk.
Back to the car almost 3 hrs since we'd stepped off the top the next stop was the ice cream shop where we sat in the sun, ate the most delicious ice cream and reflected on a great walk.
