High Pike, Lake District, Spring
There's more to the Northern Fells of the Lake District than meets the eye.
Nearing the end of our May break, and after having enjoyed the delights of Dash Falls, Lisabet and I decided that a reasonably high climb was in order.
Thankfully we had assistance! A former work colleague of mine turned good friend, Kate, lives in Northern Cumbria and is fell acquainted with the Northern Fells. After a coffee and a catch up, she guided us to a good parking area and we set off up the fell.
The Northern Fells really put me in mind of the Howgills: rolling, smooth hills with deep scarred valleys. Our goal for the day was to summit High Pike (658 m/2,159 ft), and in places the going was pretty steep. However, the views from the top are exquisite.
All photos shot on my Fujifilm X-T2 using two of my prime lenses: a Fujinon 23mm f/2.0 and an adapted Pentax SMC 55mm f/2.0. Images converted in Lightroom, then edited in Affinity Photo.
On our way up the easy-to-follow path and already the views are wide open and expansive. A great day for hiking.
The way up, with Potts Gill to our right. This area of the Northern Fells has been historically mined extensively, evidenced by fenced off shaft entrances and clear tracks.
The view from near the top of Potts Gill and its ripples. Dead centre is a transmitting station and in the far distance are the coastal Galloway mountains across the Solway Firth.
As the continue the climb, slivers of light dance across the fells and sink into the gills. The prominent peak is Brae Fell.
A 55mm composition of Brae Fell with deep gills scarring its flank.
But finally, after lots of huffing and puffing, summit! Looking south from the summit of High Pike, the fells criss-cross each other towards the back of Blencathra.
Even more stunning views to the east. To the left is Carrock Fell, and to the right are the crags of Bowscale Fell.
I ventured down the western slope of High Pike a little bit to get a clear view of the scene here. Great Lingy Hill and its extremely steep valley.
I kept returning to gawp at the view southwards, checking out the sheer southeastern crag faces of Bowscale Fell and Blencathra.
Heading back down the same route, the afternoon sun breaks through and scans across the scene ahead of us.
Back down on Caldbeck Moor there is gorse everywhere, smelling beautifully of coconut.
One last look back at the trail we took to High Pike. What a crackin' hike and a beautiful conclusion to our week.