Bowfell (via The Climber's Traverse), Crinkle Crags, Cold Pike & Pike O'Blisco - Sunday 24 February 2019
Route
Old Dungeon Ghyll (ODG) - The Band - Climber's Traverse - Great Slab of Flat Crags - Bowfell - Three Tarns - Crinkle Crags - Little Stand - Cold Pike - Pike O'Blisco - Wrynose Pass - ODG
Parking
ODG Hotel, Langdale (£3, Pay in Hotel) - Grid Ref NY285060
Mileage
11 miles
Terrain
Good mountain paths mostly. The Climber's Traverse beneath Bowfell has some very mild exposure. Care should be taken on the transit over Crinkle Crags in mist as the path does not follow a natural direct line. The section from Crinkle Crags to Cold Pike via Little Stand is pathless for the most part.
Weather
Bright & sunny initially followed by a spell of low cloud whilst on The Climber's Traverse. From Bowfell the conditions were mainly overcast with some sunny spells.
Time Taken
8hrs 50mins
Total Ascent
4084ft (1245m)
Wainwrights
4
Map
OL6 - The English Lakes (South Western Area)
Old Dungeon Ghyll (ODG) - The Band - Climber's Traverse - Great Slab of Flat Crags - Bowfell - Three Tarns - Crinkle Crags - Little Stand - Cold Pike - Pike O'Blisco - Wrynose Pass - ODG
Parking
ODG Hotel, Langdale (£3, Pay in Hotel) - Grid Ref NY285060
Mileage
11 miles
Terrain
Good mountain paths mostly. The Climber's Traverse beneath Bowfell has some very mild exposure. Care should be taken on the transit over Crinkle Crags in mist as the path does not follow a natural direct line. The section from Crinkle Crags to Cold Pike via Little Stand is pathless for the most part.
Weather
Bright & sunny initially followed by a spell of low cloud whilst on The Climber's Traverse. From Bowfell the conditions were mainly overcast with some sunny spells.
Time Taken
8hrs 50mins
Total Ascent
4084ft (1245m)
Wainwrights
4
Map
OL6 - The English Lakes (South Western Area)
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GPX File
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Walk Description
It is always a pleasant day out when you can take a different route up a particular fell - one you have never done before. Today was one of those days whereby we would climb Bowfell via The Climber's Traverse and also transit the Crinkles from North to South instead of the other way round. Arriving at The Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel the weather looked extremely promising - wall-to-wall sunshine and a bright blue sky. Would it hold out - let's see eh!! The plan today was to head for Bowfell via The Band splitting off the main path to the Climber's Traverse and to summit Bowfell via the scramble up the side of Great Slab. From the summit we would drop down to Three Tarns, climb over the Crinkles and see from there. Depending on time we may go over to Little Stand then get back to Langdale via Cold Pike & Pike O'Blisco - we would see later.
From the Car Park at the ODG the route heads firstly through Stool End Farm to then climb up The Band where from a cairn the path splits - carry on to the left to reach Three Tarns or go right to start the Climber's Traverse - it was here that the weather changed and we were presented with some slow moving wispy cloud and the sun left us for a while. The name Climber's Traverse should not put people off - it is so called because the route traverses across the eastern face of Bowfell and was initially used by climbers as a convenient way to access the various pitches on Bowfell Buttress. The path keeps level for the most part as it makes its way across the traverse of the lower slopes and there is only mild exposure - so much so we hardly noticed such were the views that were on offer. As we neared Bowfell Buttress I was keeping an eye out for a spring emanating from Cambridge Crag that marks the point to turn south and begin the ascent to Bowfell. The climb is steep via a scramble over rock and after a short while the Great Slab comes into view on the left - when the top of Great Slab is gained it is worth walking along the precipice to look down over this remarkable sight.
From Great Slab it was a short walk and climb to summit Bowfell where, as expected there are superb vistas in all directions. Retracing our steps we continued on past Great Slab to drop steeply down over a loose stone path to the top of The Band at Three Tarns. There now begins what Wainwright described as "Lakeland's finest ridge mile" and there is no doubt that the transit over Crinkle Crags is a superb walk. A rollercoaster of undulations which gives the eye differing views of the surrounding Lakeland panorama as each Crinkle is negotiated. Descending our fifth Crinkle (or the first if you are coming from south to north) we were doing well for time therefore decided to head over the pathless route to Little Stand and from this picturesque summit another delightful transit via Gaitscale Gill to reach Cold Pike.
From Cold Pike we dropped down slightly to the north to pick up the main path coming down from Crinkle Crags which delivered us to the col near Red Tarn. Here it was decision time - do we drop down to the valley floor via Brown Howe or make the short steep ascent up to Pike O'Blisco - we had an hour until sunset and head torches therefore it was no contest - Pike O' Blisco it was. The decision to climb was well founded - from the summit there were glorious sunset views back over Cold Pike and over to the Crinkles. We then descended steeply over Wrynose Fell on the long schlep to reach the road to the south of Wall End Farm. All that remained was to follow the road past the farm to reach the ODG. Another wonderful day out on one of Lakeland's classic routes.
From the Car Park at the ODG the route heads firstly through Stool End Farm to then climb up The Band where from a cairn the path splits - carry on to the left to reach Three Tarns or go right to start the Climber's Traverse - it was here that the weather changed and we were presented with some slow moving wispy cloud and the sun left us for a while. The name Climber's Traverse should not put people off - it is so called because the route traverses across the eastern face of Bowfell and was initially used by climbers as a convenient way to access the various pitches on Bowfell Buttress. The path keeps level for the most part as it makes its way across the traverse of the lower slopes and there is only mild exposure - so much so we hardly noticed such were the views that were on offer. As we neared Bowfell Buttress I was keeping an eye out for a spring emanating from Cambridge Crag that marks the point to turn south and begin the ascent to Bowfell. The climb is steep via a scramble over rock and after a short while the Great Slab comes into view on the left - when the top of Great Slab is gained it is worth walking along the precipice to look down over this remarkable sight.
From Great Slab it was a short walk and climb to summit Bowfell where, as expected there are superb vistas in all directions. Retracing our steps we continued on past Great Slab to drop steeply down over a loose stone path to the top of The Band at Three Tarns. There now begins what Wainwright described as "Lakeland's finest ridge mile" and there is no doubt that the transit over Crinkle Crags is a superb walk. A rollercoaster of undulations which gives the eye differing views of the surrounding Lakeland panorama as each Crinkle is negotiated. Descending our fifth Crinkle (or the first if you are coming from south to north) we were doing well for time therefore decided to head over the pathless route to Little Stand and from this picturesque summit another delightful transit via Gaitscale Gill to reach Cold Pike.
From Cold Pike we dropped down slightly to the north to pick up the main path coming down from Crinkle Crags which delivered us to the col near Red Tarn. Here it was decision time - do we drop down to the valley floor via Brown Howe or make the short steep ascent up to Pike O'Blisco - we had an hour until sunset and head torches therefore it was no contest - Pike O' Blisco it was. The decision to climb was well founded - from the summit there were glorious sunset views back over Cold Pike and over to the Crinkles. We then descended steeply over Wrynose Fell on the long schlep to reach the road to the south of Wall End Farm. All that remained was to follow the road past the farm to reach the ODG. Another wonderful day out on one of Lakeland's classic routes.
Heading out of Langdale on a glorious winter's morning.
Great Knott is to the left with Crinkle Crags central, Bowfell to the right and The Band in the foreground
Great Knott is to the left with Crinkle Crags central, Bowfell to the right and The Band in the foreground
The route passes through Stool End Farm which provides access to The Band
Pike O'Stickle & Loft Crag across Mickleden
The memorial bench at the foot of The Band looking to Pike O'Stickle.
The bench commemorates Mr S H Hamer who was Secretary of the National Trust 1911 - 1934
The bench commemorates Mr S H Hamer who was Secretary of the National Trust 1911 - 1934
With Fudge on The Band - it was a glorious day but the weather was about to change
Crinkle Crags from the ascent of The Band
Continuing along The Band
The top of The Band is to the left at Three Tarns with Bowfell left of centre. The path on the right leads to The Climber's Traverse.
The top of The Band is to the left at Three Tarns with Bowfell left of centre. The path on the right leads to The Climber's Traverse.
The cairn marking the point where the path splits - left to Three Tarns and right to the Climber's Traverse.
The cairn can be located at Grid Reference NY 25469 06160.
The cairn can be located at Grid Reference NY 25469 06160.
A shaft of light illuminates Red Tarn - Pike O'Blisco is to the left with Cold Pike to the right
The start of the Climber's Traverse - the first part heads steeply up over rocks on a good path
Looking back down The Band from the ascent of the Climber's Traverse - by now it was turning decidedly gloomy
Heading along the Climber's Traverse - Bowfell Buttress is in the centre of shot
Looking back along the Climber's Traverse to The Band
The route continues along a good if not slightly exposed path through a rocky cleft
The stream gushing out of the base of Cambridge Crag which marks the point at which the ascent to the side of Great Slab of Flat Crags begins. The stream is located at Grid Reference NY 24609 06599.
Bowfell Buttress
The start of the scramble up the west side of the Great Slab of Flat Crags
Further up the ascent the sheer bulk of Great Slab comes into view to the left
Looking down the scramble
With Fudge on Great Slab - the route of ascent can be seen to the right
A panorama of Great Slab on Flat Crags
Looking down Great Slab from the top edge - Angie is the figure that can be seen on the rocks to the left.
Wispy cloud was coming over now but thankfully it did not hang about. The summit to the rear is the Nuttall of Bowfell North Top.
Wispy cloud was coming over now but thankfully it did not hang about. The summit to the rear is the Nuttall of Bowfell North Top.
The view of Bowfell's summit from the top of Great Slab
Angie's turn now to be pictured on the top of Great Slab
It was nice to meet Graham Danse and his dog Kimmy just beneath Bowfell
The Scafell range looking over Pike de Bield from Bowfell's summit.
L-R - Slight Side, Long Green, Scafell, Mickledore, Scafell Pike & Ill Crag
L-R - Slight Side, Long Green, Scafell, Mickledore, Scafell Pike & Ill Crag
Bowfell's summit looking to Three Tarns & Crinkle Crags
Looking across Ore Gap to Esk Pike
Another view of the Scafell Range from Bowfell
Heading off Bowfell back towards Great Slab from where we would descend to the top of The Band at Three Tarns
Looking to Ore Gap, Esk Pike & Bowfell North Top from the summit
Wispy cloud over Great Slab.
I am convinced people bimble up to Bowfell's summit from Three Tarns and totally miss this wonderful sight.
I am convinced people bimble up to Bowfell's summit from Three Tarns and totally miss this wonderful sight.
Someone with too much time on their hands
Three Tarns and Crinkle Crags from the descent of Bowfell
The top of The Band looking to Pike O'Blisco and is the point that the wonderful transit over Crinkle Crags begins.
The ridge walk is just fantastic in any conditions - it is little wonder that Wainwright described it as "Lakeland's best ridge mile"
The ridge walk is just fantastic in any conditions - it is little wonder that Wainwright described it as "Lakeland's best ridge mile"
Looking back to Bowfell Links from near the top of The Band
Bowfell Links on Bowfell and Shelter Crags from the first Crinkle (going from North to South!) of Gunson Knott
Pike O'Blisco with Red Tarn peeping out. Cold Pike is to the right with Wetherlam behind
Always time for a dip eh Fudge?
The summit of Gunson Knott (first Crinkle)
Looking back to Gunson Knott from the second Crinkle
The summit of the second Crinkle
Looking to the third Crinkle - the last two Crinkles can be seen to the right
The summit of the third Crinkle
Looking across Great Cove to the fourth & fifth Crinkles from the third
The Scafell range from the summit of the third Crinkle
Bowfell & 1, 2 & 3 Crinkles
The fourth and highest point on Crinkle Crags - Long Top
The Bad Step at the southern end of Long Top.
It is usually climbed on the transit from south to north therefore we used the path around to the west rather than descend this way.
It is usually climbed on the transit from south to north therefore we used the path around to the west rather than descend this way.
Looking to Long Top from the ascent of the fifth Crinkle
The Bad Step is right of centre with the path we used seen coming in from the left
The Bad Step is right of centre with the path we used seen coming in from the left
The summit of our final Crinkle looking to Long Top
The summit of Little Stand looking to Pike O'Blisco & Cold Pike
Heading for Cold Pike from Little Stand
A lovely cascade at Gaitscale Gill with Cold Pike Far West Top ahead
Looking back across to our transit from Little Stand
Crinkle Crags & Bowfell from the ascent of Cold Pike
The summit of Cold Pike with the Langdale Pikes to the left & Pike O'Blisco to the right
A Cold Pike panorama
The summit of Cold Pike looking to Pike O'Blisco - we were off there next
Descending from Cold Pike looking to a sun topped Pike O'Blisco
Dropping into the col between Cold Pike & Pike O'Blisco with Red Tarn centre & Wetherlam to the rear.
The sun setting behind Cold Pike as we ascend Pike O'Blisco
A darkened Cold Pike, Crinkle Crags & Bowfell
The summit of Pike O'Blisco
The summit cairn & shelter on Pike O'Blisco looking across to Bowfell
Looking to the Southern Cairn on Pike O'Blisco with the Coniston fells to the rear
Heading down in the gloom over Wrynose Fell - Side Pike & Lingmoor Fell are the fells centre & right
As you do - just bimbling down the road at sunset
Heading down the road to the ODG - what a great day out