Side Pike - Lake District Walk
Saturday 1st December 2007
There were gale force winds and plenty of rain predicted for the high fells today so we opted for a shorter walk and a lower summit. As we started up Side Pike a hail shower came racing across Blea Tarn which forced us to take shelter out of the wind. It passed as quickly as it arrived and for the rest of the walk, apart from an odd spot of rain, we remained dry although frequently thrown off balance by some strong gusts of wind. The wind was so strong that the only way to take pictures at the summit was to lie down. I certainly wouldn't have wanted to go much higher today.
Start: Blea Tarn car park (NY 2955 0432)
Route: Blea Tarn - Side Pike (222) - Blea Tarn
Distance: 2.25 miles Ascent: 201 metres Time Taken: 2 hours
Terrain: Easy path around Blea Tarn, a bit of scrambling up to Side Pike's summit.
Weather: Hail showers, cold and strong winds.
Pub Visited: Lamb Inn, Grasmere Ale Drunk: Theakston's Best Bitter
The Langdales are caught in sunshine as we cross the road from the car park to Blea Tarn.
Blake Rigg.
Side Pike.
Side Pike across Blea Tarn.
The Band and Mickleden just before the hailstorm hit us.
Blea Tarn with Wetherlam out of the clouds for a brief moment.
Pike of Blisco.
Side Pike's summit cairn with the distinctive Langdales behind.
The Langdales.
Looking across Great Langdale to Fairfield.
There is plenty of snow on the higher fells as this shot of Fairfield shows.
Plenty of water in Stickle Ghyll as well.
Zooming in on Pavey Ark.
Blake Rigg & Pike of Blisco from the summit.
Blea Tarn.
Lingmoor Fell as the rain starts again.
A final look at the Langdales as we follow the path back to Blea Tarn
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