Only Steeple
Last time I went on Steeple I was still on the Wainwright mission.
Hence there was, at the time, not point just hiking up one hill.
Yes, I know purists think they should all be done one at a time. I’m not that fanatical.
So the route was from Wastwater, taking in Haycock en-route, with Red Pike and Yewbarrow clearing up the end.
This time was far more straight forward.
From Ennerdale Water.
With it’s reflected glory
Hiking up over Twit How
Constantly looking back to Ennerdale and the coast
And forwards to the crags of Steeple.
In the end their were just too many superlatives. Too much of this wonderful landscape to describe. For once everywhere was clear and the sharpness of the crags appeared all the more malevolent when set off by a soft touch of snow.
The way down Steeple over Long Crag has a bark far worse than it’s bite. Crammed in contours gave the impression we were about to step off the edge of the world more than once, but each time a sudden reprieve gave my breath back to me.
Tightly knit plantation knots round the end of the trail. At some times precariously near Low Beck Falls. Heard well before being seen. But a battle through the trees well worth it to see this hidden part of secret Britain.
Finally the end of a clear day. Low sun casting a warm glow over the valley.
Perfection.
Until I realised I’d mislaid my purse!
Which thankfully, I retrieved the next day from Tebay Services.
There are still some honest people in this world.
