Walk 213 re-completes ‘The Central Fells’ — four Wainwrights to go…

WALK 213: Helm Crag (1,329’ above sea level, number 324 of my second round), Gibson Knott (1,379’, no. 325) and Calf Crag (1,762’, no. 326). 7.66 miles, 1,900 feet of ascent.

I didn’t mean to avoid the Lakes for three months: indeed, I’ve only bagged one Wainwright (and Birkett) since my very warm struggle up Scafell in early September. I did set out on a nice day in November but never made it due to transport problems (and not even public transport ones: a broken petrol cap was the trivial, but fatal reason I never made it that day). Otherwise the weather through most of the autumn and early winter was pretty terrible, seemingly constant rain and then a bout of heavy snow for Lakeland in December.

On the ascent path, with Grasmere below.

Fortunately, though, all the necessary ingredients came back together last Friday and I was able to continue doing my usual Lakeland thing. Walk 213 turned out to be a bit of a misty one, that’s true, but on this occasion that wasn’t something that spoilt the experience. 

If anything, the summit of Helm Crag, first of the three fells bagged, was an even more (literally) atmospheric experience than it is in the sunshine. This really is one of the best summits in Lakeland, and will inevitably be the highlight of any walk in the area; but the ridge along to Gibson Knott and Calf Crag, then descent into Greenburn Bottom, all makes for a walk that is definitely worth the trouble. Neither too easy nor too difficult underfoot, easy to reach and with a good pub at the end. Sunshine — who needs it? Read all about it and see the usual crop of photos on the walk 213 page.

Lamb, Lion and some enthusiastic students seeking a prime selfie opportunity.

As of today, then, I have bagged 326 Wainwrights on my second round so have just four to go, which are going to break down into three walks. I do want to finish the project as it started, that is, by public transport, although to get Robinson most conveniently by bus means waiting for Easter and the restart of the #77 Buttermere service — and I’d rather do it before then. There is a possible route from Seatoller, if I swallow my purist pride and revisit the top of Dale Head on the way (still wearing my No Third Round badge, in case you were wondering).

And as well as Robinson there are the trio of Seathwaite Fell, Esk Pike and Great End — and you can probably work out from their names which one I would like to finish on. I will try not to leave it another three months before moving on.

On the ridge below Calf Crag.