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After a recce of Leg 1 I managed all my predicted times except for the Blencathra Top. I passed North of the 'summit' of Mungrisdale then and hit the main path which climbs up to the scree on Blencathra. I think I went off to early and headed for the top of the gulley/summit. I lost a bit of height and ended up West of the summit on the ridge. What is the best route, do I stay on the path a bit longer and skirt below the scree area below Atkinson's pike?
Thanks!
You cut across the scree by a rising traverse then pull up to the broad col between Atkinson's Pike and the summit. There is a vague path through the scree.
It's pretty easy to find. You start up the scree path, & then look out for a small path going right. It traverses across the scree, rising slightly. You can follow it for a while after leaving the scree but then it peters out. Keep the same line, still rising slightly, & you'll get to the broad col.
So does it basically touch the scree (bottom) end or is it way below the scree Andy ?
I went right way too early.
You start up the scree before heading across. There's no descent involved at all, & a fair bit of it's runnable (some might say all of it).
Makes sense - I was a few 100m short of the scree. Useful post, thanks !
I tended to take a similar line but cutting slightly below the scree. It cuts a slight corner off the scree line and prob saves a minute. The ground is good and it pops out slightly further along the col. There's a flat boulder to the left of the path which marks the point where you head right.
Great stuff, thanks all. Now I know! :thumbup:
If you miss Mark's flat boulder to left then pick up flat boulder actually on the path a little further on. Then take an easy rising traverse to catch the bottom of the scree at the furthest end and it's then a straight line to the top. I have found this a straightforward line even in cloud although you do need to know the bearing or have GPS waymark for summit. Sorry I don't know bearing off the top of my head... I'm in sunny Brittany doing my tapering!Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark Smith
Cheers, Simon