2nd March 2006

From the eastern approach, Nethermost Pike is a steep & scary looking mass and the east ridge sharp and inaccessible. The walk in from Patterdale keeps the climb in view and gives ample time to plan ahead or chicken out.

Once across the stream and to the base of Eagle Crag, there is one obvious route to the right on a good path up to the base of the ridge. For those with a bit more of an adventurous spirit, there are good (but steep & hard) scrambles up onto the face.

Once over the top & rested, a short walk brings you to the foot of the ridge.

Two routes are obvious & depending on conditions (& whether you prefer to climb on snow or rock or a mix of the two) the ascent can begin. It is slow and difficult at times when you are on the ridge to pick the optimum route. When I climbed it the snow was just staring to melt & conditions were pretty awful. Once at the top, there is a couple of steps over a small but awkward & exceptionally exposed rock or two. The drop falls away on both sides & it ends up being a hands & knees job. Onto a lovely sweeping arete & the summit cairn is reached.

The return can be via Helvellyn & Striding Edge if you are feeling up to it or drop behind Dollywagon Pike to Grisedale Tarn & return to Patterdale.

From Patterdale - 9 miles, 2430' (741m) of climb and about 5 hours in total.

28th February 2006

The difference in aspect of this peak from the southwest and east side is quite marked. Whilst from the west and south it is a fairly featureless hump, from the east it has the touch of 'an Alp' about it with a definite summit goal in sight to reach. I had always considered Dollywagon Pike as a fairly dull climb on the zig-zag route from Grisedale Tarn, but this route taking in a steep gully and a sharp ridge is just delightful.

Start from behind the Ruthwaite Hut (reached from Patterdale in about an hour) and climb up through the obvious gap to the base of the gully. There are loose rocks here and in the gully so a little care is needed.

The ascent of the gully is steep and rocky but over fairly quickly.

Onto the ridge, follow a curving route to the first small outcrop of rock and then ascend directly. No problems here.
There follows a steep but exhilarating climb along the ridge to the east top and then a narrow arete to a rock step of about 6 or 7 feet in height. Of all the climb, this is the only place where the odd twinge of vertigo may be felt. The aspect is quite exposed, especially in high wind - but loins girded, it is only two or three steps over and the summit is just in front of you. Descend by the broad track to Grisedale Tarn & back to Patterdale. Just under 9 miles & 5 hours. In snow, ice axe & crampons (& knowledge of their use) are essential.

From the car park at Patterdale (£2 for a day - better than the £5.50 in Glenridding!), up behind the hotel & through Glenamara Park. Over Hag Beck & to the foot of Thornthwaite Crag. A steep climb to a stile over the wall and then a good path around the northern flank of Birks (if you need to bag it, a short walk back on yourself to the featureless summit & return will only take about 15 mins). St Sunday crag now opens out in front of you.

Around the base of the mountain across Gavel Moss (boggy) and up a short gully to the base of Gavel Pike. A good stomp up the ridge (no difficulty) & over the Pike itself and a gentle walk to the top & summit. Along narrowing ridge towards Fairfield and the base of Cofa Pike.

Cofa Pike is not as difficult as it looks from the base. A couple of easy routes open up as you start to climb & you tend to zig-zag up through the rocks to the top. A narrow ridge leads onto the Northeast flank of Fairfield (great fun in deep powder snow!) and thence to the summit.

Descend via the steep screes towards Seat Sandal & down to Grisedale Tarn & the path back to Patterdale. 11 miles, 6 hours & 2900' of climb.