Terrain Overview
Walk Overview
Day One of our week long stay in Lakeland. A scorching hot, blue sky day and after
settling into our temporary home for the duration, we headed out to Keswick to climb
a Wainwright Fell we have been wanting to do for some time ... Causey Pike.
Most visitors to Derwent Water will have seen this striking looking Fell as the one
with the "bobbly bit" on top that is close to Cat Bells. Wainwright says in Book 6
"The final rock tower requires the use of hands. It is easy, but no place for fooling about"
I say ... He wasn`t kidding !!!
The ascent of the Tower is not too bad, but if you intend to descend the same way
take care, it`s a nasty little bugger with some sheer drops and narrow ledges in places.
Having said that, don`t be put off by this climb, the views on top are exceptional
From the A66 towards Cockermouth, take the Braithwaite exit and then the minor
road heading towards Stair & Stoneycroft. At Stoneycroft Bridge, there is limited
parking either side for a few cars. Be warned this is a popular start point and
therefore very busy.
The start of the "tourist" path just slightly North of the bridge
The objective of today`s climb lies beyond the Col at Sleet Hause and the
path is easy to follow
There are alternative and more indirect paths that initially lead up Rowling End
that do provide more varied views on the way up; however they are steeper. In
today`s heat this way is the more gradual option
Looking back North towards Skiddaw
Approaching the Col at Sleet Hause
The climb levels off a little as the Col is approached
There`s the "bobbly bit" and the climbers halfway up the ridge give an idea of scale
At this point we are on the main ridge and the dramatic views down the Newlands
valley start to open up, here looking South towards Robinson and Hindscarth
Looking North from Sleet Hause towards Bassenthwaite Lake
A perfect view of what comprises the "Newlands Round" ... Maiden Moor, High Spy,
Dale Head, Hindscarth and the diminutive Scope End
Looking North from l to r .. Ullock Pike, Long Side, Carl Side, Skiddaw Little Man
and Lonscale Fell
Looking North towards Bassenthwaite Lake and Binsey in the distance
Looking over Derwent Water and Keswick towards Blencathra
The path continues through thick gorse as it approaches the start of the rock tower
It`s at about this point you can put your walking poles away in your bag, as from
here on in it`s rock handling all the way to the top
Phew !! - made it in one piece
Fabulous views to be had from the rocky summit. Click here for a 360 degree view
The connecting ridge to Scar Crags
Looking towards Blencathra. We stayed for a while on the summit to take in
the marvellous panorama before we made the "adventurous descent"
I will not lie, descending the rock tower can if you take a wrong turn lead you
to some very narrow ledges and unpleasant exposure. Care is required
The profile of Causey Pike in shadow as we stop for a breather
We had absolutely everything today. Causey Pike is deservedly popular and
certainly one climb that we will remember for some time
