Saturday 3rd Jan, Esk Pike and Bowfell

Another cold day in the Lakes with some good visibility although none of the sunshine we have been enjoying recently.

Todays walk started at Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel and we followed the path into Mickleden before ascending the new path up Rossett Ghyll. The path was very icy in places and care was required to cross these patches. At the top of the ghyll we turned left and made our way to the summit of Rossett Pike to enjoy some views back down the Langdale valley. A cold wind was now blowing and extra layers were needed to keep warm.

As we descended towards a frozen Angle Tarn we watched a group playing on the ice in the centre of the tarn hoping that it was strong enough to hold them until we were past.

From here our route climbed again to Esk Hause and then onto Esk Pike. The hills were busy again with lots of groups moving around and most heading towards Scafell Pike or Crinkle Crags.

Our route descended to Ore Gap before the long traverse up to the summit of Bowfell and our lunch stop. The route down was by descending the great slab onto the climbers traverse path below Bowfell Butress and following this back to the Band and the path back down to Stool End Farm. Sections of this path were particularly icy and great care is required.

Another enjoyable day on the hills.