High Seat (in the snow)

28th December 09

Memory Map Route data

Google Earth KML file

Highseat (GPX) (right click>save as)

Wasn't sure about this walk when setting of from home as it was foggy, but I had Dave with me so at least I wouldn't get lost on my own. As we motored up the M6 the fog disappeared around North Lancashire to reveal the snow capped peaks of the distant fells. Once out of the fog crisp clear blue sky was the order of the day.
Parked up by Rakefoot Farm just pass the Caravan park, luckily it was early as there is only space for one vehicle on the side of the track and still give good access.

The scene was picture postcard with the snow all around. Though I was a little more concerned with getting wet feet as the snow melted on my walking boots. Ah well it was only 7 miles up down and a round, not too far if it goes pear shaped.................  

So the path started it way up to the top of Walla Crag, and as the climb got above the tree line there was fantastic views Saddleback, Skiddaw and Great Dodd. Keswick came into view as well as the top end of Derwent Waters. Everywhere you looked had been draped with snow, which invoked childhood memories of Buxton and chill blains.

  Its days like this when the technology comes in handy. From the start there was 4inches of snow and it was gradually getting deeper. With the gps it showed exactly the position on the digital 25k OS map. Which in the deep snow is useful for knowing if your on the path or not. Even with it we were only 50/50 on the path.
Once over Cat Gill the gradiance started to increase as we headed for Bleaberry Fell. The snow depth was increasing too. It was now above the knees. And as I wearing normal jeans and did not have gatters on, the snow was building up on the inside of my jeans. Not only was it building up inside, but by this time the bottom of my jeans had frozen like cardboard preventing me tuck them into my socks. No worries 1.5 mile down only 6.5 to go...

  Reaching the top of Bleaberry Fell was slow going with snow up to the crotch. Though reaching the top Bleaberry Crag was probably the most rewarding part of the walk in all. The views were the most inspiring of the day. With something to see for all 360° around.

  The route from Bleaberry Fell to High Seat was a little more challenging with nothing but virgin snow from point to point. The worrying thing was the route took us right next to a pool of water. Which we could of easily ended up walking on ice and falling through into the freezing water. As it happened there were no problems other than a small wet patch!
The snow was taking it toll on me. It was a mile from Bleaberry to High Seat and the snow was up to the top of the leg most of the way. The extra effort having to lift the leg right up out of the snow was draining.