The Pikes of Langdale with new boots

The forecast was good and we headed to Langdale with the aim of going up a scramble on Pike of Stickle probably the Grey Band route grad 4 and v diff **. As we walked to walked towards Traughton Gill I had what must have looked a very comical fall as a rock gave way and I tried to save myself waving sticks about frantically in the air. I managed to get my hand down but landed no my knee and thumb! – bit shaken we scrambled up the gill where I had another fall trying to save my self from putting my foot in a deep pool, this resulted in a gash on the hand and a wet bottom! As we headed to Pike of Stickle we decided to go for something a little easier and scrambled up the excellent  Main Face Grade 2 ***. A hang glider floated over head. Once at the top we decided we definitely need to do more so dropped down to the top of dungeon  Gill and traversed round the bottom of Harrison’s Stickle and headed up South Central Buttress grade 3 **. Where the hang glider shouted down to us “ beat you to the top!” Lovely day weather perfect. And Roger’s EBay bargain of his Scarpa Freny’s were a perfect fit…just have to wait for some serious winter weather to do them justice now!

Deciding the route with Bow Fell and Bow Fell Buttress in the background

Bow Fell with North Gully – the winter climb in the shadow and central Buttress to the left

Pike of Stickle – Grey Band is the stripe towards the top

Traughton Gill

Main Face Pike of Stickle

On Main Face with Gimmer behind and Loft Crag above

Pike of Stickle Summit

On top of Harrison Stickle

Harrison Stickle our route south Central Buttress is on the skyline