Pinnacle Ridge Lake District - On the pinnacles
Pinnacle Ridge Lake District
After a couple of days working on all things Mountain Leader with Jay (his assessment is next week), yesterday we had a fun day planned on Pinnacle Ridge. It’s been a while since I’ve been on this brilliant scramble.
The morning was crisp and cold with only a light breeze. Perfect conditions that would even help to keep us cool on the steep approach walk from Patterdale.
When we arrived at the base of Pinnacle Ridge we noticed a few people ahead of us already enjoying this wonderful scramble. And looking back down the hillside, more people were on their way. A busy day it is then.
We moved swiftly, enjoying the movement, the joy of feeling rock under our fingers, and of course the outstanding positions this route affords.
At the crux corner we slowed, taking a more considered approach as the moves now are a little trickier. Behind us were a couple of guys with their small dog and she was being bundled into a backpack! We offered some assistance with our rope and they took us up on this. So I hauled the four legged participant up to the safety of our spacious ledges whilst the guys could then fully enjoy the scrambling.
Next are the pinnacles, and whilst these are easier, they are even more fun and give some dramatic exposure. This leads on to a short down climb into a col before the final section of the route. This has a few variations and today I managed to follow a line I’d never done previously and finished with a wonderfully exposed move at the top out.
A quick walk up onto the broad ridge of St.Sunday Crag brought us back into the sunlight. Warm enough, but only just, for a bite to eat before we begin the easy descent back down to Patterdale. Views over Ullswater and the surrounding mountains were sublime. Autumn is the best time of year to enjoy the colours and contrasts here in the Lake District.
Thanks for reading.
Mark
Pinnacle Ridge Lake District - the glorious walk back to Patterdale