I had a bit of a late start from Grange. It was almost lunchtime by the time I arrived. It was trying to snow as I set off. I headed North out of the village then I turned left at Manesty up the 'tourist' track to Hause Gate (NY245192). The snow was a couple of inches deep here with ice patches on the footpath. The ice was easily avoided at this point. I headed South towards Bull Crag (576m). The snow here was very deep, up to the knees in places where it had drifted. The ice on the path was thick, sometimes hidden beneath the snow, and micro-spikes with walking poles were used to ascend. I carried full crampons and ice axe but they were not needed. By the time I reached the top the sun came out and I wandered around, awestruck, on the summit for a while. My original plan was to continue to High Spy but I had spent so long taking photographs on the top and wading through the snow that I realised I did not have enough time to continue with the intended route. I decided to return the same way I had come up. Though I do feel I perhaps could have come down via Nitting Haws, I have not done that route before and with the snowy conditions, I decided not to take the chance. It is on my 'to do' list!
Area :
North Western Fells
