Garry Peasland - 333504

Hartsop to Paterdale to FairField to Grisedale Tarn

Day 1

So from the car park at Hartsop I had made the decision to walk to Paterdale, this was based upon the car park being full at Hartsop and a number of people that were arriving in the car park and saying Paterdale was full - the weather over Easter being the best all year and everyone were out trying to enjoy the countryside.

I knew my plans needed to accommodate this change and addition in distance. My thoughts were to get to Paterdale and stop at the White Lion and recoup and workout my plan. I decided that I would not have the time (current time was 3pm) to complete the original plan based on the time and available light - and this being a new route which may involve a scramble section on Link Cove to Hart Crag from here I would then descend to Grisedale Tarn, I had calculated that this would take my approx 6 hours and that would me I would arrive at the tarn in the dark -this was not something I wanted to do.

So, my plan was to ascend Thornhow End, passing plenty of people on their way off the mountain, some people I met were involved in the Coast To Coast - something I did wonder whether I should arrange in the future for a small group. Crossing St Sunday Crag on to Deepdale Hause, Cofa Pike and eventually Fairfield Summit. When I was on St Sunday Crag I was able to view the front of Fairfield to understand possible routes around Sleet Cove (next to the sheepfold) Link Cove for future reference. From Fairfield summit and a few air punches and a few pictures of the surrounding views I began my ascent of scree to Gridale Tarn - this was quite tricky and care was needed not to slip - foot placement was key here.

I eventually reached Gridale Tarn after a very long day - my feet were sore after trying my new technical boots some Scarpa Ribelle’s. My GR 351 120 for the evening base camp - my choice could of been a little better as the ground was not entirely dry and the ground was probably the flatest in the immediate area. Other possible locations were already taken by other people - this tarn was not a popular as Angle Tarn - probably because Angle Tarn is more accessible...

Grisedale Tarn to FairField to Hart Crag to Hartsop.

Day 2

I rose at 7am and soon packed my bag and was off. I ascended the footpath (scree) to the summit to the summit of Fairfield. From Fairfield to Hart Crag,I decided to take a break here and have my cuppa tea and meal in a bag both done on my JetBoil. After my food and drink I continued down Hartsop above How. There were a couple of scramble sections which i enjoyed on the descent.

As I was parked at Hartsop I decided to descend a path not really clear on the OS map but around GR 398 132 over a style descended through Low Wood to Cow Bridge. After a short along the Kirkstone Pass back to Hartsop I returned to my car.

An awesome few expedition days with lots of lessons learnt for future trips.