Wainwright's - High Pike and Binsey.

After last week’s Skiddaw round we only had two Wainwright’s left to do in the Northern section – namely High Pike and Binsey.  The problem was they were at opposite sides of the Uldale and Caldbeck Fells. 

Neither of these hills warranted a full day on their own so we originally planned to bag High Pike and perhaps head over to Carrock Fell again, (we have been onto the latter several times) to make a good days circular walk.  We would then leave Binsey for another day.

   

A poor weather forecast on the day meant that most of the high tops would be in cloud, so in the end we decided to go for High Pike on its own and if we felt OK once we got back down, we would drive around to Binsey.

Parking near Carrock Beck on the eastern side of High Pike we headed up via Driggeth Mines and the southern slopes of Low Pike.  Occasionally the sun broke through creating some atmospheric conditions, but it didn't last.

Carrock Fell from Driggeth Mines

Atmospheric skies above Carrock Fell with Great Mell Fell just visible through the murk

As expected High Pike was in cloud so we only stayed long enough for a few pics and a bite to eat in the rocky shelter just to the east.  It was still a great walk though, and the first hill of the summer we have not had a view from.

The Summit of High Pike

Returning via Low Pike and West Fell we got back to the car just before noon, leaving us plenty of time for Binsey.

The clouds were just starting to break up and by the time we reached the high road beyond Calbeck,  the Skiddaw range was looking spectacular as cloud spilled over the summit and down its flanks.

Skiddaw from the Uldale Road

The walk up onto Binsey went quickly and we were on the top 40 minutes later.  For a diminutive little hill it is a great viewpoint and one I would happily do again.  

Binsey Summit

We explored the top and had a look at the Tumulus, but all of the time our eyes were drawn across the valley towards Skiddaw.  Raked by shafts of light and with her summit shrouded by swirling cloud Skiddaw looked spectacular.

Skiddaw and Bassenthwaite Lake

So that’s all of the Northern Wainwright’s completed.  It has been great fun revisiting some fells and enjoying others we would probably not have bothered with.  We will certainly be revisiting some of them again.   

That leaves us with 90 Wainwright’s to do.

© David Forster