Tuesday 16th February, 2004

Scafell Pike via Doves Nest Cave

Warning: Part of this route involves two  scrambles of grade 2 and 3. 

Doves Nest- The Attic Cave Grade 2***

Doves Nest Crags Grade 3***

Start Point: NY 235 123 Seathwaite's road end car park.

End Point:  NY 235 123

Distance:   11.7miles / 18.9km

Max Height: 3210feet / 978m

Height Ascended:  4757feet / 1,450m

Estimated Time:  6hrs  7mins

Weather: -4°C at 3000 feet

The Route Map

Setting out from Seathwaite

Going north-west!  What's going on?

Traversing Thorneythwaiet Fell above the Allerdale Ramble

Ascending the fell bound for Gillercombe

A steep scramble up a ravine.

Brilliant sunshine greets me at the skyline.

Rays of sunshine cascade over Doves Nest Crag

Doves Nest - The Attic Cave marked by the x

The cave is really a section of rock which has slumped down hill.  Behind the slip, are exposed bedding plains and transverse cracks which are quite easy to explore although exposed in places.  Even the most sensible walker can explore the base of the crag with little cause for concern.  The famous 'rat's' hole is now recommended as a no go area after a major rock movement in the late 1970s although it is still marked on the rock with an arrow and the word 'RAT'

Inside the cave.  At one point I was sitting atop this rock!!

Looking down towards the rat hole.

The attic cave is really a terrace formed as a result of rock falling away from the main crag.

Descending the 'cave'.  A view to the outside

My head torch lights the way!

Always carry a head torch.  It can get dark inside a cave!

Looking down Doves Nest Crag later in the morning.

Left:  Looking up an icicle.  Right:  The same icicle and the Langdale Pikes behind.

Harrison Stickle and Pike o' Stickle from Glaramara

Click this thumbnail for a panorama.

Great Gable from Glaramara

Great Gable and Sprinkling Tarn from Allen Crags

Mike Hughes on Allen Crags.  I introduced Mike to the OFC.  (Will he get in touch and even see this photo?)

Peter on Allen Crags. 

Bound for Esk Hause and Great End

THE ROOF OF ENGLAND - Scafell Pike is soon reached with its hoards of crowds.

Northerly descent bound for Lingmell

Icebound streams cascade down the fell side.

Lingmell Summit

Scafell from Lingmell.

Down into the depths of Piers Gill

Where the Corridor Route touches the top of Piers Gill

A frozen cascade

Great Gable from the Corridor or Guides Route

At Styhead.  Great End looms ahead.

Styhead Tarn guarded by the high flanks of Great End

Stockley Bridge

Homeward Bound.  Nearing Seathwaite.

This was a great day on the hills.  It is a route to be recommended for its variety of scenery, walking and terrain.  Although long, it could of course be shortened into separate excursions covering several days.  Doves Nest Crag could be a whole day's adventure with some scrambling and a circuit of Bessy Boot and Glaramara.

Peter M. Burgess, 2004

'fellrunning'