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The Fellwalker by Peter John Farnworth
WALK 13 SUNDAY APRIL 3rd 1977 []Today I will be going over four summits, which is a high level walk from Pavey Ark with some splendid views down to the valley of Mickleden, but on this write-up, I am only concentrating on the climb up from Stickle Tarn. You may find this amusing but, at the same time, you may find yourself in this position one day! There are two or three ways up to the summit of Pavey Ark from Stickle Tarn. One route is directly in front of the Tarn, which is difficult and awkward and not for the weak willed. I decided to go via the North Rake, to the right of Pavey Ark on the far side of the Tarn, where you steadily climb up a grassy slope between the crags. The other way is to follow the Harrison Stickle path, which is to the left of the Tarn as you approach it from Milk Gill. On this day the conditions were very bad indeed, with deep snow at the Tarn as I made my way towards the North Rake. As I climbed further up this steep slope, the snow and ice was very compact so I fitted my crampons, which made it a little better for walking. As I was about three-quarters of the way up the North Rake the mist came down. This made life a little bit difficult for me. What with the snow and ice, my progress slowed right down (I think these conditions could be term a whiteout). I arrived at the summit, which I assumed was the high ground, but with the mist well down I was unsure. As I was having a bite to eat and also feeling pleased with myself that I had reached the highest point, I thought, "there does not seem many fell-walkers on the summit today", and just put this down to the weather conditions. It was only when the mist lifted slightly that I could see why. I had sat down some thirty yards away from the summit cairn, where the rest of the fell-walkers were. I walked over to them, head bowed, and maybe with a little bit of egg on my face. This can happen to the best of us! Has it happened to you, also?
Mountains walked that day: Pavey Ark 88 Harrison Stickle 71 Loft Crag 93 Pike O-Stickle 83 [ ] Diagram & Stats
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