Some cloud rolled in overnight but by morning it had lifted a bit to give nice views. There had been no wind and still none as the sun came up. Unfortunately the cloud hadn’t cleared enough to give views of the sun rising. I was in no particular rush to get off as I’d only planned to move across to Grey Knotts. I spent some time reading before starting to pack up. The sun broke through and I hung on a while to let its rays dry the dew off the tent. It was such a nice spot I was reluctant to leave. I set off at 9:10am in chilly sunshine. The night temperature had dropped to 8degC and hadn’t raised much since.

Camp near High House Tarn

Across High House Tarn to the Langdales.

There was a nice clear view of Allen Crags up ahead and it was so nice to be walking on a reasonable path. I could still feel the effects of yesterday’s steep diagonal climb on my legs and ankles. The wind increased a little as I climbed and I was rewarded with nice views on the summit. I also had a good view across to Aaron Slack which I would have to climb on my way to Grey Knotts. It’s always frustrating looking down on a steep descent and a horrible climb that I will have to do to regain all the lost altitude. It was an easy descent to Esk Hause then I turned right to descend the easy path to Sprinkling Tarn.

Here's a black and white version of the above picture. I've called it 'The Lost World'

I’d still not met anybody on the trail today but below I saw several people coming up towards Sty Head Pass. There was one solitary tent pitched by Sty Head Tarn but by the time I’d got to the tarn it was gone. Windy Gap is at the top of Aaron Slack and it didn’t look too much below the summit of Great Gable to the Left. The path at Sty Head Tarn is nice and flat but I wasn’t on it for long. I took the left turn up the steep climb of Aaron Slack. The first part is fairly steady as it follows stone steps. With a steady pace it isn’t difficult but the problem starts where the large stones stop. In full pack the loose stones are difficult and frustrating as every step up is a partial slide back. Eventually I made the summit and was treated to a wonderful view down into Ennerdale. I turned right to complete the short climb to the summit of Green Gable.

Tarn on Grey Knotts.

Sunset over Pillar.

I was now on one of the main routes to Great Gable and many people were about. I continued north toward Grey Knotts in the distance. I came to the fork in the path where right descends to Seathwaite and left is for Brandreth. I continued left and walked carefully on yet another stony path. There is a tarn at Gillercombe Head which at one time I’d considered camping at but now changed my mind because of too many people. I pressed on up a vanishing path to Brandreth summit. The sky was still relatively clear and I began to look for somewhere to pitch my tent. I didn’t want to go over Grey Knotts because I didn’t think there’d be water there. I found a good spot just after a small tarn with a nice view across a distant Ennerdale. Sunny patches came and went and it remained calm and rain free. The evening was clear and I watched a nice sun set. Later as it got much darker I enjoyed a spectacular sight of the starry sky and even a shooting star in the Great Bear constellation.