Christmas Expedition 1999

Mission Great Langdale, South Cumbria, England. 27/12/99. Objective Bow Fell Height 2,960 ft Conditions Snow line approximately 1000 ft. Cloudbase 1500 ft and changeable. Summit Temperature -5 ° C

Route
Leaving `The Old Dungeon Gill Hotel' car park at around 10:30 am, we experienced light rain and sleet. Following the line
of the river valley, Mickleden, on the West flank of the Langdale Pikes, we made progress toward the foot of Rosset Gill. A moderate ascent traced the line of the Gill for approximately 800 ft. With increase in altitude conditions under foot improved, snow conditions becoming stable. The route lead us to the north facing corrie of Bow Fell and Angle Tarn. During a short stop for food and coffee we experienced lower temperatures than on the initial ascent due to the northerly aspect of the corrie, combined with the high wind chill factor. We continued our ascent through 5-6 inches of powder snow toward the top of Esk Pike. From this point we descended into Ore Gap and subsequently gained the summit ridge of Bow Fell after a short climb. Conditions were in general good but changeable, to the east Sca Fell and Sca Fell Pike were visible and enshrouded in snow cloud. We furthered our progress along the ridge by crossing the pinnacles and bridging the veritable chasm on the south face of Bowfell Buttress. An easy scramble through snow encrusted boulders lead to the summit and a brief respite, in the form of coffee and sandwiches. From the summit pinnacle, we descended the ridge in a southerly direction before making our way to the valley bottom, via the highly eroded path down the aptly named 'Band' to Stool End Farm and the haven of the Old Dungeon Gill Hotel.

The effect of winter conditions on many traditional fell walking routes, bridges the gap between relatively simple walks and mountaineering. The winter ascent of Bow Fell is a perfect example and is also a great deal of fun.     

The pictures !!! ( Best viewed at 1024 x 768 resolution )

Above Angle Tarn, Bow Fell North Face ( Graham AKA Kenny !)

Bridging the Gap of Bow Fell Buttress ( Left foreground, Langdale Pikes in the distance )

Made It ! The Summit Pinnacle. ( Left to Right, Graham - Paul - Phil )

Parting shot with the Peak in the distance.

P.Turner, G.Bentley ,1999.