An attempt on Red Pike foiled by weather at Bleaberry Tarn

STD

Red Pike attempt [W]

INDY Jun 27, 2024 Buttermere, Red Pike (B) attempt...

Start point, map

Distance 5.32 km, Time 2.12 h, Total Ascent 429 m Imperial | Metric

INDY SAYS: Wowsers. I made it to Bleaberry Tarn but that was some wind and rain coming in.
They say that making it to the summit is optional, but making it down safely is more important.
I would have gone for it myself, but it wasn't solely up to me. Next time, next time...

An attempt on Red Pike from Buttermere that was foiled by very high winds, driving rain, and Lakeland unpleasantness that even Indy was loathe to face...

The day started calmly with a quick pre-walk in the fields close to our cottage. It seems to be a lovely day

Red Pike attempt - Image 2, Jun 27, 2024

Red Pike attempt - Image 3, Jun 27, 2024

From Buttermere we start immediately on this engineered path

Red Pike attempt - Image 4, Jun 27, 2024

Piece of cake

Red Pike attempt - Image 1, Jun 27, 2024

No problem so far, on we go. Come on!

Red Pike attempt - Image 6, Jun 27, 2024

Lovely views down towards Buttermere

Red Pike attempt - Image 5, Jun 27, 2024

We arrive easily at Bleaberry Tarn. The track up to the right is to Red Pike.

You probably think that there was no reason to abandon at this point. It looks OK...
But you can't feel the wind and the rain from a static image. I refer you to the following video (turn your sound on) where even Indy is reluctant to dive in:

Indy looked at me, I looked at Indy, and we turned round and went back.

Red Pike attempt - Image 7, Jun 27, 2024

A nice cup of tea in front of the fire and we live to fight another day.

Start: Buttermere
1) "Honister rambler" bus from Keswick to Buttermere<br> 2) Car parks in Buttermere. Free car park at the bottom of Newlands Hause [NY 17645 17050].

Route
Buttermere, Red Pike (B) attempt... Distance 5.32 km, Time 2.12 h, Total Ascent 429 m

Wainwright Pictorial Guide: The Western Fells

Back to top

You are viewing in STD mode for standard images. If you wish to see HD full size images, click here