Sheffield Pike & Heron Pike

With: on my own

Weather: fine early autumn afternoon; long sunny spells; cloud above summits & strong southwesterly breeze

Where: Lake District, Eastern Fells

Another afternoon exploring the new "local" fells and another couple of summits that have long been on the "to do" list now visited.

Once again just a short drive to Glenridding where on this occasion, the in my opinion, excessive Lake District National Park parking fees were grudgingly paid.

It was a fine afternoon as I set off alongside Gldenridding Beck, crossing at Rattlebeck Bridge and continuing up the Greenside Mine road where Glenriding Screes looked impressive in the afternoon sun.. This was a first visit to the Greenside area where the workings are extensive.
The plan was to spend as much time as possible off established paths and to proceed by following the line of Swart Beck toward the general area of Sticks Pass, however, initial attempts to access the gill from around the Youth Hostel were thwarted by a fence so I continued ascending on the path behind the buildings ultimately following the line of a leat to regain the gill. This was not a great route choice decision as the next section involved fairly continuous scrambling over mine debris so ultimately I returned to the path just ablove Lucy's Tongue / the Dam - nevertheless this did add some interest! The scene at the footbridge across the beck was very reminiscent of the mining environment that is encountered in Swaledale.

Looking Back Down Swart Beck - "Swaledale Like"?

From here there is once again plenty of opportunity to shun the beaten track & I set off from the bridge in an easterly direction across open fell towards the small pinnacles in the direction of the summit of Sheffield Pike - the area is very boggy!

Sheffield Pike summit offered incredible views of Ullswater:

Heron Pike is about 700m SE over more boggy ground and past a few unremarkable tarns. 

Similar excellent views were available:

Descent was via a steep path to the shoulder between Heron Pike & Glenridding Dodd from where the Greenside Mine road was regained and a short walk back into Glenridding.

I like Glenridding, especially when its quiet, it was now about 6:30 and most folk had gone home. The coffee from Fellbites Cafe was good and it was pleasant to be able to sit outside in the early evening at this time of year.

Distance: Approx 6 miles
Heoght Gain: Approx 1900'