Carlisle & District Rambling & Fellwalking Club

Walk & Event Reports

Sunday 22nd July2018

A Walk

Langdales - Axe Factory

7 Miles Grade 1

Leader: Pete Rutland

Report & Photos by

Pete Rutland

Nine of us set out on the steep pull up Stickle Gill to Stickle tarn. There had been a bit of cloud lingering over some of the tops but this cleared giving us the views you hope for in this great area. Around the tarn then up to the summit of Pavey Ark and dinner. Sitting there, looking over the cracking view back over the tarn and as far as the eye could see there was no hurry to get moving again. But we headed off and up Harrison Stickle. Plagued by flying Ants or some little beastie we didn’t hang about and took in Thunacar Knott.

We found the same issue on Pike of Stickle with the ants and it was a quick look at the views and down to take in the Axe Factory. Most set off, heading down the scree but one of the group had a little stumble which brought the group to a halt. Some grazes and bruising tended to, some went back while others went on down to the big hole in the cliff face dug out 1000s of years ago by our ancestors to make Axe heads. I think some were a little puzzled looking for evidence of digging machinery and a tourist shop, but alas, its just a hole. With every cloud they say theres a silver lining and this proved to be the case. With the disappointment of not finding any axe heads put aside we stood for 10 minutes watching a pair of peregrine falcons. One, which looked very young perched on the cliff just below us, the other, more mature flying around keeping an eye on the intruders into its world, absolutely brilliant.

At some point we had to head back up the scree to join the rest of the party and make our way down via Loft Crag. The after walk drinks in the bar were well earned for a walk of only five miles but taking in five of the Lakes best tops. Thanks to everyone who pitched up. Hope Richard is ok but will have a story to tell.

Pete