Bowfell – Lake District Walks
April 22, 2021
We had been super eager to climb Bowfell since the beginning of December, but over the winter it was more often than not covered in snow and/or cloud. Â However, on an extremely sunny and clear April day we didn’t miss the opportunity to climb the 6th highest mountain of Lakeland’s fells.
Know before you go
Wainwright describes four different starting points for climbing up Bowfell and then for each there are options of ascent route. Â I’m so glad we read his notes before we went up as I think we would’ve missed some interesting sights if we’d just stuck to the obvious walking trails. Â
Of course now we want to take a look at the other ascents for, no doubt, equally amazing scenery. Â Another day.
Ascent from Dungeon Ghyll
Having chosen to ascend Bowfell from Dungeon Ghyll, we then had other choices to make for the route; Hell Gill, Mickleden, The Band and then from there the Walker’s route or the Climber’s Traverse?  Decisions, decisions.  Once again Mr. Wainwright’s unequivocal knowledge and wise words came to the rescue.  We decided on the Climber’s Traverse over the more obvious “walker’s route” up to Three tarns.  Mr. Wainwright’s description of: “The climbers’ traverse is a very enjoyable high-level route leading to excellent rock-scenery” was the selling point….what’s not to love about excellent rock scenery.
The Summit of Bowfell
Majestic views and I think the best views we’ve had so far of the Scaffells. Â I’m going to let the photos do the talking….it’s an excellent lesson in fell identification.
Join us on our walk to Bowfell
Don't miss
- Although a little vertiginous, the walk along climbers’ traverse is by far the most interesting route off The Band.
- The fresh water spring at the bottom of Cambridge Crag.  As Mr. Wainwright says “nothing better ever came out of a barrel or bottle” – I concur.
- A visit to the three tarns. Â The reflections are stunning.
- The Great Slab – the name is extremely appropriate.
- I’m sure The Band is a lovely and easy way off of Bowfell, but I can recommend descending via Hell Gill and Whorneyside Force. Â Beautiful waterfalls, crystal clear pools of water and dramatic gorge-like drops to the gill…we even saw a Ring Ouzel (like a blackbird but with a white bib), that’s a first.
We have every intention of revisiting Bowfell but taking in some of the different routes. Â What I do know is:
- We’re definitely doing the climbers’ traverse again, so much fun.
- On a warmer day, I will be dipping into one of the many pools of crystal clear water on the way down Hell Gill (it was even tempting on our fresh April day)
