Nethermost and Dollywaggon Pikes made lamentably poor life-choices, taking positions in Helvellyn’s shadow. There are even (gasp) people who bypass these summits without a glance on their way to the parent fell. But these are fine tops; Nethermost is Lakeland’s ninth highest, after all, and both present tremendously rough flanks to the east. For this reason, they should always be approached from the Grisedale side: the Thirlmere flanks may be regarded as a delicacy by a hungry sheep but offer little to tempt the mountaineer. This route enchains the two eastern ridges, making a fine expedition on any day, but especially when Striding and Swirral Edges are heaving.
I’ve laid it out as a figure-of-eight with Nethermost first because descending Nethermost would be steep, with the potential trap of Eagle Crag lurking at the bottom: not somewhere to step off without a 6’ wingspan. I’ve also assumed the good track up the valley because you’ll be eager to get to the fells quickly, and with dry socks, but happy to take the slower route back.
Yes, I did that recently: contouring onto Nethermost's ridge from Hard Tarn then trotting down Striding at dusk as the land purpled - a very nice way to spend a winter's afternoon.
The Irish Government today announced the creation of a new National Park, the country's eighth. Located on the Dingle Peninsula, Páírc Náisiúnta na Mara, Ciarraí includes the rugged Conor Pass, the unique island of Sceilg Mhichíl, and Mount Brandon, one of...
