Charnley Way, 2 June 2012

A route linking 3 hostels in the Lakes, 39 miles, 11,800 feet, 11 hours, 10 mins

The Charnley Way was devised in memory of Gerry Charnley who died tragically on Helvellyn.  The route is centred on the 'Charnley Cairn' a rather insignificant bump 500m South of Esk Pike.  The route takes in Thunacar Knott, Longthwaite Youth Hostel in Borrowdale, Glaramara, Scafell Pike, Scafell, Slight Side, Eskdale Youth Hostel, The Charnley Cairn, Crinkle Crages, Pike O Blisco and Lingmoor before returning to High Close Youth Hostel.  Billy Bland is the record holder in just over 7 and a half hours, but mere mortals like me take rather longer - a bit over 11 hours in my case.

Lingcove Bridge - heaven before the long climb up to Charnley Cairn

It makes a good day out without being overly long and takes in both valleys and ridges.  I started and finished near Elterwater and after a very steady start, accelerated up to Scafell and then struggled up Eskdale in to a headwind with very heavy, stiff legs - probably a result of the previous weekend on my epic straight line expedition.  The help of a rope for someone's BG made for a swift crossing to Scafell, but from Eskdale its a long hard grind up to the Charnley Cairn. Its not my favourite sort of terrain around Langdale which probably explains why I can't see myself repeating it, but it made a decent day out nevertheless.

You can read more including Ben Abdelnoor's account here.

Schedule