Causey Pike, Scar Crags, Outerside and Barrow

Three weeks and one day had passed since finishing my 1,120-mile walk of the British mainland at Lizard Point in Cornwall. Just over one week had elapsed since I ventured out for a short walk on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales on Skipton Moor. I was aching for more before summer began to give way to autumn, so on the last day of August I took a short break in the Lake District to bag a few more Wainwrights.

Travelling over from Yorkshire necessitated this first walk to be the shorter one of the mini-break, but that didn't mean it couldn't be spectacular—and by golly, it was indeed spectacular!

Despite morning sun during my car journey across northern England, clouds accumulated the further west I got, lingering frustratingly over the fells upon arrival. The weather remained bright, however, with no chance of rain, as I set off from the southern end of Braithwaite village along the metalled track toward Braithwaite Lodge.

At the lodge, a National Park worker was digging out a new fence post for the gate giving access to the fells. I wished him a good day, passed through the gap onto lush green short-cropped fell, and forked left toward Uzzicar. As I walked, I revelled in thoughts of my recent long-distance accomplishment, feeling remarkably superb and looking forward to the day.

Walking along the woodland edge, I looked across the eastern flank of Barrow, covered in dense green bracken. Reaching Uzzicar, I couldn't take my eyes off the Newlands Valley as I made my way along the quiet road to Stonycroft. Looking east, I observed what seemed like lines of ants climbing Cat Bells from Hawse End via Skelgill Bank—the one-mile ascent of 1,000 feet is probably the most walked mile in Britain! Glad to be on a quieter path, I began ascending from Stonycroft toward Rowling End.

While not expecting crowds, I was surprised by how few people were on this route, especially given Wainwright's glowing description: "Deservedly this is a popular climb... the route being quite charming, the views superlative, the finish a bit of real mountaineering, and the summit a place of distinctive character."

And wow, was he right! I was lucky to be here as the heather reached peak blossom. The brilliant reds, mauves, and pinks set against grey stone and green bracken were stunning. Climbing the steep bank to Rowling End was effortless as I continually paused to take in the glorious colors.

Reaching the summit of Rowling End, the scenery improved further. Not only could I see the brilliant heather blossoms and rock formations, but the full splendour of Newlands opened up with Dale Head, Hindscarth, and Robinson dominating the southern valley. Tearing myself away from this awe-inspiring viewpoint, I headed onward toward my first Wainwright of the day.

The short walk from Rowling End to Causey Pike featured a gentle incline along Sleet Hause followed by a rocky scramble. Taking it too nonchalantly, I knocked my knee on a sharp rock edge, drawing blood and leaving a scar for months—a reminder to always stay focused!

Reaching Causey Pike's summit, Wainwright's words rang true: "In all directions the scenery is of the highest order... The head of Newlands, displaying the great humps of Dale Head, Hindscarth and Robinson—a magnificent grouping—is exceptionally well seen."

Reaching Scar Crags, I descended the high ridge toward High Moss before trudging up the south-west flank of Outerside, my third Wainwright. Though its views are more enclosed by higher fells, Grisedale Pike stands out impressively.

After Outerside, I walked across heather-fringed tracks to Barrow Door and made the short ascent to Barrow, my fourth and final Wainwright. Reaching the top of Barrow revealed an unforgettable surprise: the hill was carpeted in full heather blossom across its whaleback northern ridge—an incredible sea of colour!