Black Combe, 2 August 2004
We eschewed the tourist route from Whicham in favour of the little trod ascent up Miller Gill. A flock of newly shorn sheep observed the beginning of our climb.
The sketchy path passes an erratic white granite boulder - Black Combe is composed of Skiddaw slate.
The sheep continue to monitor our progress up the hill.
High up the gill there is an area which is a beautiful natural scree garden.
Even on an overcast morning the colours are splendid.
The climb up the gill through the heather is arduous on a humid day. Bill Birkett describes the route as "a narrow sheep trod", vole trod more like!
At last the top! Wordsworth said of the view that "the amplest range of unobstructed prospect may be seen that British ground commands". Not today, unfortunately it's far too hazy.
The tarn between the twin summits....one of those sheep reporting back to her mates that we'd made it.
Our descent used some of the main track to Whicham. It's the Irish Sea out there, but no sign of Blackpool Tower today, let alone Snowdonia.
Nearly back down....and it's those sheep again!
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