Lake District Walks: Red Screes via Scandale

[@ipaales7552]

Hope your well , a guide in the lakes doesn't get any better than your videos , hopefully see you back out its been a while since you uploaded hope your well take care stay safe always appreciated marra

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. Yes, very well, and as for new videos, well if all goes according to plan I shall be out today and uploading a new one tomorrow.

[@rosemaryblundell5389]

What a lovely summit; great views all round. Thanks for all the historical information too. Great video thanks.

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. As you say, great views, and a lovely route up which is rarely busy and I always think of as being a remnant of days gone by. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@47ph]

Came across this Channel via a random Google search. What a wondaful collection of walks - great editing as well! Even though at present it is not possible to visit, I am enjoying these virtual walks and finding the history behind them fascinating

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. I am hoping to be able to make some more later this year, pandemic restrictions permitting.

[@johnskill3647]

Thoroughly enjoyed this walk with you. Your commentary is superb and its detail is fascinating.....especially when you talk about the Kirkstone Pass Inn. Thank you.

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. Regarding the inn, it is a result of having a curious mind. When I was young I could never work out why anyone would ever want to build an Inn in such a place, after all, none of the other Lakeland passes have one. When I discovered the answer it all made sense.

[@anndeakin1508]

Red scree walk great views thanks for information down to earth thoughts from a seamed Walker Jonathan .

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. I always think that you get two walk options with Red Screes. A nice all day stroll, as on the video, or a quick scramble up from the Inn.

[@footballwarmups1to1]

Great channel, I love the lakes but you are showing me some hidden gems ..😉 thanks Eric/Jonathan ... yes I’m confused

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. Sorry if the names confuse you. It is a long, complicated story going back well over 10 years. Eric will do just fine.

[@kevinevans2022]

A very similar walk and view as Snowdon in Wales Thanks Eric 👍

[@jonathancraigguides]

Clear day, little wind, one of the best all round views in the lakes. Having said that, I once had to come off there in visibility of under 10 yards. With those drops I really was thankful of my map reading and compass skills learned all those years ago in the Scouts.

[@kevinevans2022]

@@jonathancraigguides for sure experience needed !

[@john123456889]

All your videos are sublime sir. I can't get enough of them. May you be walking the lakes for many years to come in good health with that knowledgeable gift you possess

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. That is very kind of you. I've always believed that the key to good health is plenty of exercise and a good diet. I walk every day, but so far giving up the doughnuts is proving to be a harder challenge!

[@videosrusuk]

What a quality video . hat of to you J.C. i learn a lot from your videos. very very good ... thank you for sharing it.

[@videosrusuk]

NOT J.C. I MEAN E.W.

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. It was one of those special days weather wise, which always makes life a bit easier. There's nothing worse than getting to the top and then seeing the cloud roll in to spoil the views. Luckily, the opposite happened.

[@Loger01]

Yours are my favourite Lake District videos to watch. I can live vicariously through these when I'm not up there myself. Might I ask if you are going to return to making videos? I noticed there hasn't been an upload for some time. Thank you for taking the time to film and to share stories. Jeppe

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. I was going to make another series of videos in Spring and Summer 2020, in fact, by the beginning of March I was desperate for the rain to ease off in order to get started. Unfortunately the pandemic has forced a postponement, and my year has been a rather unexpected mix of volunteer work, shielding, and, sadly, illness. I am currently starting to make plans for 2021. Not surprisingly they bear a resemblance to my plans for 2020, so all I can offer at the moment is a request to 'watch this space'.

[@ursamajor6546]

Thanks for another 15 minutes of joy Eric!! Hope you're staying safe! 👍

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. Yes, staying safe and enjoying doing a bit more in my garden than normal. Pleased to be able to bring people a little bit of Lakeland during these troubled times.

[@Joe-B1]

Another fantastic video Eric. The new Wainwright.

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you Joe. A good friend of mine said to me a while ago that it was a shame that I was not making videos when AW was walking the fells as we would have made good team. I have to say that I am not so sure about that. He would probably have told me I talk too much!

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

Lovely to see you out walking! Really enjoyed this video and I am hoping for the return of the sun! Sarah

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you Sarah. We've had quite a bit of sun, but not today! It has rained all day!

[@andywhiteside16]

really nice to see you back Eric what a lovely walk shall add it to my list

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you Andy. All I needed was a bit of time and s splash of half decent weather. Going up the Lakeland Fells beats going up and down the M6 any day of the week. It is a superb walk, and if you pick a clear day those views really do seem to go on forever.

[@daverogerson7766]

Great to see you back making films again Eric....was beginning to wonder if we would see your great guides again. As usual another brilliant creation....hope you carry on making a few more. Only trouble is my bucket list is getting longer with walks around the Ambleside area! Love the area and hope to revisit again soon so I can tick off a few more walks.

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you Dave. Fear not, there will be more. Actually, I was doing the planning for another only yesterday. All I need is a day of decent weather and I'll be back out there. I really enjoy making them, but sometimes other matters like work and family have to take precedence. Glad you enjoyed it. Atb, Eric

[@AlanMETALMAN]

Great watch Eric and very interesting history as well. We both enjoyed watching this at breakfast time today, cheers Alan

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you Alan. I'm glad I don't appear to have put you off your breakfast! It was good to be back on those fells instead of trolling up and down the M6. Been quite envious of you all this year. Hope to meet up with you all in the coming 12 months. Take care, Eric

[@GaryGough]

Another fantastic video. Very informative and a joy to watch. Keep them coming 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you Gary. It was great fun to do, which helps, and fear not, I have plans for more next year, and if the weather is kind, one more this year.

[@leonachrispye1591]

Brilliant Eric enjoyed it we were only there a few weeks ago we descended to scandale pass it’s definitely boggy and slippy in places. Really good walk thanks for sharing we love your videos lots of history take care Leona and Chris

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you Leona and Chris. I always think it is better going up that bit than down. I've been really enjoying watching your walks from afar and wishing I was there, so when the sun followed me up the motorway I thought there was only one thing to do. Take care, and sooner or later I'll be able to join you on the fells. Atb Eric.

[@leonachrispye1591]

jonathancraigguides that would be lovely to have a wander with you 😁

[@stepheneverett6131]

A great video Eric ,I was up on Red Screes fell running a few month ago ,and me and my son also walked from Ambleside ,over Scandale pass to Hartsop recently,very wet also 👍love the Kirkstone pass inn ,can’t pass by without calling in for a half .

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you Stephen. I know that feeling! When I shot the intro it was early morning, so the bar wasn't open (just as well!) Whether the trees will reduce the amount of surface water on the route up Scandale is debateable. I love the views as you walk up the valley and on to the pass.

[@barrysomers]

Love your videos

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. I love making them, I just wish I had time to make more.

[@Quaker521]

Great to see you back Eric, I do really enjoy watching your videos especially with the background information that you include. I am currently in the Lakes for a week and actually visited Jesus church at Troutbeck today so it was good to see it included in the video. Looking forward, as ever, to the next one....

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. My son got married in Jesus church a few years ago. It has a very warm and friendly feel about it, just like a country church should. Did you see the plaque dedicated to 'Priest Sewell'? It interested my wife the last time we were there as it was her maiden name and she wondered if she was distantly related to him, but further research showed that not to be the case. Hope you enjoy the rest of your time in the Lakes.

[@Quaker521]

@@jonathancraigguides Thank you and yes a lovely church. My nephew married there last year.

[@juliaquinn6317]

Beautiful video as always.

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you Julia. It was a beautiful day, on a beautiful mountain. I'm pleased you enjoyed it.

[@MrQuintonia]

Really been looking forward to watching this one from you Eric... I watch quite a few walking/hiking videos, but none come close to your professional style, your knowledge is second to none and once again you have shown and taught me something I had not know before.. You really should have your own TV show... Absolutely cracking fifteen minutes of class KZbin.. Please try and do another one soon.. Massive thumbs up...

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. This one was great fun to do, and I met a lot of really nice people on the way round. It was a long day, but well worth it. As for me having a TV show, well on Thursday of this week I went across the ferry on Windermere, and part of it was being used by a film crew shooting an ITV drama. There were at least two cameramen, a sound crew of three, a couple of production assistants, plus lots of other folk associated with the shooting, all gainfully employed, and I thought to myself that, professional as they all were, I am happier being just me with a camera and tripod. Anyway, fear not, I am going to try to get another one or maybe two completed and online by the end of the year. Many thanks for you kind words, they do mean a lot to me.

[@kevindunham4167]

Great video glad to see you back 😀

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you Kevin. Glad to be back.

[@3WalkingPoles]

I enjoyed your film and need to watch earlier ones as I'm gathering information and ideas about walks in the Lakes. I walked and filmed C2C a few months ago and fell in love for the area. Thank you for sharing your experience. Atb, Seb

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you Sebastian. You have lots of information to gather. I have been walking in the Lakes for almost 50 years, and only last week walked a footpath I had not been on before. I hope you get as much enjoyment out of exploring this wonderful landscape as I have done over the years. Happy wandering.

[@AntSurviveTheNight]

Hello Jonathan, I’ve just stumbled across you after watching my sons video on Red screes. Thank you for being so informative. You have a new sub. Cheers, Ant 👍

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. I got a tad lucky with the weather, clearest day I've had up there. I once went up from Kirkstone and from the trig point was unable to see the tarn. Just watched your video and subscribed. Many thanks.

[@AntSurviveTheNight]

jonathancraigguides oh thank you Jonathan, very good of you mate, cheers

[@AntSurviveTheNight]

jonathancraigguides I’ve also given you a shout out on a Facebook group I’m in so hopefully a few more subs should be on their way to you, well deserved 👍

[@jonathancraigguides]

@@AntSurviveTheNight Thank you.

[@petraeverill826]

Hello, Eric :) My wife & I happily stumbled on your Vlog a couple of weeks ago, as we're planning our holiday in the Lakes at the beginning of July. I'm very family with the area - when I used to live in England (Birmingham/Basingstoke), I used to visit the Lakes a lot, indeed, I went perhaps every month over various years & loved it! But my wife doesn't know the area so well, yet - though we did go there for our honeymoon (it rained and was cold :)). So, in our planning for the limited time we have (we now live in Czech Republic), we found your posts...they're great! You've shared some wonderful spots - not sure if we'll manage them all on this trip, but we aim to stick some on our list. We notice you haven't posted for a while...are you likely to be doing any more vlogs? We appreciate how your showcase the views, give some basic information to the walks, and also the areas/sights etc...thank you :) Clive & Petra

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. I'm glad that you found my vlog both interesting and informative. To answer your question, I hope to restart my vlogs very soon, hopefully, in June/July of this year. However, due to other issues in my life at the moment, I am unable to confirm an exact time and date for this. I hope you have an enjoyable holiday, and that the weather is good for you. I know how much a difference that can make when you are limited in time for your visit. Once again, many thanks for you comment. Take care, Eric Worsley :-)

[@ashleyjarnold]

Great to see you back making videos, Eric. Love all your history and mystery! Looking forward to your next one, soon please?

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you Ashley. I love making them, and with luck it will not be too long until the next one is along.

[@georgehardy3524]

Thanks for the great route suggestion Eric, my wife and i did this walk on Saturday and loved it! I think you are right about it being better to go up this way than down, bit easier on the knees and arguably slightly better views on the way back down into Ambleside. Hope you have more films planned for this year, keep up the good work! ATB George

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you George. Glad you enjoyed the walk. Having done it both ways round, the one on the video is certainly my preference. The walk back along Scandale is a real plod at the end of the day, with limited views, whereas the views on the ridge down to Ambleside are, as you say, better. Regarding future films, well several are planned. It will just be a case of getting out there. Work commitments have a habit of geting in the way!!

[@paul_d_cannon9640]

amazing channel eric this is just what i was looking for and love hearing about the history ,i will be doing this walk and wild camp in a few weeks ;) fingers crossed the weather will be good .thanks keep up the great work.

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you Paul. If you are wild camping on or near Red Screes, bear in mind it is quite boggy up there, and some of the slopes are steep, especially on the Kirkstone Pass side. It can get stuck in the clouds a bit, I had to navigate my way down with a map and compass a couple of years ago. All that having been said, it is a great place for a wild camp, and in good weather a glorious winter sunset would be almost magical. Take care, Atb, Eric

[@shirleyc285]

Epic views on top!

[@jonathancraigguides]

Aren't they just! Note also the lack of ripples on the tarn. The last time I went up there when it was not windy we had to navigate off the top using a compass, as we couldn't see the tarn from the trig point.

[@BBQJOE]

Alan METALMAN - Hiking & Outdoors sent me to your channel.. I love the scenery and all the great footage you took. Awesome channel

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thankyou. He's a good lad is Alan. I'm another fan of his channel. Glad you enjoyed the Red Screes film, I had great fun doing it. Hopefully later in the year I'll be adding to the collection, work and weather permitting.

[@garywebb7962]

Looks like a great walk Eric. I love imaging what it was like a 100 years ago when i walk somewhere and this one certainly ticks that box. Going to plan to walk it in May when I'm next there

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. Scandale certainly has the air of somewhere that time forgot, and Red Screes is always a delight. Hope you have a great walk.

[@captkev737]

Hi Eric, great video, really enjoyed it, hopefully we’ll meet again sometime (my wife & I met you on Silver Howe). Best Regards Kevin

[@jonathancraigguides]

Hi Kevin. I remember our meeting very well. I have fond memories of that day, and your part in the video. Hope you are both well and not working too hard. Glad you enjoyed this one, it is a tad higher than Silver Howe, but stunning views. I've not been on the fells as much this year, as i've had other commitments, but no plans to give up filming. Take care both and yes, would be good to meet up again.

[@janzienkiewicz5295]

What a walk... truly magnificent..... are the lakes a good walking destination in winter? We live on the south coast and so have the downs which are beautiful but not the same as your fabulous fells. It's an 8 1/2 hour drive so simply wondering if the Ella are safe and accessible over winter.many thanks for your great inspiring videos. Jan

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you Jan. Whether the lakes is a good walking destination in winter depends on two things, your experience of winter walking, and the weather. You know your walking experience, but you'll have to take pot luck with the weather. The fells are open, but the problem is that the conditions can change very rapidly, and many people get caught out as there can be snow and ice on the higher fells even when there is none lower down. There are, of course, lots of lower walks to enjoy, and some features, such as waterfalls, can be breathtaking in winter. My 'Langdales Forgotten Walk' video was shot at the beginning of February, and 'The Lion and the Lamb' (Helm Crag) video was shot at the beginning of December. The key to winter walking is to have the right equipment and clothing, and the knowledge of how to use it. The Lake District weatherline web site is invaluable for advice not only on the weather, but how to cope with winter walking. www.lakedistrictweatherline.co.uk/ I'm reliably informed that accommodation prices are lower in the winter, (except at Christmas and half term hols). Whatever you choose to do, enjoy the experience, and stay safe.

[@DowntheWrabbitHole]

Beautiful, beautiful views! I hope you are doing okay - it's been almost a year since your last upload. Sending you very happy and positive thoughts! :)

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. Yes they are truly beautiul views, and thank you or enquiring how I am getting on. The answer to your question is that I am well, and that this is not going to be my last video. Sadly, other work takes priority at the moment.

[@jdee4215]

Nice video really enjoyed it, how long did it take you to do the round trip.

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. On the day I shot the video it took all day, (I actually set off at 9 am and when I finally got back to Ambleside, it was dark) but on the day I walked the route in preparation for the video, which is obviously without stopping to do the pieces to camera and extra shots, I took just over 5 hours. The pre-shoot walk day was in fine weather, but blowing a gale at the top so I didn't stop to take any preparatory shots. I did those the day before the main shoot when I did the opening shot at the top of Kirkstone Pass.

[@jdee4215]

Thanks for that I now fancy doing it in the summer. Great videos you do very informative really enjoy them.

[@jonathancraigguides]

@@jdee4215 I hope you thoroughly enjoy it. Bear in mind that if the weather has been wet it can be a bit boggy underfoot in parts, but generally great fun. Also, it can get windy on Red Screes, but if you get a calm day with clear views you'll want to linger.

[@Cumbriahandyman]

Stopped watching at 6:30 as bed was beckoning and I have an early start. Will watch rest in morning...

[@jonathancraigguides]

Sleep well, the best bit is to come.

[@MrQuintonia]

Hi Eric, Could you confirm if this part of your video is 10:11 Is actually Scandale Tarn? Thanks Eric hope all is well...

[@jonathancraigguides]

No. The tarn at the top of Red Screes is not named on the map, although I've always known it as Red Screes Tarn. Scandale Tarn is actually on the other side of of the fell, to the left of Scandale Pass as you climb. I did a piece to camera at about 6.59 in which you can just see Scandale Tarn to the left, and a little above, my head, as you look at it. You can reach it by following the wall, which runs close by. It is not big, but makes a pleasant spot to while away a sunny afternoon. I have been reliably informed that it contains some very small brown trout, but it is not very deep so I don't know how true this is.

[@MrQuintonia]

@@jonathancraigguides Thank you, Eric I much appreciate your quick response... I asked as I am thinking of this spot for a wild camp, just broken my duck and done my first ever wild camp and hike to Stickle Tarn via Blea Rigg, Sgt Man, High Rise and then down to Stickle Tarn to camp... Very Leave no trace policy may I add... I did it for my 60th as I don't want to end my life having done nothing... KZbin channels like yours have inspired me to get out and do things I have never done, so I thank you... I look forward to you doing more walks, you are the most professional I have ever come across on YT and you are in my eyes the second Wainwright of the Lake District. Thanks again, Chris...

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you Chris. Sounds to me like a good place to Wild Camp. You'll get the occasional sheep for company, and maybe a stray walker. The view first thing in the morning will be pretty good I would think, as it looks straight down the valley to the north basin of Windermere. I hope you have a great time. As for me being the second Wainwright of the Lake District, well, I have a long way to go to match AW's achievements. I do wonder what he would've made of You Tube. I did meet him a couple of times, and on the second occasion we had a ten minute chat about Blackburn Rovers, of which he was a lifelong fan. I was quite sad when they won the Premier League, as at that meeting he told me that money had ruined football and that teams like Blackburn would never win the league again. A couple of years after he died, they proved him wrong, and he would have loved to have seen it. Take care and have a good wild camp. Atb, Eric.

[@MrQuintonia]

@@jonathancraigguides Thanks for sharing that with me Eric... I heard he was quite a private man, to have met him must have been awesome! I hope one day to meet you up on the fells, you never know... Chris.

[@BritishRacingGreen]

The South West ridge is on the maps, but why don't many people talk about it or use it. I doesn't look difficult or am I missing something?

[@jonathancraigguides]

People use it but not as one of the common ascent routes. It seems to be seen as a return route to Ambleside. It isn't difficult, except perhaps in mist, as the path is not easy to see in sections and can be boggy. Scenically it is not spectacular. On the day I shot the video most people I saw had either come up from Kirkstone, a steep but short ascent, or were doing a route from Hartsop via Middle Dodd and Scandale Pass. Some were taking in Little Hart Crag and High Hartsop Dodd, and one chap was walking from the Kirkstone Pass Inn to the Travellers Rest at Grasmere, via Red Screes, Little Hart Crag, Hart Crag, Fairfield and Grisedale Tarn. I didn't speak to anyone who came up the ridge from Ambleside, and I only saw one other person going down it.

[@BritishRacingGreen]

@@jonathancraigguides thanks for your reply. I was thinking of doing the reverse of what you did. But I'll take your advice and do the route you did in this video. The shorter more well known route from the pub looks a bit dangerous. At least for less experienced people like me. Thanks.

[@jonathancraigguides]

@@BritishRacingGreen I hope you enjoy it.

[@JimCooper-ts5gy]

Could you do it by mountain bike or is it not allowed

[@JimCooper-ts5gy]

It looks possible

[@jonathancraigguides]

OK, not being a mountain biker I can only give you the benefit of my previous experience. About ten years ago we were going up when we met a couple of guys mountain biking down the other way. One had got stuck in the boggy ground that is quite prevalent on the route up shown in the video. He was having no end of trouble, and moaning and swearing like a trouper, whilst his mate was telling him not to be a wuss. I guess the route up from Ambleside and along Scandale is relatively easy, but as soon as you start to climb up over the pass the path is very rocky in places, but not boggy. Once you reach the wall and turn right is where the problems will start. It is steep, with boggy sections, however, once closer to the top I reckon it would be a breeze. Going back down to Ambleside the other way would be interesting, but I would think quite doable as long as you stay away from the edge; there are a couple of sheer drops; and you don't mind hauling your machine over some pretty high ladder stiles. As for whether it is allowed, well I don't know for certain, but I reckon that as long as you repect other users, don't run over any sheep and don't get stuck and have to summon Mountain Rescue all would be OK. If you do it, video it and get it up on YT because I reckon it looks like an exciting ride. BTW I do not think the route down from the top to Kirkstone Pass Inn would be doable, it is steep and rocky with some sheer drops. Whatever you do stay safe and have a great Christmas.

[@evelyngrammar]

This is a bit of a delicate question - with an all day hike like this, are there toilets?

[@jonathancraigguides]

The short answer is ........ no. If you do the walk on the video, then there are no facilities whatsoever on the entire route. There are walls, and areas where you can get away from the path, and Scandale tends not to be very well used, but I'm afraid that is all the hope of dignity I can offer. It is possible to get down to the Inn at the top of Kirkstone Pass from the cairn, but it is steep and rocky and not signed so not the safest way to get to the loo.

[@evelyngrammar]

@@jonathancraigguides thanks, I will plan accordingly.