West Chockstone Gully

Valley in Westmorland Eden

England

West Chockstone Gully

Climbing to Fairfield from Link Hause Once on the ridge that forms one side of the Fairfield horseshoe, there is little drop between the subsidiary summits of Dove Crag and Hart Crag and the main top. The first col is unnamed on the map, but north of Hart Crag is Link Hause and a short climb above Scrubby Crag to reach the summit area of Fairfield itself. Cairns may help route finding in thick weather, but this one doesn&#039;t seem to stand out well against its rocky background in ascent. It may be of more importance in descent when falling over Scrubby Crag is to be avoided. — Climbing to Fairfield from Link Hause Credit: Andy Waddington

West Chockstone Gully is a prominent geographical feature located in the Westmorland Valley, nestled within the scenic Lake District National Park in northwest England. This picturesque gully is renowned for its unique rock formations and the challenging climbing opportunities it presents to outdoor enthusiasts.

Situated on the western side of the valley, West Chockstone Gully is characterized by steep, craggy cliffs and a narrow, winding channel that cuts through the rugged landscape. The gully is formed by the erosion of the surrounding rock over thousands of years, resulting in a dramatic and awe-inspiring natural formation. Its name, "Chockstone," derives from the large boulders that are wedged between the cliffs, adding to the gully's distinctive character.

The gully's terrain offers a variety of climbing routes, ranging from moderate to highly technical, making it a magnet for rock climbers from both the UK and abroad. Its steep walls and challenging pitches make it an ideal destination for experienced climbers seeking a thrilling ascent. However, it is important to note that climbing in West Chockstone Gully requires appropriate skills, equipment, and knowledge of safety procedures due to the potential hazards associated with the sport.

Aside from its climbing allure, West Chockstone Gully attracts hikers and nature enthusiasts who appreciate its breathtaking beauty and the opportunity to explore the surrounding area. The gully is nestled within the picturesque Westmorland Valley, surrounded by lush greenery, cascading waterfalls, and panoramic views of the Lake District's rolling hills.

Overall, West Chockstone Gully is a captivating natural wonder that offers a blend of adventure, beauty, and tranquility, making it a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Show me another place!

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

West Chockstone Gully Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.512516/-2.9828279 or Grid Reference NY3613. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Climbing to Fairfield from Link Hause

Once on the ridge that forms one side of the Fairfield horseshoe, there is little drop between the subsidiary summits of Dove Crag and Hart Crag and the main top. The first col is unnamed on the map, but north of Hart Crag is Link Hause and a short climb above Scrubby Crag to reach the summit area of Fairfield itself. Cairns may help route finding in thick weather, but this one doesn't seem to stand out well against its rocky background in ascent. It may be of more importance in descent when falling over Scrubby Crag is to be avoided.

Andy Waddington

Contemplating the way on from Cofa Pike

Cofa Pike is a distinctly rough and rocky eminence, somewhat unnervingly loose if descending from Fairfield towards St. Sunday Crag. The dog is eyeing up the way on towards the next hill (as well she might, being a little unconfident as yet on scrambles, and unsure what is in store here). There's a very good scramble on the far end of St. Sunday Crag, but that was not our destination today, as we planned to drop into Deepdale via a path clearly shown on older maps, but which seems to have fallen into unpopularity in recent times. It is steep and loose at first, then boggy for much of its lower course, but has the great advantage from our point of view of actually leading back to our day's starting point near Brothers Water.

Andy Waddington

Path descending Deepdale

Deepdale doesn't, from a distance, seem particularly deep and the footpath (not a public right of way, but this is all CROW Access Land) wends its way rather boggily between moraines for much of the way. This section, however, is drier and perched above a minor gorge, which undoubtedly does look deep seen from this distance, with a number of cascades and general splashiness, much the sort of thing favoured by Gill Scramblers.

Andy Waddington

Path descending Deepdale

A less than distinct path (shown on older maps, but now intermittently missing on more recent mapping) drops steeply down from Deepdale Hause between Cofa Pike and St Sunday Crag, wending its way rather damply between moraines higher up the dale, then traversing above a gorge mid-dale before reaching this section, mostly dry underfoot, and on gentle slopes on the left bank of Deepdale Beck. Only when it meets the even fainter route down from the NE end of St Sunday Crag does it suddenly transform into a public right of way and become a much more convincing track.

Andy Waddington

Path beside Deepdale Beck

The path in the lower part of Deepdale (downstream of the rocky gorge) generally stays on boulder-studded slopes above the left bank of the beck, remaining a lot drier underfoot than the faint route in the upper dale which wends its way rather boggily between moraines. At the head of the dale, it is much steeper (and a bit loose in spots) just below Deepdale hause between Cofa Pike (a prominent eminence north of Fairfield, though somewhat dwarfed from this angle by the shady Greenhow End at the centre of the picture) and St. Sunday Crag. There are a number of crags, much loved by less famous climbers looking for new routes in the latter half of the twentieth century after the easier routes on bigger crags, and much harder lines elsewhere had long been claimed.

Andy Waddington

Path between Hart Crag and Fairfield

Gareth James

Summit stone shelter on Fairfield

Gareth James

Summit shelter on Fairfield

A roughly constructed shelter to protect resting passersby from wind on the exposed Lakeland summit.

Graham Robson

Fairfield summit plateau

The broad and flat grassy area at the peak of Fairfield. The oultline of Windermere can be seen in the distance.

Graham Robson

Path between Great Rigg and Fairfield

A worn path close to the top of Fairfield which connects the summit with the top of Great Rigg.

Graham Robson

Looking to St Sunday Crag from Fairfield

Looking across the upland landscape from the top of Fairfield to St Sunday Crag.

Graham Robson

Fairfield summit plateau

The plateau at the top of Fairfield featuring several cairns and summit shelters.

Graham Robson

Path between Fairfield and Grisedale Hause

The public footpath connecting the summit of Fairfield and the much visited junction of paths at Grisedale Hause.

Graham Robson

Scree on the western side of Fairfield

A field of loose stone which needs to be negotiated following the path between Grisedale Hause and the top of Fairfield. The sheep helps to give the scene some scale.

Graham Robson

Looking back along the path above Bleaberry Crag

David Robinson

Path over High Spying How

After the hard work of climbing 700m from the shores of Ullswater at Glenridding, there's only 100m of up to reach Helvellyn, and it is all a lot more fun than what has gone before. Well, as long as you are one of those who feel happy on exposed scrambles, of course. This is the start of Striding Edge, and it is essential to stick rigidly to the crest at all times (there are skulkers' routes round quite a lot of it, really).

Andy Waddington

Ruthwaite Lodge

Ruthwaite Lodge was restored by the maintenance team of Outward Bound Ullswater. On 26th March 1993 it was dedicated to the memory of Richard Read and Mike Evans.

Tim Glover