Miracle of miracles, I was actually able to fine a parking space down Langdale! I have been down there countless times over the last three years and not once been able to park up and go for a walk. Today I managed to squeeze in to one of the last parking spots in the National Trust Car Park at the New Dungeon Gill. I only had enough change to park up for two hours as the parking machines don't take bank cards and there is no mobile reception to use their parking app so consequently it was only a short 'there and back again' walk.
Most of the crowds were heading off up The Langdale Pikes but I decided to head the opposite way and go past the Old Dungeon Gill Hotel and on to the path into Mickledon. It was good to see some old favourites again, especially Crinkle Crags and Bowfell which form a massive barrier at the head of the valley. Bowfell has one of the best summit views in the district in my opinion which, off the top of my head, is only marginally bettered by the view looking down Borrowdale to Derwentwater from the top of Great End. Unfortunately my days of going up the high fells is just about over although I reckon I could still tackle Dalehead from the top of Honister Pass but only at my pace.
I sat and watched a couple of rock climbers on Gimmer Crag on my way back and it looked as though there had been a recent rock fall up there. My walk hadn't been very long but I was nice to be back in Langdale again.
