Which Lake District Dawn Raid

Have a few days riding in the lakes towards the end of this week and the weather looks incredible. So, which dawn raid, to summit to watch the sunrise? I’ll be based in South Lakes but driving not too much of a problem.

Thoughts and experiences welcomed!

Cheers.

i take it you mean riding to the top not walking. Skiddaw. just for ease and for length of time it takes to get to the top. Park at the bottom straight up the front path.

Yeah riding…

Cheers for skiddaw suggestion.

Dale head? ‘Easy’ climb up from honister and great views from the top.

Grizedales pike?

The sun rises that early, I’d recommend bivvying out. Any out of Hell, Skids, or Blenc are good. As is Esk Hause.

Thanks for the replies gents. Bivvying not an option unfortunately as I haven’t the kit for it, but would be fantastic thing to do.

Grisedale Pike might be a good option as I’ve not ridden it yet as may be Esk Hause.

Cheers.

We did a skiddaw sunrise a few weeks ago, was good but the descent was a bit disappointing down ullock as it was still in the shadow…

at the bottom we rode over and did Grizedale Pike via the mine. The descent down that was amazing in the early hue, and we could see ullock basking I the rays across the valley too!

We all ageeed we should’ve done it the other way round.

I’ve done several dawn raids in the lakes, skiddaw, blencathra, Helvellyn and Grizedale Pike. Out of all of them, Grizedale Pike gave the best views – loads of layers of mountains between you and the horizon makes for some amazing light. Helvellyn is ok, but the views aren’t quite as spectacular. As mentioned above, the descent off Skiddaw is in shadow, so better as an evening ride into the sunset. Blencathra is nice and quick to get up, but it’s over much quicker and the views aren’t as good as the others. Have fun, and take photos

Great, Grisedale Pike sounds like a winner then. I have ridden Helvellyn a couple of times and hiked Skiddaw so would like something new, which Grisedale would be.

@Mahalo – what time did you aim to be at the summit for? Sunrise is currently about 430 am, did you get there for this time? I’m wondering with a higher horizon, a little later might be alright.

Ta.

Aim for 4.30. If you carry up the front of Grizedale Pike, then you’ve got a clear line of sight to the horizon so if you’re running late you won’t miss anything.

https://www.pinkbike.com/news/the-early-bird-catches-the-worm-2015.html

Cheers Biebs!

That sounds ace! Enjoy. I keep trying to sort me and the Mrs doing a wild camp to see sunrise. Was thinking of Dale Head as we can park van at cricket club, threlkeld and head up after a meal and a beer in the Sally and, if needs be, we could do a hasty retreat and kip in the van.

Simon, Pike O blisco is a good one – and you can park near Blea tarn (only a short walk)

hope to do Bowfell in a few weeks

You took that tent picture lying on your back!  Now it’s disappeared!

Cheers Craig. I’ll look at that.

Was thinking of Dale Head as we can park van at cricket club, threlkeld and head up after a meal and a beer in the Sally

Dale Head is a fair way from Threlkeld… 😉