Started the ascent of Base Brown approximately 0.5km away from
Seathwaite at just after 10am. The weather conditions were virtually
perfect for walking, glorious sunshine with a light cool breeze.
Followed the road towards Seathwaite, then turned right under the arch
of the farm buildings, next used the footbridge to cross over the
parched River Derwent. Retracing the steps of AW, Book 7, Western
Fells, Base Brown 6, we stayed to the left of Sour Milk Ghyll, soon
passing Seathwaite Slabs and then encountered a short section of mild
scrambling.
The path to Green Gable was left when the Fallen Stone was clearly
visible. This part of the ascent was completely pathless so we headed
towards the higher ground above the Fallen Stone. Once above the
Fallen Stone we could see the Hanging Stone. Just below the Hanging
Stone a path was found that contoured around Base Brown. Due to
following this path to the left of the Hanging Stone the perched
boulder was not visited. The path then zigzagged towards the summit
reducing the declivity. The final few hundred metres were very
straightforward and the summit cairn was reached at roughly 11:30am.
Due to the weather conditions, the views from the top were stunning, to
the north, Skiddaw & Blencathra, to the south, Great End, Scafell Pike
& Scafell. The summit was deserted and we met no other walkers during
our ascent, although a high number of cars were parked by the side of
the Seathwaite-Seatoller road. Perhaps they were all heading for the
big Pike? Apart from the views, AW's description of the summit is
spot on, after the interest of the ascent it is rather austere!
Compared to the direct ascent, the descent was rather more oblique via
Green Gable, Great Gable, Brandreth & Grey Knotts. However this did
provide ample opportunity to appraise Base Brown from many different
angles. Gillercomb hanging valley also deserves a mention, it is quite
exquisite! Strangely Windy Gap wasn't very windy but the top of
Great Gable was very windy, with a significant wind chill. In fact the
wind chill was so great that my digital camera ceased to operate.
Thankfully after descending back to Windy Gap it did start to work
again.
Total distance walked: ~10.4km
Total ascent: ~985m
Photos @ http://aserown.fotopic.net