From the South Traverse, Great Gable

Although not as highly praised as the better-known mountains of Wasdale, Lingmell is in fact a fine mountain of considerable height, and is a very worthy member of the Scafell range. From the north, Lingmell sports a huge cliff and a dramatic ravine (Piers Gill). Seen from Wastwater, however, it looks rather plain and uninspiring, which is probably why this mountain is often passed by.

There are three main routes to the summit. One is directly up the broad western shoulder of the mountain, but this is a long, dull journey, tolerable only for the view (which is very good). It would be far better in descent. The second major route is via Brown Tongue (the Scafell Pike tourist track) as far as the Lingmell Col, then turn brefly north to reach the summit.

The third, and in my opinion finest route is the Corridor, which begins at Sty Head and cuts across the northwest flank of the Scafell massif. It offers close and detailed views of the Scafells, not to mention a clear prospect of the objective itself, seen from its grandest side. The massive north face of Lingmell is a tremendous sight. This is the route I took while on my way to Scafell Pike, but I couldn't resist the short extra ascent to reach Lingmell's summit from the col, which takes only a few minutes.

The summit cairn is tall and unusual, but attention will soon be grabbed by the view, which has to count as among the finest. To quote Wainwright from his Lingmell chapter in The Southern Fells: "... the surprising aspect of Great Gable across the deep gulf of Lingmell Beck ... the eye being deceived into seeing its half-mile of height as quite perpendicular: a remarkable picture." The massive cliff of Scafell Crag is also seen from an excellent angle, although Scafell Pike-bound walkers may be disappointed: from this side, the Pike looks very dull.

A "secret view" may be seen if the start of Piers Gill is located, some way away from the summit itself. Looking down this amazing ravine into the valley far below, with Great Gable framed between the rocks, is quite something.

Since I climbed Lingmell on the same day I tackled the Scafells, I have no pictures from the route due to a broken camera. Here are a couple of pictures from other days.

Piers Gill: yep, it's big!

From the stretcher-box at Sty Head