Date 9/9/07
We manged to complete our planned walk today taking in 3 of Wainwrights tops.
Started at the Swan Hotel Grasmere, taking road up the right of the hotel following the signs to Allcock Tarn. Immediately after the gate onto the fell turning left we followed the wall by the right of the wood. (The path to the right goes to Allcock Tarn) Very steep in places but a recent path has just been laid making it easier than our last time up here. After a stiff climb the path bears right rising more gently across the bracken slopes toward Greenhead Gill. Before reaching the Gill the path turns left heading directly for Stone Arthur. On reaching the ridge a slight detour west is needed to reach the top. Having spent yesterday with Staveley Historical Society we could look down into Greenhead Gill and see the route of the aquaduct taking water from Thirlmere to Manchester.
The weather was extremely hot and sticky in the valley but cold wind met us as we looked down onto Grasmere. Lovely views over valley to Helm Crag but the higher tops in the distance were in cloud. Had the usual conversation - " Shall we buy a B&B and move to the Lakes?" but soon back to reality and retracing our steps continued along the ridge up to Great Rigg, a gentle steady climb.
A patch of sun on Windermere from Great Rigg
Quite cold now, fleeces on and soon into the mist as we headed north for Fairfield. Below us a heard (if that is the correct term) of fellrunners were dashing across the western slopes heading for Grisedale tarn. We saw them again on the summit dashing towards Dove Crag in the mist compasses and maps (and dibbers) in hand.
The shelters on the summit were welcome to get out of the wind and enjoy a crisp butty and flapjack. Fairfield summit in mist can be a little disorientating so a compass bearing helped us head west down the steep eroded descent to Grisedale Tarn. We passed several exhausted looking runners ascending, not sure how miles they had done already but obviously quite considerable.
Took a while to get down to the tarn then an easy descent down the path via Tongue Gill to the main road and back to Grasmere.
Total time for walk 5 hours (same as last week)
Memories
View from Great Rigg just under the cloud level
Change in temperature between the valley and the ridge
Fell runners taking part in the Lakeland mountain trail http://www.ldmta.org.uk/about/index.htm
Overall Rating: Excellent
Completed: 4 To Go 210!
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