Gowbarrow Fell

Our previous attempt at this delightful little summit was aborted about one month ago, accompanied by my brother and his wife. On a blustery day we were driven back by gale force winds after turning the corner at Yew Crag heading north towards the shooting box.

Today, however, was a completely different story. No wind, cold but dry and the surrounding higher fells snow capped. From the National Trust car park at Aira Force we took the path towards the falls with about 20 Japanese tourists. They followed us across the lower bridge and worryingly kept following us until they realised that we possibly did not have the same destination in mind and asked us the way to the waterfall. Having put them right we cross the stile and headed up the path above Lyphuls Tower towards Yew Crag and then round the corner to the now ruins of what was the shooting box. Ullswater was as calm as a pond. The Ullswater steamer left a tranquil rippling wake as it glided up the lake.Views across to the snow capped Pennines in the distance added to the peaceful atmosphere contrasting sharply from the hustle and bustle at the car park we had left.
Following the path, we contoured around the fell and, on reaching the shooting box, continued along the path to the left following the wall the summit mound soon appeared in front of us. Although very boggy in places the path was easy to follow and after a gentle ascent we were soon admiring the views across to the Helvellyn range, Skiddaw and Blecathra and over to High Street from the summit.
Continuing south from the summit, again on easy but boggy ground, we followed the path towards Green Hill and a little before the cairn headed directly down the slopes to Aira Force.

Time 2 hrs 15 mns
Grade Excellent
Memories

• The contrast in weather between our previous outing and today
• Peace and tranquility

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