Over 6 months since did this walk and only just got round to writing it up. A wet day, we started in Mungrisdale and walked up the Gledermakin through very boggy terrain with Bannerdale Crags on our left and our target for the day Souther Fell on our right enshrouded in mist.
Once at the head of the valley we climbed the diagonal path to the top of Mousthwaite Comb and started the delightful small ridge along the summit of Souther Fell. The mist swirled around Bannerdale Crags giving an almost Alpine feel to the steep rocks opposite
Descended directly down toward Mungrisedale but no path direct to the village so decided to contour right and cross a field (probably not public access) to the road
Time 2hrs 30mns
Grade Excellent
Memories Wet
Mini alpine feels to views from ridge
Completed 92 To go 122
Sunday, 18 October 2009
Saturday, 26 September 2009
Great Dodd and Clough Head
An warm very sunny day for this super trudge over moorland taking in 2 summits. We parked just beyond Dockray and High Row, a lot of mountain bikers around here, and took the old coach road to Groove beck before heading up the long path direct to Great Dodd. A long gentle climb with varying degrees of bog underfoot, in some places, from personal experience, ready to suck in any boot that tried to cross it. It was hard to believe that the sky was so clear with bright sunshine and having left my sun hat at home was thankful the suncream was still in the pack. Although quite out if the way at the end of the Helvellyn ridge there were several parties of people both ascending and descending
.
It took a while to get to the top where we able to shelter from the strengthening wind to have lunch but still with crystal a clear sky and views.
An amazing contrast of vistas on this walk, initially looking back over the Ullswater hills and Place fell etc. and
suddenly, on attaining the summit. the grand spectacle of all the northern hills open out to the west and Skiddaw and Blencathra majestically rising up to the north throughout the walk
From the summit we headed down to Calfhow Pike looking over the steep northern slopes, and the up to Clough Head, meeting, quite unexpectedly, a colleague coming the other way. After Clough Head the track took us down to White Pike where we left the path and headed sown the eastern slopes to joint the Old Coach Road and a nice stroll back to the car.
Time 5 hours 15 minutes
Grade Excellent
Memories
.It took a while to get to the top where we able to shelter from the strengthening wind to have lunch but still with crystal a clear sky and views.
An amazing contrast of vistas on this walk, initially looking back over the Ullswater hills and Place fell etc. and
suddenly, on attaining the summit. the grand spectacle of all the northern hills open out to the west and Skiddaw and Blencathra majestically rising up to the north throughout the walkFrom the summit we headed down to Calfhow Pike looking over the steep northern slopes, and the up to Clough Head, meeting, quite unexpectedly, a colleague coming the other way. After Clough Head the track took us down to White Pike where we left the path and headed sown the eastern slopes to joint the Old Coach Road and a nice stroll back to the car.
Time 5 hours 15 minutes
Grade Excellent
Memories
- Gorgeous weather and views
- Moorland walking
Wednesday, 23 September 2009
The Knott, Rampsgill Head, High Raise and Kidsty Pike
We had planned to park at the car park at the top of the Hamlet of Hartsop but, as it often thw case, the car park was full so drove down to the car park under Low Wood on the A592. A straightforward walk up through Hartsop and along the track to the right of Hayeswater Gill up to the reservoir. The path on the map crossing the gill a few hundred meters below Hayeswater did not seem to exist, the obvious route was up to Hayeswater and cross the gill at its source. The forecast for the da was for clear but windy. So far, which remained all day, it was clear but not windy.
The route up to the Knott was an easy slog up the fell to the east joining the path form Satura Crag and then on to the summit of The Knott. A little more wind here so we came off the summit and sheltered behind the wall for our lunch. Next stop was Rampsgill Head. Despite the clear weather and pretty good path I decided to practice compass skills over the moorland on the top - so the conversatio
n was a little lacking (but navigation was excellent!). From Rampsgill Head the route to High Raise was obvious as was the next leg from High Raise to Kidsty Pike. Good views all round, down to Hawswater, across to the head of the Kentmere round and of course, over to High Street.
After Kidsty Pike we kept to the south of Rampsgill Head summit eventually to joint the path coming down from High Street. We toyed with the idea of doing High Street as well, which would have been possible, but the time was drawing on and the weather looked as though it may deteriorate so we descended via the same route we had come up to get to the car, boots off etc, just as the rain started
The route up to the Knott was an easy slog up the fell to the east joining the path form Satura Crag and then on to the summit of The Knott. A little more wind here so we came off the summit and sheltered behind the wall for our lunch. Next stop was Rampsgill Head. Despite the clear weather and pretty good path I decided to practice compass skills over the moorland on the top - so the conversatio
n was a little lacking (but navigation was excellent!). From Rampsgill Head the route to High Raise was obvious as was the next leg from High Raise to Kidsty Pike. Good views all round, down to Hawswater, across to the head of the Kentmere round and of course, over to High Street.After Kidsty Pike we kept to the south of Rampsgill Head summit eventually to joint the path coming down from High Street. We toyed with the idea of doing High Street as well, which would have been possible, but the time was drawing on and the weather looked as though it may deteriorate so we descended via the same route we had come up to get to the car, boots off etc, just as the rain started
Time 4 hours 30mns
Grade Excellent
Memories
- Sunny early autumnal day
- Quietness of Hayeswater
- Excellent visibility
Completed 89 To go 125
Sunday, 20 September 2009
Great Cockup and Meal Fell
On our trip to Nepal 3 years ago we trekked half of the Annarpurna Circuit. Today not only we did the complete circuit of Great Cockup but,as an added bonus, we took in the summit of Great Cockup and Meal Fell. On top of this, we did it despite a great navigational cockup.
Starting from Ornthwaite the plan was to do an anticlockwise circuit to Tusmadoor , climb Meal Fell the return over the top of Great Cockup and down the western ridge.
It was a surprisingly sunny day although a little cold in the gentle breeze when the sun went behind the clouds. We started late morning just as WCOC were finishing an orienteering event on the hill. We followed the track from Ornthwaite keeping low under Brockle Crag then started to head up and contour the hill keeping just above the wall above Brocklecrag farm. The idea was to head up the hill near the end of the wall and joint the path leading east to Trusmadoor. The path heading direct up the hill was easy to follow and before we new it we were on the summit ridge,
hence the change of plan.
Great views over Over water to the Solway Firth and beyond to the north and the Skidaw range to the south.
We followed the broad ridge to Great Cockup summit then descended to Trusmadoor followed by a steepish but easy ascent of Meal Fell. Leaving Meal fell directly south we joined another path back to Trosmadoor then instead if returning on the south side of Great Cockup decided to complete the circuit winding our way on an initially easy path then, less distinct paths, seeing the orienteering controls being collected, and eventually the main path on the northern slopes of Great Cockup back to Ornthwaite.
Time 4 hrs
Grade Excellent
Memories
- Missing the initial path to Trusmadoor
- Great views across Solway Firth and to the Skidaw range
- Orienteering event
Completed 85 To go 129
Tuesday, 30 June 2009
Bleaberry Fell and High Seat
Took the same route up as we did for the Walla Crag walk in Jan 09. this time no ice, in fact the complete opposite hot and sultry
. No wind as we gained height and we sat before the final ascent of Bleaberry fell in the warm sunshine admiring the view over to Catbells and beyond. A steepish climb soon saw us onto the summit with our next top, High Seat immediately south. A very wet path lead us across to boggy ground with large areas of cotton grass. The descent from High Seat was north west towards the Barrow Beck gully. At the top of the gully we decided, instead of taking the steep path straight down 
it is better to take the path heading down into the gully which then contours around out of the gully further down and then leads back to Ashness Bridge.
A nice day for cooling the feet in the stream at the end of the walk
Time 4 hrs
Grade Excellent
Memories
. No wind as we gained height and we sat before the final ascent of Bleaberry fell in the warm sunshine admiring the view over to Catbells and beyond. A steepish climb soon saw us onto the summit with our next top, High Seat immediately south. A very wet path lead us across to boggy ground with large areas of cotton grass. The descent from High Seat was north west towards the Barrow Beck gully. At the top of the gully we decided, instead of taking the steep path straight down 
it is better to take the path heading down into the gully which then contours around out of the gully further down and then leads back to Ashness Bridge.A nice day for cooling the feet in the stream at the end of the walk
Time 4 hrs
Grade Excellent
Memories
- Hot and humid
- Boggy ground on top
Sunday, 28 June 2009
Grange Fell and Castle Crag
One of the hottest days of the year, we set off from Grange over the stone bridge and a couple of hundred yards south down the main rod took the bridleway to the left and soon found ourselves in the most peaceful bracken filled meadow. Gently climbing through lovely scenery, Castle Crag, our final destination dominating the view 
to the south. The path descended slightly and eventually we too a right had fork to cross the stream on our right and begin quite a steep ascent up towards King’s How. As we gained height the humidity of the day attracted the most midges we had seen in the Lakes for sometime. Thankfully we were well equipped with jungle formula. We arrived above the treeline where the path forked. Initially we took the right hand fork heading up towards King’s How but the path petered out an becoming quite disorientated we descended an took the left hand fork over a style, which seemed to be heading in the right direction – which it was but were much further east and lower than anticipated. However soon we found our bearings an followed the path by a wall south then west to eventually to join our main path and be greeted by the most magnificent views of the hills to the south of the Borrowdale valley. Great Gable, the Scafells, Glaramara all majestically bathing in the hot sunshine, and so did we.
After a small stroll south we took the path eastwards up to the main summit of Grange Fell, Brund Fell. Truely in the centre of the Lake District, Sacfell Pike to the south, Helvellyn to the east and Skiddaw to the north all felt as though they were in touching distance.
Lunch stop at the top with no need to shelter from any wind or rush down in case of impeding rain. The descent was to continue east passed the lovely named Jopplety How across the wall then follow this to the south to join the Watendlath, Rossthwaite path down to Rossthwaite and the Scafell Hotel for a welcomed drink.
The afternoon was to be simple, follow the Cumbria Way and Allerdale Ramble but fork off to the left to climb Castle Crag. Memories of this were of of a slate mound steep and slippery constantly worrying the children were going to fall off!. We were quite tired as we ascended form the valley the humidity was now increasing with thunder clouds and rain to the south. On reaching the ridge before the final slate mound mention was made of ‘lets not bother’ but this was overruled and an incident free push to the summit was made. The view were slightly disappointing being very hazy to the north and dark rainclouds to the south. It was still warm enough to linger for a while then descended down to the west and along the Allerdale Ramble back to Grange where we just in time to have strawberries and tea at a garden party accompanied by one of loudest crashes of thunder we have ever heard.
Time 6hours 30mns (some longish stops!)
Grade Excellent
Memories :
• Peaceful bracken meadow at the start
• Hot and Humid
• Views of the southern Borrowdale giants
• Half time refreshments at Rossthwaite
Completed 81 To go 133
to the south. The path descended slightly and eventually we too a right had fork to cross the stream on our right and begin quite a steep ascent up towards King’s How. As we gained height the humidity of the day attracted the most midges we had seen in the Lakes for sometime. Thankfully we were well equipped with jungle formula. We arrived above the treeline where the path forked. Initially we took the right hand fork heading up towards King’s How but the path petered out an becoming quite disorientated we descended an took the left hand fork over a style, which seemed to be heading in the right direction – which it was but were much further east and lower than anticipated. However soon we found our bearings an followed the path by a wall south then west to eventually to join our main path and be greeted by the most magnificent views of the hills to the south of the Borrowdale valley. Great Gable, the Scafells, Glaramara all majestically bathing in the hot sunshine, and so did we.After a small stroll south we took the path eastwards up to the main summit of Grange Fell, Brund Fell. Truely in the centre of the Lake District, Sacfell Pike to the south, Helvellyn to the east and Skiddaw to the north all felt as though they were in touching distance.
Lunch stop at the top with no need to shelter from any wind or rush down in case of impeding rain. The descent was to continue east passed the lovely named Jopplety How across the wall then follow this to the south to join the Watendlath, Rossthwaite path down to Rossthwaite and the Scafell Hotel for a welcomed drink.The afternoon was to be simple, follow the Cumbria Way and Allerdale Ramble but fork off to the left to climb Castle Crag. Memories of this were of of a slate mound steep and slippery constantly worrying the children were going to fall off!. We were quite tired as we ascended form the valley the humidity was now increasing with thunder clouds and rain to the south. On reaching the ridge before the final slate mound mention was made of ‘lets not bother’ but this was overruled and an incident free push to the summit was made. The view were slightly disappointing being very hazy to the north and dark rainclouds to the south. It was still warm enough to linger for a while then descended down to the west and along the Allerdale Ramble back to Grange where we just in time to have strawberries and tea at a garden party accompanied by one of loudest crashes of thunder we have ever heard.
Time 6hours 30mns (some longish stops!)
Grade Excellent
Memories :
• Peaceful bracken meadow at the start
• Hot and Humid
• Views of the southern Borrowdale giants
• Half time refreshments at Rossthwaite
Completed 81 To go 133
Sunday, 7 June 2009
Wetherlam
From the Tilberthwaite car park we followed the path in front of and then up beside the small row of cottages soon turning back on ourselves to climb a good steady path up the side of the fell. As the path turn west the deep ravine of the Tilberthwaite gill plunged down to our left but soon we were led into a basin, Dry Cove Moss with Birk Fell and Wetherlam ahead of us.
The weather was cold for the beginning of June but the cloud was high and the forecast was for light showers initially but getting heavier later. A good path gently ascended the east rim of the basin becoming markedly steeper as we approach Birk fell hause and the ridge up to Wetherlam. Old quarry holes were evident in several places, fenced off for safety.
Once on the ridge it looked a simple but steep walk up to the summit but in reality it was quite a rocky, scrambling ascent, frequently loosing the path. However, we knew the general direction was up so scrambli
ng on and off the path, we eventually reached the summit with a biting cold easterly wind blowing. We manged to shelter behind rock for lunch looking across to the Crinkles and Bow Fell with the Scafells behind, shortly to be enshrouded in dark black clouds.
The route down was via the south ridge heading towards Coniston, over Lad Stones and then keeping on the main path as it turned west off the ridge steeply down to cross the stream and join the path form Coniston to Tilberthwaite. Across to the east the lighting over th
e Fairfield horseshoe was crystal clear,enough to almost retrace every step of the round from previous walks.
After an easy walk down to Tilberthwaite we stopped for a relax in the now warmer sunshine across the gill from the path up before returning to the car to end a very satisfying walk.
Time 4hrs 30minute
Grade Excellent
Memories
The weather was cold for the beginning of June but the cloud was high and the forecast was for light showers initially but getting heavier later. A good path gently ascended the east rim of the basin becoming markedly steeper as we approach Birk fell hause and the ridge up to Wetherlam. Old quarry holes were evident in several places, fenced off for safety.
Once on the ridge it looked a simple but steep walk up to the summit but in reality it was quite a rocky, scrambling ascent, frequently loosing the path. However, we knew the general direction was up so scrambli
ng on and off the path, we eventually reached the summit with a biting cold easterly wind blowing. We manged to shelter behind rock for lunch looking across to the Crinkles and Bow Fell with the Scafells behind, shortly to be enshrouded in dark black clouds.The route down was via the south ridge heading towards Coniston, over Lad Stones and then keeping on the main path as it turned west off the ridge steeply down to cross the stream and join the path form Coniston to Tilberthwaite. Across to the east the lighting over th
e Fairfield horseshoe was crystal clear,enough to almost retrace every step of the round from previous walks.After an easy walk down to Tilberthwaite we stopped for a relax in the now warmer sunshine across the gill from the path up before returning to the car to end a very satisfying walk.
Time 4hrs 30minute
Grade Excellent
Memories
- Quite a scramble up to the summit
- Clarity of the views
Sunday, 10 May 2009
Tarn Crag (and Grey Crag)
We signed up to do Tarn Crag and Grey Crags as part of the Wainwright Society's Lakeland 214 Challenge. Despite having done Grey Grag last May this was a good opportunity to visit the top again as part of a complete round having previously done Grey Crag on its own (see 5th May 2008). This time we decided to reverse the route and head up the Longsleddale valley from Sadgill along the broad stone track heading towards Gatesgarth Pass. The weather was fine, a coldish wind initially but although there were dark clouds around, they were high and the tops were 
clear. A gentle climb along the quarry road under Buckbarrow Crag on the right and the river Sprint on our left we were passed by two mountain bikers who were struggling with the rough terrain. Instead of heading to the summit of Tarn Crag by the wall beyond Buckbarrow Crag, we carried on north for a short distance at the junction of two streams forming the main river and then took the signposted track heading towards Mosedale. Very indistinct and wet underfoot the path crossed a couple of small streams and headed upwards under the slopes of Branstree until reaching a style over a fence. Without crossing the style, we headed south t
hen south east, following the fence, negotiating the bogs up to the summit of Tarn Crag first visiting the 'pillar' and then across to the cairn.
A photo shoot for the purposes of the challenge then headed east, back to the fence, and followed this towards Grey Crag. The clouds had kept high but over to the east dark thunderclouds were now gathering. A quick excursion to Harrop Pike from where the rain could be
seen over Shap - but luckily it stayed there - and then on to Grey Crag for another photo shoot.
The descent was the same we had done a year ago, taking a bearing just north of west off the summit and picking our way down through the rock on a small track which eventually lead to a style in the fence and on to the rounded spur to Great Howe. From here a steep descent back to the valley.
Time 4 hours 30 minutes
Grade Excellent
clear. A gentle climb along the quarry road under Buckbarrow Crag on the right and the river Sprint on our left we were passed by two mountain bikers who were struggling with the rough terrain. Instead of heading to the summit of Tarn Crag by the wall beyond Buckbarrow Crag, we carried on north for a short distance at the junction of two streams forming the main river and then took the signposted track heading towards Mosedale. Very indistinct and wet underfoot the path crossed a couple of small streams and headed upwards under the slopes of Branstree until reaching a style over a fence. Without crossing the style, we headed south t
hen south east, following the fence, negotiating the bogs up to the summit of Tarn Crag first visiting the 'pillar' and then across to the cairn.A photo shoot for the purposes of the challenge then headed east, back to the fence, and followed this towards Grey Crag. The clouds had kept high but over to the east dark thunderclouds were now gathering. A quick excursion to Harrop Pike from where the rain could be
seen over Shap - but luckily it stayed there - and then on to Grey Crag for another photo shoot.The descent was the same we had done a year ago, taking a bearing just north of west off the summit and picking our way down through the rock on a small track which eventually lead to a style in the fence and on to the rounded spur to Great Howe. From here a steep descent back to the valley.
Time 4 hours 30 minutes
Grade Excellent
Memories
-Taking part in the Wainwright Society challenge
-Boggy ground
-Vast improvement on out last visit to Grey Crag
Completed 78 To go 136
Sunday, 5 April 2009
Green Crag
We decided to climb this southern top from Seathwaite in the Duddon valley. A beautiful spring day, sunshine, blue sky and all the tops clear. We parked just beyond the Newfield Inn and took the path through a narrow gap in the wall and then across the footbridge crossing Tarn beck through a lovely woodland walk to the old stone bridge over the River Duddon and then continued though the trees toward Wallowbarrow farm. Here we headed upwards towards the crags, to the sound of the clinking of climbing hardware and shouts of 'climb when you're ready' followed by 'climbing'. On closer inspection, the rock face was dotted with climbers .
The path was delightful, climbing steadily, still in the trees but with carpets of miniature daffodils to either side . Soon we left the daffodils and the climbers behind and headed north towards Grassguards along a wide undulating track, in and out of forestry commission land through several gates to keep grazing animal from eating the young trees and shrubs.At Grassguards we stayed on the left bank of the river and headed through a wide clearing up through very boggy ground with Harter fell on our right and Green Crag ahead. A long and gradual incline eventually led us to the open moorland where we followed an indistinct path heading slightly left of our final summit and eventually along the summit ridge to the cairn.
We had not met a soul throughout the walk so far but whilst eating our lunch on the top a man arrived who it turned out was on his penultimate Wainwright with only Yewbarrow to finish. He was off to climb Harter fell after Green Crag but we had already decided to return the way we came up, it was such a beautiful walk.
Time 4hrs 30 minutes
Grade Excellent
Memories
- Gorgeous spring weather
- Daffodils
Completed 77 To go 137
Friday, 27 February 2009
Greystones, Broom Fell and Lord's Seat
The opposite to our outing 2 days previously. A good day leaving Staveley but darker foreboding clouds as we headed to north Lakes. The mist was down to just above Whinlatter Pass and the rain constant. We parked at Scawgill bridge thinking a warm cup of coffee back at the Whinlatter centre would be very inviting when another car pulled up. Out jumped a couple with their dog and together with an elderly lady, who must have been in her seventies, put on their waterproofs with no hesitation and headed off towards Spout Force. This really put us to shame so we kitted up and set off.
Our route was a direct ascent of Graystones following the wall between the wood and the quarry. Quite steep and initially difficult slippery slate scree which became easier as we reach the grassy fell. Just above the forest we entered the clouds and would not get a view for the rest of the walk until our descent. Crossing the stone wall near the top we located the summ
it of Graystones and then headed north west aiming for the corner of the forest boundary. Thick mist, no path, excellent for using compass navigation skills. It was very rewarding as the forest loomed ahead of us exactly were I expected it to be. (Elspeth was a little less convinced that we knew where we were). We took a break and then followed the line north of forest boundary over Widow Hause (not a name Elspeth cared for), and leaving the comfort of the wall, took a bearing north west and then west up to Broom Fell. Another glow of navigational satisfaction when the summit of Broom Fell appeared from the mist directly ahead.
Next top was Lord's Seat, so compass in hand again, off we set through bog and mud. This leg seemed to take much longer, long enough for slight doubts to arise that I had become too confident with the compass, until the short steep climb to the summit of Lord's Seat revealed itself.
I thought once on Lord's Seat it would easy to find the path down keeping north of the forest, but we soon had to retrace our steps realising the main path would have taken us into Whinlatter Forest. The compass ruled once again and eventually took us along, what looked like a big path on the map, but turned out to be a narrow indistinct path which was heading in the right direction. This took down, at last out of the mist, and we were now able to see our route via Darling How back to the road.
The mist lifted as we descended and we were able to look across Aiken Beck and follow our route along the tops. we had a couple of streams to cross on the descent but soon reached the forest road and then the main road and back to the car.
Our route was a direct ascent of Graystones following the wall between the wood and the quarry. Quite steep and initially difficult slippery slate scree which became easier as we reach the grassy fell. Just above the forest we entered the clouds and would not get a view for the rest of the walk until our descent. Crossing the stone wall near the top we located the summ
it of Graystones and then headed north west aiming for the corner of the forest boundary. Thick mist, no path, excellent for using compass navigation skills. It was very rewarding as the forest loomed ahead of us exactly were I expected it to be. (Elspeth was a little less convinced that we knew where we were). We took a break and then followed the line north of forest boundary over Widow Hause (not a name Elspeth cared for), and leaving the comfort of the wall, took a bearing north west and then west up to Broom Fell. Another glow of navigational satisfaction when the summit of Broom Fell appeared from the mist directly ahead.Next top was Lord's Seat, so compass in hand again, off we set through bog and mud. This leg seemed to take much longer, long enough for slight doubts to arise that I had become too confident with the compass, until the short steep climb to the summit of Lord's Seat revealed itself.
I thought once on Lord's Seat it would easy to find the path down keeping north of the forest, but we soon had to retrace our steps realising the main path would have taken us into Whinlatter Forest. The compass ruled once again and eventually took us along, what looked like a big path on the map, but turned out to be a narrow indistinct path which was heading in the right direction. This took down, at last out of the mist, and we were now able to see our route via Darling How back to the road.
The mist lifted as we descended and we were able to look across Aiken Beck and follow our route along the tops. we had a couple of streams to cross on the descent but soon reached the forest road and then the main road and back to the car.
Time 3 hours 45 minutes
Grade Excellent
Memories
- Navigation
Wednesday, 25 February 2009
Hartsop above How
The weather was not promising at all, driving out of Staveley through Troutbeck towards the Kirkstone pass. The mist was down almost to valley level, the normal beautiful views from the road between Staveley and Troutbeck were today non existent. What a pleasant surprise as we reached the Kirkstone Inn, we left the cloud behind us and we could see down to Brothers water and beyond. The higher fells still in cloud with snow patches on their steeper slopes but our target for the day was clear. We aimed to park at the car park west of Hartsop off the main road, but this was being upgraded by the national park authorities so luckily we were lable to find a spot by the phone box at Bridgend, right at the start of the walk.
Through the gate we followed the farm track a few hundred yards then took the sign to the left heading for a style in the wall and into the woods. The path climbed steadily and soon we left the wood, gained the open fell and continued up the broad ridge. The higher summits were now just clear. The pointed Gavel pike guarding the summit of St Sunday Crag, further up Deepdale, the dome of Cofa Pike and at the head the broad summit of the Fairfield plateau. Across the valley Hartsopp Dodd looked as steep as is felt when we climbed it last year, patches of snow lay on Caudale Moore and across to High Street we could work out some routes we could follow when tackling these tops.
Route finding up Hartsopp above How was easy, straight up the ridge. We were sheltered from the wind until we gained the first knoll when a biting gusty wind hit us. However it was never too strong to annoy us, the only real difficulty was to decide where the summit was so we tramped along the whole rdige above Gill Crag until the ground the descended before rising to Hart Crag. Retracing our steps from the top we found a lovely sheltered spot for lunch before descending by the same route back to the car.
Through the gate we followed the farm track a few hundred yards then took the sign to the left heading for a style in the wall and into the woods. The path climbed steadily and soon we left the wood, gained the open fell and continued up the broad ridge. The higher summits were now just clear. The pointed Gavel pike guarding the summit of St Sunday Crag, further up Deepdale, the dome of Cofa Pike and at the head the broad summit of the Fairfield plateau. Across the valley Hartsopp Dodd looked as steep as is felt when we climbed it last year, patches of snow lay on Caudale Moore and across to High Street we could work out some routes we could follow when tackling these tops.
Route finding up Hartsopp above How was easy, straight up the ridge. We were sheltered from the wind until we gained the first knoll when a biting gusty wind hit us. However it was never too strong to annoy us, the only real difficulty was to decide where the summit was so we tramped along the whole rdige above Gill Crag until the ground the descended before rising to Hart Crag. Retracing our steps from the top we found a lovely sheltered spot for lunch before descending by the same route back to the car.
Grade Excellent
Memories
Memories
- A clear dry walk after very low mist and rain leaving Staveley
- Contemplating future plans
Completed 73 To Go 141
Saturday, 31 January 2009
Bowscale Fell and Bannerdale Crags
Another wintry day, we decided on a drive up to Mungrisdale and a walk over Bowscale Fell and Bannerdale Crags. Accompanied by Jane, we knew we needed to get back to Staveley early, as David, her other half, was singing for the North West Early Music Forum in Carnforth. We had arranged the weekend stay at the cottage with our friends so we could hear the performance.
Having parked by the village hall we dutifully put £2.00 through the letter box and headed up the path skirting the south side of the tongue. An easy path to follow with the impressive mound of the Tongue towering ahead before us initially. Quite cold and wintry but we were sheltered in the valley until we gained the broad ridge when the biting cold wind hit us. The path was lined with a long stretches of snow where I was able to relive some winter walking memories. A short tramp up to the right we were soon on the summit of Bowscale Fell where we met a group of four who had been beaten off the icy snow slopes of Blencathra and decided on a more sensible alternative. The route over Bannerdale crags was easy to follow but underfoot was very icy forcing us to weave our way to avoid ending up flat on the ground. The view to our right across to the snowy peak of Blencathra kept our interest as we descended off Bowscale Fell and climbed the gentle slope up to Bannerdale crags.
Leaving the summit to the south west we were now off the path but descended a nice grassy slope until we were clear of the crags on the left, then turned west steeply but easily down tot he the path from Mungrisdale to Scales.
An easy but quite boggy path followed the river Glenderamackin back to the car. (I did mention taking in Souther Fell on the way back but was persuaded time was not on our side)
Time 3hrs 30mns
Grade Excellent
Memories
Having parked by the village hall we dutifully put £2.00 through the letter box and headed up the path skirting the south side of the tongue. An easy path to follow with the impressive mound of the Tongue towering ahead before us initially. Quite cold and wintry but we were sheltered in the valley until we gained the broad ridge when the biting cold wind hit us. The path was lined with a long stretches of snow where I was able to relive some winter walking memories. A short tramp up to the right we were soon on the summit of Bowscale Fell where we met a group of four who had been beaten off the icy snow slopes of Blencathra and decided on a more sensible alternative. The route over Bannerdale crags was easy to follow but underfoot was very icy forcing us to weave our way to avoid ending up flat on the ground. The view to our right across to the snowy peak of Blencathra kept our interest as we descended off Bowscale Fell and climbed the gentle slope up to Bannerdale crags.
Leaving the summit to the south west we were now off the path but descended a nice grassy slope until we were clear of the crags on the left, then turned west steeply but easily down tot he the path from Mungrisdale to Scales.
An easy but quite boggy path followed the river Glenderamackin back to the car. (I did mention taking in Souther Fell on the way back but was persuaded time was not on our side)
Time 3hrs 30mns
Grade Excellent
Memories
- Wintry scenes on Blencathra
- Snow underfoot (although only a little)
Completed 72 To go 142
Saturday, 10 January 2009
Walla Crag
Parked at the car park at Ashness Bridge just south of Keswick to the east of Derwentwater. It was a cold, gloomy with a biting wind, so not sure how far we would manage, but Walla Crag was the main aim. In full winter attire we crossed back over Ashness Bridge and immediately took the path contouring the hill north and soon bearing right following a path up towards the skyline. Easily followed quite rocky in places and patches of ice underfoot, lethal for the unwary! We soon gained height and reached the moorland above Falcon crag with Walla crag visible to the north.
The patches of ice were more evident several time necessitating a short detour off the path.
At the junction with the path up to Bleaberry fell we felt, on the return, it would make a great day to take in Bleaberry fell and High Seat before returning to the car park. Enthused we headed to Walla Crag the biting wind getting colder and stronger. Although a dull day, the views across Derwentwater to Cat Bells , Causey Pike and beyond were forever changing. Sometimes a shaft of sunlight would brighten up the fell side. At other times dull and misty with hills barely visible.
The patches of ice were more evident several time necessitating a short detour off the path.
At the junction with the path up to Bleaberry fell we felt, on the return, it would make a great day to take in Bleaberry fell and High Seat before returning to the car park. Enthused we headed to Walla Crag the biting wind getting colder and stronger. Although a dull day, the views across Derwentwater to Cat Bells , Causey Pike and beyond were forever changing. Sometimes a shaft of sunlight would brighten up the fell side. At other times dull and misty with hills barely visible.
On Walla Crag the wind was strengthening and with the dark clouds and low temperatures the atmosphere was becoming less inviting. Looking back across to Bleaberry fell the scene was reminiscent of a Scottish wilderness landscape albeit on a smaller scale.
Retracing our route to the path junction her was some shelter form the wind and with plenty of daylight left we decided to head up towards Bleaberry fell fully aware that it may be the wrong decision. To our left a couple were having great fun throwing themselves on to a long sheet of ice, sliding down the hillside on their backsides then returning to the top to have another go. It wasn't long, as we reached Brown Knots, before we realised that once out of the shelter of the hillside the wind was far to strong to continue. The mist was rolling in across the moorland and we made the decision to retrace our steps back to the original path and call it a day.
As we descended with the Ashness Bridge in sight the sun broke thorough the clouds and we managed to sit to have lunch watching the changing colours of the hills opposite.
Time 2 hrs 45 minutes
Grade Excellent
Memories
- Wintry atmosphere
- Couple enjoying the ice
Completed 70 To go 144
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