Yes, brilliant walking last week. Left Hampshire early on the Saturday 19
March to arrive in Keswick just after 1:30 in glorious sunshine. Straight to
the cottage at Braithwaite, unpacked, and was out for a gentle stroll over
Barrow. Lovely hill to wander over, with great views to Bassenthwaite and
Vale of Keswick. Returned down past Stile End, finishing the evening off in
the Coledale Inn.
Sunday we ventured up Causey Pike via Rolling End, walking into the Newland
Valley from the cottage. From the top, it was over to Crag Hill, then lunch
in the sun just above Coledale Hause. A steady descent was followed after
lunch to the old mine workings, then a gentle walk back to Braithwaite.
Monday, Clare and I visited Ullscarf, starting out from Rosthwaite and
following the path past Stonethwaite and up to Greenup Edge. A windy walk
over to Ullscarf, then down to Standing Crag where we had lunch in the
shelter of the rocks. Next stop was Watendlath, via the path from Blea Tarn,
and tea and flapjack before returning over to Rosthwaite.
Tuesday was south to Grasmere for a wet and windy walk over Steel Fell. Had
planned returning over the ridge to Helm Crag, but strong wind and rain
changed our mind, so we turned right instead of left to drop down onto Far
Easdale for our return. Still pleasant, although a little extra walk, but we
were blessed with sunshine on the way through the valley. Would probably
missed it if continued to Helm Crag.
Wednesday I was out alone, Clare wanting a break. I was dropped off at
Seathwaite Farm and made my way to Glaramara via Bessy Boots and Rosthwaite
Fell. It was raining at the start, but stopped before I started going up
hill. Once over Allen Crags, it was down to Styhead for a coffee before
dropping back down to the farm to meet Clare. Little rain from Allen Crags
to Styhead, but other than that a very pleasant outing.
Thursday we were walking by 9:00am, from Hawes End of Cat Bells passing
around to Chapel Bridge and into the valley between Hindscarth and Maiden
Moor. Very hazy morning, but forecast to improve. We walked up to Dalehead
Tarn area, then left up to High Spy and over Maiden Moor. A sunny walk
followed back over Cat Bells down to the car.
Friday, our final day, we were joined with friends from North Yorkshire for
a walk up Blencathra. Starting from the Blencathra Centre, we followed the
path below the ridges of Blencathra across to Scales, then up to Scales
Tarn. Plenty of people crossing Sharp Edge as the conditions were very
suitable. We turned left up the path to arrive on Blencathra. Clouds had
covered the top by the time Clare and Helen arrived - no view for the slow
coaches! We walked across to Blease Fell, had lunch once out of the clouds,
then down to the car.
Fantastic week, covering a distance of just over 50 miles with a total
ascent of about 21,000ft. The week was rounded of with a pleasant sunny
stroll around Friar's Crag that evening, before a final meal in the Coledale
Inn.
Photos from the week at my website, address below.
--
sandy saunders @ www.thewalkzone.co.uk
'Mountains or Mole Hills ... summiting still
brings the same excitement'