Lonscale Fell (2346ft, 715m), 18th April 2017

Posted on April 24, 2017 by solwaysandpiper

This enjoyable walk begins and ends at the car park at the end of Gale Road and makes use of the ‘tourist path’ up towards Skiddaw. The actual summit of Lonscale Fell is an uninteresting place but the views and sudden drops around ‘East Peak’ soon liven things up. Our descent takes us along the Burnt Horse Ridge before following the stunning path along the Cumbria Way below Lonscale Crags. At nearly 7 miles long Jamie did awesome on this walk – well done son!

Passing the Hawell Monument we make the steep ascent up the zig-zag tourist path seen here on the left. Lonscale Fell is on the right.

Keswick and Derwent Water

Hindscarth, Robinson and Causey Pike

Jamie on the summit with Carrock Fell (far left), Bowscale Fell and Blencathra behind.

Skiddaw Little Man and Skiddaw from the summit

Helvellyn and Thirlmere over High Rigg

Looking north from the East Peak towards Great Calva and Knott. Our descent takes us over the Burnt Horse Ridge (centre).

Blencathra and Blease Fell

Looking back up to the East Peak on Lonscale Fell

The highlight of the walk for both of us was the stunning views (and drops!) as we followed the Glenderaterra Valley back towards the car. With Lonscale Crags towering above us on our right, and the beck down in the valley to our left, this was an absolutely breathtaking way to finish a hugely enjoyable walk.

Barf (1535ft, 468ft), 17th April 2017

Posted on April 21, 2017 by solwaysandpiper

Driving alongside Bassenthwaite Lake most people will have noticed the obvious white rock (known as ‘The Bishop of Barf’) on the steep sides of Barf. From the road the fell looks incredibly intimidating as though it cannot be climbed, but there are two ways up to the top from this direction, one is too dangerous (I had Jamie with me) so we took the easier, but equally steep track up through the plantation which eventually leads on to the top and a stunning view over the lake.

The climb up through the plantation is steep and laborious, with only tantalising glimpses of the view below. A challenging small rock step is the only real thrill of the ascent, but once we are above the trees the incredible view makes the climb worthwhile…

Skiddaw and the southern end of Bassenthwaite Lake (and a big drop below!)

Latrigg and Keswick backed by Clough Head, Great Dodd and Stybarrow Dodd

In the distance are Stybarrow Dodd, Raise, White Side, Helvellyn and Dollywagon Pike with Bleaberry Fell and High Seat in the middle distance.

Catbells catches the sun with Ullscarf and High Raise behind

Pike o’ Stickle, Glaramara, Bow Fell, Esk Pike and Causey Pike

Stone Arthur (1640ft, 500m), 4th April 2017

Posted on April 6, 2017 by solwaysandpiper

Cracking weather for this short and sweet (or should that be short and steep!) walk, and we were still back home for lunch. As well as excellent visibility it was also nice to catch up with my first Swallow and Wheatear of the year and a Red Squirrel was also seen in Grasmere near the Swan Hotel. Click on the images to see them larger…

As we gain height the Langdale Pikes, Blea Crag and Sergeant Man come into view. The waterfalls (just right of centre) are on Sourmilk Gill with Easedale Tarn just above.