WWW.KARLSWALKS.CO.UK
PICTURES AND TRIP REPORTS FROM MY WALKS IN THE ENGLISH LAKE DISTRICT
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E-mail - karl@karlswalks.co.uk |
Back on the train up the west coast to Green road station for a couple of days and a night in the predicted fine weather
Clouds and showery rain had drifted in from the sea as we left Barrow but by the time I left the train the clouds had cleared and from then on Friday was a lovely day. The Dunnerdale and Coniston fells stand out in the cold clear air.
The rain had gone but had left a rainbow behind. I'm looking up to the hills ahead that I've got to get over and my pack felt quite heavy with ( maybe too much ) food as well as my winter gear
I can't remember passing this obelisk before but it does look new. It's situated on the small village green of The Green.
The quote on the side is from the Wordsworth poem, Tributary stream which forms part of his sonnet "The river Duddon" The full stanza is - My frame hath often trembled with delight When hope presented some far-distant good. That seemed from heaven descending, like the flood of yon pure waters, from their aery height. Hurrying with lordly Duddon to unite ; Who, mid a world of images imprest On the calm depth of his transparent breast, Appears to cherish most that Torrent white, The fairest, softest, liveliest of them all ! And seldom hath ear listened to a tune More lulling than the busy hum of Noon, Swoln by that voice — whose murmur musical Announces to the thirsty fields a boon Dewy and fresh, till showers again shall fall.
And Black Beck which runs through the village does unite with the Duddon.
After leaving the village I take the path across the fields by Dunningwell and descend to the A595. My path slanting up the side of White Hall Knott can clearly be seen.
After braving the road for a couple of hundred yards I take the rough path just beyond the Fox and Goose cottages which climbs steadily up to the shoulder of White Hall Knott which is the hill above.
On the shoulder now looking to the summit of White Hall Knott. From here it's a steady plod up the grassy slopes of White Combe.
Black Combe from White Combe.
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Once at the top I can see the Buckbarrow group where I'm heading next. The fence is followed all the way down the hill to Charity Chair.
And there is Charity Chair with Stoneside Hill beyond.
After climbing up to and passing over the Corney Fell road I follow the wall which heads up the gentle slope to the Buckbarrow fells. This is looking back over Stoneside Hill and Charity Chair to White and Black Combe.
After passing by the Buckbarrow fells the path contours around Burn Moor and climbs again to Whitfell from where the view to the high fells opens up.
Lovely cloud shadows on the Scafell group. Great Gable sticking his head up on the left.
Moving around to the right, Esk Pike is the fell fully in shadow with Bowfell further to the right still enjoying a bit of sun.
Looking back from Whitfell to the Buckbarrow fells and Black Combe.
I take the path down from Whitfell which makes its way below Stainton Pike before reaching Yoadcastle. This is the tiny tarn in the saddle between Yoadcastle and Woodend Height.
Woodend Height summit cairn with posing local.
Quite a stiff breeze was blowing out to the sea so I found a nice sheltered spot in the lee of some small crags and got my tent up and the kettle on.
Every time I've pitched on Woodend Height I've been lucky with the sunset and was so again.
Devoke Water and the high fells wonderfully lit.
As is Eskdale and the fells above. Esk Pike, Bowfell and Crinkle Crags form the horizon from left to right.
The Isle of Man is very clear. The estuary is the river Esk with the Eskmeals viaduct crossing it..
The two white dots below and to the right of the moon are Venus and Jupiter.
After a calm but cold night Devoke Water and the Wasdale Screes are lit from the east.
The sun rising above the top of Woodend Height.
Now the sunlight reaches Eskdale Fell and Great How as well as the lower slopes of Scafell..
Devoke Water and the boathouse.
After crossing the Birker Fell road I follow the track down to High Ground. The Green Crag group of fells are ahead with Harter Fell in the background.
Looking back to the rounded Hesk Fell and to the right Yoadcastle and Woodend Height.
The path passes through the farm of Whincop. Whin Rigg is the fell in the distance.
Hartley Crag on top of which we camped a couple of years ago is passed on my way to the valley floor. I have never used this path so was interested to see which route down it took.
At times the path disappeared into the dead bracken but the wall was a sure guide and with the weather clear I could see where I needed to be. Bowfell and Crinkle Crags are nicely framed by these two trees.
Eventually I arrive at the lovely unnamed tarn just off the main valley path.
After walking to the Woolpack for a cuppa I about turn and make my way back down the valley following the river Esk.
Passing St. Catherine's church on the way.
After reaching Forge Bridge I take the Esk trail alongside Muncaster Fell. I thought I'd save my legs and get the bus !
I think I might have been waiting quite a while for a bus so set off again. Here Whitfell and Station Fell are seen across the valley.
The Esk trail has been pretty flat so far but there is a bit of a sting in the tail as you have to climb Chapel Hill.
I presume this is so you don't get run over by the bus...
.... or it could be the view of the high fells which today are a bit muted in the grey sky.
After Chapel Hill it's all down hill now to Ravenglass and the sea.
Previous walk - A Coledale round - Next walk - Mellbreak and Holme Fell