| Walk: | Dockray, Gowbarrow Fell, Swinburn's Park, Little Mell Fell, Lowthwaite, Great Mell Fell, Matterdale End, Ulcat Row | ||
| Start Point: | Dockray by the bridge | Grid Ref: | NY 393 215 |
| Distance: | 11.4 miles | Ascent: | 3,020 feet |
| Weather: | Mainly sunny with a cold breeze at times | ||
| Accompanied by: |
Marie, John D, Ian, Karen, Ray, Mandy, Debbie, Sheila and Rob |
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| Comments: | Climbing directly from Dockray the path is undergoing reconstruction and, when finished, will be quite an easy route up to the trig point. Leaving Gowbarrow Fell summit we navigated our way round the 'boggy areas' until we reached the ruins of the shooting hut. Walking through Swinburn's Park we caught glimpses of Ullswater and the High Street range beyond and after emerging onto the road we were treated to a great 'red squirrel display'. We took a quick trip up Little Mell Fell before continuing on to Great Mell Fell via Lowthwaite. Returning by the same route we made our way to Matterdale End, on to Ulcat Row followed by a short stroll back to the cars. | ||
Scroll down to see photos of the walk
Just enough room at the car park
Karen checks out the gate - which is padlocked
The path is being reconstructed - but there is a lot of work to do yet
Blencathra had a cloud covering
It's a sunny morning on Gowbarrow Fell . . .
where we have a group shot
We re-group before entering Swinburn Park . . .
where we get some good views over Ullswater . . .
and find a sunny dell
There are lots of yachts making the most of the breeze
We are fortunate to see a red squirrel crossing the road . . .
and heading into a wooded area . . .
before disappearing up a tree
Another squirrel, after being chased by a cat . . .
checks out the branches . . .
before jumping across to another tree a few yards away
It's a steep start on the route up Little Mell Fell . . .
but there is time for a pause to admire the light on Blencathra . . .
before re-grouping on the summit
It may be sunny, but there is a cold breeze up here . . .
and we can just see snow on the Pennines . . .
whilst Clough Head and Great Dodd are clearly seen in the other direction
Back down we get ready to set off for Lowthwaite . . .
and up Great Mell Fell - must be windy up here
We find a sheltered spot for lunch . . .
before continuing to the summit . . .
where extra clothes are needed now we are in the wind
so we soon head back down again
Great Mell Fell . . .
and Little Mell Fell look great in the late afternoon sun