Sunday, 30th March 2008

 

Walk: Askham, Heughscar Hill, The Cockpit, Arthur's Pike, Bonscale Pike, Loadpot Hill, Roman Road (course of)
Start Point: Askham Village all car park Grid Ref: NY 512 236
Distance:  12.5 miles Ascent:  2,400 feet
Weather: A damp start with a cool breeze but sunny by the afternoon
Accompanied by:

Marie, John D, Ray Mandy, Debbie, Phil, Eric, Ruth, Caroline

Comments: Askham is a very pretty village that hasn't been changed by the influx of tourists. It was a drizzly start to the walk with a cool breeze. Taking a shortcut from Heughscar Hill to The Cockpit meant that we had to navigate some boggy ground. By the time we got to Bonscale Pike the skies were starting to brighten on the opposite side of Ullswater. The sun finally came out when we reached Loadpot Hill and the rest of the day was very pleasant - especially as it was nearly all downhill from Loadpot Hill.

 

Scroll down to see photos of the walk

Leaving Askham we pass a beautiful bank of daffodils

 

Heughscar Hill, our first summit and one of Wainwrights Outlying Fells is . . .

 

just the place for a group shot

 

Where's the pilot? Debbie adjusts her bag at 'The Cockpit' stone circle

 

Arthur's Pike, our second summit and one of Wainwrights 214 fell tops

 

Anyone seen any sheep around here?

 

Our second Wainwright, Bonscale Pike where . . .

 

Marie keeps everyone amused or . . .

 

have they just spotted the sun across the water?

 

Place Fell still languishes under cloud

 

Loadpot Hill, our third (and last) Wainwright

 

I do believe the weather is improving . . .

 

and after a quick shot of the sun on St Sunday Crag . . .

 

the sun finally comes out for a group shot before we leave Loadpot Hill

 

Now that's the way to do it!

 

Phil takes the lead as we return to . . .

 

'The Cockpit' stone circle . . .

 

and enjoy the continuing sunshine - quite a change from this morning

 

Phil manages to snatch a quick shot

 

The fell ponies show off their winter coats - along with the mud they have gathered

 

Lowther Hall comes into view . . .

 

as we drop back into the village . . .

 

past the lovely bank of daffodils  . . .

 

which look resplendent in the sunshine

 

Askham is a beautiful village, well worth a visit . . .

 

with it's central green areas - completely unspoilt

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