Wednesday, 22nd April 2009

 

Walk: Troutbeck, Wansfell, Kirkstone Pass, Red Screes, Middle Dodd, Ambleside, Jenkins Crag, Robin Lane
Start Point: Church Bridge, Troutbeck Grid Ref: NY 412 027
Distance: 13.5 miles Ascent: 3,700 feet
Weather: 7.75 hours
Accompanied by:

Marie

Comments: The day looked promising but still rather cold at 9am as we started the walk. After making our way along Nanny Lane we took the indistinct path across to Wansfell, our first of three Wainwrights today. We then took a path heading north - not one we have used before. Whilst the footpath is clearly marked on the OS map the gate at the end of it had been padlocked!! Walking along the road to the Kirkstile Inn was not too hazardous as the grass verges were wide enough to use when vehicles came our way. From the car park we followed the rocky climb up to Red Screes - in my opinion by far the best route to the summit! We were afforded very good views in all directions, though a little hazy as will be seen in the photographs. The 400 foot drop to Middle Dodd posed no problems and even the return wasn't arduous. Taking the long route down the nose of Red Screes gave us great views but was beginning to get rather tedious by the time we reached the road. Calling for a well deserved ice cream we quickly left Ambleside to walk through Skelghyll Wood and back to Troutbeck along Robin Lane. We had lots of sunshine and some cold winds along the way but a very enjoyable walk.

 

Scroll down to see photos of the walk

Yoke, Ill Bell and Froswick are constant companions during this walk

 

Wansfell with Red Screes on the left and Caudale Moor on the right

 

From Kirkstone Pass we spot a group of children . . .

 

who are busy exploring the boulders in this area

 

As we climb the Kirkstone Inn gets smaller . . .

 

and smaller

 

Feom here Windermere looks like two separate lakes

 

The tarn on Red Screes summit plateau

 

Red Screes trig point with Fairfield and St Sunday Crag in the middle distance

 

Middle Dodd, our next objective, to the right of the trig point with Brothers Water and Place Fell behind

 

Middle Dodd

 

Red Screes from Middle Dodd

 

Middle Dodd, Brothers Water and Place Fell as we make our way back up to Red Screes . . .

 

and again as we stop for lunch

 

Across Little Hart Crag to Hartsop Above How, St Sunday Crag and Helvellyn

 

A local resident on the way into Ambleside

 

Walking through Skelghyll Wood we spot a steamer on Windermere . . .

 

but it doesn't seem to have many passengers

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