Sunday, 26th July 2009

 

Walk: Peathill Crag, Harter Fell and Green Crag, Fickle Crag
Start Point: Birks Bridge Grid Ref: SD 235 995
Distance: 9.2 miles Ascent: 3,340 feet
Weather: A low mist and heavy rain in the morning, both clearing in the afternoon
Accompanied by:

9 members of the group - led by Phil

Comments: With heavy rain and wet conditions underfoot the day didn't look promising but the friendly banter in the group helped to raise the spirits. Lots of brief stops were needed to aid accurate navigation in the poor conditions and Phil did a sterling job to lead us to the summit of Harter Fell in thick mist. With a strong wind and heavy rain we soon left the summit and made our way down to the valley on our way to Green Crag. Fortunately the forest afforded us some shelter to eat lunch and the weather began to improve a little. Pathless boggy sections ensued but as we approached our next target the weather was continuing to show signs of improvement. As we reached the summit it was still windy but we did get some brief glimpses of the views that we were missing. Typically, by the time we had descended from Green Crag the mist had cleared and the rain eased off. As we descended through Grassguards Gill the rain stopped and the optimistic amongst us removed waterproofs. Reaching the River Duddon we were glad that we weren't heading across it on the stepping stones as this looked quite precarious. Instead we navigated the muddy, rocky and root littered path alongside the river and back to the cars.

 

Scroll down to see photos of the walk

A rainy start as we prepare to set off

 

At least Castle Howe isn't in the mist!!

 

The weather really was as bad as it looks as we stop for morning coffee . . .

 

and as we reach the summit of Harter Fell

 

The trees provide some shelter from the wind as we stop for lunch . . .

 

and the weather does show some signs of improvement as we navigate across another boggy section

 

Looking back, Harter Fell is still hiding its head . . .

 

and the ground is as waterlogged as it looks here . . .

 

but the ground is a little drier as we gain height

 

Green Crag summit . . .

 

where we get a brief glimpse . . .

 

of the surrounding views

 

Time to leave Green Crag . . .

 

and before you know it the mist has lifted . . .

 

and we can see across Eskdale to Blea Tarn

 

Heading down to Grassguards Gill . . .

 

Harter Fell has now appeared out of the mist

 

Walking down the gill there are sounds of rushing water all around . . .

 

and stopping for a short break the insects soon make their presence known

 

A young chaffinch has found the perfect spot to dry himself out

 

Crossing would not be an easy task today!

 

Appropriately named - Wet Gill

 

The River Duddon from Birks Bridge . . .

 

where the group admires the views . . .

 

and someone spots an elephant's trunk!

Return to 2009 Diary                                                                      Return to top