Sunday, 31st May 2009

 

Walk: Carrock Fell, High Pike, Knott, Great Calva, Cumbria Way
Start Point: Grass verge just past Stone Ends, Mosedale Road Grid Ref: NY 354 337
Distance: 13 miles Ascent: 3,100 feet
Weather: A hot and sunny day with a welcome cool breeze on the high fells
Accompanied by:

6 members of the group (led by Ian)

Comments: I knew that the initial climb was steep, but found that the upper part of the path was much more eroded than when I was last here, making a short section more difficult. However, having completed this climb the gradients are much more gentle for the rest of the walk. As this was, possibly, the hottest day of the year so far the cooling breeze was welcome for a change. There are fine views in all directions though it was hazy in the distance. The trek down the valley after descending from Great Calva is always rather a trudge, but made all the better by the 'babbling brook' running alongside.

 

Scroll down to see photos of the walk

The ascent, almost straight from the cars . . .

 

lead up Further Gill Sike on a very eroded path

 

Arriving at the summit of Carrock Fell . . .

 

there is quite a breeze

 

Our next stop is High Pike . . .

 

where very smart slate bench  . . .

 

is soon fully occupied

 

as we check out the route to Knott, our next summit

 

En route we find that Lingy bothy has been revamped. . .

 

and Karen checks out the visitor book . . .

 

whilst Mandy and Sheila discuss the merits of staying here . . .

 

but decide to continue with the walk instead

 

Ian and Ray look back to High Pike . . .

 

and checking on the rest of the group we can see Carrock Fell in the distance

 

Karen and Ray check out the surrounding fells . . .

 

whilst Marie . . .

 

and Kath pose with the Skiddaw Fells in the far distance and Great Calva in the middle distance

 

The slopes of Knott provide a good spot for lunch

 

Continuing on to Great Calva we check out the last pull up . . .

 

to the summit . . .

 

from where we can look down the line of the geological running north to south towards Windermere

 

After a rough descent through heather we reach Wiley Gill . . .

 

and follow the Cumbria Way . . .

 

where hordes of people take advantage of the best day of the year so far . . .

 

cooling off in the water . . .

 

which relieves the drag of this long valley walk

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