Sunday, 27th March 2011

 

Walk: Coniston, Miners Bridge, Yewdale Fells, Low Tilberthwaite, Holme Fell, High Guards Wood, Yew Tree Tarn, Oxen fell High Cross, Tarn Hows, Hill Fell Plantation, Guards Wood
Start Point: Tilberthwaite Avenue, Coniston Grid Ref: SD 303 975
Distance: 11 miles Ascent: 2,820 feet
Weather: Mild with frequent sunny spells
Accompanied by:

8 members of the group

Comments: The weather forecast was quite good but the day turned out to be even better. Having walked on the higher fells in this area numerous times, it was great to explore the lower Yewdale Fells along paths I haven't travelled previously. On good tracks and grassy paths the route 'undulated' with only one steep climb - up the slippery scree slope (which can be circumvented if you don't fancy the excitement!) We were even treated to an afternoon siesta overlooking Tarn Hows, and the iconic profile of the Langdale Pikes. An easy route took us back down to Coniston, enjoying the late afternoon sunshine.

 

Scroll down to see photos of the walk

Blue sky and sunshine as we leave Coniston . . .

 

passing a contented family on the way

 

bridge over Scrow Beck

 

The waterfall just below . . .

 

Miners Bridge

 

Heading up the scree slope at Rigg Head . . .

 

the view over Coniston Water is rather hazy

 

A short pause is in order at the end of the climb . . .

 

then it's off across the Yewdale Fells . . .

 

before finding a good spot for elevenses

 

Heading towards Tilberthwaite . . .

 

we take time to check out the fells

 

A narrow gully leads to . . .

 

evidence of mine workings . . .

 

and Robb spots the drill lines (just above his head)

 

Spotting some rock climbers . . .

 

we discover a group of youngsters receiving instruction

 

Zooming in across High Tilberthwaite cottages, the Langdale Fells peep above the tree tops

 

A disused reservoir is home to . . .

 

countless frogs searching for partners

 

Sun highlights the Langdale Fells as we climb to Ivy Crag (named in Wainwrights' guide) . . .

 

a good spot for lunch, with views across Holme Fell to Wetherlam

 

An interesting discover? - No, hunting for Ian's glasses!

 

From Holme Fell the distinctive profile of the Langdales can still be seen . . .

 

and the group gathers for a photo . . .

 

and i have one 'for the album'

 

The it's down through Horse Guards Wood . . .

 

and the group waits for the straggler (otherwise known as the photographer!)

 

Continuing down to Yew Tree Tarn . . .

 

where we find a group of Belted Galloways

 

This one seems to have found something inviting in the tree . . .

 

while this one prefers the grass

 

The sun is still shining as we reach Tarn Hows . . .

 

and there are lots of opportunities . . .

 

for photos of reflections . . .

 

as Wetherlam broods over the scene

 

A short afternoon siesta . . .

 

with views back to the Yewdale Fells . . .

 

and across to the Langdales again

 

I wonder how long they will let the bushes grow on the roof of the toilet block in the National Trust car park?

 

Anything interesting to see?

 

No, just more reflections

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