Sunday, 7th September 2014

Walk: Raven Crag, Castle Crag Fort, Dale Bottom, Walla Crag, Bleaberry Fell, High Seat, High Tove, Armboth Fell, Fisher Gill, Armboth, Thirlmere waterside path
Start Point: Lay-by north of Armboth Grid Reference: NY 307 183
Distance: 14.5 miles Ascent: 3,630 feet
Time: 8 hours
Weather: Sunny and mild
Comments: The clear air promised spectacular views and we weren't disappointed as the photos will show. As we climbed towards Raven Crag two Lancaster Bombers flew up the valley and although I didn't manage to get a photo then they kindly gave me another chance later when they flew back down the valley as we were heading towards Bleaberry Fell. Taking a morning coffee stop beside Shoulthwaite Gill we were amazed when the Red Arrows flew over us - what a treat. A great day despite the wet terrain on the ridge.

The dam at the head of Thirlmere

Climbing through the woods to . . .

Raven Crag . . .

with its small cairn . . .

and from the nearby vantage point great views of Thirlmere . . .

and Blencathra

Skiddaw and Blencathra from Castle Crag Fort

Eagle-eyed Ray spotted a butterfly - difficult to photograph

Heading down through the plantation . . .

and more views of Skiddaw and Lonscale Fell

We take a short detour off the forest path . . .

for our morning stop beside Shoulthwaite Gill . . .

Then it's back over the bridge

The views of Bencathra are just too tempting

Any bows & arrows around?

Just can't resist another one!

Lunch spot with great views . . .

over Derwent Water, Bassenthwaite and Keswick

Amanita muscaria . . .

commonly know as fly agaric or fly mushroom . . .

a common and widespread fungus

Walla Crag . . .

where the Wainwright cairn is set back . . .

from the best spot for photos over Derwentwater and Keswick . . .

and across Derwentwater to Catbells and the fells beyond

Exploring the small summit above Brown Knotts . . .

and passing the cairn . . .

with more great views . . .

on the way to . . .

Bleaberry Fell

Pretty much guesswork . . .

to capture . . .

a couple of planes on their way back down the valley

Group photo on . . .

High Seat

High Tove summit . . .

and me

Approaching . . .

Armboth Fell . . .

with High Tove to the right

Thirlmere comes back into view . . .

as we head down Fisher Gill . . .

where a large rock looks precariously balanced

Taking it easy at Armboth car park before . . .

following the shore path . . .

beside Thirlmere, back to the cars

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