Sunday, 11th October 2009

Walk:	St Peter's Church, Steel Knotts, High Raise, Kidsty Pike, Rampsgill Head, Rest Dodd, The Nab, Angle Tarn, Beda Fell
Start Point:	St Peter's Church, Martindale	Grid Ref:	NY 435 192
Distance:	14 miles	Ascent:	5,230 feet
Weather:	A dry day with sunny spells and a cold wind in exposed areas
Accompanied by:	9 members of the group, led by Ray
Comments:	After driving through mist and rain we were pleased that the weather looked promising as we commenced the climb to Steel Knotts. Enjoying the views over to Ullswater, our first target soon came into view. From Steel Knotts (Pikeawassa) there was a long trek up to High Raise, with some good views over to Fairfield, Helvellyn and many other fell tops. Setting quite a pace, Ray was soon on his way to Kidsty Pike with its great views down Riggindale to Haweswater, before continuing on to Rampsgill Head. From here another long stretch took us down to the col with more views down Bannerdale. This was followed by a short(ish) climb up to Rest Dodd and an even shorter (and steeper) descent down the other side to cross the stile onto The Nab. Navigating round the peat hags we reached the cairn near Nab End before returning and making our way past Satura Crag and Angle Tarn. Leaving the popular Boredale Hause path we made our way past Angletarn Pikes and along the ridge to Beda Fell. It was then an undulating descent before finally reaching the road at Winter Crag and the last stretch back to the cars.

Scroll down to see photos of the walk

Looking down to Sandwick as we head up to Steel Knotts . . .

and from further along the path we have a good view over Ullswater

The group heads through the dying bracken to the summit, also known as Pikeawassa . . .

and the summit rock provides shelter from the wind

Time for a group discussion . . .

as I check out the view across to Thrang Crag . . .

and up the valley to Nab End

Descending from Steel Knotts

Looking over Rest Dodd to Fairfield and Helvellyn, with many other fell tops in view

From High Raise, Catstye Cam stand out just to the right of Helvellyn

and the group explores the surrounds of High Raise

Kidsty Pike brings back memories of the Coast to Coast walk, with views down to Haweswater . . .

and I check out the summit cairn . . .

as the group admires the views

From Rampsgill Head we can see most of our walk, with Beda Fell on the left, The Nab straight ahead and Steel Knotts on the right . . .

and the group continue their discussions

Leaving Rampsgill Head, the Nab comes into view . . .

but first we have to climb up to Rest Dodd

Then its down the steep side . . .

to the end of The Nab . . .

from where Beda Fell, Hallin Fell and Steel Knotts can be seen catching some sun

Returning from The Nab . . .

we make our way across the fell . . .

towards Satura Crag

Before long we can see the route of a previous walk done in mist - Gray Crag on the right, Thornthwaite Crag in the distance and High Street to the left, surrounding Hayeswater