Sunday, 1st March 2009
| Walk: | Elterwater, Stang End, Colwith Force, Skelwith Bridge, Loughrigg Tarn, Loughrigg Fell, Red Bank, Spedding Crag, Megs Gill, Chapel Stile, Great Langdale Beck | ||
| Start Point: | Car park above Elterwater | Grid Ref: | NY 329 051 |
| Distance: | 10.8 miles | Ascent: | 2,550 feet |
| Weather: | 6.5 hours | ||
| Accompanied by: |
15 group members (leader - Phil) |
||
| Comments: | It was a damp start as we left Elterwater but by the time we reached Colwith Force the day was beginning to brighten up. A break for 'elevenses' allowed time for photographs to be taken of the Force before continuing on to Skelwith Bridge. From here we headed up through the caravan park to skirt around Loughrigg Tarn. After walking round Ivy Crag we made our way up onto the fell and eventually to the summit trig point. Time to admire the views preceded a lunch stop in the shelter of the summit. Suitably refreshed we headed down towards Grasmere, taking in views of Helm Crag, Steel Fell and Seat Sandal along the way. After half a mile or so along the road we climbed in the shadow of Silver How, to reach Spedding Crag. We then made our way down Megs Gill, the path being rocky and precipitous in places but eventually becoming grassy. Walking through Chapel Stile we weren't allowed to 'bag' the Wainwright Inn, but returned to the cars via Great Langdale Beck. | ||
Scroll down to see photos of the walk
A wet start looking across to Lingmoor Fell . . .
and the rain continues through Tongue Intake Plantation
At Colwith Force the rain has stopped . . .
and so do we - for a morning break
Climbing out of the woodland . . .
and the sun appears for a short time . . .
as we check out the view of Wetherlam
On our way to Loughrigg Tarn we spot a bank of snowdrops - a sign that Spring is coming?
and Loughrigg Fell comes into view
Loughrigg Tarn with Lingmoor Fell behind and The Langdale Pikes to the right
Just one scramble on the way . . .
to the summit . . .
where we stop for lunch
Grasmere, Helm Crag and Steel Fell as we descend the main path . . .
and Rydal Water peeps up behind Grasmere with Wansfell Pike on the horizon to the right
Descending Megs Gill . . .
it's quite a drop into the gully
Something has got the group's attention . . .
perhaps they are looking for the cars at Elterwater
But first we have to make our way . . .
down to Chapel Stile . . .
where an enterprising shopkeeper . . .
has a novel way of attracting customers!
Elterwater Bridge . . .
takes us across Great Langdale Beck and back to the cars
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