Sunday, 26th April 2009
| Walk: | Glenridding Dodd, Sheffield Pike, Hart Side, Stybarrow Dodd, Watson's Dodd, Raise, White Side, Glenridding Valley | ||
| Start Point: | Glenridding main car park | Grid Ref: | NY 386 169 |
| Distance: | 12 miles | Ascent: | 4,000 feet |
| Weather: | Sunny spells and a cold wind on the high fells | ||
| Accompanied by: |
15 members of the group |
||
| Comments: | Leaving the car park everyone was in a jovial mood but the chatter soon stopped as we climbed the steep fell side behind Rake Cottages. A cold wind on the col was a sign of what was to come on the higher fells. After a brief visit to Glenridding Dodd we made our way up the rocky climb to Sheffield Pike - at least the scrambling takes your mind off the steep ascent. Unfortunately on leaving Sheffield Pike height was lost as we walked across to Nick Head. From there we had another grassy ascent by Glencoyne Head before a gentler path took us across to Hart Side. With Stybarrow Dodd now in view we traversed behind White Stones and on up to the summit - easily recognisable with the lump of slate in the cairn. A short detour was made to Watson's Dodd where we felt the full force of the cold wind before finding a sheltered spot for lunch. Heading back past Stybarrow Dodd the wind was now fully in our faces and we were glad of the shelter that Raise afforded - until we reached its summit. A short stroll then took us across to White Side where we had excellent views of Thirlmere and the fells beyond. Descending the zig-zag path to the valley it wasn't long before we were back at the car park, having enjoyed an exhilarating walk in good weather. | ||
Scroll down to see photos of the walk
The climb behind Rake Cottages is pretty steep . . .
but it does level off as we approach the col
Glenridding Dodd basks in the sunshine . . .
and I add a little extra ascent to the walk
Looking North we can see the blue waters of Ullswater . . .
and the troops rally for a group shot before we leave
Having descended back to the col it is time to make our way up . . .
to Sheffield Pike - but the gloves are a tell-tale sign that it is getting colder!
A sheltered spot at Nick Head is just right for our morning coffee stop . . .
and gives a view of our next climb alongside Glencoyne Head . . .
from where we can look down the Glencoyne Valley
Time for a photo at Hart Side . . .
and one for Marie too . . .
as well as an impromptu photo of the group
Traversing across towards Stybarrow Dodd there is still some snow around . . .
and the narrower path spreads the group out
From Stybarrow Dodd we can see Watson's Dodd is just catching the sun . . .
which we are hoping will still be there when we arrive!
With a really cold wind blowing across the summit . . .
we head for shelter to have our lunch . . .
Making our way across to Raise there are some great views of Thirlmere . . .
but on reaching the summit of Raise . . .
we once again feel the full force . . .
of the wind
From White Side the path to Helvellyn is really clear . . .
but I think we'll leave that for another day
It's a good job legs don't feel the cold as much as the rest of our bodies!
The group admires the view . . .
over Thirlmere to the fells beyond . . .
and north to Bassenthwaite and Skiddaw
Heading down to the valley we can just see into Keppel Cove below Swirral Edge . . .
and ahead of us Glenridding comes into view
A brief pause as we reach the bottom of the zig-zag path . . .
then it's time to rally the troops . . .
and continue down the valley . . .
past the Arnold School Outward Bound Centre