Sunday, 8th February 2009
| Walk: | Dodd Wood, Mire House, Ravenstone, Ling How, Ullock Pike, Long Side, Carl Side, Dodd, Skill Beck | ||
| Start Point: | Dodd Wood car park | Grid Ref: | NY 235 281 |
| Distance: | 7 miles | Ascent: | 2,900 feet |
| Weather: | A dry but very cold day with a covering of snow in places | ||
| Accompanied by: |
7 members of the group |
||
| Comments: | Initially walking towards Bassenthwaite on part of the Allerdale Ramble we had a long climb above Ravenstone to reach the ridge. By this time we were encountering snowy patches which became more prominent as we climbed towards Ullock Pike. The views revealed that as we were at the Northern end of the Lake District we were missing the worst of the snowy conditions that were evident further South. Passing Ullock Pike we continued on to Long Side and down to Carl Side. From here we could see a lone climber on his way up to Skiddaw and two more walkers starting on the descent. It is hoped that they were wearing crampons! The descent from Carl Side was a little tricky in places due to patchy snow and ice that had gathered in the narrow path. We then climbed Dodd, returning by the same path to descend alongside Skill Beck and return to the car park. It started to snow as we reached the cars and we drove through snow, hail, rain and snow on the way home - we considered ourselves fortunate that we had completed the walk in reasonable conditions! | ||
Scroll down to see photos of the walk
Mirehouse, a family run historic manor house which is open to the public
A chapel in the grounds of Mirehouse, with Broom Fell in the distance
A light covering of snow on the Derwent Fells . . .
but not at the North end of Bassenthwaite
As we reach the ridge a snowy Skiddaw comes into view . . .
as does our ridge over Ullock Pike and Long Side to Carl Side
A sheltered spot provides some colour for our morning break
Perhaps crampons would have been useful here
The figures just below centre give perspective to the ridge we are climbing . . .
and cross another snowy patch
The rest of the group are already on Ullock Pike . . .
where we join them . . .
before continuing to Long Side
John checks the map on Carl Side whilst Tony and Steve look longingly at Skiddaw . . .
where a lone climber can just be made out near the top of the photo
Snow-covered fells surround Derwent Water as John and Karen lead us off Carl Side
Dodd, our next port of call, comes into view . . .
but we 'log off' for a spot of lunch before we climb it
Reaching the summit we find a slate marker . . .
and the group make the most of the last viewpoint . . .
another view of Bassenthwaite . . .
before retracing our steps and descending on the forest track