Sunday, 20th June 2010
| Walk: | Cat Bells, Maiden Moor, High Spy, Tongue Gill, Castle Crag, Grange, Manesty Park, Brandelhow Park, Hawes End | ||
| Start Point: | Roadside just after cattle grid on Grange road | Grid Ref: | NY 248 210 |
| Distance: | 10.6 miles | Ascent: | 3,170 feet |
| Weather: | Hot and sunny with very little wind | ||
| Accompanied by: |
4 members of the group, led by me |
||
| Comments: | We arrived at the parking area near the cattle grid to find that parking was no longer allowed in that area. Fortunately there was room on the verge a little further along the road. From here we headed up the zig-zag path and navigated the scrambles - which I had forgotten about since I last did this route!! It was quieter than expected on the summit of Cat Bells, possibly due to the fact that it was earlier in the day than when we previously did this route - the opposite way round. After descending to Hause Gate we started the climb to Maiden Moor and High Spy. The views were fantastic and very welcome as it had been misty the last time we were here. From High Spy we headed through Rigghead quarry and down Tongue Gill to find a grassy area to stop for lunch. A short walk then brought us to Castle Crag where a small group were unsure of the path to the summit. We suggested that they follow us but once they saw the zig-zag scree path they decided not to make the climb! We made our way to the summit and after a brief pause returned the same way. The members of the group were pleased to hear that, as we were passing through Grange, we would stop at the cafe for our afternoon break - a previously unheard of occurrence for our group!!! The walk through Manesty Park and Brandelhow Park was a pleasant interlude with frequent views of Derwent Water - and lots of opportunities for photographs. A short climb then took us back to the cars where the consensus was that it had been a good day - made all the better by the great weather. | ||
Scroll down to see photos of the walk
Great views today as we start the climb up to Cat Bells . . .
and to the east Causey Pike overlooks the Newlands Valley
The last part of the climb . . .
provides more views over Derwent Water . . .
and the summit is relatively quiet today
From Maiden Moor Bassenthwaite lies below Ullock Pike and Skiddaw . . .
and the route from Cat Bells is very clear
High Spy boasts a rather large cairn . . .
and the group stakes a short break
Heading down through Rigghead quarry . . .
we take a little time to explore the 'holes' . . .
before making our way down Tongue Gill
Our lunch spot provides a great view down the Stonethwaite Valley . . .
and further along our route Castle Crag looms to the right
The ascent passes a 'slate graveyard' . . .
while John and Ian claim the summit . . .
before I take their place . . .
and take advantage of the view
The slate spoil heap is navigated by a zig-zag path
The River Derwent is a good place to cool off on a hot day . . .
but we just relax at the cafe in Grange
A boardwalk makes for easy walking in Manesty Park . . .
and there are lots of inviting views . . .
of Derwent Water . . .
as we walk through Brandelhow Park . . .
where we find a wooden carving that commemorates the centenary of this area being acquired by the National Trust . . .
and Karen carries out a fingernail inspection
Return to 2010 Diary Return to top