Sunday, 14th March 2010
| Walk: | Borrowdale, Roundthwaite Common, Borrowdale Edge, Huck’s Bridge, Ashstead Fell ,Mabbin Crag, Castle Fell, Whinfell Beacon, Grayrigg Forest | ||
| Start Point: | Borrowdale Forest | Grid Ref: | NY 606 015 |
| Distance: | 11.6 miles | Ascent: | 3,300 feet |
| Weather: | A mild day with sunny spells | ||
| Accompanied by: |
9 members of the group, led by Ray |
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| Comments: | Expecting a long valley walk after we had completed Whinfell Ridge, I was pleasantly surprised to find that Ray had turned the walk the opposite way round and added the ridge on the northern side of the valley. More climbing was welcomed as I am trying to extend my fitness ready for my holiday in the Drakensberg Mountains, South Africa. Setting off from the car park we encountered a flock of sheep with colourful coats )not sure what their wool will be fit for?). The easy walking along the valley soon came to an end when we started to climb up to Roundthwaite Common. From here the path took in Winterscleugh and passed Whinash before dropping back down to the valley, where we hoped to cross Borrow Beck at the ford. One look at the water told us that it would be wise to continue on to Huck's Bridge, on the A6, to make the crossing! From here we climbed to Ashstead Fell where there were good views across the Lakeland Fells, which still had a covering of snow at the higher levels. Ray's promise that the rest of the walk 'undulated' over the remaining 4 summits was not quite believed by some members of the group - at least Ray's definition of 'undulating' was different to theirs. After leaving Mabbin Crag we were beginning to wonder if Ray had forgotten that we had not yet eaten lunch. However, he had a sheltered hollow in mind, scattered with rocks to provide good seating, and with a good view. Who could ask for more? Suitable refreshed we continued on over Castle Crag and Whinfell Beacon, past the Repeater Station and up to Grayrigg Forest. From here we had a rough grassy descent to the valley and back along the track to the car park. | ||
Scroll down to see photos of the walk
Ready for the start
Who's the King of the Castle?
Looking up the valley . . .
from the bridge over Borrow Beck
Nice and easy walking for the 'warm-up' . . .
but it isn't long before we start climbing . . .
and are glad of a break on the way to Roundthwaite Common . . .
from where we have a good view of the Lakeland Fells, and their covering of snow at the higher levels
The wall provides some shelter for our morning break . . .
but when we reach the ford . . .
we decide to take the longer route . . .
over Huck's Bridge on the A6
Zooming back down to the bridge . . .
as we stop for a break after the steep climb on the way to . . .
Ashstead Fell . . .
where Ruth contemplates the scenery
Phil and Ruth make their way down a short scramble . . .
en route to Mabbin Crag
As we leave we wonder if Ray has forgotten about lunch . . .
but he had an ideal spot in mind . . .
with lots of rocks to provide 'comfy' seats
A quick photo at Castle Crag . . .
before continuing on to . . .
Whinfell Beacon . . .
and a quick shot in case it's an Outlying Fell
The Borrowdale Valley comes back into view . . .
as we head for . . .
the Repeater Station
Grayrigg is the last summit of the day . . .
from where we have a good view of the Howgills
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