Sunday, 28th November 2010
| Walk: | Cowan Bridge, Springs Wood, Ease Gill Kirk, Casterton Fell, Bull Pot Farm, Barbon Fell, Brownthwaite Pike, Whoop Hall Inn, Cowan Bridge | ||
| Start Point: | Village Hall car park | Grid Ref: | SD 635 764 |
| Distance: | 13.3 mls | Ascent: | 1,600 ft |
| Weather: | A sunny but very cold day with snow underfoot | ||
| Accompanied by: |
9 members of the group |
||
| Comments: | A sunny but very cold day was forecast and fortunately today's walk could cope well with the conditions underfoot , which varied from a light dusting of snow to sheet ice. The sun may not hold much warmth this time of year but it certainly made a difference with the air in the valleys biting at our faces. After crossing Ease Gill a sunny spot, with a number of rocks to choose from, made the ideal spot for elevenses. Then the bravest among us (namely 'the men') took the route up the dry waterfall to Ease Gill Kirk, while the wiser members (namely 'the women') took the easier route. Meeting inside the Kirk there was much discussion about previous walks passing this way and the possibility of climbing the main dry waterfall section. It was decided to leave the climb for a more suitable day - the cold conditions not making it an attractive proposition (nothing to do with passing years, etc. etc.) Walking along the dry river bed needed care with a covering of snow on the rocks but it was on the fell path where some of us found patches of ice, and Phil found a deep muddy hole!! Our route continued onto Barbon Fell with great views over snow covered fields and the Lakeland Fells visible in the distance - giving Garry an opportunity to test out his new binoculars. After visiting Brownthwaite Pike it was all down hill along tracks and through fields to reach the cars as the light was beginning to go. A great day, making the most of the daylight. | ||
Scroll down to see photos of the walk
A frosty start . . .
and an icy path . . .
as we head into Springs Wood . . .
with a good snow covering in parts
A sunny spot for lunch . . .
before the men head up the dry river bed . . .
and search for a way up the dry waterfall
Entering the Kirk, a pothole whose roof collapsed . . .
and Ray looks for a way out . . .
followed by Tony . . .
but after much discussion decide it is too slippery today!!!!
A 'rock face' keeps an eye on proceedings (except it hasn't got an eye!)
Lots of snow as we follow the dry river bed . . .
to the waterfall . . .
where the water has worn a deep channel in the rock . . .
and icicles cling to the side . . .
in cascading formation . . .
picturesque in close-up
Above the waterfall . . .
we are pleased to be back in the sun . . .
and enjoy the view to the higher fells
'Eyes Right' on Barbon Fell . . .
where we stop for lunch . . .
and admire the view . . .
over the frosted fields . . .
and on to the Lakes District in the distance
A fleeting stop at Brownthwaite Pike . . .
a huge pile of rocks . . .
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