Walk:	Troutbeck Tongue, Low Mere Greave, Garburn Pass, Sour Howes, Backstone Barrow, The Howe
Start Point:	Church Bridge, Troutbeck	Grid Ref:	NY 412 027
Distance:	10 miles	Ascent:	2,350 feet
Weather:	Mist and drizzle for most of the walk	Time:	6 hours
Comments:	After heading down the valley to Troutbeck Tongue the mist had closed in by the time we reached the summit. A sheltered spot was chosen for our coffee stop before continuing across to the opposite end of Troutbeck Park. Climbing onto the lower flanks of Ill Bell we contoured to the disused quarry where we inspected the mine workings and buildings. We then climbed gradually before taking a flatter path to the Garburn Pass. After a lunch stop it was decided to bypass Sallows and head straight for Sour Howes. We then made our way down over Backstone Barrow to cross the Garburn Road and descend past The Howe.

 

Scroll down to see photos of the walk

Is this the wire (Wyre) Way?

 

Crossing Ing Bridge

 

Is this my best side?

 

Looking towards Stony Cove Pike . . .

 

as we make our way down the valley

 

John checks out an obsolete stile

 

The initial ascent is steep . . .

 

but there is an ideal spot to take in the views . . .

 

back down the valley

 

The group prepares for the climb . . .

 

to the summit . . .

 

where the mist starts to close in

 

Time for elevenses

 

Contouring along the opposite side of the valley we reach the disused mine buildings . . .

 

where we regroup . . .

 

and start to explore . . .

 

a tunnel . . .

 

hewn out of the rock

 

An angled view takes in the 'skylight' (left) and exit (right)

 

Lunch at the Garburn Pass - in mist and drizzle

 

Sour Howes - note the smiles (or are they grimaces)

 

Descending from Sour Howes the mist starts to clear . . .

 

and Windermere can be seen . . .

 

but there are one or two steep sections . . .

 

on our way down

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