Sunday, 12th January 2014

Walk: Dow Bank, Grasmere, Easedale Tarn, Swirl How
Start Point: Walthwaite Bottom, Elterwater Grid Reference: NY 329 051
Distance: 11.5 miles Ascent: 3,140 feet
Time: 6.5 hours
Weather: Some sun but becoming cloudy
Comments: The morning light provided good opportunities for photographs as we made our way over Dow Bank and below the flanks of Silver How into Grasmere. We made use of the benches for our morning break before continuing on to Easedale Tarn. From here the ice and snow made climbing over rocks a little more precarious but we eventually made our way past Codale Tarn t join the path from Sergeant Man. Heading East we made our way past Blea Rigg on an undulating and gradually descending footpath before our last ascent to Swirl How. After passing Spedding Crag we descended to th flanks of Dow Crag to return to the car park.

Preparing for the walk in the morning sunshine

Lingmoor Fell and the Coniston Fells look fairly clear . . .

but mist hangs in the valley over Elterwater

Heading for Dow Bank . . .

where the group gathes for a photo and to enjoy the views . . .

over Lingmoor to Crinkle Crags and the Langdale Pikes . . .

over Grasmere to the Fairfield Horseshoe and . . .

across to Dunmail Raise flanked by Steel Fell and Seat Sandal

Crinkle Crags and the Langdale Pikes stand out against the blue sky . . .

but mist remains over Windermere

Getting nearer to Grasmere . . .

as we pass below the banks of Swirl How

Following the tourist path . . .

as we climb Sour Milk Ghyll . . .

and walk past Easedale Tarn . . .

but not many people stopping here today

We continue away from the Tarn . . .

and find a sheltered spot for lunch before reaching the path from Sergeant Man

Clouds gather as we start the return journey . . .

and shadow has created a work of art in this icy pool

Robb contemplates the view . . .

down the Great Langdale Valley

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