Gowbarrow Fell
This is night No.84/2018 living in my caravan. It's me second night at Troutbeck Head C&MC Site near Keswick in the Lake District.
Slept well, getting up around 0600. The weather was cloudy, but dry. The forecast was for the weather to improve, so I quite fancied the idea of 'bagging' one of the Wainwrights close to where I'm based. There are three nearby, but Gowbarrow Fell looked good as a circular walk could be done with some good views.
After breakfast, we set of for the short drive to Ullswater. Parked up at the NT carpark for Aira Force, where I'd visited yesterday. I'm glad I'm a member of NTS as the carpark charges were staggering. I think it ranged between £5 and £9! When I arrived, I was the only car there. Set of walking around 0840.
The path leaves the main tourist route, passes through a gate onto the hillside. Some nice views back to Ullswater.
The south face of this hill is fairly craggy. I think this part is known as 'Hind Crag'.
More of Ullswater as we gained height.
Came to what is marked on the map as 'Memorial Seat', a stone bench overlooking the lake.
It dates back to 1905.
A short distance away is the big cairn at Yew Crag, another fine viewpoint.
The path takes you around the hill then ascends the last stretch where finally I could see the summit, 'Airy Crag'.
It was a really good viewpoint and a cracker of a built trig point.
A big dinner plate sized metal plaque lets you know who looks after this hill!
We ascended west down In the direction of Dockray.
It was a fair steep descent. The village of Dockray in the distance.
What I'm learning is that these 'wee' hills take a fair bit of grunting to claim. Only 481m, this hill is barely half the height of a Munro, but it was a stiff walk. The paths on the ascent had been improved and made for good walking, but on the descent they were rough. They had previously had stone steps placed, but the path was very badly eroded either side making it a tricky route back. These hills get thousands of visitors and if you do this in the tourist seasons, or at weekends, you won't be on your own like I was. As a result, apart from the serious erosion, there was quite a bit of litter in the form of sweetie wrappers, drinks bottles and the likes. I suppose that's what happens when the 'townies' visit!
Slept well, getting up around 0600. The weather was cloudy, but dry. The forecast was for the weather to improve, so I quite fancied the idea of 'bagging' one of the Wainwrights close to where I'm based. There are three nearby, but Gowbarrow Fell looked good as a circular walk could be done with some good views.
After breakfast, we set of for the short drive to Ullswater. Parked up at the NT carpark for Aira Force, where I'd visited yesterday. I'm glad I'm a member of NTS as the carpark charges were staggering. I think it ranged between £5 and £9! When I arrived, I was the only car there. Set of walking around 0840.
The path leaves the main tourist route, passes through a gate onto the hillside. Some nice views back to Ullswater.
The south face of this hill is fairly craggy. I think this part is known as 'Hind Crag'.
More of Ullswater as we gained height.
Came to what is marked on the map as 'Memorial Seat', a stone bench overlooking the lake.
It dates back to 1905.
A short distance away is the big cairn at Yew Crag, another fine viewpoint.
The path takes you around the hill then ascends the last stretch where finally I could see the summit, 'Airy Crag'.
It was a really good viewpoint and a cracker of a built trig point.
A big dinner plate sized metal plaque lets you know who looks after this hill!
We ascended west down In the direction of Dockray.
It was a fair steep descent. The village of Dockray in the distance.
What I'm learning is that these 'wee' hills take a fair bit of grunting to claim. Only 481m, this hill is barely half the height of a Munro, but it was a stiff walk. The paths on the ascent had been improved and made for good walking, but on the descent they were rough. They had previously had stone steps placed, but the path was very badly eroded either side making it a tricky route back. These hills get thousands of visitors and if you do this in the tourist seasons, or at weekends, you won't be on your own like I was. As a result, apart from the serious erosion, there was quite a bit of litter in the form of sweetie wrappers, drinks bottles and the likes. I suppose that's what happens when the 'townies' visit!
So is a different Troutbeck to that one near Ambleside. I now understand. Looks nice. Interesting approach to donations in the Lake District National Park. Spurred by the memorial seat (which I suspect might be Quaker as it reads "Thank" rather than "Thanks"), I had a look at the NP website. You basically, choose an area of the park and there is a long menu of repairs or maintenance items needed (e.g. viewing platform, bridge, signpost) with a price list. I presume you somehow get mentioned on the plaque - yes, at an additional cost. A new gate costs £600. Very professional although I'm not sure if it is successful.
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