The Adventure Code. 08/01/11
| Rating | Comment | |
| Difficulty | 5/10 | Gradual Incline, short distance, no scramble |
| Accessibility | 8/10 | Good parking, well pathed, easy route |
| Views + reward | 7/10 | Great potential on a clear day. |
The walk began from Springs road, Keswick, CA12 4AN with instruction to follow the road to the barnhouse where a small carpark is situated. In order to park, there is a small honesty box asking for a £5 donation.
Once the team had arrived we gathered, introduced ourself, done a quick kit check and then began the route, leaving at approximately 10:00am. A special mention should be made here for Nick who brought his dog Smudge on the walk. An amazing addition!....The weather on todays hike, mild, wet and windy predicted but forecast to pass by by midday. A few days prior to this walk, myself (Chris) and Tom and done a hike nearby I found that mountains at a higher elevation where capped with snow and ice. We decided to find a more lowland walk to ensure the safety of the group.
Setting off on the hike, you first follow a river within a woodland area. The ground soft and the moving water providing a perfect backdrop for chat between strangers. The path then leads right, out of the woods and beside the crag on the left hand side. On the right hand side you have unrestricted views of Derwent water which sits between todays hike and Catbells, Maidenmoor and High Spy on the opposite side.
Following along the lake, we eventually arrived at Ashness bridge, a landmark voted as the most photographed bridge in the lake district. Here we stopped for some lunch and ofcourse took some photos!
After a short break we started heading up in elevation, now walking with moderate incline towards Walla crag, Derwent water now on the left hand side. Skiddaw mountain dominating the views straight ahead. Luckily for us, the weather was on our side, and the predicted rain and high winds did not show. This enabled us to push for Bleaberry fell, incline to this peak was difficult up to a height of 590m. Although this was a difficult climb, the views from the top where unrestricted, Skiddaw, Blencathra, Hellvelyn, Grizedale Pike, Scarfell all in sight. These greater mountains peaked with snow as seen on the featured image.
Once peaked we returned down the same way and headed towards Walla crag, great views of Keswick, Skiddaw and Blencathra could be seen from here. By this point the group had bonded well, lots of new friends made and special mention to Lou causing havoc with her broken hiking pole. Well done PJ for getting it fixed! not short of effort!
The return to the car was quick, we headed down hill and returned into the woodland area where we began. Soon after returning to the carpark, full of gratitude and smiling face in celebration of which was a very successful and fresh day in the mountains.... ofcourse followed by obligatory pint in the kinghead!
Cheers Ste and Conor for providing the donuts at the end too! Belters!
First hike of the year done with a total moving time of 4 hours 30 minutes. Lots of new friends made.
Coaching | Connection | Community
The Adventure Code.
