A surprise Easter weekend it was too! Clare was already in Braithwaite for
the week, so seeing as I couldn't get time off college, I let Virgin Trains
transported me to Penrith on the Thursday for the 3 day weekend. Weather had
been great all week, and the weekend was to be the same - sunshine, bit
windy and at times chilly.
Good Friday - The first outing was what I would call the Easedale Horseshoe,
although not fully following a ridge. Starting out from Grasmere, the first
summit was a new one for us - Silver How - a gentle way to gain a little
height. From Silver How, the path rose gently up to Sergeant Man, providing
us with great views of many Fells and Tarns. Soon had a view of both Codale
and Easedale Tarns, and after a steepish climb we were on Sergeant Man
looking down on Stickle Tarn. Lunch time! Next stage was a short walk over
to High Raise, north to Greenup Edge then right across to above Far
Easedale. Time was with us, so we ventured left over the ridge to Helm Crag,
still enjoying stunning views back across Far Easedale to the morning's
route. Once at Helm Crag, it was a steep drop back to Easedale Beck,
followed by a short road walk back to the car. A fine meal and beer in the
Coledale Inn was had that evening.
Easter Saturday - We walked from Braithwaite today as we had to leave the
cottage, and our next 'bed' was a B&B in Keswick. (It was easier to leave
the packed car in Braithwaite.) Another glorious sunny start to the day for
the walk out to Force Crag mine area before the gentle ascent up to Coledale
Hause. Took a direct route up the shoulder of Grassmoor from the Hause, a
little steep, but finished with a gentle walk on the flat to the summit wind
shelter. Rather hazy view, but still pleasant to let the eyes wander around
the many outline of Fell sides. Short coffee stop, then back north and out
to Wandope and then up to Crag Hill for lunch - again in the sun with a
grand view down Coledale to Skiddaw. After lunch it was a short dip over The
Scar and down to the col below Sail, before dropping down to High Moss and
on to Barrow Door. It was a short walk from Barrow Door, soon passing the
Coledale Inn and reaching the car. Another cracking outing on the Fells.
Easter Sunday - Patterdale was our destination today, the walk starting from
the NT car park at Glencoyne, and another fine sunny day, although the wind
was stronger than other days making it a little cooler. So, we set out up
the access road to the farm at Glencoyne, with Sheffield Pike - our first
summit - rising to our left. Passing close to Seldom Seen (what a lovely
name ....), we started the gentle climb up to the pass above Greenside
mines. From the pass, it was a short walk to Sheffield Pike summit. Nothing
special at the summit, but some fine views were for the taking ....... but
very windy! We retrace our way back to the pass, then up the side of the old
quarry workings and on to Stybarrow Dodd. Headed south passing through
Sticks Pass and up to Raise ..... were we had a pleasant lunch stop. Glad we
were on Raise and not Helvellyn as it looked rather crowded! Striding Edge
looked like a piece of wood with lots of nails hammered into it .... the
nails being all the people crossing over. Not a lot of fun I suspect!
Anyway, we soon were on our way down Glenridding Common to Greenside where
we followed Greenside Road out to near Mires Beck road. Here we turned left
to follow the path down to Ullswater, where we followed the shore path back
to Glencoyne. Another stunning walk over, and the end to a great Easter
weekend.
Visit the website below to view a slide show from each day's walk.
--
Sandy Saunders @ www.thewalkzone.co.uk
'Mountains or Mole Hills, summiting
still brings the same excitement!'