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Driving down to Braithwaite through thick fog things weren't looking too promising but as soon as we passed there the fog thinned out and the sun was trying to break through, so we decided to carry on and headed up towards the Whinlatter Visitor Centre. We parked along the road just 200m past the main Visitor Centre entrance where there is room for about 6 cars - and it's free.
The first, and worst, part of the walk was avoiding all the mountain bike trails, and getting on to the right path. Watch out for the 'no-walkers' signs on some of the paths. After a short section in wooded area we headed off to the left and out of the woods towards Whinlatter.
Looking back through the trees towards the east.
Looking across towards Keswick.
The sun breaking through over Grisedale Pike.
Looking towards Whinlatter Top - blue sky!
Above the clouds looking towards Skiddaw.
Loooking along the wall towards Hopegill Head, I think?
Top of Brown How - looking towards the sea.
After this we walked down through springy heather and soft snow to a fence which then met the wall. Then we followed the fence down the side of the trees, steep and in the heather and snow I kept falling over but a very soft landing! Finally we met up with the forestry road and followed that upwards and then off through a line of trees to meet the path to the top of Lord's Seat. I had read that this can be boggy etc but today it was all frozen and perfect for walking on.
Top of Lord's Seat.
We then crossed to Barf. Again I've heard it's muddy but today was frozen and coated in snow so easy walking.
Nice views all around from the top of Barf.
Looking across Bassenthwaite Lake to Skiddaw from top of Barf.
After this we walked back towards Lord's Seat, then headed over to the stile in the fence, and across to meet up with the path we had originally used to head up to Lord's Seat.
Back down through the trees on a thin layer of snow and then onto the forest road right back down to the visitor centre.
We arrived back at the Visitor Centre and the cafe was still open .... oh dear .... I think any calories used up on the walk were instantly replaced in 10 minutes of hot chocolate and apple cake heaven!
