free to be able to rate and comment on reports (as well as access 1:25000 mapping).
Staying in Keswick for the week and the forecast for Wednesday was cold overnight but clear with early morning sun; perfect! Up at 5am, ready by 5.40 and this was some sort of minor miracle
Equipment ready to hand; coat, hat, scarf and gloves (just in case), walking boots on, camera and, of course, the walking sticks. Those sticks have been my constant companions for over six years and, without them, I wouldn’t get very far
However, this isn’t a wake for those lost walking years but, more a celebration of what I can do now mixed with reflecting on lots of happy memories.
I first drove to Derwentwater and stopped by Barrow Bay. Here I got out of the car and took a photo of Catbells (seen side on) as it was reflected in the lake.
Catbells and Maiden Moor were the very first Wainwrights I walked, back in 1960 when I was 10 years old
Mum and Dad “discovered” the Lake District that year and, from thence on, they continued returning until ill health and age prevented them. Now, some of their ashes are scattered below Catbells.
In August 1960, we arrived at the foot of Catbells, having crossed Derwentwater by boat and, completely unprepared for walking; just wearing our normal summer clothes along with our sandals! But, we were totally hooked and for the next 10 years always camped 3 times a year; Easter, summer holidays and October half term (Mum was a teacher) whatever the weather, it didn’t matter, we were camping in the Lakes
Often near Ambleside or Grasmere, in Wasdale and Borrowdale. Later, it was B & Bs, youth hostelling and also, a timeshare week in Keswick bought in 1987
I next drove over Whinlatter to Lorton and then on to Crummock Water where, again, there were some wonderful reflections.
We always seemed to ignore the walks by Crummock Water and headed for Buttermere and its attractions, including the circuit of the lake. The nearest we got to Crummock Water was starting off for Red Pike!
For many years I looked yearningly at the path going up to Scarth Gap, wanting to see what was over the other side; Ennerdale, for those who don’t know, and this opened up views to fells previously approached via Wasdale. Great Gable and Pillar included. From Scarth Gap you can also turn left onto Haystacks or right up to High Crag.
![Buttermere4.jpg]()
- High Crag reflection
![Buttermere2.jpg]()
- Haystacks on the left and Scarth Gap path to the right
Having spent ages taking photos at the end of Buttermere, carefully trying to position myself and not overbalance, I got back into the car headed up the Honister Pass and down into Borrowdale. The early morning sun shining on the fresh spring green of the trees made everything sparkle and I thought how wonderful to be in the Lakes! (Rain forecast for the next 2 days tho)
Descending the Honister Pass, I thought of the time we walked up Robinson and across Buttermere Moss (yes, in our sandals) and had to hurry to catch the last bus back to Keswick
Dad and my brother had to run for the bus and ask the driver to make an unscheduled stop for Mum and me; thankfully the driver did! By the time we reached Seatoller, the bus was full; people standing in the aisle, double the number sitting on the seats and then, some were still turned away. How they got back to Keswick I don’t know but, oh those happy days!
Driving along Derwentwater I realised the light had changed but the reflections were still present so, this time, I stopped in the Kettlewell car park. I pottered along the lake shore trying to find the best place to take my photos. Another view of Catbells and I wondered just how many times did I actually walk up there? Lots, no doubt, and it was the last fell Mum was able to climb whilst Dad managed the terraces below Catbells for his last walk as well. Another time, back in 1988 just a month after moving to County Durham, Jeff, Julia, Nicola and I set off up Catbells, Maiden Moor and High Spy. We reached Dale Head and realised the light was beginning to fade (end of February) so, cut short doing the whole round and descended to the Newlands valley as quickly as possible before reaching the car in almost total darkness. No headtorches for us then
![Catbells and Derwentwater3.jpg]()
Skiddaw was looking resplendent, reflected in the lake, along with some convenient white fluffy clouds, and so I took a few more photos. This was one of the few higher fells that I didn’t complete until Julia and Nicola were walking with us and I think I first went up there in 1990. However, I do remember it was a beautiful day and the views were fantastic, pity I wasn’t in to photography then!!
Reluctantly, I then decided I’d seen and taken enough so it was time to return to have some breakfast and reflect on a brilliant 3 hours!!
More photos will be on my website very soon and, I hasten to add, nothing for sale so I'm not advertising
However, I am always grateful for any comments posted on the website, please?
