Walla Crag

[richardkchapman]

2017-11-02 Walla Crag.gpx Open full screen  NB: Walkhighlands is not responsible for the accuracy of gpx files in users posts

Taking it easy today after yesterday's longer walk - it's a nice day so we chose Walla Crag for the views and the ease of ascent.

We tried to park at the Great Wood car park, but found we had no change, and did not have our National Trust cards with us, so we gave up and parked in the lay-by just up the road instead. This actually worked out rather better - quite apart from being cheaper it's the best starting point for the walk according to Wainwright. Bit annoyed that the NT have gone to all the trouble of installing new ticket machines that recognise NT membership cards but did not think to support credit/debit card payments though...

A quick climb from the car took us to the path at the foot of Falcon Crag with great views over Derwentwater.

View over Derwentwater


View over Derwentwater


View over Derwentwater


View over Derwentwater


View over Derwentwater

We had two options from here (though only one is listed by Wainwright) - left and up Cat Gill, or right for the longer but gentler route via Ashness Bridge. We opted for the former.

Footbridge over Cat Gill

The signpost up Cat Gill from the bridge warned that the path was steep (but I think it's aimed at less able walkers - it wasn't particularly so compared to many routes we have taken).

Looking up

The path started through trees, but after a while opened up for some nice viewpoints looking back.

Viewpoint at top of Cat Gill

Then we were onto open fellside above the trees.

Distant fells


Getting higher

We soon reached the top of the ridge with the first views to the east towards the northern Helvellyn range (lots of Dodds...).

First view to the East

The summit looked pretty crowded at first sight! Yesterday we did not encounter a single other walker on the entire route...

Walla Crag summit in sight

But there was plenty of room for everyone. We stopped a while to admire the views.

At the summit


Skiddaw from Walla Crag


Blencathra from Walla Crag

We wondered about including Bleaberry fell on the way down as it looked fairly close - but decided against it.

Bleaberry Fell

For some variety and a gentler descent we took the Ashness Bridge path on the way down.

Looking back at Walla Crag summit


View over Derwentwater

Then back past the foot of Falcon Crag.

Falcon Crag

And back to the car.

First view of the car


Falcon Crag

An easy walk (which was what we needed today!) and a real contrast with yesterday. Really enjoyed the views.