Sour Howes and Sallows

[Christo1979]

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The MWIS forecasts had made for depressing reading in recent weeks, and I decided I couldn’t cope with yet another weekend without any walking, so packed as if for Everest and headed off to The Lakes with no real plan. Arriving at Windermere about 12 noon, I decided on the two lesser-known Wainwrights that are Sour Howes and Sallows. A pleasant stroll took me through the woodland and under Orrest Head, after which I didn’t see another soul for almost all of the walk. A muddy slog over farm fields eventually brought me to Longmire Road, and a gentle ascent to Applethwaite Common. From here an obvious track rounded the slopes and brought me to a stile in the fence just under the summit of Sour Howes. Lovely views, strong wind keeping the clouds away, and the next summit right ahead of me.

Walking In The Far Eastern Fells by Christopher Watson, on Flickr

It was a wet path that led across and up to Sallows, and the wind was biting. Pockets of snow occasionally gave a delightful crunch underfoot, and ahead I could see several of the grander, snow-capped fells I hoped to explore tomorrow. From Sallows I cut down towards the Garburn Pass, a depression in a wire fence telling me I wasn’t the first person to misjudge access to the track itself.

Trespass life.

Walking In The Far Eastern Fells by Christopher Watson, on Flickr

Now it was just a case of the long walk to Ambleside, where a couple of pints at The Golden Rule and a night in the Youth Hostel awaited. From Troutbeck, I took the hillside track of Robin Lane, eventually coming to Skelghyll Wood, and pausing at Jenkin Crag to enjoy the views of Windermere.

Walking In The Far Eastern Fells by Christopher Watson, on Flickr

The point where the footpath terminates just above the YHA was, frustratingly, blocked off and the owners had put up signs saying it is private, leaving me at a dead end. I had to climb a little to rejoin the track, and in the end opted for a mild trespass of revenge, climbing a stone wall and emerging a little way past the marked published footpath.

Trespass life.

Otherwise, a lovely afternoon in weather that was much better than expected, and two more fells in the bag.

[trailmasher]

Another good walk and report Christo and despite the bit of a plod of a climb two decent hills The walk back to Ambleside along Robin Lane is also well worth a go with some good open views to the south and west so all in all looks like you had a good couple of days