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This was a slightly risky end-to-end route, connecting back to the car, which was parked at the south end of Thirlmere, by bus from Dungeon Ghyll and then Ambleside using the 555 bus to the junction with Steel End. The risk does not lie with the walk, it’s all about making the two-hourly service from DG, so a judgement will need to be made on the timing of the descent from either Rossett Pike (longer) or the shorter route off Langdale Pikes.
My route started at the Steel End car park at Stockhow Bridge. Now, at this point, I must admit to my over-riding caution regarding footpaths marked through forestry land. There is an alternative and more direct route which heads up to the ridge from Stenkin and past Harrop Tarn, but I have encountered many instances of downed trees blocking routes on this Hewitt journey, so I chose to follow Wyth Burn, heading south-east. This climbs steadily across the aptly named ‘The Bog’ up to Greenup Edge. Given it was summer and the conditions were very dry, The Bog was not a particular issue. But the alternative approach through the forest from Stenkin would be drier, shorter and would avoid an out-and-back along Greenup Edge. Perhaps anyone reading this could report on the conditions through the plantation.
Greenup Edge sits at about 620m, so the climb north to Ullscarf follows the fence northward, and then finishes more steeply on the approach to the summit at 726m. Wonderful views of course, from a peak which feels like it is a little less visited than some of the routes in this central area.
Returning south, on a clear day, the main ranges to the east and southeast are laid out in front of you providing extensive views and the opportunity to identify each of the many tops which make this such an interesting route. From High Raise I continued south across Thunacar Knott on excellent paths. I then diverted slightly to the left (east) to pick up the ridge path leading to Harrison Stickle, then dropping down off the outcrop to take the westerly route over to Pike of Stickle. The views from these two Langdale Tops are still breathtaking particularly when these open out after a relatively straightforward approach from the high ground of High Raise.
At this point I was a little ambitious and thought I would just about have enough time to take in Rossett Pike before dropping down for the bus to Ambleside from Dungeon Ghyll. Given that these buses only run once every two hours, and the walk across to Rossett is just over 3km, walkers may prefer to cut down to the valley on the Cumbria Way following Mickleden Beck. Fortunately, I managed both Rossett and a timely 3pm arrival for the 3.05pm bus.
Obviously, missing the bus would have meant a pleasant hour or two in the hotel bar so the risk previously mentioned is offset by the promise of beer in one of the landmarks of the Lake District. Once in Ambleside, I jumped on the open top bus to Grasmere for cake and coffee before catching the Keswick bus back to the southern end of Thirlmere and the short walk to the car. The views on this end-to-end walk make this 24km journey through the central Lake District an absolute delight.
