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Excellent Wainwright Bagging Route!Not an area I have done much in, the Far Eastern Fells provided a lovely walk if a long way back!
I parked at Church Bridge car park in Troutbeck, and I was the first one there, must have been early. Then crossing the road took the Garburn Pass lane and headed uphill toward the first summit of the day, Sour Howes. This and the second summit, Sallows, Wainwright didnt rate to highly, but on this fine spring day they looked good to me!
Here is the start of the walk, looking along the ridge which was the destination.
This picture shows the view back from the first of the major peaks of the day, Yoke, showing the path from the Garburn Pass summit. Sour Howes and Sallows are just behind. I was well into the sun now and it was warming up for a grand day.
Still hadn't seen a soul, but there were very good views down into Kentmere, and the walk now took the form of a ridge between the fells. The next summit was Ill Bell, and on the approach there appeared to be several cairns on top. This was a well build cairn at the highest point.
The views were getting better all the time and Kentmere reservoir was just below:
Then on to Froswick, on the way toward Thornthwaite Crag. I was intending to come down from here, down the old Roman road (Scot Rake) and work my way back, but decided to make a day of it by going up the Crag and on to Gray Crag overlooking Patterdale. I saw my first other person of the day here!
Here is the view from Ill Bell, looking at Froswick in the foreground, and Thornthwaite Crag behind, somewhat higher!
This picture shows the range from R to L from the valley floor.
If Gray Crag is to be visited, be aware that its 1 1/2 miles there, and the same back which adds a lot to the walk. This is the summit, and the view over to the Fairfield and Helvellyn ranges. This was only an extra, me being greedy, you don't have to go this way!
Working back from Gray Crag, its possible to cut a corner and head for Threshthwaite Mouth, for the descent. Its a long but very easy way down. Looking back from the valley toward the mouth, with the fells I had done to the right. It's work noting that on the walk there has been no running water till in this valley, so take plenty.
Halfway down the valley is the tiny peak of Troutbeck Tongue, which is visited by only a small detour.... This is the cairn looking towards Troutbeck and the car. It was a hot day when I did this walk, but I imagine during the wet seasons this would be very wet underfoot, so take care.
Farm roads and footpaths in a very pleasant valley follow, then a pint in the Queens Head on the Kirkstone Road!! This has been one of my favourite walks, full of interest and good views. Also this has provided a good look at the Kentmere Fells which I am planning next.
David. Greysouthen, Cumbria.
