Place Fell

[nigheandonn]

This was another hazy day, my legs hurt, and I had to be back in Patterdale by 2 to get the bus - so I only had one hill planned, and I didn't want to go there anyway.

This was really pure bagging, and I was vaguely ashamed of myself - I would have had no desire to climb Place Fell if it wasn't listed in a book, because it just looks big and steep and unpleasant. But I actually enjoyed the walk, and wished I'd had more time for the hill, so maybe that's the point - that lists, and waymarked trails, take you to places that you wouldn't have gone to otherwise...

At first I was retracing my steps from the day before, back up to Boredale Hause, with the same views of Patterdale and Hartsop and Brotherswater from above.

Brotherswater and the hills beyond

Patterdale from above

From the sheepfold I headed up in the opposite direction from the day before, past the very small ruin

The sheepfold in Boredale Hause

Ruin in Boredale Hause

I was worried about the time, so I was pushing on properly for once - to there by this time, and the next place by that time. Seems to prove that I can go uphill reasonably quickly, I just never do. A scrambly sort of bit over Round How brought me out on top, but still a long way from the actual summit. At least it was more or less flat from there.

Place Fell

The views were extensive but indistinct!

Layers of hills from Place Fell

More layers

Place Fell summit

Glenridding from above

I was still pushing on, determined to get down to the lakeside path and back round that way, rather than simply retracing my steps...

Sheepfold on Low Moss

Slate spring

... a bit too fast, because I slipped going downhill and sat down in a boggy bit!

I can't say that I really took time to appreciate the lakeside path properly - but it was still beautiful, and it's quite satisfying in a way just to set out for somewhere and do it. I'm more often a delayed ditherer. All the same, I'll have to come back and do the path slowly at some point.

Waterfalls

Sail...

... and steam

A photogenic rowan tree

Ullswater

And then it was back to Penrith and the train home.

[ChrisW]

Not the most enthusiastic of beginnings but (except for the wet butt) well worth the effort in the end

[johnkaysleftleg]

Place fell is an excellent hill in my opinion. Fantastic views and a proper rocky top, worth a few hours of anybody's time.