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[mamoset]

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With a number of ideas for Saturday, I ummed and ahhed on the drive over wondering where would be best. With Helvellyn shrouded in cloud, I decided to bin any high top routes and plumped for an area I hadn't been for a number of years, the dreaded Central Fells. I parked at the bottom of the Watendlath road and was on my way by 07:10. An easy stroll up to Ashness Bridge for the obligatory photo, before the next photo opportunity, Surprise View was visited.

Ashness Bridge.

Surprise view.

After that, I took the path beside Watendlath Beck before arriving at Watendlath Farm.

Along Watendlath Beck.

Watendlath Tarn.

From here, it is straight up the fell until you reach High Tove.

High Tove.

Though a little boggy under foot, it was nothing like I have seen described, even in Summer, over the years. Not much to stop for, so I headed straight on over to Armboth Fell. Anyone who has been here, surely has the same thought of "Why?", but only Wainwright himself could answer that.

Armboth Fell.

The Dodds.

Looking to Ullscarf.

Anyway, decided to go cross country from here as the ground wasn't so bad, and made for Eddy Grave Stake below High Seat, then followed the path up to the high point of the day, at 608m, High Seat.

Raven Crag & Blencathra.

High Seat.

Had a bite to eat here, before making the easy amble over to Bleaberry Fell.

The way ahead.

Bleaberry Fell.

Having seen only 1 person so far, from here onwards, the area came alive with hordes of people about.

Blencathra & Clough Head.

Derwent & Bassenthwaite.

The views over the Vale of Keswick and over to Blencathra are quite impressive from here, so I loitered a while before descending on the fine footpath to Walla Crag.

Walla Crag.

NW Fells across Derwent Water.

Plenty of fells on view.

Similar views were taken in here, then took the footpath in the woods to Cat Gill.

Skiddaw.

Derwent's islands.

Back to Bleaberry Fell.

The fern is coming!!!

An easy descent took me down to the road and back to the car. Though these fells are not the most majestic, I enjoyed re-visiting them, a good alternative when the higher tops are covered in cloud

[trailmasher]

The dreaded Central Fells, and why indeed . Done 'em many times but keep going back usually for the reason that you did on this visit. At least one can stretch the legs on this walk . Good report, well done.

[ChrisW]

Why you say....well with those pics I would say why not looks like a nice hike far from the madding crowd, unless you've made it look much better than it actually is

[mamoset]

The dreaded Central Fells, and why indeed . Done 'em many times but keep going back usually for the reason that you did on this visit. At least one can stretch the legs on this walk . Good report, well done.

Thanks masher

Why you say....well with those pics I would say why not looks like a nice hike far from the madding crowd, unless you've made it look much better than it actually is

It's fair to say Chris, around High Tove and Armboth it's usually fairly quiet , though you do get a decent view of your surroundings

[Alteknacker]

As Chris says: far from the madding crowd! Looks like a pretty fine walk to me, and some nice pics there . On the list of possibles now.

[davegreg]

Amazing! I love the green world. I always feel happy when enjoying pictures of nature.

[mamoset]

As Chris says: far from the madding crowd! Looks like a pretty fine walk to me, and some nice pics there . On the list of possibles now.

Looking at your Starav walk Alte, this one may be just a little leg warmer

[mamoset]

Amazing! I love the green world. I always feel happy when enjoying pictures of nature.

Aye, summers here dave, keep smiling

[nigheandonn]

It all looks lovely - greener than when I was there.
It was only between High Tove and High Seat that I got bogged down, so maybe cross country was the way to go - or maybe it's dried out even more in the last month!

[simon-b]

Great views from those hills, mamoset. I did once sink to my waist between High Seat and High Tove, though. Well done on the direct ascent of High Tove; that's still on my 'to do' list.