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We were sufficiently encouraged by yesterday's outing and the lack of ill-effects, that we planned something longer today. The aim was to complete the northern end of the High Street ridge if possible, though we knew it would be a tall order to get as far as Wether Hill and back to the cottage before dark.
Dew on spider webs - misty morningWe set off early - still misty - across the moor that adjoins the cottage we are staying at.
Misty moor
Dew on spider webs - misty morningLots of photogenic webs, though I don't really carry the right camera with me when walking for this kind of shot...
Misty moorThere are so many paths across this part of the moor that it's hard to work out where you are going - the original plan was to head around Heughscar Hill on the way out, and come over it on the way back. But we ended up going over it on the way out...
Hay balesComing down from Heughscar Hill (a Wainwright outlying fell) we were a little surprised to find these hay bales - I don't recall ever seeing hay harvested this high up the Lakeland fells before.
Spider's Web on rushesStill after the arty shot of spider webs...
The Cockpit on Moor DivockNot sure what the "cockpit"'s original purpose was - it's a little large to have been a genuine cock fighting venue. Lorraine decided it was some sort of magical venue and offered the dogs a "magic biscuit" which of course they gleefully accepted.
The fordWe carried on from the cockpit down a good path towards Arthur's Pike.
20161031-115246-9023We were still in the mist at this point, but just starting to get hints of the view over Ullswater that we suspected should be there.
Autumn groveThis ascent to Arthur's Pike has a lot of false summits along the way. But all have such lovely views that you don't mind. The view from this one was a lovely autumnal wood...
The GloryNot the best example I've seen, but still interesting to observe this glory
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glory_(optical_phenomenon) where my shadow fell on the clouds below.
Ullswater from Arthur's PikeAs we proceeded towards Arthur's Pike the view kept improving, though the mist never really left the valleys.
The Beacon on Arthur's PikeThe beacon is very close to the summit of Arthur's Pike, and has a lovely view over Ullswater and Hallin Fell.
Ullswater from Arthur's PikeThe steamer on Ullswater made interesting wake patterns.
Arthur's Pike summitThe summit is a little way back from the edge of the fell, and doesn't have as good views as the beacon.
Arthur's Pike summit
Sheepfold on the road to Bonscale PikeFrom Arthur's Pike the path to Bonscale Pike is an easy and fairly short stroll.
Helvellyn skyline panoramaThe views towards Helvellyn were spectacular - Catstycam and the ridges all showing beautifully.
Helvellyn skyline panorama
Swimming poolFrom Bonscale Pike the path across the moor towards Loadpot Hill had a welcome tarn for the dogs to swim in.
PikeawassaLovely views over the Martindale fells.
First view of the PenninesAs we rounded the corner on the old Roman road at the back of Loadpot Hill, we got the day's first view of the Pennines.
Approaching Loadpot Hill summitWe got tired of following the path round the back of Loadpot Hill, and struck out across country for the summit.
Loadpot Hill summitNot the sharpest of summits...
Loadpot Hill summit
Loadpot Hill summitA glance at the GPS told us that we had about 3 hours remaining before sunset - and we were over 5 miles from home. Another mile in the wrong direction for Wether Hill was not going to work for us this time...
The long road homeThe road back from Loadpot Hill was very direct and very easy walking - basically just follow the old Roman High Street all the way...
Boundary post 1The boundary posts every half-mile or so were intriguing. Not sure what the boundary they mark is...
Boundary post 2
Grouse moorRuby had been very well-behaved all walk not chasing sheep, but the grouse tested her obedience close to the limit...
The last bogAs we crossed back over the moor near Heughscar Hill, the mist descended, and the path got a little more erratic. Eventually we got fed up of trying to find paths to follow and just went for the beeline route via the GPS. Unfortunately this led us straight to this rather smelly pond, so the dogs arrived home stinking and wet...
A long but very enjoyable walk...
