Plan today was to drive into Swindale, and from there climb Selside Pike and maybe Branstree, whicl enjoying the waterfalls and hanging valley in one of Lakeland's most secluded valleys.
We knew it was not possible to park in the upper reaches of Swindale, though reports led us to believe it was possible to park by the dam. However, the signs were pretty adamant that there was no parking beyond the open moorland just before Swindale Foot Farm, still a mile and a half from Swindale Head.
Last chance for parkingSo the walk started along the road - albeit a very quiet road (though there was some traffic to the dam where the water board folks seemed to be busy all day working on something or other). The area just above the dam where it used to be possible to park is now fenced off.
It's a pretty-enough valley with some dramatic crags at the end.
Looking up SwindaleAnd some strange trees!
Strange tree stump
Swindale HeadEventually we reached Swindale Head Farm - which looked deserted though there was evidence of some repairs being undertaken.
Swindale Head FarmA right turn onto the old Corpse Road took us fairly steeply up the hillside.
Setting off up the Corpse Road
First stream to cross
Ruby enjoying the waterThe path soon levelled off and climbed gently towards the top of the ridge, where a path forked off to the left taking us up the ridge to Selside Pike.
Leaving the Corpse RoadIt was getting fairly windy at this point - but at least it was dry and reasonably warm, so the wind was not really a bother.
First views towards HaweswaterThe summit came into view reasonably quickly.
Selside Pike summit
View from the summitAt the summit was a reasonable-size wind shelter (who builds these, I wonder - and why? Not that I am complaining, it was a very welcome sight and a good spot for an early lunch).
Shelter from the windWe debated whether we had the energy (and whether Lorraine's injured foot would permit us) to add Branstree onto the walk - I reckoned it would add three miles (though I suspect with hindsight this was an underestimate). We had plenty of time and the going - while long - looked like it would be pretty gentle, so we decided to go for it.
View towards BranstreeNot sure why this tower - apparently a survey tower - looks like this!
Strange survey towerViews over Haweswater towards the High Street area showed it mostly shrouded in cloud, though it did emerge occasionally.
HaweswaterViews out to the east were more extensive.
Looking back over Selside Pike
HaweswaterThe pillars on Artlecrag Pike - near the summit - are much more impressive than the actual summit of Branstree.
Pillars on Artlecrag PikeA rare view of High Street without cloud.
Views of High StreetA short stroll from the pillars (via a small tarn) took us to the top.
Dogs enjoying waterThe best views from the top were to the south, with Morcambe Bay and (I think) the Howgill Fells featuring in particular.
View from Branstree summitThe summit itself was not especially impressive!
Branstree summitThe descent from Branstree was alongside a very substantial wall, which started at the summit and stopped abruptly half way down the hillside, making me wonder why it had been built (and why they stopped building it). Was it a work-creation scheme for a trainee wall builder, did they get half-way down the hill then discover that fences were easier and cheaper to erect, or what? Whatever the reason it provided a little shelter from the wind.
At the col we turned left through a gate into Mosedale.
MosedaleMosedale seemed to go on for a very long time, and was rather wet at times.
Looking back up MosedaleEventually we reached a plank bridge that seemed like a good spot to rest weary feet and stock up on crisps and chocolate.
Plank bridgeThen further down Mosedale to where it drops abruptly into Swindale - a classic hanging valley. We took a detour out to see the waterfalls.
Waterfalls
Waterfalls
Waterfalls
Path to the waterfallsI tried to capture the feeling of the hanging valley but it is less obvious in a photo than it was in the flesh.
Hanging valleyThe moraines at the head of Swindale are absolutely archetypal.
MorainesFrom there it was a bit of a slog to Swindale head, then a further mile and a half along the road to the car.
Looking back towards waterfallsA longer walk than we had perhaps intended or expected, but fairly easy terrain throughout and definitely enjoyable.
