free to be able to rate and comment on reports (as well as access 1:25000 mapping).
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