The Lake District - Central Fells 1

[Christo1979]

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I started about 7:30am from the YHA in Keswick, as I wanted to see the Castlerigg stone circle before heading for a wander up some of the Central Fells. A cold morning, but the mist and rain was nowhere near as bad as forecast, so perhaps I was in for some better views today! Once I'd investigated the stone circle and dodged (or rather got in the way of ) the crowds who were gathered with their tripods for some early morning shots, it was off down Castle Lane and then across the A591, where a straightforward leg-stretch of a walk took me up the popular path to Walla Crag. Splendid views over Derwentwater - I can see why so many people come up here.

Castlerigg Stone Circle by Christopher Watson, on Flickr

Walla Crag by Christopher Watson, on Flickr

I followed the path on towards Falcon Crag, and somehow managed to miss the obvious path that leads up to the summit of Bleaberry Fell. I made the mistake of following the right of way rather than the path - schoolboy error, and one which led to my climbing up toward the Fell over rough heather and rocks, which was fun but probably stupid when there's a perfectly clear footpath up to the summit Eventually I got back on track. I was the only walker heading up Bleaberry Fell, most people seemed to be continuing along past Falcon Crag further down. The mist rolled in, but the wind was gentle, so compared to Skiddaw yesterday, this was an easier day already.

Bleaberry Fell by Christopher Watson, on Flickr

High Seat by Christopher Watson, on Flickr

The walk along to High Seat was extremely boggy, and I was glad of the gaiters more than ever before. Some of the hags were really deep and coupled with the mist, it was possibly the most otherworldly walk I've done yet. I had a rest at the trig point on High Seat, where sadly there were no views, but another stretch of boggy path to negotiate on the way to High Tove. The mist was clearing by this point, but the views weren't necessarily the best from this rather featureless and broad summit.

Boggy Paths! by Christopher Watson, on Flickr

Boggy Paths! by Christopher Watson, on Flickr

High Tove by Christopher Watson, on Flickr

I followed the path down from High Tove and steeply into Watendlath, where lots of walkers were gathered. I didn't stop at the cafe, but did take a moment to enjoy Watendlath Tarn, before heading up the path towards Rosthwaite. At Puddingstone Bank I took a right and headed up to my last Wainwright of the day, Grange Fell. I took a wander around the various peaks and summits, and enjoyed the little scramble on Brund Fell - nice to have some rock after such a boggy day!

Watendlath Tarn by Christopher Watson, on Flickr

From Grange Fell it was a simple but steep descent into Frith Wood, where I rejoined the Rosthwaite path, and made it into the village just in time to catch the open-top bus (even in the rain it's a nice ride!) back to Keswick.

Brund Fell (Grange Fell) by Christopher Watson, on Flickr

Only my fourth ever day walking in the Lake District, and my Wainwright total sits at a mere 17, but I even though I am a late-comer to the wonders of the Lakes, I'm now addicted. Now, when's my next free weekend...

[dav2930]

Great idea doing an A to B walk across these fells and getting the bus back. Despite the claggy weather your photos make them look quite appealing - except the boggy bits which look every bit as bad as the North Pennines!

Welcome to the wonderful world of Wainwright bagging; if these ones haven't put you off then nothing will! Joking aside, the Lake District is a stunning place and you'll have some truly superb walks in store.

[Christo1979]

Great idea doing an A to B walk across these fells and getting the bus back. Despite the claggy weather your photos make them look quite appealing - except the boggy bits which look every bit as bad as the North Pennines!

Welcome to the wonderful world of Wainwright bagging; if these ones haven't put you off then nothing will! Joking aside, the Lake District is a stunning place and you'll have some truly superb walks in store.

Ha ha thanks I must admit the choice of central fells was based on what was handy from Keswick without repeating the treacherous weather of the previous day's walk up Skiddaw etc I'm pretty sure there would have been less boggy, more beautiful hills to do, but I can't wait to get back ASAP. I'd thought about heading to Grasmere next time? Thanks for the welcome - I do believe the addiction has started

[Sgurr]

We had read about the bogginess of this particular part, so when we went in July after & during a long dry spell, we decided to do these hills, and after looking at your photos, were very glad we did. You can walk about 2 x the distance we can manage in a day, so despite your having newly come to Wainwrights, I can see that it won't take you long to get a bigger bag. We included some while we were doing the Marilyns, so when we got going seriously this year, we already had some in hand, but at one or two per outing it is going to be a long time before we finish.

https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/Forum/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=85159

[trailmasher]

Another fine report and pics of a walk along the Central Fells It certainly is a wet place to be and even in a dry summer some areas are still ankle deep in soft and very wet ground If you decide on the Grasmere hills next I can guarantee that you won't be disappointed and it's one of my favourite places to walk Again, well done

[Salfordwhite]

You have made that seem easy and pleasant.
I still feel traumatised by the High Seat to High Tove bog.
Thigh deep twice on a solitary winter walk was not the most enjoyable time that I have had.
It's also the reason that I haven't walked Armboth Fell yet