High Street from Haweswater - first walk of the year

[Elaine]

Our first walk of 2011 and the weather was quite kind - clear tops with some great views and only the occasional rain shower / blast of arctic wind. Very little snow remaining even on the summits which doesn't bode well for our ski plans this weekend and no chance to try our our new Christmas crampons again. Starting from car park at head of Haweswater walking round the reservoir to climb up over Rough Crag to the summit of High Street. Continuing on to Mardale Ill Bell and Harter Fell where before we've always descended via the Gatescarth Path back down to the car. This time we continued on to Branstree and then Selside Pike - quite a contrast as these are rolling grassy hills rather than the more rocky approach to High Street. The Old Corpse Road took us back down to the road with some excellent views all the way round the walk we'd just done. This corner of the Lake District has become a bit of a favourite of ours. Hopefully by starting to tick off the Wainwrights it'll encourage us to venture elsewhere.

[susanmyatt]

Welcome to the site, nice to see another lady adding walks, not done Branstree/Selside yet,you are right that by visiting the Wainwrights you will venture all over the Lakes. We love going to new areas, thanks Sue

[fedupofuserids]

I agree certainly a shame about the snow, you've picked a nice route, any pics ?

[colgregg]

High Street makes for a superb round but like Susan I too haven't done Selside although Harter Fell makes for a dramatic finale to the walk. I would always have decisions to make at Nan Bield. Do I hop over to Harter Fell or descent to Haweswater direct and spend some time at one of my favourite spots, the shores of Small Water?
The Kentmere round Is close by and is an excellent outing which will bag you at least half a dozen summits. Approaching High St/ Mardale from the west on this walk gives no hint of the dramatic Eastern Face overlooking Haweswater until you reach the rim of cliifs on Mardale Ill Bell. It's a long round so an early start or summers day required. Enjoy ticking of those summits and writing up your reports.