Lat/Long: 54.684152, -03.039614
OS Grid Ref: NY 33073 32619
Yesterday I planned a walk in Cumbria ready for when I could get
up there. As I was waiting for a skip to be collected this
morning I was given Thursday or Friday and was hoping they’d
come today. That would have given me all Friday for my walk. I
telephoned them late morning and they said it would be collected
tomorrow meaning that was out for a walk. As my planned route
wasn't very long I decided to head off to the Lakes today. I
threw my gear in the car and headed north along the M6 leaving
home shortly after midday. I wasn't sure about access to Cumbria
as they are still telling people to stay away. As I am
travelling on my own and walking on my own I can't see any
problem whatsoever. My planned walk was to drive to Mosedale
then up the narrow dead end Lane below Grains Gill Beck. |
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There are plenty of parking areas near the end but I was
concerned that the council may have closed it off to keep people
away. As I left the main A66 and turned north I was amazed at
how many cars there were in all the lay-by and parking areas. In
Mosedale I turned left up the narrow lane and after a mile could
see the end of the valley with dozens of people and more cars
than I've ever seen before. |
Lots of cars by the river. |
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They were mostly families enjoying the warm sunshine and many
children were paddling and swimming in the river. My concerns
about access were unfounded. By the time I got underway it was 2
p.m. and I headed up the lane then turned left at the bridge to
follow the minor track along the Cumbria Way. There were many
cars parked along the rough track but I soon left them all
behind as I continued on the west bank of the River Caldew
heading towards Skiddaw house. When I reached the junction with
Blackhazel Beck I saw two figures in the distance approaching
rapidly. |
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Lots of families enjoying the warm sunshine. |
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They were mountain bikers and I stopped to give them a clear way
as they passed by. I continued along the dwindling track to the
footbridge across Wiley Gill where I left the main Cumbria Way
to head north up the remote Valley. Just as I got in the valley
I stopped for a late lunch of sandwiches then continued up the
east side of the valley climbing steadily. |
Shepherd's Hut. |
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The going was rather slow due to wet ground and deep rushes. I
reached Little Wiley Gill where I had a steep descent to cross
the stream below then up by a sheep shelter to head steadily and
steeply up Red Gill. As I climbed I noticed a couple of spots
that would have made good camp pitches but as there was no phone
signal. Neither was there nearby water other than the gill I
crossed far below. |
Animal securing rings in the hut. |
Bield across the valley. |
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My climb continued then the gradient decreased a bit as I joined
the western path approaching the summit Knott. I followed it to
the low the summit cairn where I had excellent views all round,
though they were a little hazy in the distance. The descent
route was to the east and at first the path was very prominent
and easy to follow. |
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Low cairn on Knott looking towards High Pike. |
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However it tended to swing to the north heading for the Cumbria
Way and Lingy Hut. As my route was to continue east down the
ridge of Coomb Height I had to leave the main path and find a
minor one a short distance to the south. Once on it it was quite
easy to follow but was quite narrow in places. As I descended I
passed a couple of small cairns and then a deep groove cut in
across the mountainside and was obviously man-made |
Groove cut into the mountain. Part of the
mine exploration. |
It appears to be part of the old mine workings which are still
below in Grains Gill . The final part of the descent back to the
bridge was quite steep but the trail was good. I had a good view
of the river and was surprised to see many people and cars still
around as the time was now 5:15 p.m. i reached the car and
opened a can of fizzy drink which was a welcome way to quench my
thirst .
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