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OS Grid ref: NY 36489 30016
Lat/Long: 54.661112, -2.984685
Easter Monday 5th April 2021
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After months of
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It was amazing how quiet the motorway was as I drove north to
Cumbria. I reached Mungrisdale and parked on the grass verge. It
had been windy on the drive with a cold north wind. There had
also been light flurries of snow. I set off south to cross the
River Glenderamckin by a wooden Footbridge to the lane along the
east side of Souther Fell. There was nobody about as I wandered
along in the cold sunshine. The sky was clear and I had lovely
views of the Pennines to the east where I could see Cross Fell
and the Radar Domes on Dun Fell. Part way along the lane when
there were many sheep and young lambs in the fields. I stopped
by a gate to photograph a lamb that had just been born. |
River Glenderamakin and first time over
this bridge. |
Along the lane |
Newborn |
The old railway viaduct. |
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There are several gates along this stretch of road and at the
last I turned right to head up the south side of of Souther
Fell. It was a lovely green track for a while and then vanished
into a narrow path along the the fellside above Mousethwait
Comb. I'd had the place to myself until now but I was
approaching Blencathra and could see many people on the ascent
paths. At the head of the the comb I descended to the River
Glenderamackin to cross the wooden footbridge. The wind was very
strong as I descended. I needed to take extra care as there were
ice patches on the path. |
Glenderamakin to Atkinson Pike. |
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At the bottom I headed straight up White Horse Bent to start the
steep climb. It was excellent going under foot and as I climbed
and there was a little snow on the ground. Although very windy
and cold it was pleasant in the morning sunshine and eventually
I reached the cairn at the head of Bannerdale. There was a group
of people already there and as I approached they continued their
walk towards Bowscale Fell. I stopped to take in the view and
looked down along the impressive east ridge of Bannerdale. |
Sharp Edge |
Bannerdale to Blencathra & Atkinson Pike. |
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I continued along the edge of of Bannerdale walking away from
the cliff face as the wind was extremely strong. The views down
into the valley were also very impressive. Up ahead I had a
clear view of Bowscale Fell and the shelter stone cairn. It
didn't take too long to reach it and the group of walkers I'd
seen earlier arrived around the same time. I turned off to the
east descending steeply down the fell towards Bullfell Beck.
There is no path but as I lost height I found shelter from the
wind and the walking was extremely pleasant. |
Bullfell Beck. |
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It wasn't long before I had a clear view of the valley below and
the distant Pennines on the horizon. Just at the start of the
steepest descent I found a flat spot that was just big enough
for a tent but unfortunately no water nearby. I continued down
and crossed the infant river to investigate some rock outcrops
on the far side of the valley. I was pleasantly surprised to
find an old sheepfold constructed against a low rockface. The
views were very impressive and water wasn't far away so it may
be a good camp spot for the future. |
Sheepfold. |
Old Water Intake Building. |
Icycles by the Water Intake Building. |
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I continued down to the river and crossed over to to reach a
minor path I've been on before. Further along it changes to a
narrow track and then then reaches the old Concrete Water Intake
building. I don't know if it's still used but a large volume of
water was gushing out from underneath. This is probably the main
spring coming from the mountain side. There were some nice
patches of ice covered rushes by the small waterfall. I carried
on easily down the track then turned right along a minor path to
reach the main path on the north side of the River
Glenderamackin. I reached the path covered by large stone slabs
which are a diversion for the path that was washed away by the
river. As I reached the gate a lady came through walking her dog
and asked about the mountains we could see up a head. She was
interested in Bannerdale and the east ridge but I suggested
today wasn't the time to climb it due to the wind. I continued
to the road and back to my car. |
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