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OS Grid ref: NY 31263 23077
Lat/Long: 54.598176. -03.065447
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With strong winds forecast I couldn’t have another go at
Gategill Fell ridge. That makes 3 attempts rescheduled. I
decided on a relatively low level walk over High Rigg, which
isn’t very high. I parked near Wanthwaite Bridge and walked up
the lane to St John’s in the Vale Church. Instead of entering
through the main gate I entered through a lower gate into the
extension. The church looked picturesque from the lower level in
spite of the gloomy weather. |
Graveyard extension. |
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St John's in the Vale. |
“These beech trees were planted in
memory of George Henry Bainbridge Churchwarden of St John's in
the Vale 1952 - 1959” |
St John's in the Vale school (c1910). |
St John's in the Vale school
(c1910). |
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St John's in the Vale interior. |
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On my walk up to the church door I noticed a memorial stone in
the wall to the Churchwarden. The inscription says “These beech
trees were planted in memory of George Henry Bainbridge
Churchwarden of St John's in the Vale 1952 - 1959”. The wind
continued very strong and rain began to fall. I went into the
church to have another look around and take some photos. I
brought my tripod strapped to my rucksack to take photos in the
dark interior, even though there were some lights. As I packed
away I could hear voices outside and then saw a line of vehicles
had turned up to drop lots of children off at the adjacent Youth
Centre. I walked by the trees and gate then turned left up the
fell. Passing the water supply tank I had a look at the small
dam in the river a bit higher up. Up on the fell I was walking
into the wind but thankfully the rain wasn't too bad. |
Water tanks. |
Weir intake. |
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Instead of going over the summit I took the westerly path above
Shaw Bank and continued to the short steep descent to the cross
wall between Cowrake Head & Wren Crag. I’ve descended off the
fell here before and decided to use it again down to Low Bridge
End Farm but this time took a slightly different route which
seemed a bit easier. Down at the farm the sign said the cafe was
closed. |
Tarn on Cowrake Head. |
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Felling logs. |
Track on the east of the fell. |
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Turning left I followed the old track along the east side of the
fell. It is an interesting mix of stone and grass. At one point
a large fallen tree remained that was here the last time.
Walking round wasn't a problem and along this stretch I saw a
few people out walking. Before the end of the track I left it to
step over the fence and down to the lower path by the St Johns
Beck to Bridge House. Last time I was here a man was staying but
now it was empty. Along the house acces track I joined a short
length of path back to my car. |
Bridge House and Blencathra behind. |
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