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Lat/Long: 54.684171, -03.039547
OS
Grid ref: NY 33078 32621
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I had an easy drive to Cumbria then through Mosdale to follow
the old mine access road to the west. The mornings are now much
lighter and there was a cold wind blowing under the clear sky.
Driving through Tebay was -2degC. The road after Swinside was in
a terrible state with large potholes getting bigger. I haven't
been this way for over a year and it was bad then. Without
repairs it will probably soon be impassable to ordinary
vehicles. I left the car on a nice grassy parking area that I’ve
used before. I was the only car in the area. I headed up the
road being careful of the frequent ice patches. |
Grainsgill Bridge. |
Track above the Caldew. |
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At the bridge I took the track signposted to Skiddaw House It
heads SW up the valley with the River Caldew down to the left.
The track has a stoned surface in reasonably good condition.
Down to my left could see a ford that takes a vehicle access
across the river. It would only be possible for a pedestrian to
cross by wading. I followed the track for just over a mile to a
turning circle at Burdell Gill which marks the end of the
vehicle track. Across the ford is the way to Skiddaw House and
as I sat down briefly a solo back packer passed and continued
that way. My way now was up the fellside at Cocklakes. A green
track heads diagonally up the hill and continues easily up
getting narrower. |
Coomb Height. |
Towards Carrock Fell. |
Down the River Caldew. |
It was an easy and obvious route to follow all the way to
Coomb Height summit. I stopped about half was to sit down and
eat my sandwiches. The weather was still clear but hazy. The
warm sun was only felt when walking and stopping soon felt cold
the slight wind. Turning right (east) was a pleasant dry path
running along the ridge then gently down back towards the valley
After crossing some old mine surface cuttings the descent became
steeper and I met a couple coming up. Down at the track there
were many more cars around. Driving back through Mungrisdale the
verge parking was nose to tail cars. |
I've walked this track many times,
the first being over 50 years ago. I have seen many walkers, a
few cyclists but never a horse. |
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