~Glaramara via The Comb~
5th June 2011
Departure day on this two night stop at Chapel House Farm Campsite. I had no plans for this day and waited to see what the weather was like and how I felt after two good walks. Glaramara is a fine name for a mountain. The Comb is spelt as such in Wainwright's book, but gains an "e" in the Ordnance Survey Map. An old Bartholomew Map in my possession shows no "e". 2-1.
Dovenest Crag
Scroll down for photos and a description of the walk....
Chapel House Farm Campsite
It's 07:10 and I've decided to take a walk up Comb Gill. There are hints of brightness, no wind, very calm. I thought I'd managed a camping trip without forgetting anything, but when I found the gas canister for the stove was empty - the replacement I had brought was also empty, so no bacon butties this morning.
Borrowdale
It's quiet! I'm not expecting to see anyone at this time of day on this route.
Comb Gill Waterfall
Comb Gill
My preferred route was straight up the gill, boulder hopping.
The Comb
Glacial Morraine
This is a great place to be. Think of those busy roads and crowded shopping centres. Come and visit The Comb and take it easy.
Dovenest Crag
I had remembered that Wainwright mentions caves in Dovenest Crag. I didn't have the book with me, but pretty much knew where I should be heading. It's unusual for me not have the correct book with me, but I hadn't brought it with me, I didn't think I'd be walking on Southern Fells this weekend.
 |
 |
Cave Entrance |
The Rockfall |
 |
 |
Another Entrance |
Looking Out |
Dovenest Caves
The caves are the result of a dramatic rockfall. I chose not to venture into the higher reaches, being on my own in the middle of somewhere so remote. I'd still be there now if I'd got stuck and you wouldn't be reading this.
Comb Head
My route was up the left-hand side of this photo to the top of the gill, Comb Door.
Balloon
This detritus is the remnant of a balloon released from Dunmurry, Belfast. I have sent the tag back to the event organiser because if this one has travelled the furthest, I win a prize! Yes, I know I could have said I found it somewhere else, but I'm an honest chap.
Glaramara from Comb Head
Ascenders from this direction find the top of Comb Head first and then cross the hinterland to Glaramara summit.
The Comb
This shows the route up quite well, Dovenest Crag on the right - part of Rosthwaite Fell.
Glaramara Summit
It is starting to rain and this walker chose not to bring his coat today. Ah well, at least there's a shelter. Soon enough I was off in the direction of Rosthwaite Fell. The rain is light and I'm hopeful I won't get too wet.
Tarn on Rosthwaite Fell
Rosthwaite Fell
The water is known as Tarn at Leaves. The "Wainwright" summit is known as Bessyboot, over there to the left and just above the tarn. I am stood on Rosthwaite Cam.
Bessyboot
Looking back to Rosthwaite Cam and Glaramara. Below shows the view to Fleetwith Pike and other notable fells.
Bessyboot
It's been a quiet walk. Hover the mouse over the image to see if I was on my own. All is not what it seems.
Lumpy, Bumpy Rosthwaite Fell
Eagle Crag peeps over the knotts. Two other walkers were sandwiching on Bessyboot.
Big Stanger Gill
Navigation can be difficult on Rosthwaite Fell, aim for Big Stanger Gill in order to make a safe descent,
Stanger Gill
Chaos in the Gill. A tree had rooted in a crack in the rock and eventually the rock has split and the tree has been sent down the slope in the ensuing drama. The big rock is the departed part of the rockface and roots can be seen tight against the remaining rock.
Stonethwaite Beck
This is a steep and dramatic route to or from Rosthwaite Fell. Highly recommended!
The Start of The Climb
Last time I was here, I went through the wrong gate and regretted it. This is the one, close to the Stonethwaite campsite.
Peathouse Cafe
On the road through Stonethwaite is a little refreshment opportunity, Peathouse Cafe.
Walkers: Just me.
Time taken: 4hrs over a distance of about 7 miles.
Route: Chapel House Farm Campsite, Comb Gill, The Comb, Dovenest Caves, Comb Door, Comb Head, Glaramara, Rosthwaite Cam, Bessyboot, Stanger Gill, Stonethwaite and back to the campsite.
Weather and conditions: Grey and calm, a little light rain on the tops.
Greetings Count: I passed two chaps on Glaramara summit and then saw two sandwich eaters on Bessyboot - I think they were the same two men, they didn't have much to say. That's the lot, nobody ascending Stanger Gill, no one else about.
Richard's Refreshment Review: The Peathouse offers a small menu of drinks and snacks, but if Mrs Jackson is not in, as was the case when I called in, you can't have hot food. So it was tea and a cake. Later in the day, ice creams might be a good choice.
Thanks to everyone who has donated to the BHF fund in respect of my "last" Wainwright; the logo and link will continue to appear on the webpages until the sponsored walk has been done. There's still time for others to chip in, it's a good cause!
All photos copyright Richard Ratcliffe 2011 ©
Take me back to the start ....