~Raven Crag~
1st July 2015
Shoulthwaite Gill
Scroll down for photos and a description of the day's walks....
Raven Crag
As seen from Thirlmere's shoreline, taken after the walk reported on below.
From the Lake Road
This turned out to be the warmest July day ... ever! Well, that's what the London-based weather folk were saying and such readings were probably taken in a frying pan at Heathrow. Anyway it's going to be a warm day and it suits me fine to conduct a short morning fellwalk before something at a lower level later on. It's 08:15hrs and after breakfast, we pack a small rucksac and head for a layby on the Lake Road for this direct and steep ascent to the top of Raven Crag.
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Raven Crag Ascent
Much has changed since Wainwright completed Book Three in 1958. Forestry is an ongoing project, trees come and trees go, the disease affecting Larch trees is leading to clearances in many wooded areas. 29 minutes after entering the woods, we find the summit cairn.
Raven Crag Summit
Heat and humidity are popular with flies! There's plenty up here.
Thirlmere from Raven Crag
Yesterday on my walk up to Armboth Fell, I came across a large boulder - below is an old photo of the view to Thirlmere from the boulder showing the two-lake structure of Thirlmere in those days and an exposed Raven Crag.
The Tottling Stone, Thirlmere and Raven Crag (not my photo)
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High Seat Ascent Route
There is an ascent route of High Seat above Mere Gill (left), heading up Shoulthwaite Gill (right) and I've been mulling it over, but turning it into a short circular walk will not be easy and may have to wait for another time. This holiday with its high temperatures has created a fine opportunity to explore the fells close to Thirlmere and then do something different and more suited to Karen in the afternoons. Any parts of any days not chronicled were probably spent in the shops of Keswick or Ambleside; I bought a new pair of socks.
Thirlmere Cottages
Back to the cottages for a short break. There is a well and a traffic cone, little extras that add interest to the property.
The Number 78 Bus
We drove to Seatoller and took the No.78 back to Grange. Karen was surprised to learn of my plan to do a walk from Grange, but after a moment's confusion I pointed out that there was one in Borrowdale and the one over-Sands was not on the agenda.
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Grange
Kings How (left), part of Grange Fell and then Grange Bridge Cottage Tea Rooms for a light lunch. The double-arched bridge was built in 1675, dogs are allowed outside in the garden of the tearoom.
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Grange Bridge Tearooms |
Grange in Borrowdale |
The walk to Seatoller started from here and proceeded through the Jaws of Borrowdale and past Castle Crag to Rosthwaite and then Seatoller. A "heavy" sky threatened rain, but nothing more than the odd spots.
Molly in The Paddles
We could play "Cross the Ball", but actually it's in the photo ready to splash for Molly to collect. This is an immensely popular spot during the main holidays with a campsite nearby and seemingly safe waters.
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Eagle Crag |
River Derwent |
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Peat Howe Bridge
After Rosthwaite, we crossed the river at Peat Howe and walked past the youth hostel for the route along to Seatoller.
Wet Dog
Rosthwaite Fell
Rosthwaite Fell is seen beyond the river. Nearly back now and an ideal walk for the hot conditions is complete.
Of the Raven Crag walk:
Walkers: Molly The Dog and Me.
Route: Up from the Lake Road, Castle Rock, down the same way.
Time taken: 1hrs 10mins over a distance of about 3miles.
Weather: Dry and hot.
Grange to Seatoller is about 4 miles.
Nearly all photos copyright Richard Ratcliffe 2015 ©
Take me back to the start ....