Around a year ago I did a 3 day route from Grasmere around Thirlmere. This is a slightly cut down route as I needed to be home early on the 3rd day. The outward route on this occasion was via Tarn Crag & High Raise before continuing on towards Ullscarth. Last Time I omitted Armboth and from High Seat I continued onto Bleaberry fell where I camped.
Parking in the layby, pack shouldered, I set of through Grasmere taking the woodland path to reach the Easedale road which I followed to Lancrigg where a path takes over to ascend to Tarn Crag.
Path through Easdale
Crossing a foot bridge, I headed south towards Stenners Crag to pick up a faint path ascending NW towards Greathead Crag. Shortly after Tarn Crag comes into view and a stiff pull bought me to the summit.
Bridge over Easdale Gill
Helm Crag, from ascent to Tarn Crag.
Looking back to Grasmere.
Approaching Tarn Crag.
Easedale Tarn.
Tarn Crag.
After stopping for lunch I continued to High Raise, passing Sergeant Man which had quite a few folk on its summit. Arriving at High Raise there was a family having lunch in the stone shelter,so I took a few pics then left them in peace and continued on to Low White Stones.
High Raise
Low white Stones.
From Low White Stones I left the crowds behind as I headed for Ullscarf , from here on I would see no one till the next day.
View from Ullscarth.
Just before High Saddle I branched of NNE following the fence line towards Standing Crag before dropping down to arc round its base whilst trying to avoid dropping too low, I remember some very boggy ground below from my last trip here.
Blea Tarn.
Standing Crag.
Looking back to Standing Crag.
At Middle crag I intended to head to Armboth Fell, but decided to head onto High Tove - High Seat then possibly Bleaberry Fell to camp. Once on High Seat I reluctantly decided it would be too windy for a camp at height. Those who know me, know I always try to camp as high as possible - for the best views but on this occasion a sheltered camp would be more comfortable. Retracing my route back to Middle Crag I headed west towards Armboth Fell.
Armboth Fell, with Browncove crags beyond.
Looking back to High Tove from Armboth Fell.
View towards Thirlmere from Armboth Fell.
After Armboth Fell, my thoughts turned to finding a comfortable camp site for the night , and locating water. Scanning the hillside I noticed a deep ravine which looked like a good prospect for finding water. The recent dry spell meant the tops were very dry , good for walking boggy areas, but at the same time making water harder to source at height. As I neared I heard the heart warming sound of running water and with 4 litres of lakelands finest added to my pack I set about finding a pitch for the night.
I decided to head towards Raven Crag and check out potential spots, the tree line would provide shelter from the strong winds. After around 1/2 hr I decided there wasn't anywhere flat enough that was dry, so I ascended back towards High Seat in the hope of finding Flatter/ dryer ground. Shortly after I found a lovely flat grassy site that wasn't too windy , with a fantastic view towards Thirlmere.
Evening light on Thirlmere from camp.
Camp near Armboth Fell.
With the Trailstar pitched I sat outside and made a brew. Whilst waiting for the water to boil I had my customary whisky to toast the mountains and my day walking amongst them, It was too warm to sit inside the shelter so I sat and watched the lengthening shadows as the sun sank lower in the sky. Eventually it was cool enough to get in my shelter and prepare my evening meal whilst I waited for sunset, But on entering my trailstar I noticed a red ant nest smack bang in the middle of my camp !what to do - move ? I didn't fancy moving camp, and there was no guarantee that another pitch wouldn't have the same problem. In the end I decided to stay put, and covered them with a polycro groundsheet I had - It worked, and they stayed under it - I only received 1 bite, and that was the next morning whilst I was packing, a painful experience that I don't want to repeat any time soon !
Max slept very soundly so they didn't bother him. The sunset was a good one , and after taking some pics and footage I settled down for the night.
Sunrise was a good colourful one and after the usual pics/ footage I made another brew and ate breakfast before packing away- made easier since discovering cuben packing cells from Paul at Treadlite gear, these are excellent for efficient packing and camp organisation.
Pre dawn glow from camp.
Before setting of I checked to see if I'd left anything behind before setting of on day 2.
Sunrise from camp.
Leave no trace... Max didn't want to leave.
Heading back to the fence line I followed the path that skirts the trees Northwards towards Iron Crag. On my last trip I descended past the crags- a lovely quiet wild area. I left the path to take the track that heads towards Castle Crag. Arriving at a gate I found a notice sating my descent path was closed ! I looked at the map but couldn't see another viable option without a lengthy detour, then I noticed the date on the sign which was put there after the strorm back in march , and a statement that it would be closed for no longer than 31 days. As we were now in June I chose to ignore it - presuming that it was now out of date. Firstly though I took the wooden steps to visit Raven Crag - a spot that I was last at with my wife some 7 yrs ago , on that occasion the path was closed and was unpassable so we found another route over rough ground to the summit.
I didn't expect to see anyone one here , but on the summit there was a guy having his morning coffee having spent the night on the exposed summit, in gale force wind in a hammock! he said it wasn't too bad , but rather him than me. After a chat I left him to descend to Thirlmere.
Looking towards Iron Crag.
View towards Iron Crag on ascent to Raven Crag.
Once down in the valley it was clear that today was going to be a warm one, walking along the lane at the damn wall there was a little breeze which disappeared when I joined the path through an attractive wood on the eastern side of Thirlmere. There was still the steep climb to Helvellyn via Browncove Crags ahead, but for now I concentrated on enjoying the walk along the shoreline.
Shortly before the path ascends back towards the road, I took a lunch break at a spot that has become a favourite stop off for my family and me on our way to Keswick for family holiday over the years.
Looking Back to Raven Crag.
Northern end of Thirlmere.
Damn Wall on Thirlmere.
Woodland Path & Bluebells.
Thirlmere from Great How path.
Rested and fed we continued on, joining the path towards Browncove Crags and Helvellyn. It's always a relentless slog up to Helvellyn from here, the heat and necessity to carry 5 ltrs of water up meant it would also be a very warm one.
Just before Browncove Crags I took a break sitting on some handily placed rocks just of the path , a perfect place to absorb the views. A few folk who I'd passed lower down came passed, 1 young couple asked how much further to the summit, when I told them the summit visible wasn't Helvellyn but Browncove Crags they looked shocked. I told them it would be worth it once they reached the top, I hope they continued to the summit .
Thirlmere from Helvellyn ascent.
Continuing on I soon reached the summit, as expected it was fairly busy and after taking a few pics from various viewpoints I continued on.
Approaching Lower Man.
Swirral edge & Catstye Cam.
A busy Striding Edge.
A short walk south and the summit of Nethermost Pike is reached and more spectacular views.
View from Nethermost pike summit.
High Crag, Dollwagon Pike with Fairfield beyond.
After High Crag I descended to the post marked on the map which indicates the start of the steep descent to Grisdale Tarn. A swim in the tarn was the perfect opportunity for max to cool down, we spent a good 1/2 hr here Max didn't want to leave. It is important to note however if your dog has had any flea treatments applied then they really shouldn't be allowed into tarns, streams ect. due to adverse effect the chemicals have on the wildlife that inhabit these areas.
Grisedale Tarn.
Grisedale Tarn panorama.
Next up was the last major climb of the day - Fairfield. The heat and exertions of the day were beginning to take its toll on make and me, and I was looking forward to relaxing at camp. From Fairfield I bagged a couple of new Wainwrights'- Great Rigg & Heron pike before I found a sheltered spot on the western side to spend the night.
Light on St. Sunday Crag.
Great Rigg & Heron Pike.
Looking back to Fairfield.
Heron Pike from Great Rigg.
View towards Widermere from Great Rigg.
Camp on Heron Pike.
Alcock Tarn & Grasmere from camp.
Sunset from camp.
The pitch was a very comfortable one, I spent some time relaxing in the porch of the Trailstar, firstly watching a good sunset, then later watching the lights come on far below me as day turned to night.
At dawn the wind had completely dropped, another good sunrise followed. After breakfast I packed away before a short walk back to Grasmere. I made a short detour to visit Alcock Tarn Arriving back at my van just as the heat was beginning to build once more.
Early morming light from camp on Heron Pike.
Leave no Trace.
Stone Arthur.
Path back to Grasmere.
Below is a map of my intended route , I made 2 changes - I headed up to High Tove and High Seat with a view to camping on Bleaberry Fell , the wind was too strong for a camp at height so I returned to Armboth Fell. The 2nd minor one was to visit Alcock Tarn. These added to the mileage and ascent. I don't track progress once on the hill.
24.51 miles, 7945 ft ascent.
Thanks for taking the time to read...
Till next time,
Happy Wildcamping,
Daron:-)
