Ride over with Charlotte, early winter pickup at Leven Bank. First ones to arrive at carpark at Grasmere. Bit of a wait and delay as folk landed.
Set off through village and wandered through narrow back lanes (sheet ice in places) north and in view of the main road only a few hundred metres away. Group spaced out with me, Charlotte and Mick Yallop leading the way. As the road steepened passing quaint little cottages (Ghylfoot) and some palishall properties (Helmside & Fairy Glen)group strung out further, paused and 5-10 mins later regrouped with Laura & Kelsey blowing at the back.
Quick gypsies behind the wall and started the long draggy ascent up the spur on steady, grassy slopes toward Steel Fell top (553m).
Topped out to cold winds with a quick pause to layer up and diff shells and woolly hats. Descended a short distance before finding sheltered ground to the left for dinner.
Continued chatting to Laura about forthing coming physio at uni.
Grassy, wet and boggy patches (Laura taking a tumble) before slight ascent to Calf Crag (537m)
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This is a great little area and route to explore on an easier day. Plod through the fields to pick up an old miners lane to lead you to Slaters Bridge. An old pack horse bridge to serve the slate mine now commonly known as Cathedral caves.
Enter via various tunnels and higher access paths to be met with the main cavernous chamber and it’s central supporting pillar.
Access to higher viewpoints can be made via scrambly climbs over the broken slate spoils within.
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This was a massive surprise and an EXCELLENT walk, plenty of level strolling, massive sudden ascents and declines steep enough to make sure you keep eyes on the pathway and not the amazing scenery!!
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Sehr schöne, kurze Wanderung vom Camping Platz aus zu einem wunderbaren Aussichtspunkt.
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We enjoyed the variety this hike offered and found Chesters to offer a fabulous vegan lunch! Even enjoyable by non-vegans. :)
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This hike has everything. Stunning valley approach; climb up to Grisedale Tarn prepares you for the assault on Dollywagon and onwards. ‘Stairs’ up to Dollywagon are a relief compared to the horror of a ‘staircase’ down from the summit to the Kings Head.
I’m 55, it’s taken the wind out of me, but it was a stunning day with 360° views and the Typhoons flying over Thirlmere was stunning.
TLDR
Difficulty: long but not technical - HARD
Children: below teens, not advisable
Strollers/pushchairs: no
Older hikers - definitely- as I’m getting to that point - take it slowly, seriously.
What’s great? If you don’t like heights (à la Swirral or Striding Edges) this is a great route
What’s bad? On the descent the stone ‘stairs’ are hell on your knees and quads but the beer at the King’s Head is a salve to your exertions. Or come off the summit another way.
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Good short Hike, first K up Nanny Lane gets the sweat on. Worth the climb once you get near Wansfell Summit and Windermere comes into view. Missed the path from the Peak back to Troutbeck but no harm done. Very dog friendly trail.
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Crazy weather only just survived had to crawl from the top to the bottom 😆
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Really great low ascent walk for family’s and those who don’t wish to exert to much energy but still get stunning views and beautiful surroundings. Well worth taking picnic or even bread for the ducks. Around this route there are plenty of opportunities to take multiple routes which are more challenging for the real hiking enthusiasts.
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We started out in Grassmere and hiked up and over the tarn, past the lake on the top and then by the parting stone. We then wended our way down on a stony pathway through some beautiful sheep land until we got back down to the main road and back to our Inn.
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