| Walk: | Hodge Close, Wetherlam Edge, Wetherlam, Prison Band, Swirl How, Great Carrs, Wet Side Edge, Little Langdale | ||
| Start Point: | Hodge Close | Grid Reference: | NY 316 017 |
| Distance: | 10.5 miles | Ascent: | 3,300 feet |
| Time: | 6 hours | ||
| Weather: | Sunny with some cloud but cool on the tops | ||
| Comments: | As the weather was good I took the group of 8 through abandoned quarries for Betsy Crag. This provided good views over Hodge Close and the surrounding area. We continued up Wetherlam Edge for Wetherlam and then Prison Band for Swirl How. After lunch we had an easy walk to Great and Little Carrs which in turn led us down Wet Side Edge (which is dry) for Little Langdale and the cars. A good day was had by all. | ||
Scroll down to see photos of the walk
The water in the disused quarry at Hodge Close always looks quite forboding
The Langdale Pikes loom over the spoil heaps and trees
The lambs sport their new markings before they go onto the fells
In the shade I think this lizard must have been asleep as it didn't move a muscle when the group walked past
John and Ray seem to be making a hasty retreat . . .
I wonder what was lurking in the tunnel!
Time for a pause to enjoy the sunshine . . .
or perhaps to contemplate 'holiday home' possibilities?
John takes us onto Betsy Crag . . .
and Betsy pops over from Bannisdale for a flying visit to her namesake
We begin to see the ascent of Wetherlam Edge beyond Birk Fell Man
A pause to gather the troops - and out energy before . . .
heading towards the climb . . .
which starts off almost like a staircase - with a bit of imagination!
Pausing on the climb to look back down to Birk Fell Man with Little Langdale to the left
There is a cool breeze on the summit of Wetherlam . . .
from where we have a good view of Coniston Old Man
Heading down from Wetherlam Prison Band, leading up to Swirl How, is clearly seen
Levers Water with Coniston Water beyond
Dropping down from Swirl How we find a sheltered spot for lunch
Heading across to Great Carrs we can clearly see the path we followed off Wetherlam . . .
and the climb up Prison Band to Swirl How
Pike O'Blisco with the Langdale Pikes to the right
Cold Pike, Crinkle Crags and Bow Fell
The top of the Wrynose Pass is a popular parking spot
A brief pause while we discuss possible routes - down to Little Langdale or over Atkinson Coppice (we opt for the low route!!!)
But first we have to get down there!
Crossing Greenburn Beck . . .
where there is a little waterfall
The Langdale Pikes (again) and Side Pike - but we have dropped too low to see Blea Tarn