| Walk: | Colwith Force, Skelwith Bridge, Loughrigg Tarn, Loughrigg Fell Summit, Meg's Gill | ||
| Start Point: | Car park above Elterwater village | Grid Reference: | NY 329 051 |
| Distance: | 10.8 miles | Ascent: | 2,550 feet |
| Time: | 6.5 hours | ||
| Weather: | Wet at first with skies brightening later followed by mild sunny weather with very little wind | ||
| Comments: | 16 walkers took to the hills on what
started out to be a miserable wet morning with cloud almost down to
treetop level. However the day soon brightened up with brief spells
of sunshine by the time we reached Colwith force where we took an
early “elevenses” to give the photographers amongst us time to take
plenty of snapshots. Leaving the waterfall we quickly made our way through the woods and on to Skelwith bridge before climbing once again around Tarn Foot and onto Loughrigg tarn. Here we were treated to some splendid views of Langdale due to the improving visibility. As we continued along the side of the tarn we passed a cross erected at the waters edge. Rather sadly it turned out to have been erected in memory of a child who had drowned at that spot whilst on a school trip. Continuing past the tarn we paused to take off layers in the now spring like sunshine before starting the climb up Loughrigg fell. The summit was achieved some 45 minutes later and we took a well earned lunch break at the top where we were treated to yet more fine views. After descending Loughrigg (pausing for the mandatory pictures of Grasmere below) we made our way towards Grasmere village turning just before the village and heading up towards Silver Howe. The climb towards Silver Howe was the sting in the tail and after resting at the top of the col we negotiated a tricky path contouring a steep ravine before descending an even steeper rocky path to Chapel stile (this sparked a debate as to whether it was steeper than John Dean’s “steepest descent of the year” back in January when we came off Holme fell– the jury is still out!). From Chapel stile we made our way along the river the short distance to Elterwater and the cars. |
||
Scroll down to see photos of the walk
The mist begins to lift off Lingmoor Fell as we walk along the Little Langdale Valley
Lots of moss covered rocks as we head through Tongue Intake Plantation . . .
to visit Colwith Force . . .
where our coffee stop allows time for lots of photos
A steep stairway takes us out of the woods . . .
and up to a viewpoint . . .
where Wetherlam pokes its head above the trees
Descending by Crag Head we can now see the summit of the day - Loughrigg Fell
But first a walk around Loughrigg Tarn . . .
affords good views of the Langdale Pikes
Ascending Loughrigg Fell Windermere comes into view
A short sharp scramble on the way to . . .
Loughrigg Summit trig point . . .
where we find some shelter for a lunch stop
Our descent brings views across Grasmere to Helm Crag and Steel Fell, with Dunmail Raise to the right
On our next ascent we can just see Rydal Water beyond Grasmere, with Wansfell Pike on the horizon
Descending by Meg's Gill . . .
which makes its way down a deep ravine . . .
we make our way across a scree slope . . .
bur what has attracted the group's attention . . .
a view to Elterwater
But first we have more 'downhill' . . .
at least it is grassy now!
and the the group waits for the 'stragglers'
The Co-op has an interesting way . . .
of attracting customers
Elterwater Bridge takes us over . . .
Great Langdale Beck and back to the cars.