Thursday 12th April 2007

Start point: Keswick Landing Stages (NY 264 227)

Keswick Landing Stages - Hawes End - Skelgill Bank - Catbells - Hause Gate - Brandelhow Bay - Keswick Landing Stages

Distance: 2.5 miles     Total Ascent: 450 metres     Time Taken: 4 hours

Weather: Sunny and warm becoming increasingly hazy. 18oC.

Route Map

'Better a volunteer than a pressed girl'! This was a walk Connie requested that we repeat after enjoying it a couple of years ago. Catching the launch from Keswick and returning on it after the walk extends the appeal of this one, as does searching for Mrs Tiggywinkle's house, buried somewhere in the side of Cat Bells according to Beatrix Potter! Today we were joined by Nick, Maya and Busta and the weather really was lovely with only the haze to spoil the view. It looked like hundreds of other people had the same idea as us too with a constant stream ascending the fell in the sunshine.

Barrow from Hawes End.

Keswick and Blencathra across Derwent Water at the start of the climb.

The same view from further up.

Walla Crag, Bleaberry Fell and High Seat across Derwent Water.

The Coledale fells, Causey Pike, centre, then Outerside with Grisedale Pike distant right.

Swinside with Bassenthwaite Lake beyond flanked by Barf and the Skiddaw massif.

An idyllic scene.

Connie striding out for Skelgill Bank, Cat Bells looming on the distant left.

Knott Rigg and Ard Crags on the left overshadowed by Crag Hill, Sail, Scar Crags and Causey Pike.

Casper races after Nick, Busta, Connie and Maya from Skelgill Bank heading for Cat Bells.

Maya and Connie are off on the path whilst Casper stays to enjoy the view over to Hindscarth and Robinson. Little Town below also caused some excitement between the girls - the home of Lucie in the Tale of Mrs Tiggywinkle!

Skiddaw and the path from Skelgill Bank.

A closer view of Ard Crags and the Crag Hill - Causey Pike ridge.

Casper encourages Connie to scramble the north face of Cat Bells!

We made it! Connie and Maya happy on the summit of Cat Bells. Connie is showing 'All she wants for Christmas...'!

Angus and Casper on the summit of Cat Bells; we were alone for almost 10 seconds for this photo! This was thirsty work in the heat and there are no streams or tarns to get a drink on this climb!

Derwent Water from Cat Bells.

Looking back on the climb from Skelgill Bank with Skiddaw through the ever increasing haze.

A lovely spot for a picnic - I think we could have stayed here all day.

The southern end of Derwent Water with Bleaberry Fell and High Seat above the Lodore Hotel.

Walla Crag and Bleaberry Fell across Derwent Water with hazy Clough Head beyond.

These three dogs couldn't wait to get in here as we waited for the launch. Taking on all comers, it was Dog United v Duck City!

Looks like Duck City have it as the cowardly dogs beat a hasty retreat!

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