Bogs, Forests and Castles

Day 10 - Saturday 21 March – started at 8.30 in Watendlath, the picturesque little hamlet at the end of the long cul-de-sac which goes over Ashness Bridge in Borrowdale. An easy climb took us to the flat, featureless summit of High Tove (1665’), from where it was a boggy splash across wet peat and moss, enlivened by the sighting of a herd of deer, to the rock tor which is the top of Armboth Fell (1570’).

From here we could see the top of our next objective, Raven Crag (1520’), surrounded by Forestry Commission Sitka Spruce, but we had no idea how difficult it was going to be to get there. The problem started at a big ladder stile over the forestry deer fence. It looked inviting so over we went, only to find that the path went from bad to worse to worse still, overgrown by spruce trees. We tried to work our way through dense scrub to where there should have been a track, but it was impenetrable, so we had to retreat. Eventually we came across the track – right next to a walkers’ gate from the adjoining open land. If we hadn’t crossed over the first stile it would have been an easy walk. As it was we had pine needles down our backs and were generally not best pleased!

Raven Crag itself was then easy to attain, after a short stiff climb, and gave tremendous views over Thirlmere, towering as it does at the top of a sheer rock cliff. Appropriately, two Ravens flew over as we arrived. We retraced our steps to the gate and then slogged up the slope to High Seat (1995’), followed by another boggy trudge for a mile to the top of Bleaberry Fell (1932’). Here we met a couple from Carlisle and got talking about our project to do all 214 Wainwrights to raise money for the Rosemere Cancer Foundation. It turned out that the lady was diagnosed with Breast Cancer seven years ago and is currently doing fine. It just shows (again) what a small world this is, and how easy it is to find something in common with someone you’ve never met before.

I thought Walla Crag (1234’), above Keswick, was going to be the last top of the day, but Mike suggested doing Castle Crag (Grange-in-Borrowdale) to shorten one of the forthcoming walks. But he also wanted to get back to watch the rugby! I knew he’d done Castle Crag only two months earlier so sent him off home to watch the rugby whilst I did it on my own. It’s a little gem, the lowest of the Wainwrights and the only one under 1000’ (it’s about 985’), with an odd approach of steep paths over slate quarry waste, and a small flat top with trees and a War Memorial, complete with plaque and poppy wreath.

I arrived home at 7.00 after four good days, with a total of 59 tops completed (155 to go!). Over a quarter of them done. But the weather can’t last – better get some warm dry clothes ready for next week!