Birkhouse Moor
The Tin Hat Walk
2355 feet
Date 15/04/2007
Walks done by: Jed, Susan, and Paul
Weather: Sunny, but hazy. Hot.
Distance 4 miles.
Started at: Glenridding Car Park
Firstly if you want to know why it's called The Tin Hat walk - ask Paul The first decision we usually make if we are coming off the M6 at junction 36 is whether to stop for a bacon butty at the mobile in the first layby. If we do, we are usually thirsty for the rest of the day. The decision today was easy - it wasn't there and consequently we arrived at Glenridding earlier than expected. Within minutes of setting off the gradients increased and unfortunately for me at least, so did the heat. Our intention had been to visit Birkhouse Moor then carry on to Striding Edge and Helvellyn and return by Swirrel Edge and Catstycam. However, by the time we had reached Little Cove I knew I would not reach Helvellyn. Every step was difficult, but I was determined to at least reach Birkhouse Moor's summit. Once there, we settled down, and Paul and I dozed off to the sound of the ascending skylark and had a 30 minute kip. Try it - its brilliant, waking up surrounded by mountains. Susan said she didn't sleep - said she was just sunbathing! Eventually, we left the summit and headed for Lanty's Tarn. The water level is low at the moment and what would be a lovely scene normally, was not. By now the image of the pint in the film "Ice Cold in Alex" was foremost in all our thoughts. It wasn't too long before we arrived at The Travellers Rest where I had the best pint I've EVER had. (apart from the one at The Golden Rule a few years ago) (and one at the Black dog at Belmont) and a few others!! From there we made our way to the cafe by the lake and hired a motor boat, had a pleasant sail, with Rear Admiral Paul ((RN Retired (after only a week or two)) in charge. Time was getting on and we decided to have fish and chips in Ambleside, and stop off in Ings for a pint and then home. An enjoyable day spoiled somewhat by my lack of energy. |
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This lovely
cottage is on the track from Glenridding |
|
Susan and Paul
on the lower section of the ascent to Birkhouse Moor |
..and stopping
for a breather |
|
Birkhouse Moor
summit and cairn |
Catsyecam and
Helvellyn from the summit |
Paul nods off
with Sheffield Pike in the distance |
Susan nods
off, or sunbathes as she says!! |
A veil of
secrecy over this person - who wished to remain
anonymous |
Looking down a
hazy Grisedale Valley |
|
Sheffield Pike
|
The view down
to Lanty's Tarn and Keldas beyond |
Ullswater |
Susan the
shepherd rounds up the sheep |
Approaching Keldas summit |
Monsieur
Calloqq (or Rear Admiral Paul) with naval talent few people have, steers
his ship towards the mountain. |
Paul in charge
of the boat |
The Lady of
the Lake |
Able Seawoman
Susan keeps a lookout |
Place Fell
|
The steamer
comes in to dock at Patterdale |
Close up of
this impressive steamer from late 1800's |
Moored up
|
It was this
big!!! |
The view
south. Hartsop Dodd is in centre distance and Arnison Crag to the right
|
Susan and Paul
return from the 400 yard round trip to the toilets |
The pub at
Ings - around 20 different pints available - though we only had two, and
Paul one! |
|