Castle Crag
The "You're a gentleman" walk. A remark made to Susan as she held open a gate for a jogger
| Castle Crag | 985 feet |
Date 3/3/2012
Walk done
by: Susan, Jed, Paul, Harvey and Ruby
Weather: Very dull, but with occasional sunny spells and showers. Windy at altitude.
Distance 10.5 miles. 1100ft of ascent
Started at: National Trust Car Park, Low Crag Wood.
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For a change we didn't need an early start as the forecast was poor to begin with and improving as the day went on. It was Paul's turn to drive and bang on time he pulled up in front of the house at 8.30. After nipping into Lancaster to get petrol we rejoined the M6 and made our way to Grasmere - the intended start to our climb of Steel Fell and Helm Crag. However, when we arrived the weather was awful, and we made a unanimous decision to do a more sheltered walk around Derwent Water. So off we sped to the NT car park on the shore of Derwent Water. It was 10.15 when we started walking, our plan being to walk around the lake. However, as the forecast promided, the weather started to improve and so we decided to do a figure of 8 walk to Rosthwaite, with Castle Crag being included. On Castle Crag's top we stopped for lunch - finding a spot that was out of the strong wind. We all tucked into our lunch especially Harvey who was a tad peckish. Just after leaving, the heavens opened, first with rain then changing to hail, then back to rain. We took shelter beneath a few large pines, but eventuall set off regardless. Rosthwaite being our destination. Upon arrival we nipped into the pub and had a quick pint before setting off for the return leg. The return walk was reasonably uneventful - one amusing incident occurred as Susan held open a gate for a jogger. As he passed her he said, " Thank you, you're a gentleman." To which another walker said she wasn't. Anyway, after more than 10 miles we arrived back at the car. We and the dogs had had a great day and so we set forth for the Mortal Man for our evening meal. A great day, Thanks to everyone, including the doggies. |
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Harvey takes a swim in the River Derwent to retrieve a stick. The water was crystal clear |
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| One arch of the twin arched bridge at Grange | |||||||||
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| Castle Crag towers above the bridge at Grange | |||||||||
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| Susan, way out on the river bed watches Ruby chase ducks | |||||||||
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| The first signs of sunshine brings smiles to paul and Susan | |||||||||
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| As we approched Hollows Farm, sunlight gave us unusual lighting conditions. This photo doesn't really do it justice..... | |||||||||
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| ... but this one does. It was stunning! | |||||||||
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| Paul walks down the track to Hollins Farm | |||||||||
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| The entrance to one of the camping fields. | |||||||||
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| Susan admires the view to Skiddaw as Harvey brings his stick | |||||||||
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| The start of the steep ascent to the summit | |||||||||
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| The plaque to Mrs Hamer at the start of the steep climb | |||||||||
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| Susan, Paul and Harvey climb the steps | |||||||||
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| Susan climbs the stile followed closely by Ruby | |||||||||
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| Ruby casually strolls up the slate path to the top | |||||||||
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| Scenic view south from Castle Crag | |||||||||
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| Old mine | |||||||||
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| Harvey admires the drop on the slate zig zag path | |||||||||
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| Susan makes her way up the same path | |||||||||
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| Standing slate - there are more of these every time I go up Castle Crag. It's eerie, but nice too. | |||||||||
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| The view to Derwentwater from the summit | |||||||||
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| The plaque to John Hamer | |||||||||
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| View to Derwent Water | |||||||||
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| Paul, wanders through the slate | |||||||||
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Old technology is still useful when there is no signal to your mobile. 1 Count your pennies 2 Dial 3 Look quizically at the phone, hang up and catch up with your mates.
Having not been able to remember how to use the old stuff , you save around 60p |
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| Harvey, with yet another twig, | |||||||||
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| ...decides it would be good to carry it along the top of the wall. | |||||||||
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| Castle Crag | |||||||||
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| Lovely Derwent Water | |||||||||
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| The view of Skiddaw as we cross the flats to the Lodore Hotel | |||||||||
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