Back to day walks last weekend, the weather wasn't forecast to be very good in the afternoon. We got the bus to Cockermouth to go over Watch Hill and Setmurthy Common and we would catch the bus back to Cockermouth from Brathay Hill. We hoped to beat the rain that was forecast for later. It was really blustery when we started from Cockermouth. Beefy asked me if Cockermouth was in the Lake District National Park as we walked from the town centre. It was something I'd not that about before and it wasn't until I checked the map later that I realised the start of this walk is outside the National Park.
On the way up Watch Hill
Skiddaw from the ascent of Watch Hill
We hadn't expected such good views and the sun was shining. It was really cold in the wind though.
Squeaky having a great day out
We'd asked another walker with a dog who had descended from Watch Hill if there were any sheep in the fields. She'd said they were sheep free and she'd been right on the top. We let Squeaky have a run about and chase some sticks.
The obligatory shot of the bent tree and gate post that looks like a gravestone
Grisedale Pike and Hopegill Head from Watch Hill
Toward Lorton from Watch Hill
There is a lot of cloud building up over there.
On Watch Hill
Squeaky was back on her lead. The walker we'd spoken to earlier must have missed the flock of sheep on t'other side of Watch Hill. Luckily I spotted one of them and Squeaky was on the lead before she'd noticed them.
The view from Setmurthy Common
It was really windy on Watch Hill and it was relentless. We were relieved when we got into Setmurthy Plantation and a bit of shelter.
On the way through Setmurthy Plantation
Once out of the woods we tried to find somewhere for lunch but the wind was blowing in all directions so we had a quick bite to eat and a hurried brew.
Binsey from near our lunch spot
The view on the way to Elva Plain
There was a bit of road walking now, not for long, we turned right by Higham Hall and joined a ROW to Brathay Hill.
Skiddaw and Ullock Pike from near Higham Hall
We didn't escape the rain, it started as we were waiting for the bus back to Cockermouth. We also had a bit of a wait for the bus home when we got there, 45 minutes. We walked around Cockermouth to keep warm. Thankfully the rain was a bit start/stop so we didn't get too wet. It was really cold in the wind that had got even stronger and we were pleased when our bus turned up. The route was Cockermouth Main Street - Watch Hill - Setmurthy Common - Elva Plain - Higham Hall - Brathay Hill, plus Cockermouth wandering. 10.5km with 272m ascent. 2 hours 15 minutes walking time on the Watch Hill walk. It was a much better day than we expected despite getting caught in the rain.