Rightly or wrongly, I ventured into the Lakes yesterday. I chose a route I didn't know, but which appeared as safe as possible while also likely to be quiet, making distancing easy. Still not sure it was the right thing to do - though the comments of the guy from YDNPA made me feel better - see later.
Parked at Wet Sleddale in the car park near the damn wall. When I arrived there at around 8 there was one car already there.
It was a beautiful day, and on the way into the car park I passed two hares which was a lovely sight. My route as to take me up past Sleddale Hall which was used in the filming of Withnail and I. The early part of the route was on a bridle way - easy walking.
Looking along the reservoir, the white building virtually in the centre is Sleddale Hall. Water level low after the recent dry weather.
Looking back at the reservoir
The path follows the southern side of the reservoir before cutting northwest to climb the fell past Sleddale Hall. Here I watched two field voles scampering about before one walked across the path, stopping to sniff my boot. From there it turns west and climbs gently up the valley side, passing just below the summit of Scam Matthew
The obligatory lamb
Nice easy path
After Scam Matthew the path descends to a river crossing. The views from the descent are wonderful - this one shows Mosedale Cottage, a beautiful bothy set against the slopes of Branstree
I descended to the bridge at 50642 09993, where I took this picture
At the bridge, I turned right to follow the path northwards as far as Swine Gill, where I turned left (west) to climb steeply towards Selside Pike. The path follows a fence and the word Swine is well earned, particularly in the heat!! There is a brief respite when the path drops to cross Hobgrumble Gill my new favourite name in the Lakes. After the gill the path attacks Selside with a vengeance. I'm afraid I didn't take any photos of Selside Pike or the traverse to Branstree, and I have no good excuse. I enjoyed these peaks as it was the first time I had climbed them when they were not covered in cloud.
At Branstree I turned southeast to follow the fence line down to the col between Branstree and Tarn Crag. I was tempted to climb Tarn Crag, but it was hot and I had an attack of the CBAs. Instead I turned left to enter Mosedale and descended back, past the cottage to the bridge, where I picked up my outward route. At Mosedale Cottage I met a couple from Yorkshire and we discussed the lifting to restrictions, the reluctance of the NPs to welcome visitors etc. He was an employee of a NP and was quite sure that routes such as we were doing are fine - he also said they have strict rules regarding what they are and are not allowed to do, and walking was fine.
On the way back I crossed paths with a group of around 20 red deer, who scarpered as soon as I got the camera out - sorry they are blurred - they really didn't want me to get a clear shot;
And also watched three buzzards hunting - again they were quite high so this is the best of a bad bunch;
From there I made my hot and weary way back to the car, wishing I could stop over and have a pint!
Lovely walk, made better by the very dry conditions underfoot. I have never walked from here before, but will be returning - stunning way into some wonderful quiet country. Total walk was 14 miles with just over 800m climb according to the GPS.