Loughrigg 23/02/2020
Managed to squeeze in a walk up Loughrigg between the wintery showers today. After parking (FREE) in the big layby to the west of the Grasmere showground, we took the minor road past the Wordsworth visitor centre, and followed the White Moss minor road to the western end of Rydal Water. The skies opened as we crossed the bridge, hailstones and all, but the shower passed quickly enough, and the sun came out, some warmth in it now that it is late February.
Keen to get to the top and down before the weather turned again, we pressed on up to the slate cavern, before ascending southwards up a steep track, views unfolding behind us.
Rydal Water, with Helm Crag beyondThe track reached a broad saddle, and we picked a meandering path heading westwards up towards Loughrigg, passing a tarn before the final pull up to the summit.
Fantastic views from the top, SW to the Coniston Old Man group, W to Langdale Pikes and Bowfell, and N to Helvellyn. The wind was cold, though, so we didn't hang about too long.
Crinkle Crags, Bowfell and Langdale Pikes from just below the summitConiston Old Man group from the summit of LoughriggSeat Sandal and FairfieldThe descent down to Grasmere was steeper than the ascent, and I decided to let the dog off the lead as I was worried that she would pull me off my feet (no sheep about).
Grasmere far belowBack to Grasmere village along a pleasant woodland track, and then along a minor road passing to the west of the mere. The weather hadn't finished with us, though!
Weather back to normal!Despite the variable weather, a very pleasant 5 mile walk, taking us just over two and a half hours.
Viewranger -
https://my.viewranger.com/route/details/Mjg3OTIyMg==