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Regions - Trip reports, destination advice, recommended routes, etc. => Lake District => Topic started by: karl h on 18:30:25, 24/02/20

Title: TR Around Dunnerdale 23rd Feb
Post by: karl h on 18:30:25, 24/02/20

 

 
 

At last ! A forecasted brief break in the awful weather we have been suffering with recently, although I probably would have gone out whatever the weather as cabin fever was setting in and short local walks just weren't cutting it.  I needed my Lake District fix :-)
 (http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/caw-23-02-2020/P1110551.JPG)
Dry but dull as I parked up at the small lay-by at the top of Hummer Lane. Morecambe Bay in the distance.
 (http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/caw-23-02-2020/P1110555.jpg)
The cloud was covering the upper reaches of Coniston Old Man, seen from the crossing of the forest road on the drop down to Appletree Worth.
 (http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/caw-23-02-2020/P1110556.jpg)
I was heading for Caw which is clear for now.
 (http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/caw-23-02-2020/P1110560.jpg)
Appletree Worth.
 (http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/caw-23-02-2020/P1110583.jpg)
Unlike last time I came here (http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2017/caw-31-12-17.html) I took a longer route to the main track by the River Lickle, walking upstream by Appletree Worth Beck and then following the paths up around The Knott towards Jordan Crag. As I was walking along this path I noticed the sun had come out.
 (http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/caw-23-02-2020/P1110593.jpg)
And what a welcome sight it was too. The pointy top of White Pike and White Maiden stand out in the sunshine.
 (http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/caw-23-02-2020/P1110597.jpg)
Looking across to Pikes on the right and Caw on the left.
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/caw-23-02-2020/P1110600.jpg)
Waterfall across the valley.
.(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/caw-23-02-2020/P1110601.jpg)
The view back down the track by the Lickle.
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/caw-23-02-2020/P1110604.jpg)
Unfortunately the sunshine only lasted a few minutes and by the time I'd arrived at Natty Bridge the skies had darkened again.
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/caw-23-02-2020/P1110606.jpg)
And this was the reason why. A fierce hailstorm blew in from the sea but thankfully only lasted about ten minutes.
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/caw-23-02-2020/P1110621.jpg)
As often happens when the hail clears sunshine returns and as I started the climb to Pikes I got the view that I was hoping to have, England's highest ground wearing it's winter coat.
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/caw-23-02-2020/P1110624.jpg)
Haycock peeping out between Harter Fell and Illgill Head.
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/caw-23-02-2020/P1110633.jpg)
A longer range view of the upper Duddon valley and the high fells around Eskdale.
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/caw-23-02-2020/P1110635.jpg)
White Pike and White Maiden again with the small rise of Walna Scar below  Brown Pike and Dow Crag.
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/caw-23-02-2020/P1110637.jpg)
On to Pikes now looking across to Caw.
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/caw-23-02-2020/P1110647.jpg)
From Pikes it's not far to Caw where as with every other time I've been it was blowing a gale.
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/caw-23-02-2020/P1110658.jpg)
It's quite a tricky descent from Caw especially if, as I did you wander over towards Goat Crag. Some impromptu scrambling was practiced. Stickle Pike is the prominent pointed fell with the vast dome of Black Combe beyond with the ridge leading past the tiny bump of Stoneside Hill to the Buckbarrow group and Whitfell.
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/caw-23-02-2020/P1110659.jpg)
It's looking a bit dark and threatening over the Scafell massiff now.
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/caw-23-02-2020/P1110664.jpg)
Following Park Head Road to Kiln Bank Cross.
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/caw-23-02-2020/P1110684.jpg)
Another hailstorm blew in as I reached Kiln Bank Cross but again cleared to leave a lovely sunny afternoon. I have never been to the old quarries and levels of Stainton quarry so I had a walk up to them
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/caw-23-02-2020/P1110680.jpg)
The entrance to the upper quarry is through this rock gate. Unfortunately the quarries were in shadow so I couldn't get a good photo of them.
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/caw-23-02-2020/P1110687.jpg)
From the quarry I climbed up to the Raven Crag ridge from where I got this view of Caw and Pikes.
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/caw-23-02-2020/P1110691.jpg)
I joined the road at Carter Ground.
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/caw-23-02-2020/P1110700.jpg)
The Knott from the road.
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/caw-23-02-2020/P1110704.jpg)
The low winter sunshine was lighting up this mossy wall
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/caw-23-02-2020/P1110708.jpg)
Broughton Mills in the valley below.
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/caw-23-02-2020/P1110710.jpg)
I could have cut the corner and walked a more direct route to Appletree Worth but as it was such a nice afternoon I walked down to Hawk Bridge then followed the path back upstream.
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/caw-23-02-2020/P1110711.jpg)
And after not very long I was back to Appletree Worth.
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/caw-23-02-2020/P1110716.jpg)
Coniston Old Man again taken from the same place as this morning but now with a clear top.
My route was - Hummer Lane - Appletree Worth - Natty Bridge - Pikes  - Caw - Kiln Bank Cross - Raven Crag - Carter Ground - Hawk Bridge - Appletree Worth - Hummer Lane ( about 8.5 miles 2600ft ascent)
 
 
Title: Re: TR Around Dunnerdale 23rd Feb
Post by: Ridge on 18:54:02, 24/02/20
Great photos Karl  O0
Title: Re: TR Around Dunnerdale 23rd Feb
Post by: April on 19:30:32, 24/02/20
Lovely photos Karl  O0 I know what you mean about cabin fever, we have been doing local walks last week and on Saturday.

We had a jaunt out into the Lake District yesterday and we had a little sunshine, snow and hail  :)
Title: Re: TR Around Dunnerdale 23rd Feb
Post by: richardh1905 on 19:46:17, 24/02/20
Some gorgeous photos there, Karl.

I love Dunnerdale and the surrounding fells. Climbed Caw from Broughton Mills with my youngest son last year, quite a steep ascent - we skirted Goat Crag on the left (west). I was lucky enough to have a lift arranged from the Newfield Inn :), and had a brief poke around the small quarry to the NNW of Caw summit on our way down.

Title: Re: TR Around Dunnerdale 23rd Feb
Post by: vghikers on 19:48:02, 24/02/20
Great circuit and photos, a fine but much neglected area  O0

An interesting eastern approach I don't recall seeing before, might try that sometime. Caw was a damned steep climb from the west as I remember and Pikes was deserted but very good for a secluded pitch.
Title: Re: TR Around Dunnerdale 23rd Feb
Post by: richardh1905 on 08:08:19, 25/02/20
That photo of the Scafell range had me wanting to reach for my ice axe!
Title: Re: TR Around Dunnerdale 23rd Feb
Post by: karl h on 09:19:26, 25/02/20
Great photos Karl  O0
Cheers Ridge O0


Lovely photos Karl  O0  I know what you mean about cabin fever, we have been doing local walks last week and on Saturday.

We had a jaunt out into the Lake District yesterday and we had a little sunshine, snow and hail  :)
Thanks April O0  I should imagine cabin fever would be a real ordeal when you're sharing your cabin with Beefy  ;D


Some gorgeous photos there, Karl.

I love Dunnerdale and the surrounding fells. Climbed Caw from Broughton Mills with my youngest son last year, quite a steep ascent - we skirted Goat Crag on the left (west). I was lucky enough to have a lift arranged from the Newfield Inn :) , and had a brief poke around the small quarry to the NNW of Caw summit on our way down.
 


Very Kind Richard  O0    The Duddon area is one of my favourites also. I did walk past that quarry when we explored the area with April and Beefy  (http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2015/dunnerdale-18-19-04-15.html)but we couldn't linger as they were both desperate to get to the Newfeild inn for a drink ;D






Great circuit and photos, a fine but much neglected area  O0

An interesting eastern approach I don't recall seeing before, might try that sometime. Caw was a damned steep climb from the west as I remember and Pikes was deserted but very good for a secluded pitch.



Thanks Geoff O0  Had a lovely camp on Pikes with my kids a few years ago
Title: Re: TR Around Dunnerdale 23rd Feb
Post by: pdstsp on 10:30:17, 25/02/20
Lovely pictures of an area I have never walked - must put that right - looks lovely country.
Title: Re: TR Around Dunnerdale 23rd Feb
Post by: sunnydale on 12:53:16, 25/02/20
Excellent pics & report Karl O0  Glad you managed to get out & about! 8)
Title: Re: TR Around Dunnerdale 23rd Feb
Post by: beefy on 17:58:26, 25/02/20



Quote
Thanks April O0  I should imagine cabin fever would be a real ordeal when you're sharing your cabin with Beefy  ;D


Oi... >:(
What about your kippers  :D
Title: Re: TR Around Dunnerdale 23rd Feb
Post by: April on 18:13:12, 25/02/20
I should imagine cabin fever would be a real ordeal when you're sharing your cabin with Beefy  ;D

 ;D

I did walk past that quarry when we explored the area with April and Beefy  (http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2015/dunnerdale-18-19-04-15.html)but we couldn't linger as they were both desperate to get to the Newfeild inn for a drink ;D

It was our first Karls Kut Price Tour. We were traumatised  :D
Title: Re: TR Around Dunnerdale 23rd Feb
Post by: karl h on 18:50:43, 25/02/20
Lovely pictures of an area I have never walked - must put that right - looks lovely country.


Thanks mate O0  yes the Duddon and the fells round about make for lovely walking.


Excellent pics & report Karl O0  Glad you managed to get out & about! 8)


Thanks Tracey it was well ovedue :)


@April and Beefy. I bet Squeaky can't wait to go on another KKPT. She appreciates fine food and being serenaded of an evening ;)
Title: Re: TR Around Dunnerdale 23rd Feb
Post by: April on 18:54:35, 25/02/20
I bet Squeaky can't wait to go on another KKPT. She appreciates fine food and being serenaded of an evening ;)

She loves food that smells disgusting and she is a bit deaf  :D
Title: Re: TR Around Dunnerdale 23rd Feb
Post by: Mel on 22:17:13, 25/02/20
Great write up and pics Karl.  A totally unfamiliar area to me with some interesting looking lumpy, bumpy fells to explore.  Those bigger hills are looking very winterified  :o


Cabin Fever sucks  >:(



Title: Re: TR Around Dunnerdale 23rd Feb
Post by: Dovegirl on 08:50:19, 26/02/20
Lovely photos karl    :)    Good to see some blue skies after so much dreary weather this winter
Title: Re: TR Around Dunnerdale 23rd Feb
Post by: karl h on 20:24:57, 26/02/20
Thank you Mel and Dovegirl O0