Walking Forum

Regions - Trip reports, destination advice, recommended routes, etc. => Lake District => Topic started by: Petrolhead on 12:07:29, 14/03/19

Title: 3 Days - What should we do?
Post by: Petrolhead on 12:07:29, 14/03/19
Hi guys,


My better half and I are planning to head up to the Lake District for three days at the end of April / start of May. You guys were such a HUGE help last time that I was wondering if I could get the benefit of your sagely advice once again.


Last time we did:


Catbells
Haystacks
A random wander around Borrowdale (that went very wrong but was still hugely enjoyable)
Arnison Crag
Buttermere (just for a wander at sunrise really)
Loughrigg Tarn
Kelly Hall Tarn (just because we were passing)
Ashness Bridge
Blae Tarn (but we arrived too late so may go back)


And that's it so far.


Last time we had intended to do Walla Crag but ran out of time, so we'll probably do that this time. Bowfell is a possible too. And I think one of the days will be mostly taken up with Helvellyn via Striding Edge. Maybe. If we're brave enough. Although from what I've seen, if Striding Edge gets too scary on the ridge, we can take the slightly less daunting lower path. However, the return along Swirral Edge is yet to be looked into fully. We'll see...


Anyway, that's my ramble. Any advice on other "must do" experiences would be greatly appreciated. We're looking for anything really. Short quick wins can always be factored in. Photography locations are always part of our trips, the photos are almost as important as the walks! I'd say we'd look at a max of around 10 miles. A bit of scrambling is fine but nothing too technical (Catbells and Haystacks scrambles were absolutely no problem last time). Not sure if there's anything else I need to say.


So, what would you do?


Cheers folks.


Mes.
Title: Re: 3 Days - What should we do?
Post by: pdstsp on 12:52:15, 14/03/19
Where to start???  That's a blank canvas and a half ;D   Some will depend on where you are staying as getting to places like Wasdale or Ennerdale can be very time consuming!


But many walks spring to mind - how about a circuit of the Coniston Fells - Walna Scar Road, Brown Pike, Dow Crag, The Old Man and then down (you can extend this if feeling good, by taking in any or all of the other fells, such as Brim Fell, Swirl How, Wetherlam).


Newlands Horseshoe,  Coledale Horeshoe - which you can shorten and lengthen as there are plenty of escape paths.  In fact any of the classic horseshoes!


If it was me and I had to base myself in one place, I think it would be Wasdale - a day on Great Gable/Kirk Fell, one on Scafell and then one on Yewbarow, Red Pike, Scoat Fell, Steeple etc.  Stay at the Wasdale Head, no need to use the car - bliss.  Having said that, if you ask the same question tomorrow I'd probably think of somewhere else!
Title: Re: 3 Days - What should we do?
Post by: Ridge on 14:38:54, 14/03/19
I agree with you pdstsp that walking without having to drive is absolute heaven but the original poster's user name leads me to believe that he doesn't feel the same way.


Buttermere. There are a number of places to get on and off the High Stile ridge, or make is a proper day and walk all the way from Great Borne to Fleetwith Pike.
Langdales. Always very popular, Pavey Arc, Harrison Stickle, Pike of Stickle, Loft Crag.
Back of Skiddaw. What about a day where the hills are empty? Little Calva, Great Calva, Knott, Great Sca Fell, Meal Fell and then, if you've still got the energy, Great Cockup.
Title: Re: 3 Days - What should we do?
Post by: pdstsp on 14:43:17, 14/03/19
I agree with you pdstsp that walking without having to drive is absolute heaven but the original poster's user name leads me to believe that he doesn't feel the same way.



Aaaahhhhhh - good point!
Title: Re: 3 Days - What should we do?
Post by: Petrolhead on 16:31:23, 14/03/19
Where to start???  That's a blank canvas and a half ;D   Some will depend on where you are staying as getting to places like Wasdale or Ennerdale can be very time consuming!


But many walks spring to mind - how about a circuit of the Coniston Fells - Walna Scar Road, Brown Pike, Dow Crag, The Old Man and then down (you can extend this if feeling good, by taking in any or all of the other fells, such as Brim Fell, Swirl How, Wetherlam).


Newlands Horseshoe,  Coledale Horeshoe - which you can shorten and lengthen as there are plenty of escape paths.  In fact any of the classic horseshoes!


If it was me and I had to base myself in one place, I think it would be Wasdale - a day on Great Gable/Kirk Fell, one on Scafell and then one on Yewbarow, Red Pike, Scoat Fell, Steeple etc.  Stay at the Wasdale Head, no need to use the car - bliss.  Having said that, if you ask the same question tomorrow I'd probably think of somewhere else!


Brilliant reply pdstsp! Thanks a lot.


I know it's a very open request but for me that's a good thing. It means there are no prerequisites for any advice. And it all gets added to my google map of everywhere we've been and everywhere we want to go. So even if it doesn't get done now, anything we like the look of will get added to the map for the future.


As for the driving, that's absolutely part of the fun for both of us. And driving around there is a joy. A two hour ride to the start of the walk is no problem at all so where we stay isn't really of any concern for us.


As for the last bit, I'll give you a nudge tomorrow!


 :D
Title: Re: 3 Days - What should we do?
Post by: Petrolhead on 16:34:50, 14/03/19
I agree with you pdstsp that walking without having to drive is absolute heaven but the original poster's user name leads me to believe that he doesn't feel the same way.


Buttermere. There are a number of places to get on and off the High Stile ridge, or make is a proper day and walk all the way from Great Borne to Fleetwith Pike.
Langdales. Always very popular, Pavey Arc, Harrison Stickle, Pike of Stickle, Loft Crag.
Back of Skiddaw. What about a day where the hills are empty? Little Calva, Great Calva, Knott, Great Sca Fell, Meal Fell and then, if you've still got the energy, Great Cockup.


Another excellent and appreciated reply Ridge. It's all going on the map. Fleetwith Pike was actually the first place I ever looked at in the Lake District so it would be nice to tick that one off. I'll have a good look through the places you've advised and see what we can fit in this time and save the rest for another.


And yep, you were bang on about the driving. As I said to pdstsp, if there is a two hour run to the start point, that's part of the pleasure for us.  O0
Title: Re: 3 Days - What should we do?
Post by: pdstsp on 17:36:25, 14/03/19


As for the last bit, I'll give you a nudge tomorrow!


 :D


Tomorrow I am walking, or attempting to stand up in the wind, in the Lakes so don't be offended if I don't answer!  I second Ridge's suggestions by the way - there aren't many bad spots in the Lakes - have a look at some of the TRs on here, they'll give you an idea of routes and difficulty.  Great fun planing too.
Title: Re: 3 Days - What should we do?
Post by: bricam2096 on 17:42:34, 14/03/19
My experience of the Lakes over the last few years has told me to have dry and wet weather options  O0

No point doing a lovely scenic horseshoe route with limited visibility so have wet weather options as well rather than a wasted journey.

Personally I enjoy the horseshoe walks as you get long distance views (usually) and a lot of Wainwrights can be ticked of on them, with options to detour for extra ones  O0
Title: Re: 3 Days - What should we do?
Post by: henryb on 18:58:17, 14/03/19
Other suggestions are the central fells from Grasmere - these fells are great when there is a weather window of a couple of hours. Scandale Horseshoe from Ambleside. O0
Title: Re: 3 Days - What should we do?
Post by: Strider on 02:39:44, 15/03/19
end of April / start of May.

Photography locations are always part of our trips

Rannerdale (near Buttermere) if the bluebells are out by then.

The Old Man

There's a lot of old mineworkings in Coppermines valley and the path up to the Old Man which would make good subjects for your photography.

I'd also suggest the walk from Aira Force near Ullswater, onto Gowbarrow, and back via the shooting lodge and memorial seat.

And Latrigg (Keswick) is an easy win.
Title: Re: 3 Days - What should we do?
Post by: Petrolhead on 09:37:27, 19/03/19

Tomorrow I am walking, or attempting to stand up in the wind, in the Lakes so don't be offended if I don't answer!  I second Ridge's suggestions by the way - there aren't many bad spots in the Lakes - have a look at some of the TRs on here, they'll give you an idea of routes and difficulty.  Great fun planing too.


Thanks pdstsp. I've been through about the first 20 pages of this forum and looked at everything with a TR prefix. So much amazing info but there was so much that I thought it would be worth this post also to try and narrow it down a bit! Your advice and thoughts have been most appreciated.


Hope you enjoyed your outing and that the wind wasn't too crazy!


 O0
Title: Re: 3 Days - What should we do?
Post by: Petrolhead on 09:40:29, 19/03/19
My experience of the Lakes over the last few years has told me to have dry and wet weather options  O0

No point doing a lovely scenic horseshoe route with limited visibility so have wet weather options as well rather than a wasted journey.

Personally I enjoy the horseshoe walks as you get long distance views (usually) and a lot of Wainwrights can be ticked of on them, with options to detour for extra ones  O0


Thanks Brian, sound advice mate. We always have a back up plan. My list of walks all have a colour coding / icon system so we can see at a glance anything that would be suitable to less clement days. That said, I grew up in Manchester so I'm well used to rain. Unless it's torrential, it doesn't spoil things for us too much. We both enjoy being out in our waterproof gear.
Title: Re: 3 Days - What should we do?
Post by: Petrolhead on 09:41:21, 19/03/19
Other suggestions are the central fells from Grasmere - these fells are great when there is a weather window of a couple of hours. Scandale Horseshoe from Ambleside. O0


Thanks a lot Henry, it's all getting added to the map mate!  O0
Title: Re: 3 Days - What should we do?
Post by: Petrolhead on 09:42:48, 19/03/19
Rannerdale (near Buttermere) if the bluebells are out by then.

There's a lot of old mineworkings in Coppermines valley and the path up to the Old Man which would make good subjects for your photography.

I'd also suggest the walk from Aira Force near Ullswater, onto Gowbarrow, and back via the shooting lodge and memorial seat.

And Latrigg (Keswick) is an easy win.


Thanks Strider. Had a quick look at the coppermines and it all looks great. Right up my street.


And Aira Force is right up there on the list, maybe this trip will be the time.


Cheers mate.
Title: Re: 3 Days - What should we do?
Post by: Jac on 10:32:24, 19/03/19

And for something different if the weather turns dire on the tops........


The Muncaster fells between Dalegarth and Ravenglass using the Ravenglass Eskdale railway one way.  https://ravenglass-railway.co.uk/
Though the railway is only 7 miles there are plenty of footpath options to lengthen the walk.
Title: Re: 3 Days - What should we do?
Post by: Petrolhead on 10:45:35, 20/03/19
And for something different if the weather turns dire on the tops........


The Muncaster fells between Dalegarth and Ravenglass using the Ravenglass Eskdale railway one way.  https://ravenglass-railway.co.uk/ (https://ravenglass-railway.co.uk/)
Though the railway is only 7 miles there are plenty of footpath options to lengthen the walk.


Jac, thanks a lot for this. It's not really for me, I'd prefer to drive but my parents will LOVE this, it's right up their street. I'll pass it on.


 :) O0
Title: Re: 3 Days - What should we do?
Post by: Petrolhead on 10:52:55, 20/03/19
So, the plan is kind of coming together. However, while planning, Mrs Petrolhead pointed out that if we're travelling all the way up to the Lake District from London, we may as well look at going a bit further north to Scotland as I've always wanted to and have never been. So, long story short, we've changed our plans to do Glencoe and Skye too. This means our Lakes trip will be cut short by a day to two days.

I'm almost there with our intinerary now but I'm trying to see if we can fit in Bowfell too, so I have a question...

What is the route like up to Bowfell via the Band and back the same route? From what I can see it looks the easiest and most direct route to the summit but I'm stuggling to find out much about it, there isn't even much I can see on Youtube. I'm guessing that's because the Band is a bit relentless and dull compared to the other ways to get there but for us, it's more about getting to the top and having a wander over to Crinkle Crags. The full route can wait for another day.

Any advice would be great guys.

Thanks,

Mes.
Title: Re: 3 Days - What should we do?
Post by: pdstsp on 12:37:58, 20/03/19
The Band is a nice route up to Three Tarns - you can always peel off and do the Climbers Traverse and then descend the full way down The Band.  But, if you are also considering the Crinkles why not climb from Oxendale toward Red Tarn, then turn right and take in the Crinkles and Bow Fell, with a descent from Ore Gap to Angle Tarn and then Rossett Gill - wonderful route, in my opinion.
Title: Re: 3 Days - What should we do?
Post by: Petrolhead on 13:04:38, 20/03/19
The Band is a nice route up to Three Tarns - you can always peel off and do the Climbers Traverse and then descend the full way down The Band.  But, if you are also considering the Crinkles why not climb from Oxendale toward Red Tarn, then turn right and take in the Crinkles and Bow Fell, with a descent from Ore Gap to Angle Tarn and then Rossett Gill - wonderful route, in my opinion.


pdstsp, you've been a constant source of help and knowledge, thank you!


Your route sounds excellent, but, the idea is to get to the summit of Bow Fell as quickly and as easily as possible to make sure we can fit it in. We'd also like to avoid Climber's Traverse if possible. Technically it looks easy enough but it looks a little on the airy side from what I've seen. I'm sure it's fun but it would no doubt add a bit of time. Time we don't really have. We'd also need to start and finish at the same place (ODG) to get back to the car.


Hoping it's a quick and easy 3 and bit miles up the Band to Bowfell and then back down the same way. Crinkle Crags would only be attempted if we had time. Otherwise, it's just up to Bow Fell and back. I know it sounds like we're doing the wrong thing and missing some other amazing locations but it needs to be as close to a bish bash bosh as possible!


 :)


I know we'll need to return to do it properly and take in the full circular routes, but that's a good thing right?
Title: Re: 3 Days - What should we do?
Post by: richardh1905 on 08:56:20, 21/03/19
And for something different if the weather turns dire on the tops........


The Muncaster fells between Dalegarth and Ravenglass using the Ravenglass Eskdale railway one way.  https://ravenglass-railway.co.uk/ (https://ravenglass-railway.co.uk/)
Though the railway is only 7 miles there are plenty of footpath options to lengthen the walk.



+1


Good pubs too!
Title: Re: 3 Days - What should we do?
Post by: Ridge on 09:02:03, 21/03/19
And for something different if the weather turns dire on the tops........
...put your waterproofs on!
Title: Re: 3 Days - What should we do?
Post by: Petrolhead on 10:31:13, 21/03/19

+1


Good pubs too!


Good to know Richard  O0
Title: Re: 3 Days - What should we do?
Post by: Petrolhead on 10:32:54, 21/03/19
...put your waterproofs on!


Totally agree! Rain isn't a problem unless it's particularly harsh. We're quite happy being out in it as long as we're dry and warm. It's only visibility that stops us usually.
Title: Re: 3 Days - What should we do?
Post by: Jac on 11:59:06, 21/03/19

+1


Good pubs too!



Yes - I think there were - I don't remember too well ;D 
Good reason for not driving!
Title: Re: 3 Days - What should we do?
Post by: richardh1905 on 12:55:01, 23/03/19
Another good low level route for when it is foul on top, is to catch the Ullswater steamer from Glenridding to Howtown, and walk back along the remote eastern shore - the wildest bit of lakeside walking that you will get in the Lakes. About 7 miles, so good for a half day.
Title: Re: 3 Days - What should we do?
Post by: Ridge on 13:50:39, 23/03/19
Another good low level route for when it is foul on top, is to catch the Ullswater steamer from Glenridding to Howtown, and walk back along the remote eastern shore - the wildest bit of lakeside walking that you will get in the Lakes. About 7 miles, so good for a half day.
First walk I ever did in the Lakes, lovely.
Title: Re: 3 Days - What should we do?
Post by: forgotmyoldpassword on 10:36:20, 24/03/19
Another good low level route for when it is foul on top, is to catch the Ullswater steamer from Glenridding to Howtown, and walk back along the remote eastern shore - the wildest bit of lakeside walking that you will get in the Lakes. About 7 miles, so good for a half day.


Also has the added benefit of being able to pop up Place Fell if it's nice and you feel strong, which in my opinion is one of the nicest views (for the effort) in the Lakes.
Title: Re: 3 Days - What should we do?
Post by: richardh1905 on 11:41:53, 24/03/19

Also has the added benefit of being able to pop up Place Fell if it's nice and you feel strong, which in my opinion is one of the nicest views (for the effort) in the Lakes.



Ah yes, I remember legging it up Place Fell when I was camping at Side Farm many years ago.
Title: Re: 3 Days - What should we do?
Post by: Petrolhead on 10:11:48, 27/03/19
Another good low level route for when it is foul on top, is to catch the Ullswater steamer from Glenridding to Howtown, and walk back along the remote eastern shore - the wildest bit of lakeside walking that you will get in the Lakes. About 7 miles, so good for a half day.


Thanks again Richard. "The wildest bit of lakeside walking that you will get in the lakes..." that sounds FANTASTIC!


 O0
Title: Re: 3 Days - What should we do?
Post by: Petrolhead on 10:21:54, 27/03/19

Also has the added benefit of being able to pop up Place Fell if it's nice and you feel strong, which in my opinion is one of the nicest views (for the effort) in the Lakes.


Good call on Place Fell. I like the interesting trig point tower at the summit. Plus it has the added advantage of being able to look over to Arnison Crag and think about the beautiful sunset we watched there. I always love having a big vista and being able to point and say "we were there".


 O0


Took this pic of Mrs PH on the way down (it's horribly grainy thanks to the low light / iphone combo but I still like it!):


(http://oi68.tinypic.com/2qk1fgh.jpg)