(Pathfinder Guide Central Lakeland: Walk #25 9.8 Miles)
After another hearty breakfast at the Daffodil Hotel we set off on another walk as the day promised to be reasonable according to the forecast (but chance of showers).
In fact, as we headed off walking away from the hotel the sun was just about out which was a promising start. The guidebook offered a starting point at Mill Bridge, someway out of the village, but probably (as we found out) actually a nearer point to proceed towards Easedale. I guess our start from the hotel added about another mile or so to the total.
It was about half a mile along the road path until we arrived in Grasmere itself and we marvelled at how quiet the village was early on a mid-week Wednesday morning. No doubt the tourist buses would soon be arriving though! We passed by the church and the Wordsworth graves which we had visited a few times previously.
We passed by the tiny gingerbread shop and took in the aromas of the gingerbread cooking, but continued as we had a long walk ahead of us.
Heading out of the village along Easedale Road we followed the walkers path to keep off the road, which was not only busy with vehicles but a herd of cows being guided along to their pasture. We kept well out of the way!
The road petered out in a narrow, but long and smooth lane with good views all around (and nice easy walking!)
Soon we branched off the road, right and then left through a gate and onto narrower and more rugged paths.
The path narrowed yet again, and we were now in more open and wilder valley land; Far Easedale, and Far Easedale Gill to our right meandering through the valley.
The views around were pleasant on this low- level leg of the walk. Though the rain started soon after we began walking through the valley, though it was quite short lived, but did keep returning in sometimes rather sharp bursts throughout the rest of the day.
After a couple of miles we began to hear shouts, but initially was unable to determine their source.
All soon became apparent as we approached a group of shepherds with their (many) dogs herding hundreds of sheep.
We, and other walkers ahead, slowed and then stopped as we did not want to disturb the herding. We watched for a while and the sheep were eventually rounded up (apart from a few strays) and we continued on our way.
Very soon we reached our turn point at the head of the valley, and the path headed right and upwards towards our first objective Calf Crag.
The path turning and rising shown above.
As we gained further height the views down to the valley through which we had walked became evident and we took time to take pictures. (back to some HDR stuff again!)
The view back to Grasmere, somewhat zoomed in, but our hotel visible from where we had set off earlier.
Calf Crag (1761ft), the first Wainwright of the day, and a bit blustery, and wet at times!
The route off Calf Crag was obvious and just continued along the somewhat undulating and rocky (and boggy!!) ridge to Gibson Knott.
The views down to the valley were spectacular, especially when the sun came out. This was never for long though and was usually followed by another blast of rain, adding to the boggy conditions. (Glad I wore those gaiters now, aren`t you Sue, ah..... I see you don`t have yours on, ah well enjoy the mud!)
The view from Gibson Knott (1377ft), when the sun came out for at least a few minutes. Wainwright number two of the day.
Heading off Gibson Knott, we headed for Helm Crag, the obvious hump ahead of us and a push to the top.
The push was worth it for the views (and to get back to the hotel!)
Helm Crag (1328ft) and the third Wainwright fell.
The famous (or infamous) "Lion & The Lamb" or "Howitzer" was not so obvious when right next to it, though it does resemble these animals when viewed from ground level and at a distance.
The view ahead down to Grasmere and where we were heading (down!)
The route down was quite steep following a zig-zagging path initially, and then a very steep stepped path adjacent a wall side. Care was needed as it was a bit wet and slippery.
Eventually though we were down, and joined the path we came on, heading back to Grasmere along much easier terrain.
Mud glorious Mud! Wish I had worn those Gaiters!
(note from Susan: yeah, yeah but I don't like feeling restricted by gaiters and anyway a bit of mud never hurt anyone, did it?)
The weather turned for the worse again and we headed back and through Grasmere in the rain, ariving back at the Daffodil around 17:30.
The walk had taken just over seven hours, and just short of 10 miles, and had been a little tougher than expected due to the rocky terrain, wet and slippery (and boggy) conditions.
A full days outing, with a nice easy start through the valley, slowly ascending, then getting onto rougher and rockier terrain, up onto the wide rocky ridge and the three Wainwrights in a row with good views down to the valley.
Our Walk Score: 7/10
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