The Lakes - September 2010

This was a week spent in the Lake District with walking friends Peter Patten, his girl friend Sally Davidson, Ian Brooke and Mike Smith. We rented a cottage in the centre of Ambleside for a week. The weather was damp on Sunday September 19th, dry and cloudy on Monday and Tuesday, then damp on Wednesday, and showery on Thursday, becoming cold and dry on Friday, then gloriously bright and sunny on our travelling day, Saturday September 25th. The photos are shown in the order they were taken; click on a thumbnail to enlarge it, or if it is a movie to play it. Most are mine, I borrowed 4 from Mike's large haul of photos.

Sept 19 - Red Screes

The forecast indicated that the overnight rain would clear about mid morning. Actually, it continued wet and overcast until about 1:00 pm, so we stayed indoors until then, after which we elected for a local walk to the summit of Red Screes, just north-east of Ambleside, direct from our cottage. Red Screes is 776 meters. We approached the mountain from the valley to its south, where we kept dry and remained out of the cloud for the first two hours. Then as we neared the summit we entered the cloud which remained until we were most of the way down. We came down on a direct route to Ambleside on a ridge path. See the map. My camera remained in my backpack this first day's walking. Duration 5 hours.

Map of the route. (Click full picture to see the detail).

Sept 20 - Crinkle Crags

The forecast was for a dry and fairly warm day, cloudy at the start with sun coming through mid afternoon. We drove west to Great Langdale valley, and walked the horseshoe of of peaks around Oxendale Beck, including Pike of Blisco, Great Knott and the several Crinkle Crags, just cutting short of Bow Fell, and returning via the ridge north of Oxendale Beck.

Map of the route. (Click full picture to see the detail).

I am apprehensive how long my bad knee will survive mountain walking, so I go with my bandage on, stick in hand, and wait to see how it goes.
Near the start I am impressed by just how shallow the roots of the fir trees appear to be, as illustrated by this one with too shallow roots, for he had blown over.

We start by this winding path with very fine views of Langdale Pikes.
Langdale Pikes are now on the right, as we see down the valley of Mickleden Beck, which is adjacent to the one we will walk round.

Langdale Pikes again as we get higher. Pike of Stickle is the prominent pike on the left side of the pikes.
The sheep were still on the mountainsides, although many more were to be seen in the lower pastures.

A glorious view from the summit of Crinkle Crags, straight down Oxendale.
The dark summit on the right is Pike of Blisco which we took in on the way up.

The path ahead can be seen on the middle left, along with some very clear views of distant ranges .
As we descend we get closer views of the Langdale Pikes. Again it is Pike of Stickle on the left of the group.

Lots of blue sky and fine views as we continue down.
We had seen the farmer collect his sheep from the mountainside using his dogs earlier in the day. Now, here they are barricading the path ahead, but not for long. End of 6 hours good walking.

Sept 21 - Helvelyn

The forecast was for a dry and fairly warm day, cloudy at the start, hopefully getting brighter in the afternoon. We drive to Patterdale to climb Helvelyn via Striding Edge, walk the ridge to Nethermost Pike and Dollywagon Pike, thence descending to Grisedale Tarn, and returning to Patterdale by the Grisedale path.

Map of the route. It's the purple track starting from Patterdale. (Click full picture to see the detail).

The way to Striding Edge starts with a long gentle climb, until we reach the crest of the ridge known as Hole-in-the-Wall. Here we see Helvelyn in the clouds, Swirral Edge and Catstye Cam are on the right, and Striding Edge lies ahead to the left.
A closer view Swirral Edge, to the left, and Catstye Cam to the right.

Our way ahead. Striding Edge starts from the bump on the left, running more or less on the level until it meets the solid mass of the main Helvelyn ridge. This photo was snatched during a brief lifting of the cloud.
As we start along Striding Edge the cloud comes and goes, making for some interesting views of the way ahead.

This is Mike heading for the top of the Edge.
Ian and Mike enjoying the very top of the Edge.

The path is mixed. The Edge itself is not difficult, but before we get to Helvelyn we have to get over this hump one way or the other. There are plenty of other climbers enjoying Striding Edge this day...
... and this is how to scramble down from this hump, easy really.

We take our lunch along with others at the sheltering walls of Helvelyn summit.
We have now climbed to the top which was in cloud, enjoyed our lunch, and we now catch our first views as we get out of the cloud between Helvelyn and Nethermost Pike. This is a view down to Grisedale Beck where we will be descending later.

Looking back, we also get misty views of Striding Edge from whence we came...
and using the full camera zoom, it is remarkable how the walkers stand out as they walk and pose on the Edge.

Down in Grisedale the views are clearer. Grisedale Beck finds its way down the valley.
The way ahead, down Grisedale.

Mike, looking pleased with life.
First of three movies. The streams were fresh and bubbly.

More of the same.
Now it's the sheep flowing past.

This was a lovely small farm scene. We are asked to stand by to let the sheep come through.
Then come the farmer, his wife and two young children; very rural, nice to see. I was a bit concerned as to why the sheep had been so recently shorn, at the end of September!

Sept 22 - Birding at Leighton Moss

This was a first day spent 'birding' for me, and a very enjoyable diversion from walking it was. Sally had invited me to the well-known RSPB Wildlife Sanctuary at Leighton Moss, in Morecambe Bay. Sally is an experienced birder, and had all the right gear, in particular a beefy telescope and tripod, but the Wildlife Centre were very helpful, and willingly lent me a decent pair of binoculars for a two-hour guided walk through the sanctuary. No significant pictures of the birds, as they were generally too far away for a photo, but were readily viewable through the binoculars.

Map including the Wildlife Sanctuary.
Map of the Wildlife Sanctuary.
The hides provide panoramic views over the lakes and reed beds. This is the view from Lillian's hide, looking half right, or 2:00 as a birder would say...
and this is from Lillian's hide, looking 10:00.

And this was a surprise. It's the same view in close up after a majestic red deer stag ambled out of the reeds to survey his kingdom, and shortly after ambled back out of sight.
And there were quite a few deer about. I couldn't photo the birds, but I could the deer. These laid back deer were taken from Tim Jackson hide 12:00...

... and this mother and fawn were taken from Griesdale hide 3:00. After a while they just vanished into the reeds.
This guy was quite a character. As we walked back from Griesdale hide Sally noticed that this fellow, George, had a duck waddling behind him. When she noted the fact to him, he explained that he had had the duck since it was very young, and he was indeed imprinted on the duck as the duck's mother, so it did indeed follow him everywhere, and was very tame, and wouldn't even go on the water...

... so Sally introduces herself to the duck. There was a robin too - but that's a longer story. He wouldn't stay still long enough to be photoed.

Sept 23 - Grasmere and Rydal Water

The forecast was basically wet all day. Ian had to leave us today as he had things at home to see to. Peter and Sally had ideas of their own, as did Mike, and it suited me to work it out solo this day. We had already had 3 days good walking. It drizzled on through the morning until 12:00, when it began to look drier. I had thoughts for a lowland walk around Grasmere and Rydal Water, but I thought I would start from Elterwater. I drove out to Elterwater, and was about to set off from the car when it started raining again, so I waited. Then it came down in buckets full, so I read in the car a while. Then, as it does in The Lakes, it quite suddenly stopped, and there was blue sky about. So, out I hopped, and hoped to be lucky. Temperature-wise it was rather warm and like being in a greenhouse. The day was very rewarding, 5 hours very pleasant easy walking from 1:00 to 6:00, and plenty of photo opportunities.

Map of the route. (Click full picture to see the detail).

I leave the car at Elterwater, with Lingmoor Fell rising behind.
Looking back over Elterwater with that all important blue sky along with the clouds.

The light gives some stunning colour contrasts.
One more view back to the blue sky over Lingmoor Fell.

I was taken by the innovative approach to fencing. The fencing posts are held by holes made in the stones of the dry stone wall.
Over the brow towards Grasmere, and I am on the path called Loughrigg Terrace. The views over Grasmere lake are wonderful.

A bit further one, and the west side of Grasmere lake is in view.
This is Loughrigg Terrace heading gradually down towards Rydal Water.

And all the while the views of Grasmere lake are just fantastic...
... so I take take just one more before moving on.

This great cavern is part of the now disused Rydal Mine, where slate used to be quarried.
More peace and beauty - Rydal Water from the eastern end.

Fungi in a quiet corner of Dora's Field, Rydal. Dora's Field is just a quiet public garden off the main Rydal road.
More fungi in Dora's Field.

The same fungi on their tree stump.
Also nearby is Rydal Hall, with the grounds generously open and free to the public.

It has beautifully kept terraces and gardens.
More of Rydal Hall's gardens.

And what a view from the house itself.
Also within the grounds is Low Fall on Rydal Beck.

This one taken from the hut specifically built to view the falls.
From Rydal Hall I walked the Coffin Route traversing from east to west above Rydal Water, and thence along Rothay River connecting to Grasmere, and took the path by the southern edge of Grasmere lake.

Last photo of the day came when a young couple asked me to photo them playing a tree prank; boy in the base of the tree, his girl friend poking out the top. I duly took their photo for them and asked if I could take one for myself. Then it is back over the ridge to Elterwater. And although it spitted a bit, I never got rained on the once.

Sept 24 - Cat Bells

This was our last walking day together. The forecast was dry but with temperatures much reduced, and with a strong northerly wind. Sally and Peter were not too sure how much walking they would do, so we opted for Cat Bells using two cars. This walk offers many continue and return options after the initial walk to Cat Bells and Bull Crag. Once we reached Bull Crag the weather was indeed cold and windy, but also bright with magnificent views. Dale Head at the head of the valley looked a good challenge, so Mike and I agreed to go on, and parted with Peter and Sally. Once Mike and I were at Dale Head, with the weather still very clear, we were much attracted to completing the horseshoe of ridges, and returning to our start by way of Hindscarth and Scope End. In the end we had a great walk covering about 12 miles, and taking 7 1/4 hours.

Map of the route. (Click full picture to see the detail).

Cat Bells from our starting point with Bull Crag on the right.
Much of the time climbing Cat Bells you get a first rate view of Derwent Water with Keswick at its northern end, and then Skiddaw and Blencathra mountains lying behind.

Looking to the north west, at the start of the climb, you also get good views along the length of Bassenthwaite Lake.
The four of us on top of Cat Bells.

Having done Cat Bells, well it's only 451 metres, the way is open to capture Bull Crag as well, at 576 metres.
This is a classic view looking back from Bull Crag to the well-walked path over Cat Bells, and with Skiddaw prominent in the background.

Just a little to the right is the view to Blencathra, majestic in the sun.
Another view towards Bassenthwaite, from Bull Crag.

Peter and Sally at the summit of Bull Crag.
Mike and Roland, also at the summit.

Mike and I have now walked the long gently ascending ridge on the right from Bull Crag and High Spy to Dale Head at the head of the valley, where the valley now stretches out beneath us.
An assortment of ridges and peaks lie to the south west of us.

This is the clear ridge called Hindscarth Edge, leading to Hindscarth, which will complete the horseshoe for us.
This is a return view with High Spy on the left and Dale Head on the right. There was quite a substantial dip between the two as can be seen here.

This part of the ridge is called Scope End. Cat Bells are back in view on the right, with Keswick, Skiddaw and Blencathra behind.
Approaching the end of our circuit, our destination is actually the white building (a pub) in the middle distance.

Our path temporarily faces back towards Dale Head, as we look for the bridge to cross Newlands Beck.
How beautiful are the valleys in the evening light.

Mike gets serious about his photography.
And there is Dale Head, head of the valley, taken from the bridge.

As we walk on out of the valley we continue to get great views where we have been, Dale Head on the left, then Hindscarth, then Scope End.
We leave the sheep to watch over their beautiful landscape, with Scope End in front of Hindscarth to the middle left.

Sept 25 - Tarn Hows and Yew Tree Tarn

It's Saturday, and we check out of Derby Cottage in Ambleside, and go our separate ways. However, this is actually the sunniest day so far, so I resolve to revisit Tarn Hows, where the walks are quite short, and which I haven't seen for a while. It's a good decision. The weather is absolutely right, and Tarn Hows is looking at its best. I also find the Tom Gill waterfalls a good visit, and also Yew Tree Tarn. This was 3 hours walking.

Map of the route. (Click full picture to see the detail).

Many pictures of Tarn Hows to come. This is from the entrance which is to the south.
Also from the south.

Tarn Hows has a very well made path. No idea why, but hammering coins into tree stumps seems to be a bit of a favourite past-time for walkers on this circuit.
Same stump, different view.

This view is from the western edge of the Tarn, looking south.
And this one is from the western edge, looking straight across to the east.

Now the view is from the northern edge, looking south.
After which there is another stump with coins in it.

And yet another ...
Now the views are from the eastern side. Tarn Hows has many promontaries like the one photoed.

Another view along the eastern edge.
Looking from the east across to the west.

The promontary in full view.
From the west looking north west. It is Holme Fell in the background.

From the same spot, looking north along the western edge.
From a bit further on, this is looking north west towards Holme Fell again.

I had to take one of the stripey cows. Practically all the local bulls and cows were black and rather woolly, with that broad white band across their middle.
The outflow of Tarn Hows is a small stream plunging down and northwards, and with several pretty waterfalls, of which this is one,

and here it is in flow.
This is another pretty cascade, just a bit further on,

and just below is this fall, which is called Tom Gill waterfall.
Not far away the path arrives at Yew Tree Tarn, this photo from the southern end.

This is from its western edge looking straight across to the east.
This one is from the eastern edge looking north west, where Holme Fell is in the background.

Seeing the place is called Yew Tree Tarn, I was looking for the yew trees. I didn't see many, just these few at the south end. Then it was back past Tom Gill waterfall to Tarn Hows, and make for home.
At the start of the week it looked doubtful that I would walk every day, but with the knee bandaged, and with a stick providing extra support, the show did indeed go on, they never actually had to carry me home.

Sept 19 - Red Screes
The forecast indicated that the overnight rain would clear about mid morning. Actually, it continued wet and overcast until about 1:00 pm, so we stayed indoors until then, after which we elected for a local walk to the summit of Red Screes, just north-east of Ambleside, direct from our cottage. Red Screes is 776 meters. We approached the mountain from the valley to its south, where we kept dry and remained out of the cloud for the first two hours. Then as we neared the summit we entered the cloud which remained until we were most of the way down. We came down on a direct route to Ambleside on a ridge path. See the map. My camera remained in my backpack this first day's walking. Duration 5 hours.
Map of the route. (Click full picture to see the detail).
Sept 20 - Crinkle Crags
The forecast was for a dry and fairly warm day, cloudy at the start with sun coming through mid afternoon. We drove west to Great Langdale valley, and walked the horseshoe of of peaks around Oxendale Beck, including Pike of Blisco, Great Knott and the several Crinkle Crags, just cutting short of Bow Fell, and returning via the ridge north of Oxendale Beck.
Map of the route. (Click full picture to see the detail).
I am apprehensive how long my bad knee will survive mountain walking, so I go with my bandage on, stick in hand, and wait to see how it goes.			Near the start I am impressed by just how shallow the roots of the fir trees appear to be, as illustrated by this one with too shallow roots, for he had blown over.
We start by this winding path with very fine views of Langdale Pikes.			Langdale Pikes are now on the right, as we see down the valley of Mickleden Beck, which is adjacent to the one we will walk round.
Langdale Pikes again as we get higher. Pike of Stickle is the prominent pike on the left side of the pikes.			The sheep were still on the mountainsides, although many more were to be seen in the lower pastures.
A glorious view from the summit of Crinkle Crags, straight down Oxendale.			The dark summit on the right is Pike of Blisco which we took in on the way up.
The path ahead can be seen on the middle left, along with some very clear views of distant ranges .			As we descend we get closer views of the Langdale Pikes. Again it is Pike of Stickle on the left of the group.
Lots of blue sky and fine views as we continue down.			We had seen the farmer collect his sheep from the mountainside using his dogs earlier in the day. Now, here they are barricading the path ahead, but not for long. End of 6 hours good walking.
Sept 21 - Helvelyn
The forecast was for a dry and fairly warm day, cloudy at the start, hopefully getting brighter in the afternoon. We drive to Patterdale to climb Helvelyn via Striding Edge, walk the ridge to Nethermost Pike and Dollywagon Pike, thence descending to Grisedale Tarn, and returning to Patterdale by the Grisedale path.
Map of the route. It's the purple track starting from Patterdale. (Click full picture to see the detail).
The way to Striding Edge starts with a long gentle climb, until we reach the crest of the ridge known as Hole-in-the-Wall. Here we see Helvelyn in the clouds, Swirral Edge and Catstye Cam are on the right, and Striding Edge lies ahead to the left.			A closer view Swirral Edge, to the left, and Catstye Cam to the right.
Our way ahead. Striding Edge starts from the bump on the left, running more or less on the level until it meets the solid mass of the main Helvelyn ridge. This photo was snatched during a brief lifting of the cloud.			As we start along Striding Edge the cloud comes and goes, making for some interesting views of the way ahead.
This is Mike heading for the top of the Edge.			Ian and Mike enjoying the very top of the Edge.
The path is mixed. The Edge itself is not difficult, but before we get to Helvelyn we have to get over this hump one way or the other. There are plenty of other climbers enjoying Striding Edge this day...			... and this is how to scramble down from this hump, easy really.
We take our lunch along with others at the sheltering walls of Helvelyn summit.			We have now climbed to the top which was in cloud, enjoyed our lunch, and we now catch our first views as we get out of the cloud between Helvelyn and Nethermost Pike. This is a view down to Grisedale Beck where we will be descending later.
Looking back, we also get misty views of Striding Edge from whence we came...			and using the full camera zoom, it is remarkable how the walkers stand out as they walk and pose on the Edge.
Down in Grisedale the views are clearer. Grisedale Beck finds its way down the valley.			The way ahead, down Grisedale.
Mike, looking pleased with life.			First of three movies. The streams were fresh and bubbly.
More of the same.			Now it's the sheep flowing past.
This was a lovely small farm scene. We are asked to stand by to let the sheep come through.			Then come the farmer, his wife and two young children; very rural, nice to see. I was a bit concerned as to why the sheep had been so recently shorn, at the end of September!
Sept 22 - Birding at Leighton Moss
This was a first day spent 'birding' for me, and a very enjoyable diversion from walking it was. Sally had invited me to the well-known RSPB Wildlife Sanctuary at Leighton Moss, in Morecambe Bay. Sally is an experienced birder, and had all the right gear, in particular a beefy telescope and tripod, but the Wildlife Centre were very helpful, and willingly lent me a decent pair of binoculars for a two-hour guided walk through the sanctuary. No significant pictures of the birds, as they were generally too far away for a photo, but were readily viewable through the binoculars.
Map including the Wildlife Sanctuary.			Map of the Wildlife Sanctuary.
The hides provide panoramic views over the lakes and reed beds. This is the view from Lillian's hide, looking half right, or 2:00 as a birder would say...			and this is from Lillian's hide, looking 10:00.
And this was a surprise. It's the same view in close up after a majestic red deer stag ambled out of the reeds to survey his kingdom, and shortly after ambled back out of sight.			And there were quite a few deer about. I couldn't photo the birds, but I could the deer. These laid back deer were taken from Tim Jackson hide 12:00...
... and this mother and fawn were taken from Griesdale hide 3:00. After a while they just vanished into the reeds.			This guy was quite a character. As we walked back from Griesdale hide Sally noticed that this fellow, George, had a duck waddling behind him. When she noted the fact to him, he explained that he had had the duck since it was very young, and he was indeed imprinted on the duck as the duck's mother, so it did indeed follow him everywhere, and was very tame, and wouldn't even go on the water...
... so Sally introduces herself to the duck. There was a robin too - but that's a longer story. He wouldn't stay still long enough to be photoed.
Sept 23 - Grasmere and Rydal Water
The forecast was basically wet all day. Ian had to leave us today as he had things at home to see to. Peter and Sally had ideas of their own, as did Mike, and it suited me to work it out solo this day. We had already had 3 days good walking. It drizzled on through the morning until 12:00, when it began to look drier. I had thoughts for a lowland walk around Grasmere and Rydal Water, but I thought I would start from Elterwater. I drove out to Elterwater, and was about to set off from the car when it started raining again, so I waited. Then it came down in buckets full, so I read in the car a while. Then, as it does in The Lakes, it quite suddenly stopped, and there was blue sky about. So, out I hopped, and hoped to be lucky. Temperature-wise it was rather warm and like being in a greenhouse. The day was very rewarding, 5 hours very pleasant easy walking from 1:00 to 6:00, and plenty of photo opportunities.
Map of the route. (Click full picture to see the detail).
I leave the car at Elterwater, with Lingmoor Fell rising behind.			Looking back over Elterwater with that all important blue sky along with the clouds.
The light gives some stunning colour contrasts.			One more view back to the blue sky over Lingmoor Fell.
I was taken by the innovative approach to fencing. The fencing posts are held by holes made in the stones of the dry stone wall.			Over the brow towards Grasmere, and I am on the path called Loughrigg Terrace. The views over Grasmere lake are wonderful.
A bit further one, and the west side of Grasmere lake is in view.			This is Loughrigg Terrace heading gradually down towards Rydal Water.
And all the while the views of Grasmere lake are just fantastic...			... so I take take just one more before moving on.
This great cavern is part of the now disused Rydal Mine, where slate used to be quarried.			More peace and beauty - Rydal Water from the eastern end.
Fungi in a quiet corner of Dora's Field, Rydal. Dora's Field is just a quiet public garden off the main Rydal road.			More fungi in Dora's Field.
The same fungi on their tree stump.			Also nearby is Rydal Hall, with the grounds generously open and free to the public.
It has beautifully kept terraces and gardens.			More of Rydal Hall's gardens.
And what a view from the house itself.			Also within the grounds is Low Fall on Rydal Beck.
This one taken from the hut specifically built to view the falls.			From Rydal Hall I walked the Coffin Route traversing from east to west above Rydal Water, and thence along Rothay River connecting to Grasmere, and took the path by the southern edge of Grasmere lake.
Last photo of the day came when a young couple asked me to photo them playing a tree prank; boy in the base of the tree, his girl friend poking out the top. I duly took their photo for them and asked if I could take one for myself. Then it is back over the ridge to Elterwater. And although it spitted a bit, I never got rained on the once.
Sept 24 - Cat Bells
This was our last walking day together. The forecast was dry but with temperatures much reduced, and with a strong northerly wind. Sally and Peter were not too sure how much walking they would do, so we opted for Cat Bells using two cars. This walk offers many continue and return options after the initial walk to Cat Bells and Bull Crag. Once we reached Bull Crag the weather was indeed cold and windy, but also bright with magnificent views. Dale Head at the head of the valley looked a good challenge, so Mike and I agreed to go on, and parted with Peter and Sally. Once Mike and I were at Dale Head, with the weather still very clear, we were much attracted to completing the horseshoe of ridges, and returning to our start by way of Hindscarth and Scope End. In the end we had a great walk covering about 12 miles, and taking 7 1/4 hours.
Map of the route. (Click full picture to see the detail).
Cat Bells from our starting point with Bull Crag on the right.			Much of the time climbing Cat Bells you get a first rate view of Derwent Water with Keswick at its northern end, and then Skiddaw and Blencathra mountains lying behind.
Looking to the north west, at the start of the climb, you also get good views along the length of Bassenthwaite Lake.			The four of us on top of Cat Bells.
Having done Cat Bells, well it's only 451 metres, the way is open to capture Bull Crag as well, at 576 metres.			This is a classic view looking back from Bull Crag to the well-walked path over Cat Bells, and with Skiddaw prominent in the background.
Just a little to the right is the view to Blencathra, majestic in the sun.			Another view towards Bassenthwaite, from Bull Crag.
Peter and Sally at the summit of Bull Crag.			Mike and Roland, also at the summit.
Mike and I have now walked the long gently ascending ridge on the right from Bull Crag and High Spy to Dale Head at the head of the valley, where the valley now stretches out beneath us.			An assortment of ridges and peaks lie to the south west of us.
This is the clear ridge called Hindscarth Edge, leading to Hindscarth, which will complete the horseshoe for us.			This is a return view with High Spy on the left and Dale Head on the right. There was quite a substantial dip between the two as can be seen here.
This part of the ridge is called Scope End. Cat Bells are back in view on the right, with Keswick, Skiddaw and Blencathra behind.			Approaching the end of our circuit, our destination is actually the white building (a pub) in the middle distance.
Our path temporarily faces back towards Dale Head, as we look for the bridge to cross Newlands Beck.			How beautiful are the valleys in the evening light.
Mike gets serious about his photography.			And there is Dale Head, head of the valley, taken from the bridge.
As we walk on out of the valley we continue to get great views where we have been, Dale Head on the left, then Hindscarth, then Scope End.			We leave the sheep to watch over their beautiful landscape, with Scope End in front of Hindscarth to the middle left.
Sept 25 - Tarn Hows and Yew Tree Tarn
It's Saturday, and we check out of Derby Cottage in Ambleside, and go our separate ways. However, this is actually the sunniest day so far, so I resolve to revisit Tarn Hows, where the walks are quite short, and which I haven't seen for a while. It's a good decision. The weather is absolutely right, and Tarn Hows is looking at its best. I also find the Tom Gill waterfalls a good visit, and also Yew Tree Tarn. This was 3 hours walking.
Map of the route. (Click full picture to see the detail).
Many pictures of Tarn Hows to come. This is from the entrance which is to the south.			Also from the south.
Tarn Hows has a very well made path. No idea why, but hammering coins into tree stumps seems to be a bit of a favourite past-time for walkers on this circuit.			Same stump, different view.
This view is from the western edge of the Tarn, looking south.			And this one is from the western edge, looking straight across to the east.
Now the view is from the northern edge, looking south.			After which there is another stump with coins in it.
And yet another ...			Now the views are from the eastern side. Tarn Hows has many promontaries like the one photoed.
Another view along the eastern edge.			Looking from the east across to the west.
The promontary in full view.			From the west looking north west. It is Holme Fell in the background.
From the same spot, looking north along the western edge.			From a bit further on, this is looking north west towards Holme Fell again.
I had to take one of the stripey cows. Practically all the local bulls and cows were black and rather woolly, with that broad white band across their middle.			The outflow of Tarn Hows is a small stream plunging down and northwards, and with several pretty waterfalls, of which this is one,
and here it is in flow.			This is another pretty cascade, just a bit further on,
and just below is this fall, which is called Tom Gill waterfall.			Not far away the path arrives at Yew Tree Tarn, this photo from the southern end.
This is from its western edge looking straight across to the east.			This one is from the eastern edge looking north west, where Holme Fell is in the background.
Seeing the place is called Yew Tree Tarn, I was looking for the yew trees. I didn't see many, just these few at the south end. Then it was back past Tom Gill waterfall to Tarn Hows, and make for home.			At the start of the week it looked doubtful that I would walk every day, but with the knee bandaged, and with a stick providing extra support, the show did indeed go on, they never actually had to carry me home.