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------ ---High Level Borrowdale




High Level Borrowdale 28 Apr-1 May
with Diane P & Sylvia


28th April

In the garden at the Langstrath Inn.The weekend started, as weekends often do at Borrowdale, with a wonderful meal at the Langstrath Inn and tales of epic journeys to reach this isolated valley.

The distance is well worth the effort to experience the isolation of the tiny hamlet of Stonethwaite.

After a very brief discussion of the days ahead it was early to bed to prepare for the promised three days high level walking.




29th April

Setting off for Glaramara.The dawn chorus signalled the start of a beautiful day. Glaramara and Allen Crags were our objectives for the day.

A break on the way up Glaramara.




After a hearty breakfast we set off from Stonethwaite towards Rosthwaite Fell.

Looking back to Derwent Water from the way up Glaramara.

The path towards Glaramara cuts underneath the rocky out crop of this fell, rising steadily towards the summit with fine views back to Derwent Water and Borrowdale.

A break near the top of Glaramara.

Unbelievably there was snow lying just below the summit.

When we arrived at the top we were very surprised to meet a large party of Americans, who were friendly enough, if not a little loud.

On the summit of Glaramara.

We stopped to rest and refresh here with beautiful views over the langdales, Coniston fells, towards Scafell and the Buttermere fells.

On the summit of Glaramara.


The Americans then became our walking companions for the rest of the journey towards Allen crags, our next stop.

On Allen Crags.


View toward the Langdale Pikes from Allen Crags.






Heading down the Grains Gill path.


However we soon parted company as we headed down Grains gill towards Stockley bridge and they (amazingly given the relatively late time of day) headed off to Scafell Pike.

Grains Gill - lovely pools along the way.

The weather was unseasonably warm and this could explain a party of tattooed lads doing what can only be described as frolicking in the river. Not the usual visitor to the lakes but they were enjoying themselves!

Tea at Seathwaite Farm.

At Seathwaite we stopped for the obligatory tea and cake (this was to become the theme for the weekend). Then we headed back to Stonethwaite for another top meal at the Langstrath.




30th April

Seathwaite Farm again.A high level weekend in Borrowdale - so what else could today hold in store but Scafell Pike?!

Lambs in the fields.




Unfortunately the weather was not as favourable as the previous day, but we hoped that the forecast rain would hold out until the evening, which it did.

Setting off for Stockley Bridge.

We drove to Seathwaite Farm to avoid the mile along the road to the start of our walk.

Group photo at Stockley Bridge.



From Stockley Bridge we headed up to Styhead Tarn - a popular area for visitors and wild camping.

On the way up to Styhead Tarn.

A break near Styhead Tarn.







Standing with the path to Wasdale Head in the background.


From here we could see the Corridor Route path wending its way towards the summit, although this was still out of view. Below us was the path down to Wasdale.

1st lunch break along the Corridor Route.

It was here that our Jane (the GP) mightily embarrassed her daughter by explaining how to use the 'she wee' (as seen on TV).

This amazing device allows women to go to the toilet standing up. After must discussion most of decided that we were happy squatting. But maybe it will catch on…

Mist on the summit of Scafell Pike.

The cloud was moving in and out tempting us with possible views from the summit, but as we moved closer the cloud came down and stayed down.

Heading back down the Corridor Route.


Again there were still patches of snow around the summit. We all felt elated getting there, but didn't stop too long as it was really cold and busy.

Heading down the Corridor Route.

We decided to have our second lunch stop further down on the corridor route over looking Sty Head Tarn.

Walking back to Seathwaite.


From here we reversed our journey, stopping for tea in Seathwaite again.

Dinner at the Langstrath Inn.


Thank goodness they have plenty of choices of cake. A splendid day out on the hill!




1st May

Setting out on the last day - group photo in front of the Langstrath.With what looked like the good weather behind us, we started the day with clouds and light rain.

Setting off up to Dock Tarn.




At Willy Grass Gill.



As many of the women had long journeys back and it was Bank Holiday Monday, we decided to explore closer to home today.

Zigzagging up steeply through the oak woods.

We walked up the steep path to Dock tarn above Stonethwaite to visit the tea shop in Watendlath (I said it was a theme for the weekend!)

Dock Tarn.

Alison, a very accomplished woman who has done all the Wainwrights, pointed out that we were going to pass underneath one, Great Crag, so we decided to summit that en route.

Dock Tarn.


On Great Crag.





It provided wonderful views of striking Eagle Crag, the Greenup valley towards Greenup Edge, across Borrowdale towards the Honister Pass, and our walk up Glaramara from Saturday.

Diane P on the way down to Watendlath.

We walked down to Watendlath hamlet for more fabulous tea and cake, then took the track back towards Rosthwaite.

Walking down the bridle path to Rosthwaite.


Here we parted company with half the group returning to nearby Stonethwaite along the Cumbria Way, and the rest of us continued on through Rosthwaite towards Castle crag.

On the way to Castle Crag (behind).

We were blessed with better weather in the afternoon.

Tea in Rosthwaite at the end of the day.



We now did what can only be described as a 'bimble' down from Castle crag towards Grange, returning along the river - via yet another tea shop in Rosthwaite (I know it really doesn't sound like one of my high level walks!!)

By the time we left the Lakes at 5pm, we found that most of the holiday traffic had left and we had a trouble free journey home.



Women's Feedback

"A very enjoyable high level holiday. Diane was a very good and relaxed leader, who let the group pretty much carry on at their own individual pace and speed. The walks were all really good and I really enjoyed Glaramara & Allen Crags. Two lovely long days, which is just what I really like" Debbie

"A good weekend and the weather was kind, which always helps. I was nervous as to whether I would slow the group down - never having been on a High Level holiday before - I knew I was capable of walking the distance and achieving the peaks just not sure on the speed. I was pleased with my own level of fitness and those women who were capable of walking at a faster speed were tolerant of the main group, which was a well balanced group of women who appeared to get on well. It was great that Diane was prepared to extend the last day for those not wanting or needing to rush away".

"Lovely holiday, great group, just the right amount of walking and difficulty of walks. Stretched me but was achievable. It was a lovely place to stay with just the right amount of socialising. The guide was also very good and really looked after everyone. All great fun - definitely a success…I will come again". Katy

"I soon became aware that I would have been more suited to an intermediate group but the whole group helped me and I really achieved everything. The Great Wall of China should be a doddle now!" Jane


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