Autumn 2012 with KR Guided Walks

Strange old weather this Autumn.  We've had some beautiful days but unpredictable with wonderful sunshine interspersed with wind and rain.  Here are a few high lights some of which I will put on in more detail later.

from Catbells ridge across Derwentwater to Blencathra in the distance

A glorious morning on Catbells with superb lighting for photos both down to Dewentwater and into the Newlands Valley

Across Newlands Valley to Ard Crags and Causey Pike

One of the windiest days I've been out in - over 50mph on Ard Crags. Joan and Margaret were both bracing themselves against the wind and moments later Margaret's hat made off into the distance never to be seen again!








Another day of glorious skies! Walking from Portinscale a great 12 mile circuit took in Rowling End, Causey Pike, Scar Crags, Sail, Crag Hill and Wandope. A steep descent via Wandope's east ridge enabled us to return by Rigg Beck and back along by Newlands Beck.  By the way this footpath is now open again after long awaited repairs following the 2009 floods.

from Walla Crag looking across Derwentwater to Maiden Moor

 Last weekend a tinge of autumn colour was in the trees but within a few days the beech trees in particular were becoming a glorious sight

from Catbells terrace - lavely colours but no sun

Grasmoor - a recce

Jen enjoying the ridge

My daughter was staying earlier in July and since I have a KR walk up Grasmoor on 13th August we decided to recce a route up it that I haven't done for at least 10 years - the west ridge from Lanthwaite Green by Crummock Water.  I remembered it as being a scramble and wasn't sure whether it would be suitable for a group.

looking down to Crummock Water - we came up the ridge on the right

In fact it was a lovely route with any scrambling easily avoidable and even our friend Tim who is not at all keen on scrambling thoroughly enjoyed it. The start looks rather intimidating with steep grass and then scree; in practice the steep grass is short and the scree is avoidable on little paths up through the heather and you soon reach a delightful heathery ridge with little rocky steps.  In no time it seems you step up onto sheep mown grass and stroll gently to the top.

Tim, Jen & Skye on the top with Red Pike behind

Although when we started the tops were in cloud by the time we reached the summit everything was clear and the views were superb. After lunch we continued over Crag Hill, Sail and Outerside down toBraithwaite to catch the bus back to Keswick.

view over Whiteless Pike to Buttermere with Scafells behind

from the other end of the plateau over Grisedale Pike to Skiddaw & Blencathra

By the way Podgy Paws, the pet shop in Keswick are running a competition of photos of your dogs on Wainrights so go on their website to send in your photos