Lake District Guided Walks
At this time of year, more than ever the weather can be a bit mischievous. This can make getting out into the mountains more of a challenge and more will power is required. So what better than a short but engaging route to a major summit and all packed into around 7km, so very achievable in a morning / afternoon. If looking for a Lake District Guided Walk be sure to check out the walking page on this website, we'd love to help.
Setting out from Tilberthwaite, the parking area there was surprisingly busy, almost full in fact. There had been some torrential rain on my drive over from Ambleside, but thankfully this had abated. There were youngsters on school trips enjoying gorge scrambling in Tilberthwaite ghyll. November is late for this but it really isn't cold yet so why not. Next week we have bookings for Gorge Scrambling too 🙂
I followed the old quarry tracks that go high above the river before leading into Dry Cove Bottom - this is anything but a dry place, more like a giant bog! The striking profile of Steel Edge dominates the view ahead.
The route to it is steep. The initial section is a broad grassy ridge with some rock outcrops here and there, these can be tackled or avoided with ease. Soon rock becomes the dominant feature and I put the walking poles in the backpack. Hands on rock is always a good feeling and today was no different. The rock was damp today so I opted to follow the cleanest line of rock as this provides best traction along with plentiful hand holds.
It's an impressive setting and there is not another sole to be seen. I stop to take in the surroundings, Hen Crag is a dark, foreboding buttress slightly to the north. More of a winter venue, maybe one to come back to in March if the snow is still lingering.
The rock soon gives way to grass once more as the bulk of Wetherlam is joined. I turn north, aiming for the summit at 762m. The wind is making its presence felt by now and I'm glad of a pair of warming winter gloves. The north-east side of the summit provides shelter from the cooling wind and I take time to check the map.
My descent is via Wetherlam Edge to Birk Fell. This is rockier than I remembered, with hands being required on numerous occasions. I passed a group of walkers descending Wetherlam Edge, they were heading back to Little Langdale, so a little more off-piste than my route. From Birk Fell a good path leads back into Dry Cove Bottom and it is from here the valley is most impressive.
Only had rain for the first few minutes then dry all day. Cloud free on the summit with many surrounding summits also cloud free. The autumn colours are giving the mountains a whole new dimension, definitely the best time of year for colour. But it doesn't stay for long.
This is one of many guided walks we can offer. Short, long, high, or low level we can offer it all and are experienced at tailoring itineraries to suit. We have good availability for Lake District activities until the end of November. Get in touch if you're thinking of spending some time here.
Thanks for reading
Mark
