Walk to the Merrick

Middle of the spring bank holiday and I gate crashed Grant my usual walking partner's spring bank walking holiday with his group of friends. By sheer coincidence we had chosen to stay at New England Bay, way down in the Rhins of Galloway and they were crossing to Newton Stewart. So a walk was arranged, the destination being The Merrick, highest point in the Galloway Forest. My first mistake of the day was to underestimate travelling time, only 42 miles but it took me over an hour and a quarter. Almost as long as it takes from home to the Lake District. Mysecond mistake was to leave my map tucked away in my rucksack in the back of teh Disco and I didn't have an atlas to hand. Third mistake was that I assumed I was going the right way but that assumption was based on a visit nearly ten years ago and once into the forest doubts started creeping in, Hansel and Gretel style. Fifteen minutes into the wood and all the trees seemed the same. I couldn't recognise anything, what a surprise! Just as I was thinking of turning around I came upon the 'postie' having his 'snap' food to southerners. Daring to disturb his solitude I was pleased to find out that he was quite happy to tell me the visitors centre was just around the next corner only about three minutes away. So I made it bang on time. Quick felicitations were exchanged and we moved on to park the cars up at the head of Glen Trool near to Robert the Bruce's stone. This spot commemorates Robert the Bruce's first battle with the English a battle, which he won and ever since gave rise the Scots wanting to fight the English at every opportunity. Needless to say we didn't stop to pay our respects.
From here there is a clearly marked and easy path heading due north to the fells folowing alongside the Buchan Burn. Our first real stop was at a place identified on the map as Culsharg. Plenty of forest clearing had been carried out here and had obviously opened up the views for the first time in a long period.


Culsharg Bothy

The weather was very good and almost warm by this point as we stopped to examine the bothy. Moving on a path heads into the woods and at this point as the path steepened it became noticeable that Grant's sojourn in the Lakes with regular walks was having a strange and pronounced effect on him. He began to race away up the hill and all we saw of him for some time was a bouncing backside, which wasn't really the most motivational object to urge us on.

An enforced rest period was forced upon us when Tony in attempting to find some relieve from the Scottish Lowland 'Mozzie' discovered that it is inadvisable to spray your 'Mozzie' repellent into your eyes.

Tony diluting the 'Mozzie' repellent

Very shortly we broke out of the woods with a very clear crushed stone path leading up to the slopes of Benyellary, (2360'). A halt was called with a stop beside a stone wall and a pleasant sit in the sun, which was almost the end of the convivial walking party's spirits. The stop was so restful that Walt refused to leave his resting place and like a little child outside the toyshop watched us walk away up the hill. The age old game of will he follow us or will he go back to sleep was spoilt by the rest of the party not really giving a toss. Eventually his nerve gave and he followed on.

The view over Glen Trool to Muldonach

The Merrick from Benyellary

A steady trod with much chat brought us to the summit of Benyellary which opened up views of the Merrick in the distance. Although some way away the nature of the gentle rolling hills in this area meant that we made short work of one and a half miles to the summ
it of the Merrick. (2762)






A large circular shelter on the top provided welcome respite as the temperature had dropped significantly. The views from the summit were spectacular and created much discussion and argument as to what we were actually looking at at any one point. Arran was spotted with general agreement of being able to see Goat Fell. It took some time to work out the Lake District locations until we reckoned that we were looking into the rounded fells at the back of Skiddaw and the rounded fells above Workington some 56 miles away but the view across Galloway and out to sea to Ireland was breathtaking.

The view to Arran












From the summit we made our way down the Redstone Rig, I love the names used in this area, The Rig of Jarkness and the Rig of Gloom, to Loch Enoch. This is reported to be one of the first lochs to show evidence of acid rain. Whatever happened to acid rain as an environmental issue. A book written in 1929 talks about trout taken with what would now be recognised as the effects of acidification. Adding some weight to the argument that much of the acid rain effects came as a result of the pollution caused by the industrialisation in the 19th century and was already well established by the 20th century.



Setting off down Redstone Rig





From Loch Enoch we worked a route out that joined up again with the Buchan Burn and brought us back to Culsharg Bothy. This was much easier written about than done as footpaths on the map constantly disappeared on the ground. The ground was very boggy under foot and the whole route required close navigation. I wished that we had gone round by Loch Neldriken and visited Murder Hole, what that name does for the imagination.
On arriving back at the cars the minute we started to divest our walking garments we were attacked by a vicious and huge swarm of Mozzies, that forced everyone to dive for cover and set off, so the walk finished without the usual pleasantries and they didn't even tell me what pub they intended to stop off at.

Back of Skiddaw

Back of Skiddaw

A planned meeting with walking partner, Grant to knock of the two Wainwright’s that I had missed on my last trip to the Back o’ Skiddaw. Picked him up off the bus in Keswick and shot straight out to Binsey. I had told him that there was no way anyone else would want to go out to Binsey and I am sure he would not find any public transport to take him there. Personally I can’t understand why Wainwright included Binsey in his guide, possibly because it was there and for no other reason. Surprisingly the parking space was full with just space for one more on the end. A very quick and easy walk up to the summit which, was unfortunately lacking in the good views north, due to the un-seasonal warm weather haze. A prompt turn around and back down the hill like the veritable Duke’s men.





Grant at Binsey with no view





Back in the car and round to Longlands for the walk proper. We were amazed to find the parking space at Longland’s was full as well. Using the ability of the Discovery I managed to park on some rougher ground. I always argued that you could still find quiet spaces to walk in the Lake District but I am seriously doubting that there any quiet spots any more.

Trusmaddor Gap and Great Cock Up

We set off on route for Trusmadoor and immediately missed the path but with no harm done, we just made the height quicker. The route remained clear and the gap of Trusmadoor quickly came into view. A debate was then held about tackling Great Cock Up from the gap or from the north. This seemed another version of the old ‘it seemed a good idea at the time’ and we eventually dropped it. Although it looked as though there would be a stiff climb from the gap the route actually went around the back and gently climbed to the summit of Great Cock Up.

View to Bakestall

Kira with Skiddaw in background

Back down to the gap and Grant made for the direct line up to Meal Fell. This is a new slant Grant going for the direct route and me opting for the less direct. Grant is getting fitter by the week.

An easy track led up to Little Sca fell and from there an easy walk down to Brae fell. The scenery in this area looking northwards is very different to the more rugged areas of the southern parts of the Lake District but the interest comes from the deeply cut river valleys. These are more reminiscent of the Pennine areas than the Lake District.

The weather is very good for this time of the year and the fells are surprisingly dry. Last time I was walking between Sca Fell and Brae Fell the area in between was very wet underfoot. We also enjoyed a leisurely rest on Brae Fell in warm sunshine, now that is a new experience, generally we are shooting off the tops to get out of the wind.

From Brae Fell we headed back due south to cut across to Lowthwaite Fell and on over to Longlands Fell. At Grant’s behest we took the direct route of due west straight back down to Longlands. His regular walking on in the Lakes is not only increasing his fitness but is also affecting his enthusiasm for the head on approach to the fells.

7.2 miles 4 hours 30 minutes

Maiden Moor with the little dog

Low Manesty to Maiden Moor via Nitting Haws

Second walk of the 2007 caravanning season. A late afternoon leg stretcher from the Low Manesty site. An earlier visit to the shop at Rosthwaite for the Sunday papers had identified a mass invasion of tourists. Grange in Borrowdale was solid with cars parked almost up to the camp site. Hordes seemed to be heading off towards Castle Crag demonstrating the power of television. I enjoyed the Wainwright Walks series but if this is the effect that it is going to have "please no more".

I decided to reprise my walk up to Maiden Moor. The route up via Nitting Haws was empty last year, it is short enough to do in the mid-afternoon and just long enough to loosen the limbs for some more serious walking. I left at 2.30 in glorious conditions travelling light and with Kira.

The path towards Hollows Farm with Castle Crag in the centre


Being a true disciple of Wainwright a key feature that affects my enjoyment of any particular walk is a complete lack of any other wallkers. Very selfish I know and pretty damn difficult in the Lake District at the start of the Easter hols but the first part of the walk boded well. Only one other person on the permissive footpath towards Hollows Farm and after slowing for a friendly exchange of pleasantries I swiftly left him behind. However, I passed a further three couples coming down the route from the summit, all following similar routes, Cat Bells Maiden Moor and down. One couple had gone up to Dale Head and back. Never mind, they were all descending and apart from a short stop to pass the time of day they were all quickly passed.
A steady climb to the summit and conditions remained perfect all the way. This route has a short but very interesting section as it passes under Nitting Haws with good views of Derwentwater and Hollows Farm down below.

Derwentwater to Blencathra

Views were spoilt by an unseasonable amount of

haze not the clarity expected for early spring. A super stroll along the crest which is much underrated. No one ever extols the virtues of Maiden Moor but the views are extensive in all directions with clear views of the Hindscarth and Robinson ridges. Ard Crags Causey Pike and round to Skiddaw Blencathra. It certainly gives the views from Bowfell a run for their money.

Derwent Water from the start of the Path down between Cat Bells and Maiden Moor

Kira was let off the lead once on the summit and I could see in all distances. I am no less likely to catch her up here but it doesn’t seem such a forlorn hope as when I am climbing up the hill. She behaved very well running in long ranging circles but never getting too far away and always coming back. A couple of birds enticed her out of sight but she quickly returned.

I have religiously followed the general advice to walk with stout boots but on this occasion opted to walk in a pair of Karrimor KSB's, not much more than trainers if the truth were told. However, I felt that the decision to walk in light KSB’s was certainly beneficial with a much freer feeling when walking and I also felt much more sure footed. At least until descending to Hause Gate below Cat Bells. I felt every rock through the soles of the shoes. A very quick descent was made down the well made surface, thirty minutes from the hause to the gates of the campsite.

4.2 miles 2hours forty five minutes.

Hodge Close to the Brittania (Elterwater that is.)

The popularity of the rambles for members of the Wigan Behaviour Support Team has a great deal with routes that are chosen by myself, or so I like to think. The fact that I engineer the walk to include a lunch time halt at a hostelry rather than behind a windswept cairn may or may not have some part to play. I leave that to others to decide. This walk on the 10th March was well attended as usual and commenced with people turning up in dribs and drabs at Hodge Close quarry near Coniston. The weather was somewhat inclement, so much so that nobody seemed to want to get out of their cars to greet each other. Fair weather walkers indeed!!


All was not as it seemed though, they quickly responded to shouts that it was time get going and briskly piled out of their cars looking ready for the Walk.
Marion had complained that the first word in my directions was "Up" so I changed them to "Across the car park" but within fifty yards we were going up.










Hodge Close Quarry




The great thing about doing Holme Fell from Hodge Close is that there is only four hundred and fifty of ascent and it should only take half an hour before you reach the top of the most wonderful small summit in the area with terrific views, 10.45 a.m. we'll be their by 11.30 p.m. easily. So it took us an hour to the top but "hey ho" no problems, the rain had stopped and everyone thought it was a wonderful summit.





Debs meets the country










The view from Holme Fell


















Requests for a coffee break were airily waived aside as was Maggie's third time of asking "How far have we got to go?" as we set off again only to be stopped as the grassy path turned into a rather steep downward scrabble. Noticing the rather worried looks on some faces as Grant turned round and begin to act like some latter day version of Edward Whimper, I found an alternative route of the back of Holme Fell.







The Behaviour Support Team showed off their supportive prowess by helping each other down. At the bottom Pat asked when we were stopping for coffee and I used the old technique of waving vaguely in the distance and saying "up there somewhere".





At this point the whole group lost it's grip on time the fifteen minutes it should have taken from leaving Holme fell to the coffee stop turned into an hour. Even I needed Pat's wonderful rations, which included in no particular order, coffee, brownies and a tot of rum. And then it started to rain again.
The route carried on across the top of the land between Holme Fell and Oxen Park and was generally easy walking with continually good views. No route indicated on the OS maps but a very clear path on the ground.
On the road at Oxen Park decisions had to be made as it had now reached 1.30 p.m. doubts began to creep into my mind as to whether we would reach a pub today, so the direct route was chosen. Well nearly direct as I could not bring myself to walk along a road in the Lake District like all those other people who walk in Cagoules, never waterproofs with rucksacks so small that they could only hold a hanky and one round off sandwiches in greaseproof paper. With such wonderful scenery, why do so many of these people walk along tarmac roads? and why do they wear woolen hats in winter spring and summer?



There were few complaints from this section as the footpaths either side of the A593 were all down hill to Skelwith. Even though the pace was picking up I was beginning to have panic attacks that we were never going to arrive at a pub at all. We decided to postpone the Brittania and head straight for the Talbot Bar at the Skelwith Hotel. As I crossed the car park I literally broke into a trot, the bar appeared to be in darkness. I ran to the window and sticking my nose to the window and cupping my hands round my eyes I stared through the glass straight at a couple sat two feet on the other side staring in a very perplexed fashion at me staring at them. It was then that Grant pointed at the opening hours "Winter times" "Saturday Close at 2.30 p.m. and it it was now 2.20. Thus we were forced back on track to our original objective.
The final walk up up the Brathay and past Eltermere is very pleasant but also very busy, this is definitely a hot spot for walkers but timing is everything and on arriving at the Brittania nearly two and a half hours beyond my planned arrival time we found the pub nearly empty! The backroom was completely empty but was quickly colonised, kitty arranged and the first round on the table before everyone had got into the bar. (If only the walking was so efficient.) The fire was on the atmosphere cosy and it took great effort to leave.
Grant was now the one twitching, there was only an hour to finish the walk, get back to Windermere for him to settle in to watch United and Middlesborough in FA quarter finals. (Fat chance).
Our route took us up past the woods and down to Wilson Place, I think Grant may have been toying with the idea of a diversion to the Three Shire to see if they had a television on but we decided Lakeland pubs just don't go in for big screen football. Down to Stang End it was then and in double quick time back along the road to Hodge Close. And still everyone had a great time and enjoyed the walk tremendously. The only problem now was that everyone's evening plans were going to be extremely delayed and United drew 2 all with Middlesborough.

Helvellyn by Way of Willie Wife Moor

Saturday 17th February 2007

This was a very impromptu walk having looked at the forecast on the previous day it didn't look good. So a tentative arrangement was made for an early weather check the next morning. Saturday morning and evidence of a glorious day so we set off. Walks are chosen for many reasons, a new challenge, a recommendation, an old favourite. This one was chosen on the notion that the name "Willie Wife Moor" intrigued us no greater reason.
We stopped by the splendid old fashioned AA phone box in a lay by at the south end of Dunmail Raise. Kira, my daughter's Springer was joining us so we set off over the fence into the field.


The start off the ascent towards "Willie Wife Moor" with perfect conditions for a February.












The ascent provided some great views north towards Thirlmere and later views on to Skiddaw.










The route proved to be somewhat of a trudge beyond the initial stage with lots of 'tussocky' boggy ground reminiscent of walking on little use Scottish fells. We soon reached the lower path from Dollywagon to Nethermost, just as the mist began to come in... The lack of any sheep gave me confidence to let Kira off the lead. This is the start of her fell walking career and she showed great promise. Despite a phenonemal amount of energy she never strayed far and came back when call, even with the lure of other dogs or big snow banks to play in.


This picture is to prove that Kira can sit still, for a bit anyway.

Striding Edge

Helvellyn was quickly achieved and sported the usual array of tourists, someday I may come here when no one else does but I am not sure when, Christmas Day perhaps.
Grant showed some degree of anticipation on the final section. This was due to me telling him that the conditions were perfect for seeing a 'Broken spectre'. He said that he had never yet seen one and I in an element of one-upmanship said that I had seen three, all of them from the summit of Helvellyn. Whilst we were sat at the summit shelter or more accurately the shelter just down from the summit an elderly gent was waylayin passers by and directing them to the edge. This turned out to have no nefarious intent but he was obviously the self-appointed broken spectre guide, ensuring no one missed this erie spectacle. Grant was made up to see and photograph his first BS. Two further sitings were made to recall the old joke that broken spectres were like London buses, you never see one and then etc etc.

It was at this point in the walk that decisions needed to be made. We had set with no thoughts other than to get up Willie Wife Moor, at the summit of Helvelyn out only real alternatives were to retrace our steps. Until in the impromptu nature of the day I suggested that we continue, eventually reaching Thirlspot where if time permitted we could partake of refreshment at the King's and then do something quite quaint. catch the bus back. This idea met with sufficient enthusiasm from Grant to march on.

Hello!!

Having decided to enter the world of Blogs' my only real area of interest that I feel up to sharing is my love of walking. So this is a trial effort to see how I get on.
It will probablly end up having a crazy chronology, as I will start with my most recent walk, adding new walks as I do them but also include old favourites as I see fit.

So on with first walk...