A Grasmere Walk

We were ready for a change of scenary, so decided on a walk in the Grasmere area. Blea Rigg and Silver How were our objectives as we had never been climbed these two modest summits before. Modest in height they may be, but not in the views they deliver. Views of the Helvelyn and Fairfield ranges, down over Grasmere Rydal and Windermere to Ingleborough and down into Lancashire. To the southwest, the Coniston fells, to the west, the whole of the Langdale range.

We left the village of Grasmere behind us and walked up through the grounds of Allan Bank, once the home of William Wordsworth and also at a later time, Canon Rawnsley.

Helm Crag from the path as it leaves Allan Bank

Up onto the fell. The beautiful drystone walls throughout the Lake District are incredible constructions. Mile after mile of beautiful stonework. They can easily be overlooked (literally) but are a monument to the men who spent their working lives out on the fells, laying stone after stone. Most of them date back to the time of The Enclosure Acts of the early nineteenth century. On this wall, the former gate post appears to have been reused to cap off the wall.

As the path leads out onto the open fell there is a large group of Juniper bushes, with wonderful contorted shapes, sculpted by the weather of many years.

Looking back over the Grasmere valley towards Fairfield and Seat Sandal.

Out over Loughrigg towards Windermere. Elterwater is visible on the right hand side.

The lakes of Grasmere and Rydal.

Irene on the summit of Silver How.

The whole of Great Langdale, from Pike O'Blisco, Crinkle Crags, Bowfell and The Pikes.

Bowfell and Langdale Pikes.

And back to Grasmere for a welcome cup of coffee.