An extended walk over to and along the Catbells Terrace path,
returning via the lakeside
We didn't take lunch so a slight diversion at the end was an
added climax to the walk on this beautiful day.
A starter for ten . . . the view of Skiddaw from the Knoble
Knott layby on the Whinlatter Road . . . it was really stunning
today.
We drove over to Portinscale and parked on the
outskirts of the village.
We would have parked in the area where the logs
are but the Lake District Planners banned it as a Park and Ride
spot, or even a simple parking area.
The same applied to the field below Catbells.
Until they provide a viable alternative, they'll just
have to accept people parking on the roads.
|
|
|
|
We walked
up the woodland path through Fawe Park Woods. |
Almost a temperate rainforest
with all that mossy growth. |
There's a good path up and over the hill and
down towards Lingholm.
Too close to the start of the walk and too
early for lunch . . . so we venture on.
Lingholm has a "Pack of Alpacas" in
the field adjacent to the main house.
They look like a cross between a giraffe, a
horse and a curly haired Leicester Sheep . . .
but in fact they are their own species who's
ancestral home is the South American Andes Mountains.
The woodland walk continues on, following the
Cumbria Way and Allerdale Ramble walk route through the woods.
In the clearing behind Derwent Bay we gain views
of Rowling End and the shapely Causey Pike.
Ahead, across the field, is the start of the
climb to Catbells.
Loes holds the gate as we enter the woods near
Hawse End.
Recent storm damage has left a few obstacles
to negotiate.
The path comes out at the hairpin bends below
the Skelgill Bank and just up the road is the start of the Catbells
climb.
The beige roadside sign was advertising the
"Lake District Coffee Kart" offering light refreshments
and drinks to weary visitors.
- - - o o o - - -
We briefly join the road
and head up past the cattle grid.
At the top of the bends the road heads off round
the next corner
towards Manesty and Grange Village.
We take the path that quickly leaves the road
and climb up onto the side of the fell.
- - - o o o - - -
|
|
|
|
Even when only 50 feet above the road, we start
to get our first long distance views of the walk.
As forecasted, the sun came out and the colours
looking across to Skiddaw were beautiful.
Likewise, it was also a lovely view looking
over to Blencathra and Walla Crag.
Looking into the low winter sun was a little
more awkward . . . but not impossible.
St Herbert's Isle and the diminutive Otterbield
Island are clear to see as we walk along.
Amazingly a picture with no other walkers, though
there were plenty about, but I remember the outline of the Catbells
summit
was adorned with little stick men (women and
children) all climbing to the top or passing each other on the
way down.
Some of them had probably parked down on the
road below.
We continued along the Terrace path, which was
probably created originally as a mine track.
Occasionally signs of spoil heaps and possible
mine entrances could be seen close by.
Half way along, the path dips to the road above
Brandlehow Bay.
We're in shadow of a passing cloud but Troutdale
and the Grange fells stand out in the sunshine.
Kings How and Great End complete the picture
at the top of the valley.
Lodore Hotel can be seen on the opposite shore,
but it is the house on Brandlehow Point that stands out today.
We'll leave the Terrace here, cross the road
and take the path down to the lake shore.
The bare stone scree points to lead mining and
the white sign on the fence posts confirms the existence of
quarries and broken ground.
|
|
|
|
These workings
are the remains of the Brandlehow Mines. |
The grass area below
was the site of the mine buildings and main shaft. |
- - - o o o - - -
Ian Tyler in his book on Lake District Mines
mentioned that this was a large and productive lead mine working
down to 75 fathoms (450ft), way below the
level of the lake. Water ingress was always
a problem and with the lack of surface water power, the mine
had to use steam power to keep the mine clear.
The smart cottage nearby was the Mine Manager's
house and between it and the shore there was the site of the
substantial engine shaft and wheel.
There was also a subterranean salt water spring,
which gave its name to one of the seven mine levels below ground.
The the mine eventually closed in 1891.
- - - o o o - - -
The path follows the valley down to the lakeside.
We're down on the beach in Brandlehow Bay.
The edge of the extensive spoil heap from the
mine can be seen behind the tree on the right.
The dogs were enjoying a swim . . . but they
were not my dogs for a change !
|
- - - o o o - - -
Always a classic view of Derwent Water
looking down the length of one of the boat landing
stages.
Normally it is a picture of the one near the road
at the Ashness Bridge road junction.
This one, however, is Brandlehow Pier
looking across to Walla Crag, Falcon Crag
and Bleaberry Fell.
- - - o o o - - -
|
|
|
The Derwent Launch must be doing a winter service.
It appeared from Portinscale Direction and slowed
for the pier, but didn't stop due to lack of people needing
to get on or off.
We walk on, reaching the lesser known Wythesike
Bay.
Storm damage again, this time to a Scotts Pine
on the lake shore.
Two plastic boxes adjacent to the path are probably
people counters . . .
. . . so they know how many people would be
sad at the disappearance of the "Wooden Hands" Sculpture
that used to be close by.
It marked 100 years since the handing over of
Old Brandlehow Woods, to become the first National Trust Property
open to the public.
The plaque is still there. Hopefully they
will find something to replace the decayed artwork that used
to exist.
The Victoria Bay landing stage, with a long
distance view of Skiddaw and Blencathra across the lake.
After Hawes End we re-enter the woods, passing
the same obstacles, but this time on the way back.
It seems Loes could get a job as official gate opener
!
|
- - - o o o - - -
As we reached the Alpaca field I noticed this sign.
It will be most helpful for those that don't know
the difference
between Alpacas and Lamas . . .
It implies don't feed them, whatever they are !
- - - o o o - - -
|
|
|
On the other side of the sign were . . . people
feeding the Alpacas !
But these folk were on an official 'Alpaca Walking
Experience' and had been give the right food for the animals
by the Lingholm staff.
You can pass a notice about a tearoom once .
. . but surely not twice.
Consequently we diverted through the grounds
and headed across to the Lingholm Kitchen Tearooms.
Major drainage work is underway in the grounds
but the cafe is open and very busy this Saturday afternoon.
From our outdoor table, where we indulged in
a late lunch of soup and thick sour-dough bread,
we looked over the Walled Garden below the veranda.
Their garden is looking a bit more organised
than mine . . . there's kale, sprouts and new season onions
in view.
The net over the whole garden area is to keep
out the birds.
One of the signboards within the garden.
After lunch we continued on, taking the woodland
path passing Fawe Park House, its Lodge and gardens behind
the tall fence.
Round the corner is the Nichol End Marina
and another cafe with outdoor seating also on offer.
The Marina backs onto the Portinscale Road,
so it was just a short walk up the hill back
to the car at the end of our walk today.
- - - o o o - - -