THE LOWESWATER LOOP - 13.9.09


1. MELLBREEAK & CRUMMOCK WATER 2. AFTERNOON SUNSHINE ON GRASMOOR AND CRUMMOCK WATER

Not many days can be described as perfect but this mid-September offering was as near as dammit especially after the succession of wet dismal weeks that we called summer this year. Only six plus able leader Barrie took advantage of the superb conditions in this interesting traverse of three lowly though fine Wainwrights. It was good to welcome Rosemary (plus pacer poles) back for part of the walk and note how well she is recovering from her recent hip replacement. The other grizzled group members were nicely leavened by the welcome addition of two visitors of the (much) fairer sex.

Sunshine was in abundance from the get-go and fine reflections on Crummock Water made for a leisurely start with plenty of photographic opportunities. Eventually loins were girded for the first ascent up Mellbreak’s stern northern prow. Never as bad as it looks, the first then second summits were soon reached allowing the first of many short stops to admire this quiet corner of Lakeland on its best behaviour. Dropping into Mosedale we r/ved with Rosemary, who had walked round the lakeside, and headed towards Loweswater passing the Kirkstile Inn with barely a second glance.

An interesting sashay past High Nook farm to join an elevated terrace above the lake was interrupted by a lunch spot to-die-forunderneath Burnbank Fell. Sadly an extended stay to sunbathe was interdicted by our stern leader who insisted wisely that progression should be made down to the northern tip of Loweswater. Tourists here in abundance were soon abandoned as we climbed onto the Mosser road before a stiff ascent onto Darling (!?) Fell. This fine little ridge was then traversed in both directions to gain the twin ticks of Fellbarrow and Low Fell.

After an extended spell to satiate visual appetites we reluctantly left the panorama over Crummock and Buttermere and descended steeply to bottom out at the Kirkstile again where refreshments were enjoyed in warm afternoon sunshine. The Secretary was also able to indulge his peculiar pastime and visited the depths of nearby Loweswater Beck. Eventually everyone was satisfied and a return was made to the adjacent chariot park where Barrie was congratulated on his choice of day and route.

1. ON MELLBREAK 2. LUNCHTIME ABOVE LOWESWATER 3. A HAPPY LEADER !! 4. UP WE GO 5. ON FELLBARROW 6. ON LOW FELL 7. VIEW FROM LOW FELL