“No excuse is good enough for missing this easy walk, which is delightful throughout”
A Wainwright
The fells to the south east of Keswick offer a rewarding days walking, the ever popular viewpoint of Walla Crag leads to the summit of Bleaberry Fell and High Seat, before the route drops down to the often photographed Ashness Bridge before returning down to the shores of Derwentwater.
“This well known view has earned it's popularity not by it's extensiveness but by the variety and charm of many nearby features”
A Wainwright
Starting from the Great Wood Car Park near Keswick we will head up through the woods to Cat Gill, climbing the steep but good path alongside Cat Gill until the path turns to the north, above the treeline to the summit of Walla Crag.
The view from Walla Crag is exceptional, across Derwentwater to Catbells and the North Western Fells as well as north west over Keswick to Skiddaw and Bassenthwaite Lake.
From Walla Crag a good path leads to the south east climbing to the summit of Bleaberry Fell, a great viewpoint over Skiddaw and Blencathra to the north.
From Bleaberry Fell it's an easy ridge walk to the summit of High Seat, the highest point of the day.
The descent from High Seat is to the north west, dropping down alongside Ashness Gill and Barrow Beck to Ashness Bridge, a popular viewpoint and often seen on postcards of the Lake District.
From Ashness Bridge we take the terrace path back down to Cat Gill and back to the Great Wood Car Park.
Each participant will be required to bring suitable equipment for their chosen event, please see Kit List tab above.
Where to meet: Great Wood NT Car Park, Borrowdale
Postcode: CA12 5UR (Approx.)
Grid Reference: NY 271 214
Directions
From Keswick: Leave Keswick on the Borrowdale Road (from the mini roundabout near the co-op) Follow this road a short distacne until the Great Wood National Trust car park is seen on the left hand side.
Bus Services
Great Wood car park is well served by buses, the bus stop is at the entrance to the car park..
The 78 bus runs between Keswick and Honister, along the Borrowdale Valley.
Stagecoach bus timetables can be viewed here