“Surely all who have climbed Thornthwaite Crag will remember it in memory by it's remarkable 14-feet column, one of the most distinctive in Lakeland”
A Wainwright
The eastern skyline above Troutbeck, near Windermere, is a long ridge of dramatic pointed fells climbing to a high point at the northern end of the ridge, Thornthwaite Crag before dropping down to the col at Threshthwaite Mouth.
This route takes in all these summits, Yoke, Froswick and Ill Bell before climbing to Thornthwaite Crag and descending from Threshthwaite Mouth down by Trout Beck to return to the village of Troutbeck over Troutbeck Tongue.
“Ill Bell is one of the classic 'stations' for viewing Windermere”
A Wainwright
From Troutbeck we will climb east onto the Garburn Road, the old track climbing over the ridge to Kentmere, at the top of the Garburn Pass we will turn to the left climbing to the summit of Yoke.
From Yoke we will follow the ridge north over the wonderful summits of Ill Bell and Froswick, two fine conical mountains making a great ridge walk as we climb towards the summit of Thornthwaite Crag with it's distinctive Beacon, a 14 foot pillar of rock marking the summit of the fell.
A short steep descent from Thornthwaite Crag brings us down to Threshthwaite Mouth, the steep sided col linking Thornthwaite Crag to Cauldale Moor to the west.
From Threshthwaite Mouth we will descend south following Trout Beck as it descends towards the valley before climbing onto the long gentle ridge leading south to the summit of Troutbeck Tongue.
Each participant will be required to bring suitable equipment for their chosen event, please see Kit List tab above.
Where to meet: Troutbeck Church
Postcode: LA23 1PA
Grid Reference: NY 413 028
Directions
From Windermere / Ambleside: From the A591, between Windermere and Ambleside turn onto the A592, Patterdale Road, climbing north on this road until Troutbeck Church is seen to the left, we will meet outside the church.
Bus Services
A seasonal bus runs to Troutbeck through the summer months, stopping at the meet point.
The 508 bus runs between Windermere and Patterdale through the summer months.
Stagecoach bus timetables can be viewed here