Walk Description

With a forecast promising good weather, I was pleased that I could have another weekend in the Lake District.  Today's walk started in the quiet Miterdale and took us straight to some of the best mountain views in the Lake District.  The cold temperatures meant that some of the wetter areas were frozen, which made crossing them easier.

We left Barrow about 7:30am hoping to get a some pictures of a good sunrise.  Unfortunately the sunrise was not as good as expected.  Instead of taking the Ulpha Road and crossing Birker Fell, we decided to use the slightly more popular Corney Fell Road in the hope that the roads conditions would be safer.  When we reached the cattle grid at Beckfoot, my eyes were drawn to the extremely white road and the dark tyre tracks.  I gritted my teeth (wishing that the road had been gritted), put the car into low gear and cautiously made my way up to the car park at the top of the fell road.  Here we stopped for a few photographs of the strange morning light.  I drove even more cautiously down to the main road.  I was extremely relieved once I got below the frost level.  From here it was easy driving to Eskdale Green, where we turned off for Miterdale. 
 
We left the car at the carpark just before the road bridge in Miterdale.  As we walked up the field to the entrance to Miterdale Forest we could see Great Bank glowing in the early morning sun.  Once we were in the forest we discovered the usual problem when navigating over Forestry Commisson land, namely that the tracks and paths on the ground do not correspond with the paths on the OS map.  We followed a track that seemed to be heading in the right direction and arrived at Hammer Pass, from here it wasn't far to out intended path.  We left the gloomy forest behind and walked out into the bright but cold sunshine on Irton Fell.  As we gained height, the views just got better and better.

I now started the long steady climb to the top of Whin Rigg.  After quite a few stops just to get my breath back I eventuially reached the summit of Whin Rigg and was really pleased to begin the gradual descent down to the samll tarns in the col before Illgill Head.  Although the sun was out , the wind was very cold and we searched for a sheltered spot for lunch.  Instead of following the main path straight to Illgill Head, I decided to follow the path that skirts the edge of the plateau and enjoy the views down the gullies to Wastwater.  By the time I caught up with Steve he was at the summit shelter on Illgill Head.  We stayed here a little while enjoying the majestic views.  It really was a fantatic view point.  All too soon it was time to leave.


We now made our own way down towards Burnmoor Tarn.  Steve decided to make a beeline for the tarn and at times we were paddling through the streams instead of following the drier path.  However thanks to waterproof boots and trousers we made it to Bulatt Bridge without getting wet.  From here the way was easier and we followed the path to Burnmoor Lodge.  We then picked up a small path that contoured along side the side of Boat How and eventually reached the proper path at Black Gill.  From here the walking was easier as we walked along the valley bottom towards Low Place Farm.  Just before we got to the farm there was a strange inscription on the wall "HOD REET FUR ESHDEL" 

When we reached the car it was all white and frozen.  The car park had been in the shade all day.  We changed our footwear and then got the heater going in the car.  The sun was nearly setting so we tried to get to Ravenglass in time to catch the sunset. Unfortuately we were a little late but we still mangaged to get some photographs of the burning sky.  It had been an enjoyable day and most of the ground I had covered had been entirely new.  Thanks to Steve for suggesting this walk.

 

Route & Planning

Details and Route Map

Photo Opportunities

Walk Profile

The route map shown here should not be used as a replacement for the appropriate map(s). Before attempting the walk you should check the suitability of this route in relation to your capabilities and experience.