Walk Description

An early morning start saw Steve and me leaving Barrow for Loweswater, kindly driven by Paul.  We arrived at the Kirkstile Inn approx 10.30am and decided to have a cup or two of coffee so as to have civilised start to the day’s walk.  Eventually we had to leave the warmth of the open fire and join the others in heading out for our walk up Mellbreak.  Although it was a chilly grey day, we all set off with great enthusiasm.

Mellbreak loomed steeply in front of us as we set off to ascend the steep north face.  The wind was biting but we didn’t notice this, due to the heat produced by our straining muscles.  Although the ascent looked daunting we quickly gained height.  At times the path came a little too close to the edge for comfort and I was glad to reach the more level sections.  The higher we climbed the more expansive became the views.  Gradually we began see more and more of the Solway wind farm and even some of the distant peaks in Scotland.

We gathered around the cairn on the north top and admired the distant snowy Helvellyn and closer to us the white capped Grasmoor and Red Pike.  We then descended to the somewhat boggy col and made our way to the higher south top.   Here Ed produced the champagne for the obilgatory toast.  After many photographs, we made our way to a slightly more sheltered spot where we had a leisurely lunch.
We then made our way down towards Scales Force.  Despite feeling rather nervous at times, Roger helped me to climb up to the bottom of the main fall.  There was certainly plenty of water coming down.

 We then headed back alongside Crummock Water, enjoying backward glances at the classic views of Fleetwith Pike at the head of Buttermere. Towards the end of Crummock Water the path started to ascend, this slight incline made itself felt and we were all glad to reach the Kirkstile Inn.

That evening we all reassembled to enjoy a fine meal and a good chat about the day’s walk.  Eventually we made our weary way back to Barrow and ours beds.