Tue 11 Mar 2014
 |
| Kentmere valley from Hallow Bank |
Yes, another sunny
day with little wind. Off to Kentmere. The place where people have parked their
cars for decades was taken up by sheep-feeding troughs, but I managed to get
my car, the first one there, off the road. I set off up the track to start the
climb to Shipman Knotts, but felt concerned about the car and decided to go and
see the farmer. I met a young chap on a quad cycle and he said it was ok.
I decided to go up by Hallow Bank, rather than turn back for the other route.
It was a real effort, perhaps because I was using the newer rucsack, and it was
too heavy with unnecessary items, or maybe the sun was too warm and the chilblains on my right foot weren't helping!
 |
| A lovely terrace with a great view |
 |
| Calfhowe Crag across the valley |
I made it to the
ladder stile and took my energy drink. I continued, slowly, with little effort,
to the summit of Kentmere Pike and then set off for Harter Fell.
 |
| The summit trig column is on the other side of the wall |
 |
| The path to Nan Bield which omits Harter Fell |
changed my mind
half way, and took instead the low path on the left which leads to the ridge above Nan Bield Pass. I had my lunch on the fellside in the sunshine.
 |
| Ill Bell and Froswick from my lunch spot |
Later, on the way down
to Nan Bield, I met several people ascending and chatted with a couple, one of
whom used to live in Kentmere.
 |
| Summit of Harter Fell from the path to Nan Bield Pass |
 |
| Mardale Ill Bell from path to Nan Bield |
I tried an unknown
path just above Nan Bield on Mardale Ill Bell, but it petered out and I dropped
back down and started the descent into Kentmere valley.
 |
| Nan Bield Pass |
This track is
probably the best preserved zig-zag path in the entire district, with no
evidence of anyone having tried to make short cuts. AW considered it to be the best of the Lakeland passes. Along the path below
I began to feel tired and stopped for a rest and to eat my remaining food.
After that I found my legs were aching and my feet were hurting even on the
gentle donward gradient. Curses!
 |
| Old grafiti by the path on The Tongue |
Belatedly I realised I hadn't drunk my fruit
'smoothie' so stopped for about five minutes. It was like a miracle, as I
refound enough energy to carry on back to the car - but it was tiring and I'd had
enough walking when I reached it. What is happening to me?
I had a chat with a walker and his wife who had overtaken me when I was feeling shattered. He will be 75 in a few weeks and has about seven tops to visit to complete the
Wainwrights. He will then feel 'qualified', he said, to join the Wainwright
Society!
