Route: Crummock Water
Area: Western Lake District
Date of walk: 3rd May 2017
Walkers: Andrew
Distance: 2.9 miles
Weather: Sunny at start, then some light cloud
I parked in the small parking space at Church Bridge near the famous Kirkstile Inn, and followed the lane leading away from the inn towards Mellbreak, a fell which dominates the scene from here
On reaching the foot of Mellbreak I climbed up through the short firebreak in Flass Wood, and then turned left to follow a path across the top of the wood, gradually descending towards High Park. I then followed a path I’ve trodden many times before, and which offers wonderful views along Crummock Water towards Haystacks and Great Gable
I descended to the lake and followed the path along its shore as far as the pumping station, at which point I turned inland. I was pleased to see that the path beside Park Beck now seems to be open to walkers again – for a few months access was discouraged by a large padlock on the gate, and a diversion via Muncaster House was necessary (I must add that the diversion may be regarded as a bonus if time permits – the route is just as beautiful)
After following the path beside Park Beck I arrived at Low Park and from here walked back along the lane to the start. Summoning all my will power I managed to walk past the Kirkstile Inn without calling for the customary pint, but alas my time had run out. Anyone following this route is advised to factor this into their calculations
For other walks here, visit my Find Walks page and enter the name in the ‘Search site’ box
Click on the icon below for the route map (subscribers to OS Maps can view detailed maps of the route, visualise it in aerial 3D, and download the GPX file. Non-subscribers will see a base map)
Scroll down – or click on any photo to enlarge it and you can then view as a slideshow
On the way to the start of the walk I stopped the car at Foulsyke to admire the wonderful view to Crummock Water
Mellbreak, seen at the start of the walk
Looking back to the Kirkstile Inn
I was happy that a similar photo of mine was used in The Times a few days later
I follow the track towards the foot of Mellbreak
Looking across to Crummock Water
Whiteside and Grasmoor
Looking back to Low Fell
At the gate I leave the track to climb up a short fire break in Flass Wood
I follow a path along the top of the wood...
Crummock Water walk
We pass by Highpark
Looking back to Low Fell
Rannerdale Knotts as I reach the crest of the hill
Crummock Water, with Haystacks and Great Gable in the background
I follow the path beside the wall down to the lakeshore
Another view along the lake
I arrive at the shore and pass through the gate
Walking along the west shore of Crummock Water
Views to the head of the lake...
I follow a path around the peel
The boathouse on the far shore
I'll head inland shortly after passing by the pump house
Looking back to some old pines trees below Mellbreak
Heading away from the lake now...
I follow a path beside Park Beck
Park Beck...
Low Fell
Foot of Mellbreak beyond a collapsed dry stone wall
The path to Lowpark
I cross Park Bridge
The lane leading back to the start
St Bartholomew's Church Loweswater
The 'negative signpost' by the Kirkstile Inn
Church Bridge, and the end of a short but sweet walk
