Route: Barrow
Area: North Western Lake District
Date of walk: 13th March 2015
Walkers: Andrew
Distance: 3.7 miles
Weather: Grey skies with some weak sun
Although Barrow is a relatively small fell at a height of 1,494 feet, it is set in a wonderful position ‘overlooking a scene as fair as any in the kingdom’ in the words of Alfred Wainwright. The weather was insipid but I was full of anticipation as I parked the car in the village of Braithwaite
I crossed the small bridge over Coledale Beck and at the edge of the viilage I joined the track leading up to Braithwaite Lodge. Beyond the lodge I was soon on open fellside, following the line of the ridge to the top of Barrow
The higher fells were covered in snow, and their tops were in the cloud, so Barrow was a good choice today. The views were fantastic, despite the overcast skies. I descended to Barrow Door and was intending to go on to Outerside, but found myself half way up Stile End instead – a silly mistake, especially since I’ve been up here on several occasions. I could have retraced my steps but decided to content myself with Barrow, a worthwhile objective in itself
From Stile End I made the easy descent back down to Braithwaite, with lovely views of the Skiddaw fells ahead of me all the way – a great little walk
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
Red squirrel in the garden the day before the walk
Next morning, the rain had stopped at last and I’m in Braithwaite, crossing over Coledale Beck
I leave the road to take the track up to Braithwaite Lodge
Braithwaite Lodge ahead
Looking back over Braithwaite
The track passes between the outbuildings of the lodge before reaching the fellside
This small signpost marks the start of the climb up the fell
Looking across to Swinside, which has had a haircut
A view back down the path to Braithwaite, with Bassenthwaite beyond
Derwent Water and Catbells
Newlands Valley
Derwent Water
An unnamed pass, about half way along the ridge
Looking back towards the Skiddaw fells
Another view back from slightly higher up, this time with Keswick in the picture
Approaching the summit of Barrow
Summit of Barrow, with Causey Pike looking very imposing in the background
The insignificant summit cairn on Barrow, looking into Coledale
Looking back towards the Skiddaw fells
Outerside, with the path to Stile End on the right
Start of the descent from Stile End
Heading back down to Braithwaite
An easy descent, with this view ahead all the way down
Looking back up to Causey Pike and the start of the ravine enclosing Barrow Gill
A short detour to the right is needed to see the ravine properly
A dramatic sight - Barrow Gill
Approaching Braithwaite
Skiddaw in the clouds
Back in Braithwaite
It just remains to cross over the bridge and I’m almost back to the start
