Barrow walk - walks from Braithwaite - north west fells

Route: Barrow

Area: North Western Lake District

Date of walk: 24th March 2017

Walkers: Andrew

Distance: 4.8 miles

Weather: sun and blue skies

On Tuesday I’d been walking in a violent hailstorm, the next day brought torrential rain and sleet, and yesterday I was in deep snow, so it was a pleasant surprise to awake to sun and clear blue skies this morning. A perfect day, so much so that the Mountain Weather Information Service warned of a risk of sunburn

I parked in Braithwaite and at the edge of the village I joined the drive which leads up to and through Braithwaite Lodge, situated at the foot of Barrow. After yesterday’s exertions on Haystacks the climb up the nose of the fell was a walk in the park and before long I was at the top admiring the superb views of Skiddaw and too many fells to name

I’d been planning to carry on to Outerside but remembered that I’d followed that route only 3 months ago so, by way of a change, I descended to Stoneycroft Gill when I arrived at Barrow Door

On reaching the gill I followed the path which runs beside it, and then walked along the foot of Barrow from where there are some tremendous views across the valley. When I arrived at a patch of woodland on the left I climbed up to Braithwaite Lodge and retraced my steps to the end of a superb 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 before I set off this morning

After parking in Braithwaite I cross the bridge over Coledale Beck and follow the sign to Newlands

At the edge of the village I turn off the road to follow the track to Braithwaite Lodge

Looking back over Braithwaite to Skiddaw

Braithwaite Lodge and the nursery slopes of Barrow beyond

Looking back to Braithwaite Lodge at the start of the climb

The Skiddaw fells are well seen from Barrow

Onwards and upwards

Swinside and beyond it Clough Head. Derwent Water is between the two, but out of sight at this elevation

Skiddaw again

Newlands Valley, and Catbells on the left of the picture

Summit of Barrow ahead

Skiddaw and Keswick

Derwent Water

Derwent Water from the summit

Catbells

I’d planned to walk on to Outerside, right of picture, but decided instead to walk back via Newlands

Fame at last - I was recognised by regular followers of my site, Maurice and Eileen. Good to chat to you both and thanks for your kind words of support