Route: Portinscale Circular
Area: North Western Lake District
Date of walk: 11th March 2015
Walkers: Andrew
Distance: 6.3 miles
Weather: Overcast, some weak sun, rained at end
It was forecast to rain from mid morning, so I made an early start and parked on the roadside in the village of Portinscale. I walked along a track out of the village until I met the River Derwent, at which point I turned left to follow the riverbank. The Derwent would be my companion for the remainder of the outward leg of today’s walk
I walked across the flat fields between Derwent Water and Bassenthwaite and crossed the A591 when I reached Dancing Gate. I then followed the quiet lane to Applethwaite, which has wonderful views towards Derwent Water and the North Western Fells – this was a highlight of the walk
At Applethwaite I followed the route of the Allerdale Ramble, crossing over the suspension bridge to return to Portinscale. I was glad to have set off early as the weather forecast was spot on – just before the end of the walk it started to rain quite heavily, thankfully too late to spoil what had been an enjoyable ramble
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)
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Portinscale Suspension Bridge - I’ll be returning that way, but for now follow the river bank
The River Derwent
Flock of geese in front of Barrow and Causey Pike
Looking along the Derwent towards Skiddaw
Thornthwaite Forest on Dodd
Looking back to Barrow and Causey Pike
I follow the sign to Dancing Gate
Walking towards Dodd
Looking back to the North West Fells
I cross the Derwent via High Stock Bridge
Approaching Dancing Gate
A road section to Applethwaite - but it was a quiet lane and I only saw one car……
……and wasn’t troubled by speeding squirrels
There were wonderful views back to the North West Fells during this section of the walk
Derwent Water
Old cottage in Millbeck in Underskiddaw
The cottage, Millbeck Towers and Skiddaw
Ancient Millbeck Hall
Spring lambs
Primrose
Another view of Derwent Water and lots of fells as I approach Applethwaite
Back on footpaths now and on the way to Thrushwood
Causey Pike from Thrushwood - it started to rain at this point
Crosthwaite Church
The end of the walk as I cross over Portinscale Suspension Bridge back into the village
Back home, red squirrel using its tail as an umbrella
