24th May 2017 - Binsey then Crummock Water
Walk Details
Distance walked: 1.5 miles for Binsey and 4.5 miles for Crummock Water
Total ascent: 588 ft for Binsey and 400 ft for Crummock Water
OS map used: OL4 - The English Lakes, Northwestern area
Time taken: 1 hr for Binsey and 3 hrs for Crummock Water
Route description: Binsey Lodge-Binsey-Binsey Lodge. Loweswater-Highpark-Low Ling Crag-Highpark-Loweswater
A mid-week break from the high fells today to see friends in Loweswater who are fellow members of the Online Fellwalking Club. I contacted Roger and Ann (who live in Loweswater and have their own website, Loweswatercam) last week and asked if they were free at all while I was up there. Wednesday afternoon was good so I planned my week accordingly. I joined the Online Fellwalking Club in 2011 and I've had the pleasure of visiting Roger and Ann at their home a few times since. The last occasion was in September 2015. Time passes too quickly, I must try and see them more often. Jo, a fellow club member was in the area as well so we all met up after lunch. The weather had improved when I arrived from my morning walk up Binsey but while sat having several cups of tea in their back garden the low cloud came back in again. With this happening we decided on a low-level walk to Low Ling Crag on Crummock Water and back. In all there were seven of us. Me, Roger, Ann, their dogs Harry and Dylan, and Jo and her dog Amber. Sometimes it doesn't require a lot of effort to enjoy spectacular scenery, today was a case in point. The weather improved markedly at the end of the afternoon to give fantastic views across an almost mirror calm Crummock Water.
From Roger and Ann's home we took the footpath that goes across fields to the lane to Park Bridge. We then made our way to Highpark for the path down to Crummock Water. The lake-shore path was then followed to Low Ling Crag. Our route of return was the reverse except for visiting the beach near The Peel.
Total ascent: 588 ft for Binsey and 400 ft for Crummock Water
OS map used: OL4 - The English Lakes, Northwestern area
Time taken: 1 hr for Binsey and 3 hrs for Crummock Water
Route description: Binsey Lodge-Binsey-Binsey Lodge. Loweswater-Highpark-Low Ling Crag-Highpark-Loweswater
A mid-week break from the high fells today to see friends in Loweswater who are fellow members of the Online Fellwalking Club. I contacted Roger and Ann (who live in Loweswater and have their own website, Loweswatercam) last week and asked if they were free at all while I was up there. Wednesday afternoon was good so I planned my week accordingly. I joined the Online Fellwalking Club in 2011 and I've had the pleasure of visiting Roger and Ann at their home a few times since. The last occasion was in September 2015. Time passes too quickly, I must try and see them more often. Jo, a fellow club member was in the area as well so we all met up after lunch. The weather had improved when I arrived from my morning walk up Binsey but while sat having several cups of tea in their back garden the low cloud came back in again. With this happening we decided on a low-level walk to Low Ling Crag on Crummock Water and back. In all there were seven of us. Me, Roger, Ann, their dogs Harry and Dylan, and Jo and her dog Amber. Sometimes it doesn't require a lot of effort to enjoy spectacular scenery, today was a case in point. The weather improved markedly at the end of the afternoon to give fantastic views across an almost mirror calm Crummock Water.
From Roger and Ann's home we took the footpath that goes across fields to the lane to Park Bridge. We then made our way to Highpark for the path down to Crummock Water. The lake-shore path was then followed to Low Ling Crag. Our route of return was the reverse except for visiting the beach near The Peel.
Route map
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The trig point and tumulus on the summit of Binsey
The low cloud is meaning that the view isn't up to much today. Looking northeast to Ireby and Uldale.
Over Water and the Uldale Fells under cloud
I can't see much of Skiddaw
A bit of Bassenthwaite Lake and although my camera doesn't show it very well, some of the fells further inland were clear of cloud
Heading back down to Binsey Lodge
Three hours later and after enjoying several cups of tea sat in the sun in the back garden of Roger and Ann's home we're finally off. The plan is to walk to Low Ling Crag on Crummock Water and back. Introductions are needed; Ann on the left, then Jo and me on the right with Roger behind the camera.
On the way to Crummock Water past High Park. Cloud is sitting low on Grasmoor but Rannerdale Knotts is clear in the distance.
Looking across a buttercup filled field to Lanthwaite Wood
Making our way down to the lake-shore path..
Rannerdale Knotts makes an imposing backdrop
Ahead we spotted a cormorant drying his wings on the Iron Stone. I managed to get close enough to zoom in and take a shot but having a camera with interchangeable lenses means that I can't zoom in by that much. I cropped this photo to make the one below. As we drew nearer he flew off but it was great to see.
The hawthorn is putting on a great display this year. There was plenty to see on this walk. What's the saying? Ne'er cast a clout till May be out. It's out and I definitely cast my clout this week.
Another group shot, this time with Roger on the left and Ann behind the camera
As we approach Low Ling Crag the cloud is showing signs of breaking up around the head of Buttermere..
On the gravelly south shore of Low Ling Crag looking to Fleetwith Pike and Haystacks at the head of Buttermere
In the other direction and it's very gloomy
As we return to Loweswater the weather improves. The cloud is melting away from the summits of High Stile and Red Pike on the right.
We've kept to the lower path on the way back and it's taking us through damp ground covered in cotton grass. This is something I'm used to seeing on the moors I'm familiar with.
We've reached the beach at the northwestern corner of Crummock Water and it's a beautiful end to the afternoon. The cloud is continuing to melt away, the wind has dropped so that the lake is almost mirror calm and it's lovely and warm. That fleece I set off with is now an inconvenience.
Glorious scenery. It was proving difficult to move on despite a cream tea waiting for us.
Reflected Whiteside and Grasmoor
It's a shame to have to leave..
Lanthwaite Wood backed by Whiteside
One last group shot. The cloud has disappeared from the high fells in this one.
A fantastic combination of buttercups and hawthorn in these last two photos from the meadows behind Gillerthwaite and Roger and Ann's cottage..
Enjoying a Loweswater cream tea. Definitely worth the wait.