Catstycam

Catstycam

Eastern Lake District

Route:  Catstycam and Birkhouse Moor

Area: Eastern Lake District

Date of walk: 21st March 2013

Walkers: Andrew

Distance: 8.1 miles

Ascent: 3,100 feet

I parked on the roadside in the centre of Glenridding (free until Easter), and left the village via Greenside Road. There was plenty of snow even at quite low levels, and I soon had to put the spikes on. I followed Red Tarn Beck as far as Red Tarn then turned uphill to join Swirral Edge, which leads to the summit of Catstycam

It was a real struggle getting to the top – deep snow, a very strong wind and bitterly cold. It was about -20C with the wind chill. I came back down the same way and then went across to the Hole in the Wall. The dry stone wall, about 5 feet high, was completely covered by snow in parts, and the driving wind made the otherwide easy walk to Birkhouse Moor quite arduous. I then came back down via Mires Beck

Despite the serious conditions, it was a wonderful walk with plenty of snow and blue skies, and some fantastic views

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