Route: High Spy and Maiden Moor
Area: North Western Lake District
Date of walk: 9th July 2013
Walkers: Andrew and James
Distance: 7.5 miles
Ascent: 2,200 feet
We parked just outside the lovely village of Grange and walked up the quiet lane to Manesty. A good path runs up the fellside, with wonderful views over Derwent Water
It was hard going though – another swelteringly hot day – and this made an otherwise easy ascent quite a struggle. We eventually reached Maiden Moor and walked along its flat top towards High Spy in the distance
The climb up to High Spy was straightforward, and from the summit cairn there were some great views
We then made our way down via a disused quarry, before joining the beautiful path back to Grange
It had been the fifth great walk in as many days – what a good run we’re having, and long may it continue
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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James sets off from Grange on the lane to Manesty
I spy High Spy
From the path up to Hause Gate, looking back over Borrowdale
Derwent Water
Me, trying to look as though I’m not out of breath
The path runs along the flanks of Maiden Moor and is easy (though not in this heat)
We finally reach the ridge line, and a view of Newlands Valley opens up on the other side
Looking back over Catbells towards Skiddaw
On Maiden Moor looking towards High Spy
Dale Head and Hindscarth
Newlands Valley
On Maiden Moor, looking forward to our next objective - High Spy
The insignificant summit cairn on Maiden Moor, easy to miss as the main path bypasses it
Looking back over Maiden Moor, Skiddaw and Blencathra in the background
The boy
The summit of High Spy
Dale Head, looking very impressive
The start of the descent
We pass through a disused quarry, which covers a large area of the fellside
One of the several caves which form part of the quarrying works
Back down to Borrowdale
We had our picnic here, underneath Castle Crag and looking over Derwent Water
High Spy and Maiden Moor from the lane back to Grange
We arrive back in Grange, hot but happy
A slight detour to see the River Derwent, to look back up to High Spy - and to buy an ice cream
