Borrowdale, Walla Crag walk

Walla Crag

Route: Walla Crag

Area: Central Lake District

Date of walk: 16th October 2020

Walkers: Andrew 

Distance: 3.6 miles

Ascent: 1,000 feet

Weather: Overcast, some drizzle and rare patches of sun

It’s been over a year since I last visited one of my favourite fells, Walla Crag near Keswick

As on the last occasion, I parked in the National Trust car park at Great Wood and followed the footpath heading south along the wood. I ignored the first sign pointing to Walla Crag, which leads to the summit via a more circuitous route. I carried on a little further and arrived at the ominous sign ‘Cat Gill – very steep!’  

The Cat Gill path is indeed steep and rocky (and is much easier to ascend than descend) but there are no dangers. Hands aren’t needed and it provides a very quick way to the top. Much of the path is a rocky staircase, part man made and part natural. There are some attractive waterfalls along the way. Before long I arrived at Lady’s Rake from where it’s a short stroll to the summit. From here there are superb views over Derwent Water and to Bassenthwaite Lake beyond 

I retraced my steps to Lady’s Rake and then followed the path which leads up to Bleaberry Fell, but soon branched off that to walk above Falcon Crag in the direction of Borrowdale. There are lovely views into the valley from here, and this section coincided with a rare patch of good light. I descended gently to Ashness Bridge, a popular beauty spot, where I took the obligatory photo to add to the thousands that have been taken from here

This marked the start of the return leg and, from the bridge, I followed a path above the road and below Falcon Crag, with views over Derwent Water all the way. These were not well seen today thanks to grey skies and light rain. The path brought me back to Cat Gill and after crossing the footbridge I retraced my steps to the start

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