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A logical approach would be up Grisedale from Patterdale but I parked at the top of Dunmail Raise to show my green credentials as it involved a 12 mile return car trip instead of a 40 mile one. This is a shorter approach to Ruthwaite Lodge but it does involve an extra 1300 feet of ascent during the day. I always find Raise Beck a quick and pleasant way into the mountains and it seemed no time at all before I reached Grisedale Tarn and started the descent to Ruthwaite Lodge. The roof of this bothy is in sad need of repair. From the lodge I walked up the right side of the Tongue until a grassy line of weakness led to a steep grassy gully which brought me to the apex of the tongue. A faint path then meandered in and out of rocky outcrops and led me easily to Dollywaggon Pike summit. No problems with this route - I can't understand why it isn't more popular. Easy walking leads to the summit plateau of Nethermost Pike with views down to Hard Tarn where I planned to have lunch as it was windy on the tops. The East Ridge of Nethermost Pike is a nice set of rocky "dragon's teeth" at the start and is convex so it gets steeper as you descend. No harder than Swirral Edge - just as it looks to be getting a bit too steep a way off to the right leads down a scree slope and a traverse can be made to Hard Tarn - almost as small as Foxes Tarn. We had lunch in warm sunshine and then followed a beck easily back to Ruthwaite Lodge. ANOTHER good unfrequented route - why don't people do it more often? No problems unless you don't enjoy walking without meeting anyone. Then back up to Grisedale Tarn where I decided to walk around the south side this time and join the traverse path below Seat Sandal back to Raise Beck. At the outfall of the tarn there is a shallow ford which was alive with baby fish - Polly was bemused then excited but she couldn't catch them. Very dark in colour and about two inches long - anyone any ideas what species they were? Descending Raise Beck is as easy as ascending - it really is a nice route. 8.5 miles in just under 6 hours including stops. 3900 ft of ascent of which 1300 feet is accounted for by me having to descend to Ruthwaite Lodge and then reascend at the end of the circuit. A smashing circuit - probably better done from Patterdale but still very enjoyable - do it soon! Enjoy the pics as much as I enjoyed the walk. http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/560084317RGlLkv |
