I had two hills in mind today. My first hill of the day, Dent (Long Barrow), was ascended purely because it was en-route to Ravenglass. My main objective of the day was Muncaster Fell, using an "interesting" mode of transport to allow for a traverse from Eskdale Green to Ravenglass.
For my ascent of Dent, I parked in the small car park at the road-end (no parking charges).
Hill: Dent (Long Barrow)
Date: Friday 10th April 2015
Company: Just myself
Distance: 5.1km, Ascent: 210m
Time: 1Hr 15Mins
Click here to see a map of the route undertaken
The initial track towards Dent is a high-quality track. It was busy today with numerous dog walkers.
Excellent track from Uldale and Dent car park:
Looking back along the track:
After walking a few hundred metres, I had the option of continuing along the excellent track or taking a track leading up into the forest. I opted to take the forest track. The air was full of birdsong as I made my way up through the forest.
Sun rays in the forest track:
Once out of the forest the ascent to the summit of Dent (Long Barrow) was straight-forward.
Ascending Dent (Long Barrow):
As I was in no particular hurry today, I decided to continue on from Dent (Long Barrow) out to Dent.
Cairn next to the summit of Dent (Long Barrow):
Looking down to Egremont:
The summit of Dent has a much larger cairn than the actual summit. I assume many ascend Dent from Cleator Moor. The flag at the summit reminded me that I was abroad
.
At the summit of Dent with Cleator Moor beyond:
From Dent, I returned to Dent (Long Barrow) and then made my way down to the excellent track which I followed back to the car. I then drove to Ravenglass where I checked into my accommodation and parked up. I then walked from my accommodation to the Ravenglass railway station.
Hill: Muncaster Fell (Hooker Crag)
Date: Friday 10th April 2015
Company: Just myself
Distance: 9.7km, Ascent: 280m
Time: 2Hrs 35Mins
Click here to see a map of the route undertaken
I used the Ravenglass and Eskdale steam train to take me from Ravenglass to Irton Road Station. This allowed me to walk back to Ravenglass via a complete traverse of Muncaster Fell. The cost of a single from Ravenglass to Irton Road Station was only £4.40.
The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway is the longest and oldest narrow gauge railway in the Lake District National Park. It is known locally as La'al Ratty.
'Northern Rock' Steam train:
The train journey was excellent; a real bargain at less than £5! I sat in the open coach from which I took numerous photos.
On the steam train heading for Irton Road Station:
Looking towards Muncaster Fell from the train:
On reaching Irton Road Station I disembarked from the train. Irton Road Station is a request stop; I had to advise in advance that I would be getting off here.
Off the train at Irton Road Station:
From the station, I set off along the Forest How Bridleway. It was good to see so many birdboxes on the trees at Forest How. From the bridleway, I took the public footpath leading up towards Muncaster Fell (Silver Knott). Silver Knott is the 174m top.
Looking towards Muncaster Fell (Silver Knott) during initial ascent:
Looking towards Muncaster Fell (Silver Knott) during initial ascent:
Looking down to Eskdale Green (zoom):
I left the main track to ascend to the summit of Silver Knott. I think this would be fairly unpleasant in summer due to bracken.
At the top of Muncaster Fell (Silver Knott):
Looking back to Muncaster Fell (Silver Knott):
Looking towards Whin Rigg and Illgill Head:
As I progressed towards the main summit, I met a couple with a young lad and dog. They were going very slowly.
Looking towards Muncaster Fell (Hooker Crag) from decorated tree:
I eventually reached the main summit visiting both the trig point and the actual summit (a rocky knoll 35m from trig).
At the trig point of Muncaster Fell (Hooker Crag):
Looking towards the trig point from the rocky knoll summit:
Looking back to Muncaster Fell (Hooker Crag):
There were several pairs of Greylag Geese on Muncaster Tarn; a nice wee 'lochan'.
Greylag Geese on Muncaster Tarn:
Muncaster Tarn:
During the walk out I got to within a few feet of a pheasant. A very common, very colourful bird.
Pheasant:
On reaching the A595, I walked a short distance along the pavement before heading into the ground of Muncaster Castle to follow the track leading back to Ravenglass.
Walking along the shore towards Ravenglass:
Boat near Ravenglass:
I walked back to my accommodation.
A special mention to the Inn at Ravenglass - Great Fish and Chips!