Date: Friday 28th April 2023
Company: Myself and Ann-Marie
Distance: 9.6km, Ascent: 545m
Time: 2Hrs 50Mins
We set off at 4.15am this morning en-route to the Lake District. Shortly after 10am, on arriving in Cumbria, I took a small diversion hoping to see a Hooded Merganser which had been seen during the past week in a Cumbrian tarn. Was pleased to find it was still there, albeit distant. A beautiful species I had not seen previously
.Hooded Merganser:
After taking photos of the Hooded Merganser, I drove to Mardale Head for an ascent of Branstree and Selside Pike.
From the free car park at the road end we set off walking along the track leading to Gatescarth Pass.
Route:
The ascent to Gatescarth Pass was straight-forward via a good track.
Looking towards Harter Fell from Mardale Head:
Branstree:
As I progressed towards Gatescarth Pass, I was overtaken by a fit lass. I am normally quite fast but she left me standing. I must be getting old
.Ascent to Gatescarth Pass:
On reaching the top of Gatescarth Pass we commenced our ascent of Branstree via a grassy track.
Branstree from Gatescarth Pass:
Looking back towards Gatescarth Pass:
It didn't take long to reach the top of Branstree the summit of which is allegedly 80 metres from the fence junction and is featureless.
At the summit of Branstree:
From the summit of Branstree we then made for Selside Pike via the NE Top of Branstree.
One of two large cairns near summit of Branstree:
The NE Top of Branstree has a strange pillar on it. Not sure when or why it was built.
Pillar on NE Top of Branstree:
Lochans and pillar on NE Top of Branstree:
From the NE Top of Branstree, it didn't take long to reach the summit of Selside Pike.
At the summit of Selside Pike:
Stone shelter on Selside Pike:
Swindale:
The highlight of the walk by far was the descent from Selside Pike to Haweswater Reservoir. The descent provides fantastic views of this beautiful reservoir.
Haweswater Reservoir:
Looking down to Haweswater Reservoir:
Descent towards Haweswater Reservoir:
Haweswater Reservoir during walk back along the road:
Nice reflections on Haweswater Reservoir:
After completing the walk, we continued on to our accommodation for the weekend before heading out again for an evening at RSPB Leighton Moss. The Great Crested Grebes were the highlight of this visit to the reserve.
Great Crested Grebe:
Great Crested Grebes:
Great to be back in the Lakes
.