Date: Wednesday 25th December 2024
Company: Myself and Ann-Marie
Distance: 3.4km, Ascent: 272m
Time: 1Hr 23Mins
A nice short walk today following a drive from home to the Lakes. We opted to ascend my lowest remaining Marilyn as the forecast was not wonderful and we are both somewhat unfit having not been out of the hills in recent months. Thanks to Ann-Marie for driving.
Arriving to undertake this walk on christmas morning had the benefit of available free parking. We parked just off the road next to the church before walking along the road towards the Patterdale Hotel.
Route:
On reaching the Patterdale Hotel we entered the car park and took the path towards Arnison Crag which starts from behind the hotel.
Patterdale Hotel:
Start of track behind Patterdale Hotel:
As with most of the Lakeland fells, there was a good path to follow. The weather was significantly better than had been forecast by both the MetOffice and MWIS.
Lower slopes of Arnison Crag:
During the ascent, I stopped several times to take photos of the great view looking back towards Ullswater.
Looking back towards Ullswater:
Ascending Arnison Crag:
Looking back during ascent:
As the forecast suggested low cloud, I did not expect to be able to see the Helvellyn range. I have ascended Helvellyn three times previously.
Looking across to the Helvellyn range:
Fine views back towards Ullswater:
The ascent passed quickly as Arnison Crag, at 433m, is not a high fell.
Summit of Arnison Crag coming into view:
During the ascent, I stopped to say 'hello' to a Herdwick. It had a cough, a bit like myself, with a respiratory infection I've had for a number of weeks that just won't shift.
Hello sheep:
Up through the rocks:
Alas, as we approached the summit, we entered a bank of low cloud.
Into the mist:
Small summit cairn atop the tor:
After visiting the summit cairn we commenced our descent. In typical fashion, the mist cleared within a few minutes of departing the summit.
Looking back to summit:
Ann-Marie descending a short rocky section:
Looking towards my final three Eastern Wainwrights:
It was nice to have a Wainwright completely to ourselves with no other walkers encountered during the ascent or descent. That does not happen often in the Lakes. I suspect most were getting ready to tuck into Christmas Dinner.
Church:
37 Wainwrights remaining. I hope to ascend a few more on this trip. Having just retired from work, I hope to get back out walking more, arthritis permitting.