Lakes, part six

Our last day here in the Lakes, and we decided to go to some hot spots that I hadn't visited before, and also maybe do a low level walk before going home. The car was all packed, but we left the boots etc within easy reach. First 'tick' was Ashness bridge - probably the most photographed bridge in the Lakes. If the weather is good, the view behind it is STUNNING. Today, it was a bit so-so, due to the low cloud, but still lovely.

 On the road to Ashness, there is a break in the trees, and you are afforded what is called 'the secret view'. This is it. Again, if only that cloud wasn't so low.

The top of Derwentwater and the fells, the sun was JUST starting to break through.

Cat Bells.

After that, we decided we HAD to visit 'Watendlath', as that was the name of our cabin. Sue has been here before, but I hadn't. You got to it via a single track road  about 3 miles long, with passing places, - it must be a NIGHTMARE in the summer! At the end of the road, why was I not surprised to see the ubiquitous cark park, where the MINIMUM charge to stop is £3:70! Needless to say, I wasn't going to pay that much for ten minutes of photographs. This is the tarn at Watendlath.

 Many walks start from here, so it's very popular. The words 'fish' and 'bucket' come to mind.

 On the way back, I snapped this stone that the road passes. Not much chance of widening the road, and yet small lorries have to negotiate it to deliver gas to the farm at the end of the track.

Next we visited the Bowder Stone (car park, minimum £3:70). Victorians had, for some reason, decided to put a staircase to the top of it. It's VERY slippery up there as the rock has been well-polished by countless numbers of feet. The view wasn't bad though.

 After that, we drove towards Grassmere, intending to walk around the lake, but the weather had improved so much, we pulled up in a lay-by, booted up and set off 'up'ards'!

This cottage stands alone with a cracking view. Amazingly, it dates back to 1577!!

 Now things were REALLY improving, and the layers started to peel off as the heat got to us. Also, we were about to start to climb in earnest.

Here we go then, Sue - knees in chest!

There was our goal - Helm Crag. This was one place I'd been before, as it's on the coast-to-coast route. It's only a little 'un at 405 metres, but it's quite famous. Read more here; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helm_Crag

The 'Lion and the Lamb' is clearly visible on the road approach, but you don't get the correct aspect on this climb.