Monsal Dale + Millers Dale 20/07/2017

The original plan was to get up at stupid o clock and drive to Cumbria. However, I didn't fancy the drive and opted for a local walk. I had to wait until mid day for the rain to clear, but it was worth the wait. This was a new walk for me the first leg being the familiar walk along the river Wye in Monsal Dale.

Before the path crosses the A6 I took the signposted right hand turn to Brushfield. This was a lovely climb through the woods up the side of the valley. From there the path winds past a farm at the top of the valley, and then turns left on a good path that leads to the hamlet of Brushfield. At the end of the hamlet is a signposted right hand turn to Millers Dale. At Top farm it isn't clear which side of the farm the footpath goes....after trial and error it turns out to be the right hand side.

The path from there is a lovely high level walk along the top of High Dale with some fantastic views. I came across a troop of Duke of Edinburgh award youngsters looking for directions. It turns out they were heading in exactly the opposite direction they needed (Tideswell).

From there the path descends to the Monsal Trail cycle track, and then down to Litton Mill. The last leg of the walk was a delightful walk along Miller's Dale, Cressbrook Mill, back onto the cycle track and then back to the Viaduct and Monsal Head. 

A lovely walk which I will definitely do again

OS OL 24 about 6.5 miles

Gowbarrow Fell, Hartsop above How 1st July 2017

Arrived at Aira Force NT car park around mid day. Weather clear and hot.

I decided on a there and back route to allow Meg maximum opportunity to cool down in the beck on the way up and down.

We were soon at the top enjoying a bite to eat and the glorious views.

Ullswater

Gowbarrow top

Helvellyn

A lovely short walk to start the weekend. About 4 miles.

I then drove int Glenridding and booked a pitch at Gillside campsite. After setting up camp and a brew, we jumped back into the car and drove the short distance to Bridgend (Deepdale Bridge). There was room for a few cars in the car park near the start of the walk. 

We then had a lovely there and back again walk along the ridge to Hartsop above How

On the way up

Hartsop above How summit

Angletarn Pikes

Kirkstone Pass

Wet Dog

An excellent end to the day. About 6 Miles OS OL5 (Wainwright # 148)