For those of you that are thinking of going onto the hills I would strongly recommend that you read the advice given by the Mountain Rescue organisation of England and Wales. To read this advice, which will open in a new page please click HERE. If you would like to make a donation to the Mountain Rescue organisation which is purely voluntary please click HERE. Please make the time to read the advice page.

We last did this walk on the 11th November 2009 on a beautiful day. However on that day there was a slight breeze and the reflections were patchy. The weathermen were predicting that today would be the best day of the year so far, fine and sunny with no wind so we decided it was time to try it again. The route followed the paths of our previous walk apart from a slight diversion at Portinscale due to flood damage.

Leaving the car at Great Wood we walked down to the shore to be met by the most fantastic reflections. Fron right to left Catbells, Maiden Moor and Dale Head.

The water was like glass and not a duck in sight.

The launches were not running, this one was bringing material to carry out repairs to the landing stage. The Skiddaw range made quite a good background.

Making our way to Barrow Bay

Looking through the Jaws of Borrowdale partly into the sun.

For no apparent reason the reflections here were not as good. Maybe there was some thin broken ice about.

From the Kettlewell car park the path leaves the waterside to pass through Lowcrag Wood and Lodore Wood.

Eventually emerging near the hotel where a short walk up the road takes you back on the path.

The footbridge over the River Derwent

There are a number of differences after the November '09 floods, here it is mainly shingle that as been deposited.

As we walk round the top of the lake Blencathra starts to appear from behind Walla Crag.

The paths here don't seem to have taken any harm from the floods

Blencathra and Walla Crag

The Skiddaws from Myrtle Bay

Walking through Manesty Park

Across Abbot's Bay to Brandlehow Point

The Warren

Brandlehow

Walking down to Brandlehow Bay

Blencathra

Brandlehow landing stage

Entrust

Landing stage near Old Brandlehow. The stsge decking was on the shore near me.

A snowy Clough Head, Calfhow Pike and Great Dodd

Skiddaw from the marina at Nichol End.

Unfortunately the cafe was still being refurbished so I missed out on Lakelands finest scones.

A short walk from the marina took us into Portinscale where the cafe was open and the mushroom soup was delicous.

A slight hiccup when we came to croaa the suspension bridge.....it was closed. This meant a short diversion along the River Derwent to Derwent Bridge.

It was the first time we had walked this section of path which was quite pleasant.

Walking towards Keswick from Derwent bridge gave this lovely view of the Helvellyn Dodds

Behind us and slightly into the sun the North Western fells

Keswick seemed a lot quieter than usual but there were a lot of road works restricting access to the town centre.

Skiddaw through the arch at Hope Park

A very quiet waterside.

Walla Crag from Friar Crag

The afternoon sun was interfering with pictures across the lake but I managed to get this looking up to the Jaws of Borrowdale

The Ruskin memorial at Friars Crag

Looking over to Walla Crag as we reach the final leg back to the car.

And finally....back to Great Wood

Next Walk:     6th March 2010 - Arnside & Silverdale AONB - Warton Crag & Leighton Moss

Last Walk:     2nd March 2010 - Lakes - Hampsfell

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