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 were later away this morning as I had an appointment at my doctors for my 4 weekly blood test. I had been hoping to go further north but in the event we ended up parked up in a lay-by on the A591 just north of the Swan Hotel. There is still a parking restriction (2 hours) sign in place at the lay-by but I am never sure as to whether or not it is policed. I have parked there a number of times over the years without any problems but don't blame me if you are not so lucky. The walk starts properly from behinnd the Swan Hotel and it is fairly steep in places going up to Alcock Tarn. Because of the heat my breathing was more laboured than usual and stops were frequent. However this was all forgotten as we had our butties overlooking the beautiful Vale of Grasmere. our descent was on the well trodden path to How Top and then to Grasmere.

Seat Sandal from where we parked.

Helm Crag.

Helm Crag again, this time from near the Swan Hotel.

The Swan. From here we follow the lane opposite.

Sorry, but it does feature quite a lot. Helm Crag and Steel Fell as we walked up the lane.

After a short while we took this path on the right which ascends with a rather dry looking Greenhead Gill on the right.

At the top of the lane and through the gate you have a choice, left for Stone Arthur or right for Alcock Tarn. Either way is going to be warm work today.

Below us the Thirlmere Aqueduct crosses the gill.

It was really warm now and I was feeling it, my neck was already giving me gyp.

Fortunately there are many reasons for stopping. Here Wetherlam and Swirl How show behind Silver How.

Looking into Green Burn with Helm Crag centre and Steel Fell to the right

I can see the car in the lay-by!!

Looking across Greenhead Gill towards Stone Arthur

Another shot from near the tarn

Alcock Tarn...It was originally a natural tarn named Butter Crags Tarn, until the late 19th century when Mr Alcock of The Hollins in Grasmere enlarged the tarn by means of a small stone & earth dam to create a trout lake.

Not a bad view from our "buttie stop"

The tarn from its south end as we start our descent

Flying the flag on Grey Crag.

Following the well trodden path down

We made our way down to Grasmere

Dove Cottage

Seat Sandal and Stone Arthur from Grasmere

The village was really quite busy although it doesn't seem so in this picture

The Gingerbread shop

Mmmmm......that's more like it

And finally......Seat Sandal as we walk back to the car.

Next Walk:     19th June 2010 - Lake District - Hampsfell & Cartmel  

Last Walk:      16th June 2010 - Lake District - School Knott & Grandsire from Cleabarrow

Back to Walks Index

Home

Do you have a Facebook or Twitter account. We post regular updates on both. Just click on either of the links below.

We hope you have enjoyed viewing this walk. If you have any comments please sign our Guestbook or E_Mail us.

Argos UK Shopping