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.

A virtually cloudless sky when we arose meant a hurried breakfast and then into the car for the Northern Lake District. We arrived in the Newlands Valley near Uzzicar Farm just as the last of the overnight valley cloud was disappearing and we were soon on our way up the old mine track alongside Stonycroft Gill. We left this track shortly after the gill and path swung SW'ly to take a path skirting around Stile End to Barrow Door and then to the summit of Barrow itself. Up to this point we had only seen people in the distance but as we descended towards Braithwaite we met lots walking up from there. I had planned to descend to Braithwaite for refreshments and then make our way back along the valley bottom following Newlands Beck but the long descent off Barrow set my right knee off and we doubled back from near Braithwaite Lodage above the trees to the car.

Route Map

We left the car on a roadside lay-by on the Newlands valley road near Uzzicar farm. The valley mist was just burning off as we prepared to set off.

Our initial path was an old mine track alongside Stonycroft Gill of which AW says "This old mine road is almost too good to be true. It is well graded still very distinct and passes within a quarter-mile of the summit of Outerside"

A peek down at Stonycroft as we pass by.

It's quite warm already as we have a look back to the Skiddaw Fells and the remnants of the valley mist.

As we round a corner on the track the familiar knobble-like shape of Causey Pike comes into view.

Partly into the morning sun a look back over a still mist-covered Derwent Water to Walla Crag with the Dodds behind.

The track may be easily graded but it's warm and my stops become more frequent as Outerside comes into view.

Another look back into the light

Looking down into the Gill as we gain a little more height.

There had been a couple of paths heading up the south end of Barrow, this one with its own cairn. It's far better to gain some more height on the miners track though, those lads knew what they were doing!!

Not far now.

As the Gill and the path start to turn SW'ly towards High Moss we are looking for our path to Barrow.

And as if by magic a couple of walkers appear on it heading towards High Moss and who knows where.

The last time we did this walk on the 21st September 2006 on a similar sort of day we did Outerside and Stile End before Barrow. Today because of my problems Barrow itself will suffice and I'm thankful that I can still even do that.

A look back with Scar Crags on the left and Sail peeking through.

Causey Pike

We are catching a slight breeze now and with the path levelling walking is easy.

Grisedale Pike peeks over Low Moss as we walk round Stile End.

Perfect!!....just perfect.

The final climb looks worse than what it actually is.

But first a little linger at Barrow Door with views to Bassenthwaite and the Skiddaws.

The slopes of the fell-sides seem to fit together like some huge zip.

Another breather on the final climb and a look over Bass Lake to tiny Binsey.....

....and back to Stile End in the foreground with Grisedale Pike beyond and Outerside to the left.

A familiar face on Barrow with Causey Pike, Scar Crags, Sail and Eel Crag behind and Outerside to the right.

.....and again with Hopegill Head and Grisedale Pike behind.

" Breathless on Barrow "

Up to reaching the summit of Barrow we had only seen the two people near the top of the miners track. Now it seemed as if they were appearing by magic but who can blame them on such a day and with views like these.

Looking eastwards over Derwent Water and Walla Crag to the Helvellyn ridge with the North Pennines just visible.

Looking to the Skiddaw and Blencathra fells

The ever popular Catbells as we start our descent.

Grisedale Pike

Looking towards the Whinlatter Fells with Bass Lake and Binsey to the right.

The original plan had been to descend to Braithwaite for refreshments and to return to Uzzicar or Stair along the delightful Newlands Beck. However nothing is clear cut and dried with me at present and the descent from Barrow although not steep was making my right knee rather sore. Not wanting to aggravate it further and miss out on future walking we decided to "short cut" it back to the car.....

....so at this point rather than left for Braithwaite Lodge below us it was right along a narrow path above the plantation....

....but first yet another picture of the Skiddaws....

.....and then back into the sun above the trees

Away from the trees now and a view to Blencathra.

And finally....this is where we came in!!!

Next Walk:     19th August 2010 - Lake District - An Elterwater walkabout.

Last Walk:     15th August 2010 - South Cumbria - The Helm at Natland

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