Eskdale - Lake District Walk
Sunday 7th July 2013
A hot walk that took in a few of the smaller Eskdale Birkett tops and meant that even on a Sunday we has the summits to ourselves. The summits might have been small but the views were fantastic. Definately a walk to save for a glorious day when you don't want to put too much effort in.
Start: Eskdale campsite (NY 1782 0108)
Route: Eskdale campsite - Eel Tarn - Dawsonground Crags (372) - Whin Crag (373) - Goat Crag (374) - Woolpack Inn - Eskdale campsite
Distance: 6.25 miles Ascent: 441 metres Time Taken: 7 hours
Terrain: Moorland.
Weather: Hot.
Pub Visited: Woolpack Inn Ale Drunk: Jennings Cumberland
As we start along the path towards Eel Tarn the views open up to take in Whin Rigg and Illgill Head across Boat How.
On the other side of the valley Eskdale Fell is in view.
The delightful Eel Tarn.
Whin Crag acts as a fine backdrop to Stony Tarn.
Looking along the ridge of Whin Crag from the climb to Dawsonground Crags' summit.
We spent a good deal of time on Dawsonground Crag's summit admiring the views.
Looking across towards Eskdale Fell and what I assume is Whinscales summit.
Despite it being a very hot day the cloud meant Scafell and Bowfell's summit stayed out of view.
Walking along the ridge towards Whin Crag's summit and Stony Tarn comes into view again.
Whin Crag's summit looking down Eskdale.
We had lunch just below Whin Crag's summit looking across Bull How to Harter Fell.
Having crossed Bull How Goat Crag came into view. From this angle it looks a lot more difficult than it was.
Goat Crag's summit tarn and another fell where we sat for a very long time taking in the views.
We watched many a car wind its way up Hardknott Pass.
Admired the fine view of Border Crag, wishing we'd had some views when we were up there.
Recalled our route up and down Harter Fell on an equally fine day.
Spent a long time just admiring one of the best views in the Lakes before we finally dragged ourselves away.
We had always planned to have a pint in the Woolpack on the way back but I had been determined to avoid finding out if Murray had won Wimbledon as I was recording it at home. As it worked out we got there just as the third set was beginning and I was unable to resist watching it and it made a fine end to the walk. Even better when we ventured to the Brook House Inn later that evening we also won the quiz. A great end to a momentous day.
All pictures copyright © Peak Walker 2006-2023