Looking up to Carrock Fell from close to where we parked the car. At this point the plan was to visit Carrock Fell last, why after the start to today's planned walk did I think that was going to happen.

With Carrock Beck to our right we had hoped to cross the beck a bit further upstream and then either make our way along the bottom of the valley or head up to where the windsurfers were, it wasn't to happen

As we failed to find a relatively easy crossing point, given the deep and quite fast moving water in the beck we opted instead to abandon walking along this side of the valley, which was more or less pathless and make our way onto the path ascending Carrock Fell.

We managed to pick up the fairly distinct tracks made by a four wheel vehicle, which took us to the sheep fold below. From there some well used sheep tracks brought us to the path onto Carrock Fell which we could have followed from the car.

Once on the path the ascent was nice and straightforward, with views across the Eden Valley and a distant, hazy view of the Pennines.

We soon found ourselves in amongst the rocks that are scattered below the summit of Carrock Fell. Here looking across to High Pike whilst we decide if we are doing the extra bit of ascent to the actual summit or settling down for lunch.

Whilst we make up our minds time to admire the view along the River Caldrew towards the Skiddaw Massif with Knott and Great Calva in view.

Looking across Bowscale Fell to Blencathra.

As there is no-one around we opt to leave our rucksacks below the summit and make our way up to the summit cairn.

From the summit we enjoy the view across Great Mell to High Street.

Lunch was taken in amongst the rocks below the summit, admiring the view across to High Pike and to its left the Birkett summit of Hare Stones.

We followed the fairly dry track from Carrock Fell towards High Pike and whilst we missed out on visiting Round Knott we did visit the Birkett top of Miton Hill.

Looking back to Carrock Fell with the Birkett tops of Miton Hill to the left and Round Knott to the right.

In no time at all we can see Drygill Beck and the Cumbria Way, which we will be crossing shortly.

Looking across to Bowscale Fell and Blencathra.

The final bit of ascent for the day lies ahead of us, it will take us to the summit of High Pike.

We soon find ourselves at the head of Drygill Beck.

We have timed it well as there is no sign of anyone ahead of us.

There is also no one behind us, so time to get up there and maybe have the summit to oursleves, who knows we might even get to use the seat.

Looking to Carrock Fell from High Pike's summit.

Seeing as the seat is unoccupied we might as well take advantage of it and have a quick break.

Looking across Roughton Gill to Great Sca, Little Sca and Brae Fell.

Having taken in the views we make our way back down towards the Cumbria Way whilst debating which route we will take back to the car. One option is to stay up high.

The other option is to take the path down through the mines and then follow the track alongside Carrock Beck.

We walk along a very short section of the Cumbria Way.

We opt to stay up high as I was hoping to get some shots of the windsurfers, but they had packed up and gone by the time we reached where they had been.

As we approach the road Great Mell and Loadpot Hill come into view.

All that remains now is to cross Carrock Beck and make the short road trip back to the car and maybe a pint before we head back to the campsite.

 

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