Saturday, October 3, 2009

Ascent of Gowbarrow Fell; or, A Fulfilling and Fun-Filled Fall Fell-Walk

After a couple days off, doing internet and then installing insulation all over the exterior of the Grey Wanderer, we found ourselves back on the Ullswater, at Airy Force (where we spent three nights ultimately), and in the land of waters, becks, forces and fells, glades and glens, and also meres. Why can't these people speak plain decent English? It was Thursday, the promised day of fine weather, and we decided to do the walk up Airy Beck to Airy Force, then High Force, and then the village of Dockray, a round-trip of five miles, without a map or glossary or even our GPS (which they call a SatNav). Just before getting to Dockray, we decided instead to ascend nearby Gowbarrow Fell (about 1,500 feet, maybe) for the views of Ullswater and environs. The trail grew more challenging, but we made it in time for a breezy but scenic lunch at the summit. Trailing a nice Northumberland couple we befriended along the way, we walked back down the lake-side of the fell, with incredible views. All in all it was about 7 miles, but one of the two or three best day-trips we've ever done, including the Rob Roy Glacier in NZ. Plus, no one fell.

Airy Force (waterfall) along Airy Beck (creek)







The village of Dockray, from Gowbarrow Fell








Gowbarrow Fell summit








Another fixer-upper; to-die-for view








Ullswater from above








Someone's vanity castle?










Sitka Spruces and a Monkey Puzzle tree in
the canyon; formerly, some lord's deer park...

















































































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