| A Matterdale Ramble - Sat 23rd Aug 2008 | |
| It was the last day of my lakeland
holiday and I was determined to get another good days
walking under my belt before returning home to Yorkshire
on Sunday. Staying at the caravan site at Troutbeck Head mean't I didn't have to set off so early in the morning as I would normally have, so after a leisurely breakfast I set off. It was around 10:30am when I left the campsite and joined the road leading through the Matterdale Forest |
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| After about 1.5km the road abruptly stops
leaving just a faint track leading on through what I can
only imagine to have been dense forest at one time. Now
being reclaimed by mother nature the remains of the old
tree trunks although still visable can hardly be seen as
the grasses and wild flowers take over. Heading in the general direction of Great Dodd and Wolf Crags as seen here in the picture, the track nears a fence and I cross it to gain easier ground on the other side. |
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| I followed the fence south to join the Old Coach Road, heading west under Wolf Crags and on towards Clough Head. |  |
| Leaving the track at a suitable point I gain the ridge and head up to Clough Head via White Pike, stopping at the shepherds hut 2/3rd's of the way up for a breather. |  |
| The view from White Pike back to Troutbeck and Great Mell Fell. |  |
| Finally reaching the summit of: - Clough Head - 726m / 2382ft. |
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| Descending from Clough Head then climbing slightly to reach Calfhow Pike 663m / 2175ft |  |
| Then a steep pull brings me to Great Dodd - 857m / 2812ft |  |
| Descending the ridge northeast from Great Dodd brings me to the cairn at Randerside, with views to Clough Head and Blencathra beyond. |  |
| Carrying on down the ridge and above Wolf Crags a slight raise brings me to this viewpoint overlooking the Matterdale Forest and my route back to base. |  |
| Regaining the forest road and heading toward Great Mell. |  |
| Finally I thought these Rosebay Willow
Herbs put on a nice show towards the end of my walk The weather had been good to me yet again - A cracking walk! Distance: - 11.5 miles / 18.5km |
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