Despite the incorrect forecast todays walk had a real Spring like feel to it. It's funny how things can change in a matter of days when last weekend David, Rod and I experienced -10°C windchill on Helvellyn while today it was plus 10°C by the time I got back to my car, admittedly, it was still rather fresh over the summits but, I didn't recall hearing any Lap Wings on Helvellyn like I did while ascending Branstree this morning, mother nature doesn't lie, Spring is just around the corner.
I'm getting really fond of this route after first walking it as part of my 'walking the Birketts' project back in June 2018, a walk that's starting to qualify as one of my 'go to walks' you know the one, the walk where you don't have to plan, a walk where you get let your mind wander and most importantly, a walk with rewarding views, and they don't come more rewarding than views of the Rough Crag ridge and High Street, yup this walk certainly ticked all my boxes.
It's a steep start ascending alongside Rowantreethwaite Beck but the view of High Street over the shoulder warrants plenty breaks. Once Branstree north ridge is gained the slog continues, pathless in many aspects over hummocky ground until the fine towers on Artle Crag appear before the final march to Branstree summit. With a good deal of the hard work behind me it's a grand descent over Artle Crag passing the Haweswater survey tower before the slight ascent on High Howes, the finest approach to Selside Pike there is. From Selide Pike I pick up the Old Corpse Road passing the picturesque ruined Peat Huts before descending back to Mardale. |