Walk
of the Month - In the company of Rokeby School, Stratford, London.
Walk
of the Month - In the company of Rokeby School, Stratford, London.
The Kentmere Horseshoe - A Classic Lakeland Round
Information
Maps: OS 1:50000 Penrith and Keswick Landranger 90. OS 1:25000 Outdoor Leisure 5, The English Lakes North Eastern area
Grading: A technically easy but long walk over some fine mountains. Plenty of 'escape' routes where necessary.
Time
Taken: 6.25 hours
Ascent:
4,000 feet/ 1222 metres
Distance:
13miles/ 21km
Walk
Objective: High Street 2718 feet/ 828 metres
Start:
Kentmere church.
There is limited parking at grid reference NY 461 040. It is
better to try and gain a lift to the church or better still, why not stay in the
valley at some of the excellent accommodation on offer there as myself and the
students did. Click here for information on Camping Barn
Route taken
Clockwise
Map
3-D view
A photographic account of the walk. This route poses no major route
finding difficulties. The path traverses the horseshoe by simple way of
the watershed and even in mist should pose no real difficulties. One
exception to this could be navigation on or over High Street where the narrow
ridge gives way to the summit plateau. Here it is very easy to lose
bearing and a compass should be used for better reckoning. Perhaps the
worst place to lose track is on the descent of HighStreet or Nan Bield in
mist, where it is easy to drop down into the craggy confines of Blea Water and
Small Water. Care, as in all high places, should be taken here.
It must be noted that this particular walk was a great success. I will post a route description by one of the lads at a later date. In the meantime we should congratulate them on this worthy route completion. We returned after 10 hours but I have coyned a new phrase, "Slow is Safe!". I think they did enjoy it and I've not heard any complaints from them. There can't be too many east end lads who have tramped these beautious fells? In the words of the school motto, they did 'Dare to be the best!'
The students before they
set out. 8.40am
Above: A frost blankets the landscape in shadow
Above: Pause for thought at Kentmere Church
Above: Looking down Kentmere from 'Badger Rock'
Above: On the initial ascent of the Garburn Road (going west)
Click
this camera for a view west from Garburn Pass
Above: Valley cloud over Windermere from the Garburn Pass
Above: Youthful vigour on the early ascent of Yoke
Click
this camera for a view west from Yoke
Above: This fellrunner need not stop for breath
Above: Slow going off Froswick
Above: At the Thornthwaite Beacon
Above: Six of the lads made the summit of High Street.
"Where are the High Street shops?"
Above: Haweswater from the eastern slopes of High Street
Above: The top of Nan Bield Pass
Above: Another ascent up Harter Fell
Click
this camera for a view west from Nan Bield
Above: These twisted, fence remains form Mardale Ill Bell's summit cairn
Above: On the long descent
Above: View north west over the head of Kentmere
Click
this camera for a view west from Kentmere Pike
Above: Coming off Kentmere Pike
Above: Such a long day with the fading light
Rokeby School, 2002
"Dare to be the best!"
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