Wythburn (Thirlmere) to Keswick via Bell crags, Watendlath & Derwentwater: 13.5miles 2300ft

After parking by the Portinscale suspension bridge I walked into Keswick and caught the bus to Wythburn by the side of Thirlmere.  I then climbed  beside Dob Gill on the old bridleway leading to Watendlath. Here I'm looking west across Thirlmere towards the Helvellyn range 

Dobgill flows out of Harrop tarn and I had to cross the outflow by means of these very wet and slippery stones. After taking great care, a short prayer and some time to cross safely I turned to look down stream and.....

.....spotted this bridge hiding  just a few yards away!!! 

Above the tarn and plantation I was high enough to catch a little sunshine over Tarn crags

A short deviation but not without considerable effort in climbing off the bridleway, I arrived at the summit of Bell crags 559m 1834ft.

The view back down to Harrop tarn and Thirlmere

Back on the bridleway I passed Blea tarn still partly frozen despite the overnight rise in temperature

Looking back to Bell crags from Blea tarn

Descending to Watendlath with Bassenthwaite on the horizon

Watendlath tarn and farm....

.....and again

Leaving the tarn behind I crossed the packhorse bridge and followed Watendlath beck to......                   

High Lodore bridge arriving at a nice time for lunch
 

Derwentwater from the path down to the lakeside

 

Crossing the river Derwent flowing into the lake with Skiddaw on the horizon....

.....and following the lakeside path  on the west side of the Derwentwater

 

Nichol End marina with Skiddaw Little Man on the horizon

Finally back at the suspension bridge where the car was parked on the other side.