Glenridding to Threlkeld

Via Ullswater,  Sheffield Pike, 'The Dodds' & Clough Head 12Miles 3700ft

Parking just north of Glenridding I set out along the side of Ullswater.....

....just as the sun rose over Place fell

Unfortunately it was a little too soon to take advantage of this bench!

Continuing towards Glenridding before....

.....starting the climb to Sheffield Pike

Looking down on Glenridding....

....and again with frost still lying on the ground at the head of the valley

The path known as 'The Rake' afforded some great views as here looking north up Ullswater

....and here looking again to Glenridding and the head of  Ullswater.....

.....before arriving on the summit of Sheffield Pike looking east to the pointed Catstye Cam with Helvellyn behind

....and again looking up Glenridding beck to Brown Cove 

It was now time to start the climb to 'The Dodds' forsaking the lower Sticks pass straight ahead I took the path to right climbing Stybarrow Dodd....

....from which there was a good view of Catstye Cam again with Swirrel Edge leading up to Helvellyn

My path then continued to Watson's Dodd & on to Great Dodd

Looking back to Stybarrow Dodd from Watson's Dodd....

....and down to Thirlmere below

Now on Great Dodd which at 2812ft was today's highest point with a view to Keswick and Bassenthwaite 

The final summit of the day was Clough Head the northern most fell of  the Helvellyn range. I could now see my destination Threlkeld lying below Blencathra

A fine path lead down to.... 

                   the disused quarry tracks

 .....and the quarry which is now a growing tourist attraction with a steam railway using the existing rails. There is also an interesting museum.....

and many examples of outdated machinery

Finally I saw the little train but only with its diesel engine attached. I guess the steam engine is only used at certain times of the day. It was now just a short walk into Threlkeld village for my lift back to Ullswater.

A tough walk today but with good contrast between craggy and rounded fells after a very scenic start along the lakeside. Rounded off with a walk of some interest around the quarry and mining museum.