Castlerigg Stone Circle to Thirlmere Dam 

via 

Derwentwater, High Seat & High Tove

13miles 2400ft

A deserted stone circle for once as the early sunlight bathes it in warm light

My route then continued west towards Keswick....

....with a view to St John's church spire

I then joined the path heading south along the side of Derwentwater....

.....and again....

Now heading towards Stable Hills

A paddle boarder sets out across the lake, with the Newlands fells behind

A short climb from the lakeside took me to Cat Gill from where my route continued along the higher path above the lake...

....and again

The lake had overfowed its southern tip after all the heavy rain recently

I soon arrived at Ashness bridge on the road to Watendlath...the most photographed bridge in lakeland!

Now for the serious climbing as I started up 

Ashness Gill

A hazy view to Derwentwater and Bassenthwaite in the distance

Arriving at today's highest point, High Seat trig point 1995ft.   Helvellyn in cloud behind

The path across the summit plateau to High Tove has always been notoriously boggy. More recently this flagged path has been laid for most of the route. This was to prevent further damage by walkers to the rare flora and fauna here

High Tove summit was in cloud so I quickly began the descent down Fisher Gill to Thirlmere....

.....and again

Two fell runners came past at what seemed like a dangerous pace to be running downhill!

I came out at the path heading north along the side of the reservoir and finished the walk....

....crossing the Thirlmere Dam looking back at Raven Crag as I walked to the main road between Grasmere & Keswick for my lift back

After waiting all week for a dry day I was eventually rewarded with a great walk. It was just a shame that the low cloud and haziness lingered all day