Day 9, Clapham to Cockermouth  Walk

Swirls (Thirlmere) to Keswick

13miles 1800ft

7.30am The layby at Swirls was already nearly full with walkers heading for Helvellyn....

....however I crossed the road to the side of Thirlmere to head north towards Keswick

Looking south towards Dunmail Raise

Raven crag and Thirlmere dam reflected in the water

Starting the climb to High Rigg.....

....with a view down to Legburthwaite

Another view south from a little higher....

.....before reaching the High Rigg summit 1171ft

Looking back along the summit ridge

The summit cairn again with the sun just rising above Helvellyn

Grisdale Pike to the west...

Lonscale fell above Tewet tarn

A short walk from Tewet tarn and I arrived at the Railway Trail from Threlkeld to Keswick following the route of the disused railway

One of tunnels

The trail crosses the river Greta several times

Lunch time overlooking one of the bridges....

.....before continuing to the side of Derwentwater at Keswick

Derwentwater with Cat Bells on the skyline....

.....and again with Grisedale Pike

Looking south down the lake from Hope park

Finally a quick visit to Keswick market in the town centre before my lift back to Swirls arrived.

Today was really the first day of decent weather since Christmas. However it was well worth the wait as it turned out to be a beautiful winter's day and a great walk