Aira Force, Ullswater Way, Glenridding Dodd, Sheffield Pike & Hart Side

NT Parking at Park Brow near Aira Force

It wasn't me !! But hey, free parking today

Oh dear, more damage - been a while since I was last here, I wonder when this happened ?

Restricted access - but you could still cross the bridge at the top and get fine views of the water crashing down on it's route towards Ullswater.

I can see where some of the problem lies - this must be a challenging job to sort out.

After enjoying the falls for ten minutes - I headed in the direction of Glenridding via the Ullswater Way

A nice gentle path - Got me thinking of a walk next summer for Mrs R and friends - think this is easy enough and certainly has potential for a lakeside route, although it's proximity to the shoreside busy road is a bit of a downside.

But still, continuously captivating views of one of lakelands finest along the way - Ullswater.

My intended route into the Glencoyne dale. There are others a bit further up - but this was my choice for today.

Looking back towards Glencoyne Farm and Ullswater. It's always a bit off putting walking across someone's front lawn (as you do at the farm) - But there's plenty of signs to keep you on the right path.

Heading up the valley as the gradient gradually increases

Old miners cottages at Seldom Seen with Sheffield Pike in the background

The path up Glencoyne goes right up to the head of the valley. At this junction, I took the left turn and followed a smaller path towards the south ridge skirting Glencoyne Wood all the way.

Looking back down towards Ullswater

The path would be more visible but for the bracken at this time of the year

Another shower heads my way - waterproofs stayed on for most of the day as this continued throughout

And then warm sunshine again ...

One of the most enjoyable gentle scrambles up the nose of Sheffield Pike - Just my cup of tea, a little hand to rock but next to no exposure.

But first its a quick nip up Glenridding Dodd and it's magnificent view of the Eastern Fells

One of many rainbows today

As you gain height up towards Sheffield Pike, the views back down towards Glenridding and Ullswater just get better and better.

Time for lunch - and a great place to enjoy a hot coffee and a bite to eat - Doesn't get much better !

Was that path over there heading up to Helvelyn really Britains number one route ?? I can't believe that - there's hundreds better than that long, rocky highway of a path. Crackers.

I last look down towards Glenridding and Patterdale before the gradient reduces and it's more of a stroll across to the summits.

Sheffield Pike summit

The gentle ridge on the right is my route up, heading towards Stybarrow Dodd, but I'll take a right before reaching that Wainwright.

Bit of a slog on the soft grassy terrain of Green Side as further height is gained.

Now walking around the head of the Glencoyne Valley

Not a great deal to be seen at Hart Side summit

I can see the eastern ridge that I need to be on to get me back down to Park Brow although the actual path is actually on the far side. The main path on the top will take me to Dockray and that's no good for me today.

Heading for the wall is a safe bet - But glad I have Goretex boots !

Another rainbow as the showers continue to come and go.

Picking up the path down the eastern side of Watermillock Common and towards Glencoyne Park

There's my right turn !

I think Ullswater could be the most picturesque of all the Waters, Mere's and Lakes in the district.

A bit of woodland walking to finish the day.

And another !

As I arrive at my car, the heavens open and I get my last drenching of the day.