Birks & Arnison Crag from Patterdale

Patterdale Cricket Club - One of the most beautiful settings for any sports field in the country, and today, for a small contribution in their honesty box, is where we decided to park.

Leaving the sports field car park, we turn left and head up the Grisedale Road

Soon afterwards you have a choice - for our route we veered right and stayed on the Grisedale Road a little longer. This is the way all the thousands of walkers heading for Striding Edge would take too.

Soon afterwards we pick up the path on the left to Glenamara Park and leave the roadside.

Looking back as we start the climb up Thornhow End.

We both agree that Ullswater is probably the most picturesque 'lake' in Lakeland.

After Thornhow End, we followed the longer (but easier) route up Birks as it gradually climbs to the col between Birks and St Sunday Crag. Then when on the very wide ridge, it's a case of a sharp left and heading back Eastwards.

We started to go into the cloud just after taking this photo and the wind really did start to whip up - so it was hats and coats on, on a day when I was expecting warm sunshine - that's the lakes for you !

Heading up the grassy and slightly soggy ascent of Birks.

A small insignificant mound of stones identifies the summit of Birks - "Is that it ?" questions Paul.

Heading downwards towards Trough Head. It always appears easy to get from Birks to Arnison Crag from a distance, but you need to trace a path away from where your instincts would naturally take you, as there's quite a down and up if you head for it in a straight line. There's a reasonable path to follow if you head south soon after passing the summit of Birks.

Approaching Arnison Crag

Out of the cloud now and enjoying the lovely views of Ullswater from the summit of Arnison Crag.

173 down for Mr Robinson

Heading down as we follow the wall.

The fine wet grass made for slippery conditions in descent - for once though I stayed on my feet.

Birkhouse Moor, Sheffield Pike and Glenridding Dodd.

St Patricks Church, Patterdale.

As today's walk was a relatively small one, we had arrived at the White Lion in Patterdale in time to watch the second half of the Sunderland - Middlesbrough match, what a cracking 45 minutes that was and some nice beer too - made the journey home a very happy one considering the result.