Burnbank Fell, Blake Fell & Gavel Fell walk

The joys of being able to go to the lakes at a quiet time - Friday am in March and I got a spot at the Phone Box near the Kirkstile Inn at Lowes Water - I was expecting to pitch up at Maggies Bridge.

Setting off in bright sunshine with views of Mellbreak to my left.

Low Fell

Time to leave the road by turning left and head down to Loweswater.

'Maggies Bridge' Car Park and only one space left - spoke to soon, as I wandered by someone grabbed it. Get here before 10am folks !

All quiet at Loweswater

Through the gate and a left turn for me into Holme Wood.

The ascent through Holme Wood

Plenty of landscape changes around here since my last visit - lots of woodland cleared and looks like plenty of birds and deer have scarpered too.

Following the main bridleway for a short while, I then decided to pick up the path traversing the side of Burnbank Fell - that's the more feint path higher up. To be honest, it's just as well sticking to the main bridleway as the paths merge further on anyway.

As I follow the thin path around the nose of Burnbank Fell, good views of Loweswater and the surrounding fells can be enjoyed.

There we go, the two paths join up just before the climbing starts again.

A steady slog into the sun on the grassy slopes of Burnbank.

After a while, the gradient eases and a gentle wander across the broad featureless landscape to the top can be had.

Obviously the summit as it's the only cairn for miles - the low level fence is easily stepped over to reach the top of Burnbank Fell.

Looking down to Cogra Moss and Knock Murton - A place and route I've never experienced. I must add it to my to-do list as it looks pretty good. I'll go that route next time I visit these fells.

The wind shelter summit of Blake Fell.

Looking back over to Blake Fell as I follow the well trodden path to Gavel Fell.

Next summit reached in no time - Gavel Fell

I decided to head in the direction of Black Crag from the summit of Gavel Fell to save me going back down to the col between Gavel and Burnbank - this would be in theory a gentler route which would cut a corner slightly, but as before, it probably wasn't worth it as it did involve a bit of 'off-path' yomping through the soft moss. If I was to do it again, I'd prefer to just re-trace my steps back to the col and turn right.

Picking up the path which will take me back down to Loweswater

The path starts to descend into the valley, but soon zig zags are picked up and it's predominantly a relatively gentle ascent.

Crossing High Nook Beck

High Nook Tarn

Looking back up the valley and the 'zig-zags' can just be made out

Cracking views of Whiteside and Grasmoor as I continue to lose height.

Not to bad looking left either towards Darling How and Low Fell.

Now that's thoughtful - it's only about 30 metres or so before the two merge again though, wonder if there has been a problem in the past?

Majestic Mellbreak, one of the most shapely fells in the lake district in my opinion

Approachin Loweswater Church and the Kirkstile Inn - looks like the pub is getting a bit of work done before the summer season - I'll be in their beer garden on a sunny day soon, as the summer is only around the corner and their beers are always lovely. The best way to end a walk in this area.

One last look around before the boots come off and I head for home.