Castle Crag walk from Stonethwaite.

Setting off from Stonethwaite after a morning climb up Rosthwaite Fell. The walk to Castle Crag was far more appealing than navigating round Combe Door to Glaramara in poor conditions, so Castle Crag got the vote.

Picking up the lane to Longthwaite and it's Youth Hostel.

A quick look back to Rosthwaite Fell (Bessyboot), which I'd only just climbed an hour or so earlier.

Over the bridge and a stroll alongside the River Derwent.

Nobody crossing by the stepping stones today !

I always am wary around here now as the branch of this very tree took a chunk out of my forehead once whist I was chatting away and not paying full attention.

Crossing Tongue Gill by the wooden bridges below Rigghead Quarries.

Castle Crag comes back into view with the majority of height already gained over the last 20 minutes.

Looking back down towards my starting point in Stonethwaite.

Now for the very short but quite steep ascent to the summit of Castle Crag.

Now for the slate path which zig zags it's way up to and through the old quarry workings.

Quite a few people don't like this path, but for me it serves it's purpose - I'd rather zig zag my way up than scramble up loose slate scree which would be far worse. The old mine workers did us a great favour if you ask me. Anyway, love it or hate it - it only lasts for a few minutes of your day.

But the views are truly amazing and well worth the effort. As small as it is, Castle Crag certainly packs a punch in the 'views' department.

Yes, it certainly was the right decision to give Glaramara and Combe Door a miss today - it's still shrouded in cloud over there and I bet the conditions here are far better.

Castle Crag summit and it's War Memorial to the men of Borrowdale.

The classic view from he summit, looking Northwards following the River Derwent to Derwent Water and the Skiddaw massif beyond.

After the slate path descent, I decided to do the short cut by going over the ladder stile and turning right and heading back to the main path that way.

The Castle Crag 'short cut' path just before I briefly re-join the path I arrived on.

Now, I reckon that's 'The Yellows' (John & Margaret) in the distance as I zoom in with my camera, although too far away for me to start waving and shouting. I'm sure you'll let me know if it is ?

The lovely gentle descent into the heart of Borrowdale as Rosthwaite can be seen in the distance.

Rosthwaite Bridge over the fast flowing River Derwent.

Arriving in Rosthwaite village and passing through Yew Tree Farm.

Heading back across the damp fields towards Longthwaite again - with Stonethwaite a stones throw further down the lane. A very good decision to spend a couple of hours visiting lovely Castle Crag in Borrowdale rather than battling the elements further up as I had originally intended.