Graystones, Broom Fell, Lords Seat, Barf and Whinlatter

Darling How Farm parking spaces were 'Out of Bounds' today due to Forestry |Commission work being undertaken, so I parked a little way back up the lane at Spout Force Car Park. No difference really.

Crossing Scawgill Bridge over Aiken Beck. I chose to follow the road down to the bridge from the car park rather than the footpath - no real reason.

Climbing Graystones and looking over southwards towards the grassy slopes of Swinside.

The western end of Whinlatter - the last fell that I will visit today.

Looking back down the steep path up Graystones and enjoying the views over to the Coledale Fells.

The highest point on Graystones - but the actual summit is considered to be slightly west of the dry stone wall (or what's left of it up there). It's easy to call in at both.

There's the other top - probably the one that most folk class as the summit to be honest.

Heading over to Broom Fell via Widow Hause.

Broom Fell ahead

Where did all these walkers appear from? Doesn't look like I'll be getting a nice shot of the summit on it's own then.

Leaving the surprisingly busy Broom Fell - Lord's Seat is next on the horizon

The bare summit of Lord's Seat with view south towards the Coledale Fells.

Looking ahead now towards Barf as I try and stay upright on the frozen ground. The impressive Skiddaw massif can also be seen in the background.

A clearer view of the next stop - the rugged undulations of Barf ahead. Small but easily ascended from this path - never fancied doing it from the other sides though.

Superb views across Bassenthwaite towards Skiddaw and the surrounding areas (including Keswick) can be gained from the summit of Barf, especially on a clear day like today. It's the sort of place that you never want to leave and you usually have it all to yourself. But eventually, you have to pull yourself away thinking I won't be leaving it as long for my next visit.

Heading into the woods at Beckstones Plantation - A very 'Christmassy' setting.

The forest roads meander their way through the Comb Plantation allowing fell walkers to confidently stride ahead without realising the route to Whinlatter is not necessarily straightforward. I have come unstuck in these woods before, and today I met others who were equally confused. It would be simple if the trees weren't there as you would more than likely see Whinlatter Fell and head straight for it.

Once out of the woods and into Tarbarrel Moss, you can either head round the edge or, as I did, just go directly across to the fell.

The soft grassy terrain of Tarbarrel Moss with Whinlatter Fell ahead.

Looking over to Grisedale Pike

The highest point on Whinlatter Fell (according to O/S) - i.e. the eastern summit. But it's always best to visit both tops just to be sure, so I headed over to the western one with it's wind shelter before heading down.

As I start my descent, I can see the first fell I climbed, Graystones, bathed in the winter sun up ahead.

And also, Broom Fell and Lord's Seat.

It looks like it's a glorious day weather-wise, and it truly was - but it was also exceptionally cold, and at times, my fleece was zipped up to above my nose. Which if you have ever seen my nose, is pretty challenging.

Think that must be a relatively new sign - can't remember seeing that when I went up to Lords Seat via that route some years ago.

Time to head back to the car.