High Raise (Martindale) via Haweswater and Kidsty Pike

We parked at the small hamlet of Burnbanks which is at the Northern end of Haweswater. There's a small car park on the left opposite the phone box, enough space for about half a dozen cars.

Haweswater Reservoir.

Beautiful views along Haweswater as we follow the lakeside path

There is a path just after the Measand Beck Bridge and the waterfall which heads away from the reservoir and up towards Wether Hill, I've gone up and come down it on a few times before, but today we missed it (probably due to the high Bracken covering).

So as we walked further along the side of Haweswater, we had to have a change of plan.

So, as the target was always High Raise today, I decided to carry on along the waters edge and head up to Kidsty Pike then onto High Raise with Robert. Ste wasn't planning to do the full walk anyway, so he was happy to do his wildlife spotting at low level and then take the car to Mardale Head to collect us on our return.

Well, that seemed to suit everyone, so no harm done.

Two happy chaps enjoying the day out

And another one - but this time a rare glimpse of myself.

But just look at the water levels - I've never seen it so low.

The lost village of Mardale Green can be seen in places - many folk were wandering around the remains which are mainly on the other side of The Rigg (where the dark green trees are), we wander past there on our way back to the car at Mardale Head later on in the day.

Picking up the Coast to Coast path as we start to head away from Haweswater

Looking back as we climb up Kidsty Howes

After an hour or so of ascent, we reach the summit of Kidsty Pike.

Fantastic views all round with High Street in the distance taking pride of place.

A hop, skip and a jump and we soon arrived at High Raise (Martindale) - Roberts target for the day, a strange way to get there, but a good walk all the same.

Starting the descent from Kidsty Pike.

On our descent, we stopped for a very late lunch.

Warm sunshine and glorious views, what more could you want?

Crossing the bridge over Riggendale Beck.

Looking back up the Riggendale Valley, with Kidsty Pike to the right and High Street at the head.

As we near the Mardale Head Car Park - Harter Fell is always impressive.

After the navigational issues earlier, Ste had kindly moved the car to the Mardale Head Car Park to save us an even longer walk back.

Not the walk I had planned, but a good day out all the same.