Low Fell & Fellbarrow circular walk

Was lucky enough to get a spot near to the telephone box corner just outside the village of Loweswater.

Mellbreak looking awesome as usual - love that fell !

My target today (Low Fell) doesn't look that good at the top - hopefully that cloud cover will soon burn away in the morning sun.

A cool crisp December morning with a little sunshine to enjoy, beautiful views over to Crummock Water as I stroll along the country lane.

A left turn and then it's straight down the narrow lane towards Thackthwaite.

Thackthwaite, a very tiny hamlet indeed - but it is the location of the left turn onto the fellside and the start of todays ascent.

The steady climb through the woods is soon followed by a very grassy and gentle ascent.

Views back towards Crummock Water with Whiteside and Grasmoor over to my left.

It's like walking on a soft carpet - a very gentle 'wear-in' for my new boots.

But worryingly, that low clump of cloud hasn't moved all day and it's getting nearer.

Yep - and I'm now in the soup.

I remember this spot, my daughter Lauren and her friend Georgia slid down from here using their waterproof over-trousers as a sliding sledge.

What's all that about ? some scientific experiment? Weird CB enthusiasts ? or just a DIY wind break ?

Whatever the contraption is, it's selfish to put it right on the summit - the views from here are spectacular (granted not today) and it would certainly ruin the views for most walkers upon arrival. As it was, there was nothing to see anyway - just as well, as I may well of had a few words to say.

No better over here either - it's the only time I've ever been to the top of Low Fell and not enjoyed the wonderful lakeland scenery that is present below.

Re-tracing my steps back to the stile.

Rather than carrying on re-tracing my steps and then turning left to head up to the col between Smithy Fell and Fellbarrow, I decided to take an earlier left and follow a feint path up and over Sourfoot Fell and then over Smithy Fell - Can't say it was a better route, but it did save a little descent. All in all though , I'd go the usual route next time.

Darling Fell in the distance.

Looking back at Low Fell - It looks like the cloud is lifting ! Typical.

Heading down to the Smithy/Fellbarrow col.

Ordnance Survey column - Fellbarrow summit.

Heading down towards the Mosser Road.

Mosser Beck

Looking back up the gentle slopes of Fellbarrow.

A very quiet Loweswater.

Mosser Road can't really be considered much of a 'road' these days.

Arriving at the lakeside road - quiet today, but sometimes in the summer this can be a little busy.

Don't think that sign is much use to motorists whizzing by, I had to get close to read it and it's parallel with the road, but it's doing no harm.

Typical - clear as day now.

Should I go round again?

Pretty Loweswater village with it's fantastic pub - the Kirkstile Inn, St. Bartolomew's church and the nose of Mellbreak as a backdrop.