Rosthwaite Fell (Bessyboot)

Not many walkers heading out from Stonethwaite at 9am on a rainy morning in February. I'm daft enough though and I still love it ! Waterproofs on and all wrapped up - heading for Rosthwaite Fell today.

Borrowdale is still beautiful even as the rain falls and visibility is limited due to the low cloud - But that's often the case for the wettest place in England.

My target for this morning's walk - Rosthwaite Fell as I leave the road and head towards the climb.

Signposts directing you upwards to Bessyboot and Tarn at Leaves. Nice touch.

Plenty of water heading down Combe Gill - In fact there was plenty of water everywhere as I make my lone ascent.

Climbing higher following a feint path although you can easily pick you route of choice as they are all much of a muchness.

My original plan was to head round Combe Door, pop up to Glaramara and then head back down via the Glaramara ridge and Thornythwaite Fell. Effectively a horseshoe walk. But as I will explain later, I ended up just visiting Bessyboot and Rosthwaite Cam before heading back down, more or less an 'out and back'

Looking back down towards Seatoller and the Seathwaite Valley as I try to keep my footing on the very wet bowling green grass. Safe to say, I wasn't always successful - although soft landings were usually present.

Arriving at Tarn at Leaves with Bessyboot to the North and Rosthwaite Cam to the South. This photo shows just Bessyboot which is considered to be the summit of Rosthwaite Fell.

Now at the summit looking down at Tarn at Leaves with Rosthwaite Cam covered by the cloud. The wind was now really beginning to whip up at this exposed top.

From the summit I can also see Eagle Crag & Sergeant's Crag in the foreground with Ullscarf and Greenup Edge behind.

Heading towards the massive lump of rock that is Rosthwaite Cam.

Looking down Borrowdale, past Bessyboot and it's tarn.

As I pondered my next move bearing in mind the driving rain and high winds. I looked over to the higher Combe Door and thought maybe I should change my plans and head somewhere different. Navigation is sometimes a bit problematic around Combe Door and the walk didn't seem quite as appealing as it was when I set off. Right - Decision made, I'll head back to the car and enjoy my lunch in dry surroundings and then do a lovely low level walk to Castle Crag for the afternoon - Sorted !

It stayed there all day too! - So I was pleased to have just done an out and back to Rosthwaite Fell this morning.

As I got lower, the wind & rain eased and it even felt quite mild in these sumptuous surroundings.

Arriving back in Stonethwaite after part one of todays trip out.

And at the bottom of the lane is my car/lunch spot plus the added advantage of some dry clothes for round two.