Souther Fell, Bannerdale Crags & Bowscale Fell circular walk

Arrived early today as rain was forecast for early afternoon.

Parked on the roadside just outside of Mungrisedale.

A stroll into the village and over the bridge - then a left turn to follow the country lane.

Once beyond this gate, it was a right turn and onto the fellside.

The path actually doubles back upon yourself as you head back towards the nose of Souther Fell.

The ground was very hard today, mostly dry and frozen which made a pleasant change from the mud fields of Yorkshire we endured last week.

The start of the ascent up the nose of Souther Fell. Quite a few false summits to overcome on the way.

Souther Fell summit.

Heading down towards Mousthwaite col and the River Glendermackin.

The footbridge over the Glendermackin.

The path follows the river all the way up to the Glendermackin col with Blencathra on the left (which can be seen in the distance) and Bannerdale Crags on the right (behind me)

Blencathra looking majestic and daunting - I must have taken 20 photos of it, it just looked so good - it's surprising for such a dramatic sharp southern face - it's pretty much flat on the top.

The gentle plot towards the top of Bannerdale Crags - another northern fell with shapely sides but a undistinguished top.

The summit as far as I'm concerned - much better position than the one a hundred yards back along the flat path.

Now it's time to follow the edge path around to Bowscale Fell, which can be seen in the distance.

En-route to Bowscale Fell and looking back towards Bannerdale Crags.

Walking past the shelter and the small cairn at the top of Bowscale Fell - this cairn points the way to Bowscale Tarn which cannot be seen from here - but the top is again very flat.

I then headed eastwards as I started my descent for the day.

The Raven Crag decent is quite steep and meanders amongst the gorse bushes - no great problem, but probably better in ascent rather than decent as I usually do it.

Almost at ground level and looking over to my starting point this morning - Souther Fell.

Looking back up Raven Crag/Bowscale Fell as I head towards the exit gate.

Souther Fell left - The Tongue right

Mungrisedale - Mill Inn.

Now had I been with Paul or Davy today, we would probably have had an end of walk beer here today. But I was on my own and with my Grandson sleeping over tonight it was best I headed for home.

An enjoyable morning walk.