St Sunday Crag, Birks & Arniston Crag via Grisedale Tarn

I parked at Deepdale Bridge, my initial plan was to return via Deepdale Hause and then Deepdale Valley back to my car, but things often change with me.

A stroll along the roadside path until I reach the pretty little village of Patterdale.

This is where I turned left and headed into the Grisedale valley passing the cricket pitch on the way.

Dollywaggon Pike and Nethermost Pike can be seen in the distance at the Southern end of the Helvellyn Massif.

Appearing in the distance is the familiar sight of the barn that Wainwright famously slept in one night - the previous day, Hillary & Tenzing had conquered Everest apparently.

Impressive signage across this part of the lakes now with the raising of the Coast to Coast to a National Trail next year.

A real joy walking down this valley on such a gorgeous day - Quiet with a sprinkling of Coast to Coasters along the way, all keen to chat about the lakes and how lucky they have been with the weather.

Ruthwaite Lodge

Almost at the head of the valley now as my thoughts turn to re-applying the sun cream.

Grisedale Tarn with Seat Sandal on the far side.

Maybe a little overkill at the moment.

But I'm sure Coasters will appreciate this during periods of heavy rain.

A sharp left turn and then I followed the diagonal path up the flanks of Fairfield/Cofa Pike and finally St Sunday Crag.

Looking back down the path towards Grisedale Tarn.

I followed the path as I have done before, but higher up there is a right turn which I decided against. This upwards path would have taken me to Deepdale Hause. I decided to carry on in the direction of the summit of St Sunday Crag - No great problem, but I would have been better off taking the path to the Hause, as my chosen route left a steep 'off-path' yomp up to the main ridge path at the end.

No great issue, but heading for the Hause would have been slightly better.

I did take time out however on the side of St Sunday Crag to have some lunch and to enjoy the views over towards Dollywaggon Pike.

Approaching the top of St Sunday Crag on the wide ridge path.

St Sunday Crag Summit Cairn

Now, as I mentioned at the beginning - my intent was to head back down to the car via Deepdale. But I couldn't face re-tracing my steps and following the valley back as it almost seemed like the day was drawing to a close.

So maybe I could just pop down to Birks too - it's just down there.

Not before long I was wandering over the grassy tops of Birks

At the summit of Birks - It's actually tricky to determine which of the last two mounds actually supports the true summit - but my guess is that this is the one. I Suggest you visit all as I do just to be on the safe side.

There's Arniston Crag down there - think I should pop over there too.

This walk is developing more into others I've done before - but who cares, I'm loving every minute of it.

A gentle and grassy descent initially takes you away from Arniston Crag, but soon a rock path and a dry stone wall can be followed down to the head of Glenamara.

Arniston Crag in the foreground with Place Fell behind in the distance.

What a view !

Time to sit and think about this beautiful world we are blessed to occupy. It really lifts your inner happiness to sit and enjoy the stunning surroundings.

Heading down towards Patterdale before the roadside walk back to the car.

Looks like we may be in for a good weather year in 2025 - Hope so, after a poor 2024. If so, we're in for some good Lakeland walks this summer.