Ullscarf from Steel End, circular walk

Leaving Steel End Car Park with Steel Fell behind us.

The valley on the right (Wythburn) will be our return route later on in the day.

A gentle enough start as we stroll along the Thirlmere lane

But soon we reached the old farmhouse - this is where we departed from the roadside and headed onto the fell side.

A shallow looking Thirlmere comes into view as we start to climb.

Can't remember going up here before - think I've somehow missed the path, but no worries, I'll soon get back to it at the top.

Yep - there's the easy way!

As we walk through the bracken following the very minor path, Harrop Tarn comes into view.

Harrop Tarn and the Dob Gill crossing

A rarity in the lakes, a signpost halfway up.

Left turn for us as we head in the direction of Watendlath over on the Borrowdale side. We're not going that far of course.

Into the woods.

Last time I was here I had to crawl under these fallen trees - Somebody has obviously been doing some good tidying up

Heading up to the ridge and Standing Crag.

Looks quite steep (Standing Crag) - but it's a gentle climb really.

Nearing the top with a glance down towards Blea Tarn - Yes, another one.

Ullscarf summit - with a proud Paul as he gets ever nearer his Wainwright completion (only 38 to go).

After Ullscarf we headed down towards Greenup Edge.

Soon our return valley comes into view.

We pick up the main path down from Greenup Edge hoping to find a left turn for the Wythburn Valley at some point - But no established path appeared to exist.

So it was a case of finding the best way through and down a very uninspiring Lakeland valley.

Fortunately, we were in the height of a particularly dry summer, so there wasn't much dampness about, even at the aptly named 'The Bog' region.

However, it was one of those routes that you always thought you weren't quite on the right path or that the going would be easier over there or somewhere else.

I have walked this before, but it was about 15 years ago so my memory was sadly lacking - anyway we pressed on and reached our destination without too much hardship.

An old sheepfold - probably not seen by many folk as I get the feeling that this is a route rarely frequented by walkers.

The Helvellyn masif appears in the distance as we look down the valley towards Thirlmere.

A bridge - we must be reaching civilisation.

Through the gate, down onto the road and we were back at the car park.

Then a lovely pint in the Kings Head before heading for home.