Walk around Mellbreak & Crummock Water

Parking at the Lanthwaite Woods Car Park (NT)

Crossing the River Cocker with Low Fell in the distance.

Looks like there is a bit of a diversion up ahead with roadworks ongoing.

No real problem, as I took a small detour on my way to the Kirkstile Inn.

From the country lane looking back towards Whiteside and Grasmoor.

Back on the Loweswater road, as I approach this small hamlet - St Bartholemew church is up ahead on the right.

An easy day for some in the morning sunshine.

From Loweswater, I follow a bridleway which heads towards Mellbreak and Hen Combe..

I've walked along here many times, usually Mellbreak is my first climb of the day - but I had other ideas today.

Mellbreak straight on - but today I turned right and followed alongside the dry stone wall.

Hen Combe comes into view - which was actually my original target

But there lies the problem! - we have had loads of rain overnight and I couldn't get across to the other side to start the climb up Hen Combe. It was just too difficult to cross without getting drenched.

So, time for a re-think.

Walking along the bridleway on the western side of Mellbreak I considered my options. I initially thought about crossing the Mosedale Beck by the small steel bridge further along, but the area was very wet indeed, and I remember walking it before and it's not particularly pleasant.

No, I'll just walk around Mellbreak and go back alongside Crummock Water - No climbs today, but maybe that's not a bad thing for my recovering foot.

It did get soggier along the path as I headed further down Mosedale, it made me wonder how bad it would have been lower down.

Great Borne on the left and Hen Combe to the right

Rounding the bend, Red Pike comes into view.

And soon after, the beautiful Crummock Water appears

I zoomed in to see Scale Force - I would expect that would be pretty impressive close up today.

Following the grassy path down towards the lakeside.

A causeway takes you to this magical picnic spot, way out into the water.

I sat down on the causeway with my sandwiches and flask of coffee and enjoyed the stunning scenery for 20 minutes.

From the head of the peninsular, looking over towards Rannerdale Knotts.

Then walking back to the lakeside path with Mellbreak southern top straight ahead.

Easy walking along the waters edge.

A day at the beach for these horses - they took no interest in me as I strolled by.

Then it was back in the direction of Loweswater - I should have turned right when I had the chance and walked around the last bit of Crummock Water and then headed through the woods back to my car.

But I do tend to make the odd mistake - I know, many will certainly agree with this.