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Country Walks Around London by Geoff Garvey and Leigh Hatts

I spent two years living in London while studying at London Business School. Stuck out in the ‘burbs of Metroland (Willesden Green) it was good to escape to the countryside for the occasional walk. One of the things I found remarkable about London was that, despite the number of people living in the Greater London area, it was still possible to get away from the crowds while remaining within the M25 boundary. This book helped guide me to some excellent walks, all serviced (at the time at least) by public transport – useful since I didn’t have a car.

Now sadly out of print, but still available used from Amazon resellers (and presumably other second-hand book stores) I can strongly recommend this book. While the maps are a little basic, the descriptions are (or at least were) excellent; the authors have clearly walked the routes, and they have chosen some good ones. Just remember that the book was published in 1998 so conditions on the ground may have changed since then.

Another ascent of Mt Feathertop via Bungalow Spur over the Easter weekend. Unlike the previous year, this year it was sunny and warm, and there were a lot of people around.

Walk date: April 7, 2007
More detail on this route here.

A beautiful and very warm Saturday for another classic Lakeland walk:

“The most thrilling walk in Lakeland reaches the top of Scafell by way of an ingenious passage that penetrates the rocks of Scafell Crag … A struggle up this unfriendly ladder of rock debris … leads to the foot of Scafell Pinnacle in most impressive surroundings, the Pinnacle soaring above in a tower 500 feet in height. To the right at this point rises a steep narrow channel between rocks, and choked by stones and boulders. This is Lord’s Rake…”

Wainwright’s Favourite Lakeland Mountains

Parking at Wasdale Head we took the public footpath that leads south-east and then south to Lingmell Gill, then following the path as it proceeds upwards through Brown Tongue. Eventually the trail branches into two; following the southerly branch we proceeded to the bottom of Lord’s Rake. At this point it should be noted that there were signs stating that this way was closed. While there were no physical barriers, a large rock slab had dislodged at the top of the Rake, and if this fell down as you were walking up, your walking career would come to a shuddering and rather messy halt. In addition, there was a lot of loose rock and rubble which could easily come tumbling down causing injury. We chose to continue onwards for the traverse up Lord’s Rake and thus straight through Scafell Crag, before eventually (after a couple more up and down sections) reaching the high ground and a gentle stroll to the summit. Nothwithstanding this, a better option would be to continue on the path and then take the gully up to Foxes Tarn. Don’t try going up Broad Stand – this is for roped climbers only!

Following lunch we took the path down through Green How to join a bridleway heading north to return to Wasdale Head and a beer (of course).

My rating: A+. Magnificent, but definitely for experienced walkers only – and note the danger of traversing Lord’s Rake.
Map: OL6 – The English Lakes: South Western area (1:25,000)
Wainwright’s guides: Book four, The Southern Fells

UPDATE: Refer to this page from Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team for the current situation with regard to Lord’s Rake.

“Great Gable is everbody’s favourite. The very name is a compelling magnet, the aspect of the mountain on all sides is challenging and its ascent a highlight in the itineraries of all active walkers in Lakeland.”

Wainwright’s Favourite Lakeland Mountains

We followed the route in the Lake District: Walks (Pathfinder Guide) book, starting from Seathwaite, then straight up Sourmilk Gill, rather hardwork so soon after breakfast, before following the path between Gillercomb and Base Brown, to ascend Green Gable and then Great Gable itself. The descent was down to Styhead Tarn and back along the Styhead Pass over Stockley bridge and back to Seathwaite.

My rating: A. A Lakeland classic.
Maps: OL4 – The English Lakes: North Western area (1:25,000)
Wainwright’s guides: Book seven, The Western Fells

“Blencathra is a grand mountain standing aloof, independent, masculine, owing allegiance to no other, aware of its strategic importance as the cornerstone of Lakeland in the north-east, a sentinel charged with the duty of watching all who travel on the popular approach from Penrith”

Wainwright’s Favourite Lakeland Mountains

We approached Blencathra via Hall’s Fell, recommended by Wainwright as “positively the best way up Blencathra”. Parking at a small parking area north-west of Threlkeld, we took the public footpath north, and then turned east to meet the waterfall at the base of Hall’s fell. From this point – straight up the ridge! A great way to approach the fell tops, but not for nervous walkers. From Hallsfell Top we followed Scales Fell east and then looped back west to the base of Hall’s fell, dropping down the bridleway to join the old alignment of the A66, taking this into Threlkeld for a well deserved beer.

My rating: A. An exhilarating day’s walking, and highly recommended.
Map: OL5 – The English Lakes: North-Eastern area (1:25,000)
Wainwright’s guides: Book five, The Northern Fells