Outstanding and Outlying!

the awesome view from hampsfell

I'm officially fed up now. One day back at work and it's like I've never been away. The week in question was last week and we were in our beloved Lakes, staying in Ambleside. The weather was fantastic with just one day of mist and damp, but for early March it was a dream.

The dog, now a year old, was introduced to the fells gently and we tackled some of the Outlyers. For those of you who don't know, they are the 116 lower fells around the edges of Lakeland that Wainwright suggested people not able or inclined to tackle the high fells, enjoy for their shorter length, lower height and fabulous views and wow, he wasn't wrong.

We enjoyed Hampsfell, Grandsire, Nameless School Knott, Latterbarrow, Wool Crag, Beacon Fell, Reston Scar, Hugill Fell, Cunswick Scar and Scout Scar. We also scored through High Knott which, although we haven't climbed, the Wainwright Society will allow you to tick off as it's on private land and the owner will absolutely not allow anyone on it. The Society has had considerable discussions with the landowner, but to no avail, so they will accept your total of 115.

Anyway, they really are little gems. Dare I say it, but it's actually quite refreshing to have a shorter walk, a gentler gradient and an easier climb and yet still be back for coffee and cake or tea and cake depending on when you start. I think most of the actually walking probably took us no more than an hour, sometimes less, although the dog does like to mess around a lot and it takes us at least an hour longer to get anywhere! The views are just breathtaking.

Probably the favourites of the week were Hampsfell in Grange over Sands which has the most beautiful views over Cartmel and Morecambe Bay and a spectacular limestone pavement. Cunswick Scar is a dream of a walk with far reaching views over the Howgills and Pennines and right round the high fells to Coniston Old Man. Scout Scar (which you could literally toddle up in 10 minutes) has breathtaking views as well. Latterbarrow was tackled from Wray Castle with a lovely start meandering through the grounds then a fantastic, gentle walk up though woods and out onto the top where I was just stunned into silence at the panorama.

They really are such wonderful, smaller fells with the most astonishing views. Perfect for a gentle walk.

CARtmel from hampsfell

the misty boat house at wray castle

panoramic views from latterbarrow

windermere coming into view from the latterbarrow descent

the views from grandsire

the howgills from cunswick scar

sublime scout scar. just the place for contemplation!