More Hidden Gems
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When we are in the Lakes for a week or fortnight we always factor in days off otherwise the climbing can feel a little relentless and tiring, especially if you only have a limited time there. You do need a little time to re-charge so, if like us you have itchy feet and a desire to see as much of the area as possible and make the most of the time, here are a few suggestions of lovely, slightly out of the way places we've found and enjoyed.
Scaly Moss - this was on the way to climb a couple of fells, but it was memorable enough for us to go back to. Mainly memorable for a herd of fell ponies cantering across the common, then wandering nonchalantly along the road. I adore horses and these beauties were very friendly. The area is just lovely to sit and admire the views, have a picnic or a wander, far from the madding crowd. Kinniside Stone Circle is also interesting, set on a rise just to the right of the top of the road in the picture.
free ranging fell ponies
Boon Wood, at the southern end of Coniston - this gently wooded, slightly sloping, grassy area is perfect for a picnic; five minutes from parking the car you can sit in the shade on the southern shores of Coniston Water with views up the lake and across the water to Brock Barrow and Low Light Haw on the eastern shore of the lake. Very peaceful.
Deepdale - we came across this area on our way up St Sunday Crag and it was gorgeous. Very secluded, very quiet and very beautiful running alongside Deepdale Beck, then sandwiched between the bulk of St Sunday and Fairfield, it would be a lovely place for a walk and a picnic in its own right. Lovely little Shetland ponies graze next to the track and we didn't see another soul all day.
Summit of Brae Fell, Back o'Skiddaw - a little fell with a big panorama towards Dumfries and Galloway. These Caldbeck Fells are lovely; lonely, grassy, not particularly high but surrounded by higher fells, it's a great place to wander or sit and relax and you can usually have it all to yourselves. Feels lovely and remote in winter.
from boon wood down the length of Coniston
Binsey - another little fell in a superb position. The furthest north of all the Wainwright peaks, it sits on its own looking back towards Skiddaw and the northern fells one way, and across the Solway Firth the other. An easy ascent of probably no more than an hour if taken slowly brings you to a flattish plateau area. Very peaceful, out of the way, this is good one for a summer's evening.
Binsey’s summit cairn
Mousethwaite Comb - this area looks like a giant scoop has been taken out of the fell side. A steep path runs diagonally upwards, but it's the views back over Clough Head that are so worthwhile. At the top, you have options to go on either towards Sharp Edge or Bannerdale Crags, up Blencathra or over to Souther Fell. We've taken each route at various times, but on a calm, warm day, it's lovely to sit at the top and just take in those views.
the top of mousethwaite comb with the path snaking downwards
Angle Tarn - another gem and, judging from You Tube, also a popular wild camping site. This is in one of my favourite walking areas and there are a number of approaches. We've taken the path from Patterdale to Boredale Hause and walked the Coast to Coast path skirting Angletarn Crags, and also from Hartsop up to Hayeswater, then heading the other way on the Coast to Coast path. It's just so stunning and quiet and tucked away, you'd never know it was there unless you put some effort in. Always the best reward, I think.
Angle Tarn