High Spy

Back in January 2011 we walked 3/4 of the Newlands Round, missing out the final top of High Spy.  When I spoke to Peter earlier this week and explained I was doing the Swimathon on Sunday and wanted an easy-ish walk we decided on High Spy.  It wasn't too high and a fairly easy ascent and descent.  My turn to drive so I picked Peter up just after 6.30 am and set off in the direction of Keswick.  We arrived at Little Town around 8.30.  We had both brought Scotch Eggs for breakfast so we had one each for breakfast and kept the other 2 for lunch later.  

Shot Of Great Gable

Summit of High Spy

We started this walk the way we finished the walk in 2011, walking back up the road from the car park and turned right up the hill and then walked along the valley.  We were walking for around 30 or 40 minutes and then began to climb very slowly.  It was a steady climb up towards the pass which you can see in the picture on the right.  The last 50 yards or so up to the pass became a little steeper.  We found a little shelter and decided to stop for our first bait stop, had a cuppa and the other scotch egg.  As we were sitting it started to rain so we put the water proof jackets on and set off again.  As we reached the top of the pass the rain had stopped and it was actually getting warmer so the water proofs came off and we turned left towards High Spy.  This part of the climb was a little steeper and we reached the summit at 11.00 am.  

There were great views from here of the Scafels, Great Gable and Great End.  Then to the north Blencathra and Skiddaw and many others.  The weather was also clearing up so we could see for miles.

Skiddaw and Blencathra from High Spy

There was still a little bit of snow on some of the tops but nothing here today.  Looking around from the summit we could also see Dale Head and Hindscarth with Robinson behind, the other 3 tops on the Newlands Round walk.  

We set off back towards the car, walking on the flat for a little while and then beginning to drop towards Derwent Water with Keswick behind.

The walk was beginning to get busier as we descended.  This is a very popular walk with Cat Bells just below.

Looking back to High Spy

The car is down there somewhere

Derwent Water with the summit of Cat Bells centre left

As we descended Derwent Water and Keswick came into view and they were looking very good in the April sunshine.

A little further and the popular Cat Bells walk looked very busy today.

Cat Bells looking busy today

We walked towards the bottom of Cat Bells as can be seen on the left and then turned left down the slope towards the car.

Would be a nice stop in the summer!

Back at the car for around 1.00 pm and time for a quick drink at the Sportsmans.

Next walk planned towards the end of May.  See you then.