Loweswater, Low Fell, Darling Fell, Fellbarrow, Cumbria
[ 15 km] Wed 02 May 2012

NY 1431 2110
I returned to Loweswater to re-visit the area and explore some more of the fells to the west of Low Fell. I parked on the same patch of spare ground as last week and walked across the fields to Foulsyke. As last week it was overcast but warmer, meaning I didn’t need my windproof jacket. I think it’s the first time I’ve not needed it in over 6 months. I walked along the lane to the north then at Thackthwaite turned left at Galloway Farm to join the old drove road track up the east side of Low Fell. There was an interesting garden along the side of the small river.

Art above Thackthwaite

Further up the path goes through fields but up ahead, high on the steep fellside I could see what looked like an old quarry or mine entrance. I walked up its access track to investigate. It seemed too small for a quarry but could have been a mine but there was no sign of an entrance. I followed the contour to the north, then round the hillside to re-join the drove road track to the top of Low Fell.

There was much less wind than last week and I was able to wander along without having to struggle to keep upright. Just after the summit there was a nice rocky corner where I sat for a while to look down on the wonderful views towards Crummock Water. Then I descended to the west and Crabtree Beck and up a path by the fence line to the summit of Darling Fell. Even with the distant haze the views to the west and the sea were impressive. I crossed Loweswater Fell to the north, crossing the wet Beckhead Moss and on to Sourfoot Fell. A good path then took me to Fellbarrow and the trig post.

A faint path headed to the west so I followed it across the fell then gently down towards Mosser Fell. Then it vanished. I headed in to a large patch of thick gorse and soon had to retrace my steps to get out. A little to the north I found a way round and down to the very wet area near Mosser Beck. I joined the track which runs north / south and was surprised to see that parts had tarmac on, though I wouldn’t want to drive my car along it. I followed it south until I came to the road near Loweswater. I followed it back to the car.