Down Langdale and over Wrynose

Photos taken on a lovely sunny day back in September.

My original intention was to stop in Langdale somewhere and go for a stroll but I came across the usual parking problems. However the short pass over to Wrynose looked inviting so I headed over that way. The road past Blea Tarn was devilishly narrow with very few passing places but it looked deserted so I bit the bullet and carried on. Luckily the only vehicle I came across was just as I approached one of the passing places so there was a big sigh of relief on both sides.

The road continued to be narrow as I headed past Fell Foot Farm and only started to widen as I climb Wrynose Pass. The views all round from the top were stunning . I had Pike O' Blisco, Crinkle Crags and Bowfell on the one side and on the other, the slopes leading up to the Coniston Fells. Behind I'd a great view of Langdale and The Eastern Fells whilst in front I had the horrors of a distant Hardknott Pass which I decided to give a wide berth to!

I stopped at a few places along Wrynose Bottom to take some photos and, at Cockley Beck Farm, turned left down The Duddon Valley. Due to its remoteness, most people give this valley a miss and instead carry on over Hardknott Pass into Eskdale, but they are missing out on so much by doing that.

The road stayed pretty close to The River Dudden for most of the way and there was ample places to stop and go and stretch the legs. The beautiful Birks Bridge was part way down the valley and a bit farther on was the Seathwaite waterfalls, both of which are well worth a visit. As an added bonus there was also a pub, The Newfield Inn but I gave it a miss.

The valley ended at Dudden Bridge and it was then only a short drive in to the pretty town of Broughton where I bought lunch at the local bakery. Fully fed and watered, I took the road up to Coniston and was back in familiar territory.

It was then an easy drive past Yew Tree Tarn, on to Ambleside and then up through The Lakes and back to my caravan. It had been a long drive but a very pleasant one. I can highly recommend the bakery in Broughton.