Wigtwizzle - Norman Smith's Travel Blog.: honister pass

Showing posts with label honister pass. Show all posts

Over Honister Pass to Crummock Water

Photos from a day out which I had after lockdown lifted in April. I think my original intention was to park down Langstrathdale and walk from there, but there wasn't any parking. I'm afraid that I am finding parking in the Lakes much more difficult these days. People seem to be flocking to the area in droves because there is no foreign travel at the moment due to the COVID-19 pandemic and I can only see it getting worse as summer approaches.

I headed over The Honester Pass but Buttermere was just as bad. Eventually I found a parking spot at Crummock Water so had a short along the shoreline, meandering around its many coves and bays. It was quiet, the sun was shining and a nice cool breeze coming off the lake.

The ground gets boggy and the path sketchy at the top end of the lake, so I turned back there. There are paths leading across to Buttermere but with the COVID-19 worries, I decided to keep well away from people. I'd had my first jab, which offers some protection but was still waiting for my follow-up so thought I'd best play it safe for the time being.

I was really just thankful that I got out of the car and got some fresh air, as it looked at one point that I'd just be driving round all day.

Honister Bottom

Gatesgarth Beck

Buttermere Fells

High Stile, Buttermere

Crummock Water

Shadows, Crummock Water

Lone Tree, Crummock Water

woodland Path, Crummock Water

Jetty, Crummock Water

Haystacks in the haze

Crummock Water

Head of the Lake

Eycott Hill Sunset

Fleetwith Pike

An old favourite which was done in beautiful sunshine with not a cloud in sight. I parked up at the top of Honister Pass and trudged up the old tramway used for bringing down slate from the mines high up in the fells in days gone by. Once at the rock cutting, known as Drum House, I veered right which brought me into close contact with the ugly quarry workings, one of which is still being used.

Standing in such a wasteland makes it hard to comprehend that just half a mile away stands a cairn which gives one of the most beautiful and iconic Lakeland views in my opinion; the one looking down over Buttermere and Crummock Water with Pillar and The High Stile Range to the left and Dalehead in front. For good measure, you have Haystacks, Great Gable and the Scafells behind you and the Helvellyn Range in the distant left.

The path across the fell top frequently gives enticing views of the grandeur of what is to come once you gain the summit. One in particular is a view down a gully to the Honister Pass road far, far below. A good head for heights and a clam day is needed to get the best photo opportunity but unfortunately it was blowing a howling gale so I kept a safe distance from the edge. The wind was so strong and gusty, it nearly blew me off my feet a couple of times and that is no mean feat I can assure you!

Once on top I found a nice spot in the lee of the wind and had my lunch. A few people came up the ridge from Buttermere but found it too windy to hang around for long, most just took a photo and carried on. One person who did stop for a chat was the author of the Cicerone Press Lakeland Fells Guide books which are an updated version of The Wainwright Guides. The more we spoke the more I got the impression that the only reason that stopped was to blow his own trumpet and plug his online blog!

Thankfully once he had gone I was left with the fell to myself again and took the photos for this blog. The walk back to Honister was by the awful mine road which was very steep and just seemed to go on forever. It kills my hips and thighs every time I walk it and so it was with relief that I finally got back to the car.

All in all it was a grand walk but I had been very surprised and caught out a bit by the gusting wind on the top. It just goes to show that you can't take any walk in the fells for granted, no matter how low and short the walk is. Nice days often have a sting in their tails.

Quarry Working on Dalehead

The Old Tramway

Quarry Waste heap

Quarrying Relics

Old Quarry Workings

Looking down on Honister Pass

First glimpse of Buttermere

Pillar and High Crag

Haystacks and Pillar

Close up of Pillar

Quarry Workings

Quarry Road to Honister Pass

Honister Pass Visitor Centre

Rusty Relic

Old quarry Shed

Buttermere Reflections

Just occasionally the weather in The Lake District plays ball with you and this was one of those occasions. I've learnt from past experience that calm evenings do not always mean calm water, in fact they very rarely do.

I've driven down Borrowdale and over The Hosister Pass dozens of times with the hope of finding a still Buttermere and have always been let down. Tonight was the exception though and my first glimpse of the head of the lake revealed perfect glassy reflections.

I must admit I did illegally parked my car, blocking the entrance to a field but it was only for a short time plus, at that time of night, I didn't think it would be needed. A quick walk down to the shore and the magical sight was there before my very eyes. I quickly fired off about a dozen shots and then retreated back to the car and set off to try my luck at the village end of the lake.

As my photos show, I only just made it in time. A slight breeze had started to get up and already the centre of the lake had ripples on it. In a mad rush. I made for the sole shoreline tree which seems to lose a few more branches every time I visit. I suppose the day will inevitably come when it finally finally gives up the ghost and admits defeat to the Lakeland weather and that will be a sad day.

I took a few more shots from further along the shore before the midges attacked which was to be my signal to retreat back to the village and the car.

I was very pleased with the photos and had hopefully put my Buttermere reflection obsession back to bed for a few years!