|
|
Leisure WHAT is this life if, full of care, We have no time to stand and stare. No time to stand beneath the boughs And stare as long as sheep or cows. No time to see, when woods we pass, Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass. No time to see, in broad daylight, Streams full of stars, like skies at night. No time to turn at Beauty's glance, And watch her feet, how they can dance. No time to wait till her mouth can Enrich that smile her eyes began. A poor life this if, full of care, We have no time to stand and stare. W.H. Davies 1871 - 1940. |
Today's Walk: 31st. July 2007 - From the outskirts of Keswick to the summit of Skiddaw and return by same route, known as the tourist route. Total of 8 miles. Map and other walk info. Outdoor Leisure 4. The English Lakes, North Western area. On road parking at GR 267243. Good paths throughout. Total ascent 2,850 feet. Weather: Improved during the walk from heavy cloud to some pleasant afternoon sunshine. |
Taken in the afternoon whilst descending Skiddaw. The view is of Derwent Water, with a part of Keswick showing near the bottom left of the photo. |
Skiddaw is the 4th highest mountain in England its summit is 931 metres (3,054 feet) above sea level. The tourist route is the most popular and easiest route up. It may not be the most interesting route but it was the word easiest which appealed most to me :-) Near to where we parked was a finger post which stated Skiddaw 4 miles. We followed it and really from then on the map could have been put back in the rucksack, as the path is so easy to follow. It was a pleasant and gentle start to the walk. |
The Skiddaw range seen from near our parking spot. We would be ascending from right to left. |
Just over a mile later we came to a road and car park at GR 282254 which was full. A case of it's the early motorist who gets the car park space. The track on the flanks of Skiddaw could be clearly be seen as it zig-zags steeply upwards. At GR 272276 our track goess to the right. The track to the left goes to the summit of Little Man. |
Maureen and Robin taking a breather just before we start the ascent proper. |
A look back to see how much height we've gained. |
Low clouds casting shadows over the nearby hills. |
A cairn just as the summit is reached, and from it looking back towards Derwent Water. |
On top of the pillar I'm stood next to there are arrows pointing out all the surrounding fells and distant views. We were lucky that it was quite clear and in the distance could make out the Solway Firth and the Isle of Man. |
One of the views from the summit. |
The wind is a bit chilly so we take our meal break in this stone shelter. Got to keep my lily white legs warm you know! |
Robin rests against the gate waiting for us to catch up to him. |
The weather is improving as the day goes on. |
It's a very pleasant if somewhat steep descent. |
Not too far back to the car now, then our thoughts turn to some refreshments to finish off an excellent days walking. |
If you'd like to receive a short e-mail each time this web site is updated, then please join my Mailing List on the 'Archived Photo Page'. It's FREE and your identity is kept secure. Terry Smith, Durham, England. |