B Walk at Hawkshead 2012

Walk Leader: Beverley Kelly

Total Distance: 8+ miles

Total Ascent/Descent: 1050ft 

click to enlarge map

 This walk has become a favourite for me combining lakeside walks, wonderful vistas, natural beauty and the thrill of reaching the top with not too much effort. The reccie was on a warm spring day with clear skies and only a gentle breeze and I can only hope that it is like this on our walk as I have never done this walk in bad weather.

 As we walk out of the car park we follow the road to the ferry across Windermere as it hugs the side of Esthwaite Water an unspoilt lake used by fishermen. This road is quiet except for every 10 minutes when the ferry comes in and we do need to take care untill it reaches Near Sawrey the home of Beatrix Potter, but the views across the lake and over to the Langdales is spectacular

At Near Sawrey, ( can you spot Mr McGregor?) we take a track leading up Moss Eccles Tarn, which was a favourite walk of Beatrix Potter and her husband, spending many evenings at the picturesque tarn. There is a path round the back of the tarn, but it does not go all the way round

 
We can make a diversion to Three Dubbs Tarn provided the ground is not too wet, to enjoy a tarn which has been made for fishing with it's own boathouse. We will have to backtrack to the main pathway and make our way to Wise Een Tarn. Just as we reach to top of the hill we get another breathtaking view of the Middle Fells with the tarn in front. This should be an ideal stop for lunch.

 We now head for Latterbarrow going through the forest and across a cleared area, when we can see the tall cairn inviting us closer. A final climb, the steepest of the walk yet only short, to reach the summit at 800ft but with superb views for 360. The views from the eastern end overlook Windermere and are well worth a visit.

 
With Hawkshead in view, it is just a matter of carefull descending Latterbarrow and following tracks back home, but if the blueblls are out, we will make another diversion through a picturesque wood full of natural bluebells which will take your breath away.

The album taken on the walk