TOUR DE DERWENT WATER - 13.12.15


A GOOD VIEWPOINT ABOVE DERWENT WATER

Storm Desmond had ravaged Cumbria on Saturday 5 December.  A reconnaisance of Borrowdale on Thursday indicated the area had recovered sufficiently well to cope with an influx of LDWA aficionados on Sunday 13 December.  The Weather Gods then sent a snow storm to the A66 between Penrith and Threlkeld on Saturday 12 December.  The emails, phone calls and texts came in from aficionados giving their apologies.  Just how many would turn up for Cumbria LDWA Walk Number 100!  The car journey to Portinscale on the Sunday was relatively straightforward although the temperature at one stage dropped to -5oC.  At the car park there were just four!  They were rewarded with a magnificent day’s walk as indicated by the photographs.

 

The gang of four glided along to Nichol End where Skiddaw and Derwent Water revealed their true glory in the early daylight.  It was good to be out, a wonderful dry day beckoned.  The four moseyed along to Hawse End, Catbells Terrace, Grange and Rosthwaite.  Time for a bit of cardiovascular exercise as they moved into the snow zone and a descent to Watendlath.  The route then took them to Ashness Wood and the classic beauty spots, Surprise View and Ashness Bridge.  Finally an assault on the lake and Keswick.  Much more attritional!  Negotiation strategies involved either shuffling along fences or plodging above stones.  It was sad and chasteneing to see the flood damage in Keswick.  Even so it had been an excellent 16 mile winter walk.