England - Lake District - Baystones Wansfell Bonanza
England - Lake District - Baystones Wansfell Bonanza
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Walk Summary
Walk Summary
Classic view of Lake Windermere, the Coniston and Langdale fells from Jenkin Crag. Easy walking to Troutbeck followed by a potentially damp one up to Baystones. A rollercoaster ride to Wansfell Pike with its superb views. Stone steps back to Ambleside.
Date: 15/02/2022
Length: 7.38 miles
Height Gain: 536 m
Terrain: Very boggy paths, grass paths, woodland walking, stony paths, stone steps, lightly used road
Navigation: Generally good. Stone wall between Baystones and Wansfell Pike is a good handrail
Start: Rydal Road Car Park
Route: Rydal Road Car Park, Jenkin Crag, Troutbeck, Nanny Lane, Baystones, Wansfell Pike
Map: OL7 The English Lakes South Eastern Area
Weather: Grey, cold, windy, hail
Walkers: Nun, Calse, Mo
Gallery
Gallery
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Ambleside
Captain's Log
Captain's Log
Good Morning
Good Morning
On the lane up to Jenkins Crag we came across an old fella sorting some food out for some sheep in a nearby field. I gave him a jaunty 'Morning'. He continued looking at the feed and gave an almost inaudible growl as a reply. Lakeland warmly welcomes tourists. As a challenge, I was almost tempted to try to engage him in a conversation with some open questions, but thought better of it. I was cheered up by a group of four walking in front of us. One of the men had the thinnest legs and longest feet I've ever seen. Maybe Ronald McDonald has longer feet.
Jenkin Crag
Jenkin Crag
We took the slight diversion from the path on to Jenkin Crag. It all looked a bit misty and grey over Coniston and the Langdales. At least it wasn't raining on Jenkin Crag. After taking a few photos we continued along the track towards Troutbeck. We didn't see any robins along Robin Lane. Having said that we didn't see any Nannies on Nanny Lane, on the other side of Troutbeck.
Kirkstone Pass
End Of Nanny Lane
Baystones
Baystones
Nanny Lane was exceedingly boggy. We followed upwards until a locked gate barred our way. Our escape route was a stile over the stone wall. We followed a track upwards towards Baystones. Three horses stood motionless about a hundred metres from the path. They appeared to stare into the distance. I wondered what was passing through their minds. We found some shelter, near the top of Baystones, to have our lunch.
We did think of going across to nearby Dodd Fell but on closer inspection there didn't appear to be a stile over the stone wall that surrounded it.
Fieldfare
Fieldfare
We started following the wall between Baystones and Wansfell Pike. Surprisingly there isn't much flat between the two Wainwrights. There was plenty of bog though.
At one point we saw a greyish bird on the path in front of us. I managed to get a little closer to it and took a photo. It was a Fieldfare. I've only seen Fieldfare in large flocks and so thought it unusual to see a solitary one. It seemed reluctant to fly off and I wondered if its nest was in the vicinity. There weren't any nearby trees, and so maybe not.
Fieldfare
Wansfell Pike Summit Plaque
Wansfell Pike
Wansfell Pike
There was a strong wind on the top of Wansfell Pike. I noticed that, despite their being no trig, there was a metal plaque on the ground signifying where it had been.
As we descended the stone steps back to Ambleside we could see a storm approaching from Coniston. By the time we had reached the Stockghyll Road, hail was bouncing off the road and our anoraks. I pitied those we had passed heading upwards to Wansfell Pike.
The forecast for the day had been sunshine and showers. Figuring we only had the one hail shower during the walk, I think we came off rather well.
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