Finding a view over Latterbarrow

On today's agenda was a drive to the Lakes with Mum and Dad and friends Ian and Sue for a walk in the fresh air. We were heading to the picturesque village of Hawkshead, to the west of Lake Windermere, and our goal was the distinctive fell top of Latterbarrow, who's large obelisk overlooks the village.

First stop in time for lunch was a secluded bay on the shores of Esthwaite Water, one of the least visited lakes in the Lake District. Here there were views across the lake out towards the Fairfield range several miles in the distance. Although the forecast was promising, it was decidedly chilly by the side of the lake. But we knew we would soon warm up once we were on our way and climbing.

At 803ft, Latterbarrow doesn't make it into Wainwright's catalogue of 214 fell tops in his Lakeland Guides, but he did later have a change of heart by including it in his mop-up book 'Outlying Fells of Lakeland'. Because of this, Latterbarrow doesn't resonate with most seasoned fellwalkers, which is a pity because the reward for a modest climb are some sensational views right round from the Coniston Fells in the south-west to Kentmere in the south-east.

Before reaching the top though, there's some climbing to do, but the motivation comes from the views backwards over towards the Langdales which gradually improve all the while as height is gained. However as this view disappears behind the trees, the landscape ahead suddenly becomes quite bleak as we walk towards an area where the trees have been cleared and not replaced. All that remains are the stumps of the trees felled and the odd decaying tree still standing - a scene reminiscent of a battlefield.

It's worth persevering through this stretch though - as the path eventually returns to woodland full of life, and the path to the summit soon comes into view through the trees.


The views from the top are just sensational and just had to be captured in a long panorama shot. Click the image above to see the view in more detail. Hopefully I'll soon be updating my Walking Blog with a more detailed explanation of the actual walk, as well as some more photos - I'll add the link shortly.