Two Wainwrights

Wednesday 10th April 2019

Sour Howes - NY 427 032 - 483m
Ssllows      -     NY 436 040 - 516m


Another impromptu decision today. As I munch breakfast toast and am informed we will  be subjected to months more of Brexit I switch to Memory Map.  There is a circle of paths on the elevated western flanks of Kentmere, part of which I have not walked before. That sounds like a worthwhile pursuit before hearing more of Brexit with Tom Bradby on ITV News at Ten.

Another day of cloudless blue sky saw me ascending the long minor road north of Ings on the A591. Because of rapid height gain views unfolded in quick succession. As the road levelled out tarmac gave way to a typical Lake District track flanked by winding drystone walls. and wide ranging views of distant fells. A farmer came past on a quad bike with sheep and lambs in a trailer. Further on he was liberating the sheep with their lambs into a field.  Sheep and lambs are taken to these green pastures as soon as the lambs have had a few days to establish themselves in the real world. It must be odd for the first ones, but then becoming more companionable as others arrive . We had a chat about the uncertainties of Brexit - he said the price of sheep at the auction was holding up well at the moment. I mentioned Pete and me frequenting Café Ambio at the livestock auctions which I have posted about several times here - he said "It's not really a farmer's café.'"

As I progressed into the higher uncultivated land above Kentmere I realised there were two beckoning hills forming a horseshoe which could be incorporated in my route My penchant for impromptu decisions was triggered. Off I trogged across initially pathless terrain to ascend Sour Howes. There is no path marked on the map but I found one after a while, and also access points at a couple of boundary walls. The Summit was much further back than I expected, but I have not felt so fit for a long time, and by my standards powered up there in good fashion. There was a grand view looking south down the length of Windermere and  a pleasing ambience of peace and quiet - not a soul to be seen.

 It was so good to be on proper hills again.

The footpath over the col to Sallows was more defined. I soon arrived to find myself looking back across to Sour Howes.

My knees seemed to be coping better than usual  especially on the descent where I had to cross wild terrain to pick up the continuation of the paths that were the original plan for this walk. That was a most enjoyable ten mile round.

Only five minutes up the steep road - too early for a rest

Off the tarmac and onto Lake District track

The farmer on his way again after putting his sheep and lambs into the field

Views of distant hills

My two Wainwrights - Sour Howes left and Sallows right. They look flattened. Summits were further back than seen here

Sour Howes - that pointy bit is nowhere near the summit

Looking south down Windermere from Sour Howes summit

Back across to Sour Howes from Sallows summit

Proper wild daffodils - smaller, but more attractive in my opinion than the cultivated varieties