A linear 2-day north-south hike of the far eastern fells of the Lake District, joining the line of the Roman road at Moor Divock near Pooley Bridge as far as High Street and traversing the Ill Bell ridge to the Garburn Pass and Dubbs Reservoir.
We have walked various circuits of all these fells before, but our new public transport regime allowed an obvious natural traverse from Pooley Bridge to Windermere station.
The first day was overcast and grey for the very long and gradual approach to Loadpot Hill and the northernmost summits, but the tops were clear with interest in the dramatic cloud patterns. The second day was in glorious sunshine for the more mountainous scenery of the Ill Bell ridge, surprisingly cold for late August at dawn but becoming very warm by afternoon.
A cracking trip seemingly perfectly designed for public transport! The Ill Bell ridge is one of my favourites and has a special memory as my first proper Lake District walk back in my University days
Since totalling the car and moving entirely to public transport, we’re busy working out the main route arteries that serve the various walking areas and this traverse was one of the first to spring out from the map. The Ill Bell ridge is always a delight.