Lots of Little Ones

Day 2: Wind, Geocaches, and Narrow Roads

Day 2 began with a hearty hotel breakfast. The forecast promised wind and dry weather in the morning. Clouds were expected to drop later, with rain arriving in the afternoon. I decided to make the most of the good weather while it lasted. My target was to clear lots of little ones in the Ullswater area, specifically Little Mell Fell, Great Mell Fell, Gowbarrow and, if time allowed, Hallin fell.

Little Mell Fell

Little Mell Fell is small but satisfying. From the nearest parking, it’s about 900 metres as the crow flies with 120 metres of ascent. The terrain is grassy and easy to navigate. The only challenge was the wind howling across the summit. A geocache sat about 20 metres from the trig point, a perfect excuse for a short summit linger. The views stretch across the Eden Valley, with Ullswater clearly visible.

It was a breezy start but a confidence booster for the climbs ahead.

Great Mell Fell

Next was Great Mell Fell. Luck favoured me: the parking spot I had eyed earlier was just vacated. As in, I tried to come here first, but someone was parked right where I fancied. The rain meant I didn’t fancy much of the rest of it.

The walk begins in trees, which were heavy and sodden from weekend rain. Nearly unpleasant but not quite. It was warm here because it was out of the wind.

Above the treeline, grass takes over, easing the climb. The ascent is 274 metres over 1.7 kilometres, steady but manageable.

At the summit there’s a disappointly small cairn. No Trig Point and not enough third dimension to get below the wind. I lay on the floor eating snack bar and swigging some coke. The grassy dome offers views back towards Little Mell and across the Eden Valley. The wind persisted, reminding me to hang onto hats and dignity alike.

Gowbarrow

Next, Gowbarrow above the tourist trap of Aira Force. The National Trust has installed a solid path, stone steps, and even some handrails. A welcome relief for mountain-light walking.

My main challenge: parking. Coins were insufficient, I am no longer a National Trust member, and phone signal was patchy for the JustPark app. And for some reason the machine doesn’t take a credit card. Thankfully, signal appeared en route, and payment was sorted. But there was a little swearing involved. However… The JustPark app allows you to pick when you arrived. So, subject to confirmation, I was able to pay from the time I arrived, rather than from the time I was first able to pay. There was a good 40 minutes between the two.

The climb is straightforward, though the top was very windy. Panoramic views include Ullswater and surrounding fells.

I got back to the car by 2:45 pm, ready for the next drive.

Hallin Fell

The drive to Hallin Fell looked short on paper but ignored single-track realities. Apologies to the few oncoming cars and one mouthy Asda delivery driver. I appreciate that, as a professional driver, you are able to negotiate narrow roads with walls on both sides rather better than I am. But equally, the route you were rather vocally suggesting I use was definitely not wide enough. Really, it wasn’t.

So bum to you. I won’t report you to Asda, but equally you can go stick your “guidance” where the sun don’t shine. I was fully aware that my lack of experience meant I was holding people up. Telling me how incompetent I am wasn’t really helping. So also, thankyou to the geezer who, despite an unpleasant tone, actually guided me into a spot where other cars could pass me. Seriously, my car applies the brakes when you get within 18 inches of an obstruction, and I can’t override that. Lesson learned. Don’t drive up single-track roads.

Finally at the car park by the church, the walk up Hallin Fell was quick — 40 minutes return. A geocache sits at the summit, though I am still unsure I found it. Hallin Fell’s grassy top offers excellent views of Ullswater and the surrounding fells. By 4:30 pm, I was back in the car and heading to Pooley Bridge.

Back at the Hotel

Returning, the hotel car park had free spaces. Bonus: one by the EV charger, and they don’t charge for the charger (as it were). Result.

So I walked around Glenridding doing a set of Adventure Labs whilst also chatting to Daughterus Maximus. And then “pre” drink, followed by a shower, and change of clothes. Dinner consisted of Broccoli and Cheese soup (déjà vu from last night) and pepperoni pizza.

With the car fully charged, and body moderately tired, I called it a night.