Date : 28th May 2003

Place : Scale Fell, Cumbria, UK.

Event : A walk with Gareth and Ann, and the dogs.

Weather : Warm and sunny with bands of high cloud.

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Sale Fell, adjacent to the northern end of Bass Lake, is one fell we havn't climbed for many years. Last time was in '91

Gareth was considerably smaller, and managed to get lost (briefly) amongst the undulating folds on the top of the fell.

Hopefully today, this will not be the case !!

Parking in Wythop Beck Valley, half a mile or so above the mill. The gate leads to Kelswick Farm.

Through the gate, we turned left and made a steep but brief ascent onto the ridge.

Here on the south facing slopes, the braken is well advanced compared to other places.

On the way up, yet another Dodd Crag, with

Wythop Valley to the right and Helvellyn's Dodds in the distance.

A more gentle slope takes us towards the summit.

Below is the A66 making its way to Cockermouth, and beyond, the village and old quarry at Embleton.

Waiting for the photographer - we are now on the last part of the ridge.

Skiddaw and Ullock Pike are our distant views.

50yds beyond the summit, looking north, is the viewpoint overlooking the Pheasant Inn,

the sailing club, and a passing Sainsbury's lorry.

Crossing towards Lothwaite Side we passed several significant patches of Wild Pansies (Heartsease).

They were about an inch across and had this 3 inch stems.

From this high vantage point, a tremendous view of Bassenthwaite Lake (but sadly no Ospreys)

They are probably relaxing on their nest site near Barf.

Back now along the southern side of the fell, past Kelswick Farm. Ling Crag is the hill ahead.

Return to the car in brilliant sunshine, reflecting here off the infant Wythop Beck.

This could be classed a gentle walk, but nevertheless, a good one.

Allow plenty of time on a good day to admire the views.

Late Pic:

Later, we visited friends at Thirlmere Green.

Driving through St John in the Vale, you pass a place called Fornside - a slightly famous viewpoint !!

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