Latrigg

Once again recovery from my breakage places the bigger and more challenging fells out of bounds. It also really puts into perspective just how some things that we tend to take for granted are impossible for millions of others.

Latrigg is interesting for me in this case as it is "wheelchair accessible", with a new path running from the car park at the end of Gale Road to the fell top. I would suggest that even with the new footpath, as with all fells this is no stroll in the park and of course basic precautions and safety measures need to be followed.

Latrigg nestled in front of Skiddaw in the distance

Rather than taking the same path up and down from Keswick we approached the fell from the east, having previously visited Castlerigg Stone Circle. The crossing of the A66 is made safe by an underpass and this takes you to the excellent path that follows the former rail lines from Keswick to Scales, more or less following the path of the river Greta.

After following the railpath back towards Keswick a short while, we turned up the narrow valley that separates Latrigg and Lonscale Fell from the slopes of Blencathra. This is a steep picturesque little farm road that rises above Glenderaterra Beck until it reaches Lonscale Farm.

Pretty soon we headed off the road and onto the open fell. We had big open views of the Skiddaw range right before us and looking over towards the North Western Fells which revealed themselves a little more with every step and altitude gained. Once we reached the crest the ascent, Keswick was revealed in all its glory beneath us in spectacular fashion. From there is was a simple case of finding a comfortable bit of ground to sit on and enjoy the view whilst eating our pasties. Yet another perfect picnic spot!

Pasties and drinks consumed and full of fresh air, we continued along the path that curves around the summit of Latrigg. This is indeed a well managed path that eventually takes you back to the car park. We turned off the path and onto the Cumbria Way. This took us back down the wooded lower slopes giving us very picturesque views across the Vale of Keswick through the trees.

Eventually we crossed the A66 on the bridge at the interestingly named Spoony Green Lane which brought us back into Keswick and a welcome cup of tea and piece of cake in the Lakeland Pedlar.