Sunday, 11th November 2012

Walk: Tilberthwaite Quarries, Yewdale Fells, Coppermine Valley & Betsy Crag
Start Point: Hodge Close Grid Reference: NY 316 017
Distance: 10 miles Ascent: 3,000 feet
Time: 6 hours    
Weather: Brilliant. With clear blue skies, little wind and high temperatures.
Comments: A fabulous day with sunshine until mid afternoon (tomorrows rain clouds moving in). From an almost deserted Hodge Close we headed west for Tilberthwaite and the quarries. Once above the quarries we left the main path and headed south over for the rolling fells of Yewdale and its fantastic views over Coniston Water and beyond. Our descent almost to Coniston led us to paths for Coppermine area, where we turned north for Hole Rake and the upper areas of Tilberthwaite Gill. Passing through Dry Cove Bottom and Hawk Rigg we made our way to Betsy Crag. Our descent from Betsy Crag was a little awkward due to the old spoil heaps being re-worked, hence the paths had disappeared. All was not lost and we made it down to enable us to take various paths back to our car. A good day was had by the four of us with around 3000` of ascent.

Scroll down to see photos of the walk

9.30 and raring to go. Well nearly

 

Tilberthwaite with the quarries on the left

 

Looking back with Fairfield on the left

 

Ray, Pat and Robb admiring the view. Helvellyn on the left, Fairfield centre and Stony Cove Pike on the right

 

Coniston Water from Yewdale Fells

 

Coniston - and doesn't it look small

 

Everyone saw this branch but me, so I had to back track and take a photo to prove I had seen it

 

Robb and Pat climbing out of the Coppermine Valley on the Hole Rake path

 

The Old Man of Coniston is on the left (slightly out of the picture);
Levers Water hidden from view but in the hollow of the hills and Swirl How is on the right

 

One of the many quarry entrances, this one flooded

 

Pat studies the remains of quarry buildings, but where is the quarry?

 

Is this a deep quarry or a fault in the rocks? Although not as deep as this,
this feature can be followed across the valley.

 

Betsy Crag with Wetherlam behind

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