Reaching their highest point at High Street(828 metres) they occupy a broad area to the east of Ullswater and Kirkstone Pass. Much quieter than the central areas of Lakeland they offer in general easier but less exciting walking as the fells merge mainly into the surrounding moorlands. Exceptions however are the fine rock scenery to be seen surrounding the head of Haweswater
It was another lovely morning so I took the opportunity to do Gowbarrow Fell, surpringly one I hadn’t done yet! I parked at the newly altered National Trust car park at NY392212. I crossed the road and walked down the hill on the pleasant footpath to Aira Beck, which I crossed and headed North along an easy path, until I reach a signpost for Airy Crag and Gowbarrow Fell. I turned right here and headed up the hill, which was a bit muddy and slippery at first. As I reached the summit the path was much easier, and it was deserted so I enjoyed fine views and undisturbed sheep, who also seemed to be admiring the view. There was a fair bit of haze in the sky and it was very cold, but it was a glorious sunny day. I saw two RAF jets thundering by. It was an easy path to the summit. I followed an obvious path which headed North, down the hill to join another path coming out of Kirksty Brow woods (NY415218). From here I turned right and walked along the sometimes narrow path to Yew Crag, near the memorial seat. I had a snack and a cup of tea here, before walking down the well worn path to Hind Crag. Once at the bottomI passed through a wooden gate and I walked through the trees to admire the fantastic Aira Force, then headed up the steps and followed the river North until I reached the track I had arrived on first thing. From there it was an easy walk up the hill and back to the car.
