A walk that explores the curious 'inner balcony' of Coledale as AW wrote of this ridge.  A delightful ascent of Barrow is rewarded with fine views of the north western fells, whilst below, views of Derwentwater and Keswick vale take the eye.

Route: From Braithwaite village the footpath passes through Braithwaite Lodge on to open fell.  Climb the ridge to the bare summit of Barrow.  Descend to Barrow Door before finding a thin path on to Stile End.  From here drop down to a marshy depression before climbing Outerside.  Fine views of the head of Coledale may be had from here.  Descend the fell to join the old mine road dropping down by Stonycroft Gill to the Newlands valley road.  Pass an extensive area of mine spoil to join a path slanting uphill at first, which takes you back to Braithwaite Lodge and thence back to the village.

The first view of Barrow from the road up to Braithwaite Lodge

Climbing up the ridge, the views open up to the north
The highest fell seen here is Lord's Seat, the lower fell is Barf

A hazy view of Skiddaw

Below is the village of Braithwaite
The nearest building is Braithwaite Lodge

Meanwhile, Beattie has a rest!

Across the Newlands valley, Catbells comes into view

It's a delightful green track leading upwards

Beyond a low 'pass', the final rise up to the summit

Time to sit and admire the views ...

Stile End and Outerside are the next two objectives on this walk

The distinctive Causey Pike

It's a pity that the view down to Keswick is so hazy

From Barrow, an eroded track leads to Barrow Door before the rise up to Stile End

Beattie on Stile End
She is already contemplating her next fell

The marshy depression between the two fells

The cotton grass is in full bloom

The summit cairn on Outerside
Beyond lies Sail Pass, Sail and Eel Crag

Superb views of Coledale Hause, and below Force Crag Mine

A close up view of the track leading to Sail Pass

One man and his dog!

The old mine road descends to the road in Newlands valley
'The old mine road has become a first-class walkers' way into the hills ...'
North Western Fells Barrow p. 6

Gill scrambling in Stonycroft Gill is popular - the red team ...

... and the blue team at the top of a water slide

On the road now passing a huge area of mine spoil
These shifting sands have given Barrow the nickname 'The Shivering Mountain'

The path leading back to Braithwaite

The village comes into view with Braithwaite Lodge ahead

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Photographs taken with a Fuji MX-2900 Zoom or a Canon EOS 20D
Copyright © 2008 Derek Cockell     All Rights Reserved

THE PICTORIAL GUIDES

The Eastern Fells
The Far Eastern Fells
The Central Fells
The Southern Fells
The Northern Fells
The North Western Fells
The Western Fells

The 214 Challenge