Title: Dow Crag from Torver
Overview:
The imposing bastion that is Dow Crag provides one of the wildest most impressive rock scenes in the Lake District – a climbers delight. The ascent to the summit takes us from quiet wooded and lower lying river valley terrain to increasingly mountainous impressive surroundings, traversing an airy ridge before descending along the Walna Scar Path and back through the same country at the start of the ascent.
Meeting Point: Torver Church Village Hall Car Park – next to the village school A593. Grid reference: SD285943, LA21 8AZ
Parking: free in the church village hall car park – honesty box donation welcome £3. There are also spaces next to the Wilsons Arms Inn on the A593 a little further to the south.
Meet Time: 09:45
Start Time: 10:00
Finish Time: 15:00 approx
Ascent: 2,250 ft
Miles: 8
Grade: Mostly Moderate – but a little strenuous in part (climb up to Goats Hause)
Terrain: Moderate predominantly on well marked rocky paths, no technical difficulties. Intermittent path along rocky ridge.
Route Description:
Crossing the main A593 we follow a bridleway close in parallel to Torver Beck, crossing it nearing a waterfall. We then continue along a slight ascent to reach the Walna Scar Road. At this point Dow Crag looms large ahead, as we enter the Cove enclosed by the Crag and the Old Man of Coniston. On an ever steeping climb we walk along the edge of Goat’s Water before a final stiff pull up to Goats Hause. The summit lies half a mile to our SE. This is one of the best mountain summits in Lakeland, with hopefully excellent views to the Irish Sea/Morecambe Bay and the low lying Duddon Valley countryside. A few paces to the east lie the dark deep depths of the gullies penetrating the eastern face of the crag. We then traverse a rocky edge and the two tops of Buck Pike and Brown Pike (non-Wainwrights). We then follow the Walna Scar Road down to the bridleway eventually reaching the same path we traversed at the beginning of the walk, finishing back in Torver with refreshments available at Wilsons Arms Inn.
Preparation:
Please bring appropriate clothing, waterproofs and sturdy boots, no jeans or trainers! Conditions on the high fells by October can often be wild with strong winds and heavy rain a common feature (hopefully not on this occasion!) making for marked windchill compared to the still often mild conditions in the valleys. Gloves and hat should also be at hand, and a change of clothing always handy should you get wet.
Please bring a packed lunch – hopefully the weather will play ball and we can have it on or near the summit, otherwise will seek a sheltered spot further down.
Please contact Damian on number removed before 6pm on Saturday 6 October if you wish to attend. Depending on conditions we may decide to stop at Goats Water if it is particularly unpleasant (i.e. blowing a gale, heavy rain and poor visibility).