Back to normal!

It has been an ambition to 'do' Castle Crag, ever since Julia Bradbury included it in one of her excellent episodes a few year's ago. I had completed my business this morning and had a few hours for the trip this afternoon. On my way from Skelwith Bridge to Borrowdale I called by to look over the estate. Since the days of Thatcherism we have held shares in NW Water, now called United Utilities. United Utilities own Thirlmere, which is a primary source of water for Manchester. I have tramped over the Helvelyn range since I was a young boy and was always annoyed by the 'keep away' signs above Thirlmere. But if you can't beat em, join em. Our shareholding amounts to about one millionth of the company, but as a shareholder I need to keep a check on the executive.

Yup, all seems to be in order! Helvelyn, Lower Man and Browncove Crags from the West side of Thirlmere.

The object of my interest is the small twin peaks centre shot. Just the job for an afternoon stroll. Lovely Borrowdale.

But first lunch. This sign was on the wall of the pub. 

The weather was quite strange, Skiddaw was in outline for the early afternoon, but soon disappeared into the mist. 

Getting closer. I parked just outside Grange and took the bridleway to Rossthwaite.

It is not appreciated just how much industry went on in the Lake District in years gone by. Quarries like this are all around.

The guy laying the explosives was obviously testing his steam/air hammer. None of the holes was more than 6 inches deep...I measured them with my new Blackthorn walking stick. Thank you Sal!

The crag really gets imposing close up.

A few yards into the climb there is a magical spot with a seat and a memorial. The owner of this patch of ground 'gave' it to the nation and this memorial commemorates his wife. It has a magical air about it and is most peaceful.

Climbing higher....

At the summit there is a memorial to men of Borrowdale who got caught up in that shambles called WW1.

The Summit Cairn and the weather is back to normal!

Looking North to Derwent Water, Catbells to the left, Castlerigg to the right.

So the clouds got lighter for a few minutes. Yes I really walked in the rain in my sandals! We always as youths used to go mountaineering in our 'Plimsoles' or trainers as they would be called today. We claimed it allowed us to cover the ground quicker than with heavy boots. It was quite comfortable today, even though I got a few funny looks from the other togged-up walkers.

But at the old quarry at the summit of Castle Crag there are some quite strange but human creations....

The quarry is full of standing stones and inscriptions on them by their builders....'Tom' or 'Ben' or 'Adam'. Quite eerie really.

So when you see pics of Castle Crag, remember that there is a whole quarry full of standing stones up there, like sentinels, just standing there, doing nothing but remembering their builder. I wonder if they will be there still in a thousand years.......

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