Thirlmere

Given our good weather window had been squeezed to almost non-existence by the Under Cabin Boy's thoughtlessness, I decided that we should climb Raven Crag at the north end of Thirlmere. It was a much shorter walk than the one we originally intended. We parked at the offroad parking area near to where the B5322 meets the A591. It is possible to park much closer to Raven Crag for this walk, but I like the approach across Thirlmere dam. It offers a great view of the crag and an equally stunning view along Thirlmere. Steel Fell, at the southern end of the reservoir was illuminated in sunlight whilst at our end, we started being battered by showers of hail. It felt like the forecaster's weather window was coming  to an end. I noticed the Cabin Boy was bossing the Under Cabin Boy around. She was making the most of her newfound improvement in relative status. I had noted though that she hadn't got up at 06:00 either, and had kept a very low profile all morning. I made a note to deal with her later.

 Raven Crag

There is a path that goes straight up the hillside, towards Raven Crag. I've climbed this route before (see Stairway To Raven), but its directness makes it very steep and exhausting. Given the snow on the ground, it would be slippery too. As an alternative, I decided to make use of a forestry track. This zig-zagged up the hillside on a far easier gradient. Eventually we had to re-join the direct path to take us up to the ridge.  We started meeting people coming down. It looked like Raven Crag was a popular place to blow away the Christmas Day cobwebs. From the ridge, some snowy steps took us through the plantation to the viewing platform at the top of Raven Crag. It is an amazing view along the length of Thirlmere from the top, and an excellent reward for the exertions of the climb. Light snow showers kept blowing in, making it difficult to get a decent picture. A nearby lone walker insisted on laying in the snow to get his ultimate shot. I did a cost benefit analysis of doing the same, but decided that standing up to take a photo was good enough for me. After we'd had our fill of the views, we started making our way back down.

Return To Thirlmere

Rather than retrace our steps, I decided to descend northwards, along a forestry road towards Shoulthwaite Farm. There were gaps in the trees to our left that gave excellent views of Iron Crag and Goat Crag. As we progressed along the tracks the views northwards opened up towards the snow covered Skiddaw and Blencathra. The forestry road eventually left the plantation at Shoulthwaite Moss, a rather desolate looking area. I always think it could make a good place for a nature reserve. Some cows mooched around on the moss, looking rather lost and sad. At Smaithwaite, a heron performed its hunting strut, in an overflow pond, formed from the nearby river. I thought it would be lucky to find any fish in such a small pond. I guess it's a bit more knowledgeable about fishing than I am though. At Thirlmere dam the afternoon scene looked pretty much like this morning's, with occasional snow flurries and the twilight dusk of a winter's day.

Despite the poor start, it had turned into a very enjoyable day. The view from Raven Crag has to be up there as one of the best in the Lake District. The Under Cabin Boy hadn't shown any remorse at his demotion from Captain. Rather reflecting on his irresponsibility, he seemed to be revelling in his newfound Under Cabin Boy role. It looks like I'd overestimated his capabilities for being Captain. I had expected the Cabin Boy to stand up to the plate, but she seemed to be more interested in belittling the Under Cabin Boy. It is a shame to see such little talent wasted.