Graystones (456m), Broom Fell (511m), Lords Seat (552m), Barf (468m) - 28/07/2020
Distance: 10.5km; Ascent: 600m; Time 4h
We parked in the carpark at Scawgill Bridge on the Whinlatter pass, this ~2km west of the visitor centre. From here a footpath descends steeply to cross Aiken Beck on a wooden bridge. A path turns right from here to reach Spout Force, but our route was left for a short distance and then a steep ascent on the left side of an obvious wall. This got us swiftly to the top of Greystones and completed much of the hard work. From Graystones to Broom Fell and on to Lords Seat there is springy grass underfoot, occasionally a bit boggy, but generally very easy going. Unfortunately it was very windy and a wet cloud surrounded us as we reached Lords Seat. We continued on with the rain at our backs across quite boggy ground to reach Barf. By the time we got here the rain cloud had moved on and we found a sheltered spot to have lunch. On a less blustery day the top of Barf with its great views of Bassenthwaite and Derwent Water would have been a perfect picnic spot. We retraced our steps back to Lords Seat, which was now clear. The descent route on a forestry track was quick and easy.