Glaramara and Allan Crags
Area: The Northern Fells
Posted By: graham
The southern end of the Borrowdale valley is split by a series ofoff-shoots and looks like a hand on the end of an arm. The middle
finger of this complex of corries and ridges is the mini massive of
Glaramara and Allen Crags. Set somewhat apart from the main bulk of the
central fells it shares all the same qualities as it's neighbours but
has its own unique feel and outlook.
A walk over these two peaks allows you to sample the softer delights of
Borrowdale with its mixture of woodland, becks and crags whilst at the
same time experience the drama of all the great peaks that ring Upper
Eskdale and of Great Gable from an elevated position. You will
encounter narrow paths and the odd bit of rock that might force you to
take your hands out of your pockets but essentially this is an out and
out fell walk.
Terrain Steep sided Valley, deep gill, boggy corrie floor, steep narrow
ridge high rounded ridge, craggy summit cone, steep craggy ridge, col,
steep fell-side.
1. From the car park at Seatoller head E down the valley road to Strands
Bridge. Just over the bridge turn R and follow the track by the river S
to a path on the L after 200m. Turn off up the path and follow it
generally S as it climbs through trees into the mouth of The Combe.
2. 200m past the gate in the wall the path splits (vague). Take the R
branch and follow it as it climbs SW up onto the bounding western ridge
of The Combe. As height is gained the path becomes more distinct and
swings round to the S. Follow it over the shoulder of Combe Head to the
craggy summit of Glaramara.
3. The connecting ridge between Glaramara and Allan Crags is broad and
littered with tarns and rocky knolls. It makes an interesting place to
linger and investigate and is well worth taking a bit of time over. The
views from each side are stupendous so as you make your way along the
ridge, make the most of them. You head SW to Allen Crags from where you
can make the short descent to Esk Hause.
4. The path from Allen Crags intersects the main bridleway by Esk
Hause, turn R on to the bridleway and follow it NW for 500m to the head
of a ravine. This is Ruddy Gill, at the top of Grains Gill, and the
start of the descent. You will notice down the side of Ruddy Gill,
where it turns NE, a pitched path. Descend the pitch path and cross
Ruddy Gill to gain the another section of pitched path on the other
side. This is in turn followed NNE down the E side of Ruddy Gill. It is
narrow in parts so take care; eventually it leads to a footbridge.
Cross it and follow the W side of Grains Gill all the way down to
Stockley Bridge.
5. Cross Stockley Bridge and follow the bridleway/track N to the farm
and road head at Seathwaite. Continue N along the road back to the car
park at Seatoller.
Route Grade Medium
Start Point Tilberthwaite
(Map Ref: NY307009)
Finish Point Tilberthwaite
(Map Ref: NY307009)
Distance 7.7 miles
Maps to Use British Mountain Maps, Lake District (1:40 000), OS Explorer OL4&6, Harveys' Superwalker (1:25 000) Lakeland West
Approx Time 4 - 5 hours
