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Bannerdale

Valley in Cumberland Eden

England

Bannerdale

Frosty sedges on Bowscale Fell The path up Bowscale Fell was quite icy and surrounded by somewhat taller vegetation than we'd crossed further south on Bannerdale Crags. There was very little in the way of fallen snow, but all the sedges were heavy with frost making the fell look white and snowy from a distance, as does the Skiddaw massif, seven kilometres to the west.
Frosty sedges on Bowscale Fell Credit: Andy Waddington

Bannerdale is a small rural community located in the picturesque county of Cumberland in the Cumberland Valley region of England. Situated amidst rolling hills and lush green fields, Bannerdale is known for its idyllic countryside and charming character.

The village is home to approximately 500 residents, creating a close-knit community where neighbors often know each other by name. The traditional stone-built houses that line the streets add to the area's rustic charm.

In terms of amenities, Bannerdale offers a range of services to cater to the needs of its residents. The village boasts a local grocery store, a post office, and a primary school, providing convenience and accessibility for daily essentials. Additionally, the village pub, The Bannerdale Arms, serves as a hub for social gatherings and offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Nature lovers are drawn to Bannerdale due to its stunning surroundings. The nearby Bannerdale Crags provide breathtaking views of the valley, making it a popular spot for hiking and picnicking. The surrounding fields and woodlands also offer ample opportunities for outdoor activities, such as walking, cycling, and birdwatching.

Despite its rural setting, Bannerdale is well-connected to neighboring towns and cities. The A66 road runs close by, providing easy access to larger urban areas, while the nearest train station is just a short drive away.

Overall, Bannerdale is a peaceful and picturesque village, offering a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Its natural beauty, tight-knit community, and convenient amenities make it an attractive place to live for those seeking a slower pace of life in the heart of the Cumberland Valley.

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Bannerdale Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.656435/-3.0199826 or Grid Reference NY3429. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Frosty sedges on Bowscale Fell The path up Bowscale Fell was quite icy and surrounded by somewhat taller vegetation than we'd crossed further south on Bannerdale Crags. There was very little in the way of fallen snow, but all the sedges were heavy with frost making the fell look white and snowy from a distance, as does the Skiddaw massif, seven kilometres to the west.
Frosty sedges on Bowscale Fell
The path up Bowscale Fell was quite icy and surrounded by somewhat taller vegetation than we'd crossed further south on Bannerdale Crags. There was very little in the way of fallen snow, but all the sedges were heavy with frost making the fell look white and snowy from a distance, as does the Skiddaw massif, seven kilometres to the west.
Summit shelter From the small summit shelter on Bowscale Fell, a path leads nrthwards to a junction by the pile of stones, with descents down the NNW and ENE ridges towards the valley of the Caldew. To the right of the photo, a path heads just south of east along the Tongue, to end in a steep descent to Mungrisdale. Behind the photographer is our approach path to this point, coming from Bannerdale Crags (or, more distantly, Mungrisdale Common and Blencathra).
Summit shelter
From the small summit shelter on Bowscale Fell, a path leads nrthwards to a junction by the pile of stones, with descents down the NNW and ENE ridges towards the valley of the Caldew. To the right of the photo, a path heads just south of east along the Tongue, to end in a steep descent to Mungrisdale. Behind the photographer is our approach path to this point, coming from Bannerdale Crags (or, more distantly, Mungrisdale Common and Blencathra).
Descending the ENE ridge of Bowscale Fell A ridge heads ENE then east from Bowscale Fell, dropping gently over a couple of small rises before a very steep descent to Mungrisdale. Ahead, there is no more high ground until the Pennines, the low and wide Vale of Eden being separated from these fells by the Carrock End Fault and on the far side from the Alston Block, by various branches of the Pennine Fault.
Descending the ENE ridge of Bowscale Fell
A ridge heads ENE then east from Bowscale Fell, dropping gently over a couple of small rises before a very steep descent to Mungrisdale. Ahead, there is no more high ground until the Pennines, the low and wide Vale of Eden being separated from these fells by the Carrock End Fault and on the far side from the Alston Block, by various branches of the Pennine Fault.
The end of the ridge A ridge heads ENE then east from Bowscale Fell, dropping gently over a couple of small rises before a very steep descent to Mungrisdale just beyond the cairn. Ahead, there is no more high ground until the Pennines, the low and wide Vale of Eden being separated from these fells by the Carrock End Fault and on the far side from the Alston Block, by various branches of the Pennine Fault.
The end of the ridge
A ridge heads ENE then east from Bowscale Fell, dropping gently over a couple of small rises before a very steep descent to Mungrisdale just beyond the cairn. Ahead, there is no more high ground until the Pennines, the low and wide Vale of Eden being separated from these fells by the Carrock End Fault and on the far side from the Alston Block, by various branches of the Pennine Fault.
Mountain walker on path approaching Scales Beck Scales Beck is descending to join the River Glenderamackin. The path by which the walker is approaching crosses the stream at the camera's location then continues to Scales Tarn and climbs beyond it. The slopes of Bannerdale Crags rise beyond the river in the valley bottom.
Mountain walker on path approaching Scales Beck
Scales Beck is descending to join the River Glenderamackin. The path by which the walker is approaching crosses the stream at the camera's location then continues to Scales Tarn and climbs beyond it. The slopes of Bannerdale Crags rise beyond the river in the valley bottom.
Good footpath up Souther Fell Of several routes of ascent on Souther Fell, this one starting from the minor road above Low Beckside has the most consistent and gentle gradient, climbing the southeastern flank of the fell until it flattens near the top when the path turns to reach the summit ridge with remarkably little effort. This morning, the turf is quite icy (one fall, flat on my face, no damage done...) despite the bright sunshine earlier (low cloud had rolled in briefly for a couple of minutes at this point). The car was telling me it was -6°C on the drive to our starting point.
Good footpath up Souther Fell
Of several routes of ascent on Souther Fell, this one starting from the minor road above Low Beckside has the most consistent and gentle gradient, climbing the southeastern flank of the fell until it flattens near the top when the path turns to reach the summit ridge with remarkably little effort. This morning, the turf is quite icy (one fall, flat on my face, no damage done...) despite the bright sunshine earlier (low cloud had rolled in briefly for a couple of minutes at this point). The car was telling me it was -6°C on the drive to our starting point.
Bracken on Souther Fell The footpath ascending the southeastern flank of Souther Fell crosses through large patches of bracken on its long diagonal ascent. The sun has just gone behind a cloud, leaving the foreground in shadow whilst still shining on the valley of the Glenderamackin below. There's a deep frost, and the fields of Troutbeck are white, contrasting with the dark forested slopes of Great Mell Fell behind.
Bracken on Souther Fell
The footpath ascending the southeastern flank of Souther Fell crosses through large patches of bracken on its long diagonal ascent. The sun has just gone behind a cloud, leaving the foreground in shadow whilst still shining on the valley of the Glenderamackin below. There's a deep frost, and the fields of Troutbeck are white, contrasting with the dark forested slopes of Great Mell Fell behind.
Summit ridge of Souther Fell After a long gentle diagonal ascent, the path to Souther Fell from Low Beckside emerges onto the ridge, where a bit of backtracking would be needed to visit the very highest point. It's not a terribly distinguished peak, so those engaged on a circular walk with Blencathra or Bannerdale Crags as the high point will probably, as we did, simply bag the square and press on to the southwest.
Summit ridge of Souther Fell
After a long gentle diagonal ascent, the path to Souther Fell from Low Beckside emerges onto the ridge, where a bit of backtracking would be needed to visit the very highest point. It's not a terribly distinguished peak, so those engaged on a circular walk with Blencathra or Bannerdale Crags as the high point will probably, as we did, simply bag the square and press on to the southwest.
That looks a bit icy This is the point on the ascent of Souther Fell when the peaks of Blencathra and Bannerdale Crag first come into good view. The steep paths onto the top of Blencathra can be seen in an exposed position on the left side looking very white, and this is the point where, despite being equipped with ice axes, it was clear that this was not a good day for an ascent by that route (it's a few years since we've had crampons on and we're a bit out of practice). With snow this thin, the rocks are treacherous, but an ice axe isn't going to do much to help stop a fall. Bannerdale Crags proved a fine alternative, with excellent views of Blencathra and Skiddaw.
That looks a bit icy
This is the point on the ascent of Souther Fell when the peaks of Blencathra and Bannerdale Crag first come into good view. The steep paths onto the top of Blencathra can be seen in an exposed position on the left side looking very white, and this is the point where, despite being equipped with ice axes, it was clear that this was not a good day for an ascent by that route (it's a few years since we've had crampons on and we're a bit out of practice). With snow this thin, the rocks are treacherous, but an ice axe isn't going to do much to help stop a fall. Bannerdale Crags proved a fine alternative, with excellent views of Blencathra and Skiddaw.
Ascent of White Horse Bent From the footbridge over the River Glenderamackin, a steep ascent of White Horse Bent is less well-trodden than the main path towards Blencathra, but visible enough on the ground in clear weather, especially with a heavy frost when it shows up as a white ribbon. This view looks back as the gradient starts to ease off, across the col between Blencathra and Souther Fell. The valley in the distance is carved by the same river that lies in the nearer shadowed depths, as it loops right round Souther Fell to flow to a confluence with St. Johns Beck to form the River Greta.
Ascent of White Horse Bent
From the footbridge over the River Glenderamackin, a steep ascent of White Horse Bent is less well-trodden than the main path towards Blencathra, but visible enough on the ground in clear weather, especially with a heavy frost when it shows up as a white ribbon. This view looks back as the gradient starts to ease off, across the col between Blencathra and Souther Fell. The valley in the distance is carved by the same river that lies in the nearer shadowed depths, as it loops right round Souther Fell to flow to a confluence with St. Johns Beck to form the River Greta.
Over White Horse Bent to Blencathra From the path which descends Souther Fell to a col marking a junction of routes to Blencathra, Bannerdale Crags and the valleys below, the view contemplates both our intended route up Blencathra, and our actual discretion-is-the-better-part-of-valour route up White Horse Bent and on to Bannerdale Crags. The snow is visually attractive, but there's not enough of it for ice-braking in a fall, whilst the rocks are pretty treacherous and steep, in an exposed position. We decided we'd not had crampons on recently enough to be in practice for that level of difficulty - like all these mountains it will still be here next time and it's best to ensure that we will be, too !
Over White Horse Bent to Blencathra
From the path which descends Souther Fell to a col marking a junction of routes to Blencathra, Bannerdale Crags and the valleys below, the view contemplates both our intended route up Blencathra, and our actual discretion-is-the-better-part-of-valour route up White Horse Bent and on to Bannerdale Crags. The snow is visually attractive, but there's not enough of it for ice-braking in a fall, whilst the rocks are pretty treacherous and steep, in an exposed position. We decided we'd not had crampons on recently enough to be in practice for that level of difficulty - like all these mountains it will still be here next time and it's best to ensure that we will be, too !
The col above Mousthwaite Cove A broad footpath descends from Souther Fell towards the col which falls steeply to the south into Mousthwaite Cove (to the left in this view). To the right, a path drops to cross the infant River Glenderamackin by a footbridge to ascend its left bank or climb White Horse Bent onto Bannerdale Crags (or return down-valley to Mungrisdale). Directly ahead, paths climb the ridge of Scales Fell in a direct assault on Blencathra, whilst another traverses above the River to reach Scales Tarn and a steeper path to the summit, or an exposed and exciting ridge - Sharp Edge which would be perhaps quite difficult in these conditions. We'd already decided that the snow would not be deep enough for ice axe braking in the event of a fall, whilst even the frozen turf was already treacherous enough without adding exposure and icy rocks, so our route was to be up the horizon line to the right.
The col above Mousthwaite Cove
A broad footpath descends from Souther Fell towards the col which falls steeply to the south into Mousthwaite Cove (to the left in this view). To the right, a path drops to cross the infant River Glenderamackin by a footbridge to ascend its left bank or climb White Horse Bent onto Bannerdale Crags (or return down-valley to Mungrisdale). Directly ahead, paths climb the ridge of Scales Fell in a direct assault on Blencathra, whilst another traverses above the River to reach Scales Tarn and a steeper path to the summit, or an exposed and exciting ridge - Sharp Edge which would be perhaps quite difficult in these conditions. We'd already decided that the snow would not be deep enough for ice axe braking in the event of a fall, whilst even the frozen turf was already treacherous enough without adding exposure and icy rocks, so our route was to be up the horizon line to the right.
Deeply eroded path heads for footbridge over the Glenderamackin From the col above Mousthwaite Cove, those not heading up the hills either side (Blencathra or Souther Fell) have this path to descend to the River Glenderamackin, locked in deep icy shade on this chilly winter's day. On the far side of the river, the main path from Mungrisdale traverses above the river, whilst a thin white streaks marks the direct ascent of White Horse Bent heading for Bannerdale Crags. Peeking out at the head of the valley, Sharp Edge rise to Blencathra - quite a technical challenge in icy conditions and not one we were up for today !
Deeply eroded path heads for footbridge over the Glenderamackin
From the col above Mousthwaite Cove, those not heading up the hills either side (Blencathra or Souther Fell) have this path to descend to the River Glenderamackin, locked in deep icy shade on this chilly winter's day. On the far side of the river, the main path from Mungrisdale traverses above the river, whilst a thin white streaks marks the direct ascent of White Horse Bent heading for Bannerdale Crags. Peeking out at the head of the valley, Sharp Edge rise to Blencathra - quite a technical challenge in icy conditions and not one we were up for today !
Brunt Knott from White Horse Bent Blencathra dominates the horizon from an ascent of the rather less technical path up White Horse Bent. Below the crags nestles Scales tarn and to its right, Brunt Knott, in shadow, marks the start of the ridge which culminates in the exposed scramble of Sharp Edge. With only a thin veneer of snow, neither ice axe nor crampons were going to make any of the ascent routes from this side either easy or safe, so we'd revised our plans to walk over Bannerdale Crags instead, providing splendid views across the valley of the infant River Glenderamackin.
Brunt Knott from White Horse Bent
Blencathra dominates the horizon from an ascent of the rather less technical path up White Horse Bent. Below the crags nestles Scales tarn and to its right, Brunt Knott, in shadow, marks the start of the ridge which culminates in the exposed scramble of Sharp Edge. With only a thin veneer of snow, neither ice axe nor crampons were going to make any of the ascent routes from this side either easy or safe, so we'd revised our plans to walk over Bannerdale Crags instead, providing splendid views across the valley of the infant River Glenderamackin.
Easing gradient on the ascent of Bannerdale Crags From the footbridge over the River Glenderamackin, an ascent of Bannerdale Crags starts steep up the face of White Horse Bent, but eases off at about 600m altitude, where the path becomes somewhat fainter. The uninspiring view ahead belies the rather grander vista which opens up as the top of the hill is reached and the path traverses above steep rocky ground to the right.
Easing gradient on the ascent of Bannerdale Crags
From the footbridge over the River Glenderamackin, an ascent of Bannerdale Crags starts steep up the face of White Horse Bent, but eases off at about 600m altitude, where the path becomes somewhat fainter. The uninspiring view ahead belies the rather grander vista which opens up as the top of the hill is reached and the path traverses above steep rocky ground to the right.
Cairn on Bannerdale Crags This is not the highest point of Bannerdale Crags, which lies a short way to the west, but it is the highest point reached by the path which follows the eastern edge of the plateau. The path continues along the edge towards Bowscale Fell.
Cairn on Bannerdale Crags
This is not the highest point of Bannerdale Crags, which lies a short way to the west, but it is the highest point reached by the path which follows the eastern edge of the plateau. The path continues along the edge towards Bowscale Fell.
Path to Blencathra from Bannerdale Crags Significant paths run from the cairn on Bannerdale Crags SW then W towards Blencathra (seen here) and NW along the edge, curving round to Bowscale Fell or along The Tongue to drop steeply to Mungrisdale. Our approach had been by the rather fainter path from the SE, climbing steeply up White Horse Bent from a footbridge over the infant River Glenderamackin.
Path to Blencathra from Bannerdale Crags
Significant paths run from the cairn on Bannerdale Crags SW then W towards Blencathra (seen here) and NW along the edge, curving round to Bowscale Fell or along The Tongue to drop steeply to Mungrisdale. Our approach had been by the rather fainter path from the SE, climbing steeply up White Horse Bent from a footbridge over the infant River Glenderamackin.
Path to Bowscale Fell From just north of its high point, the path along the edge of Bannerdale Crags heads NNW and curves round northwards to ascend Bowscale Fell (the slightly frosted round summit right of centre) with a branch right heading down into the valley of the River Glenderamackin to reach Mungrisdale.
Path to Bowscale Fell
From just north of its high point, the path along the edge of Bannerdale Crags heads NNW and curves round northwards to ascend Bowscale Fell (the slightly frosted round summit right of centre) with a branch right heading down into the valley of the River Glenderamackin to reach Mungrisdale.
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Bannerdale is located at Grid Ref: NY3429 (Lat: 54.656435, Lng: -3.0199826)

Administrative County: Cumbria

District: Eden

Police Authority: Cumbria

What 3 Words

///lookout.disprove.gardens. Near Keswick, Cumbria

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Bannerdale

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 54.656435,-3.0199826
Man Made: cairn
Lat/Long: 54.6598295/-3.0183071
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Abandoned: yes
Historic: mine_adit
Man Made: adit
Lat/Long: 54.6527406/-3.0230609
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.
Plymyard Dale Cheshire
Wannel Cleuch Selkirkshire

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