"Wasdale -- " My Back Yard " !!!" Top 5 Page for this destination Cumbria by into-thin-air

Cumbria Travel Guide: 1,234 reviews and 3,009 photos

Rob -- Walking in " The Back yard " !!!

I thought it was about time I changed the opening photo on here, This is one I took earlier this month (February 09) of Wasdale in the snow – I Hope you like it ;-)

I live in a small village called Gosforth (Not to be confused with Gosforth near Newcastle-upon-Tyne) which is situated within the Lake District National Park on the western fringe.
I am 3 miles from the coast and 3 mile from Wasdale where I was born, so on the surface I haven’t moved far, but if you read my home-page you will find this isn’t really the case ;-)

Gosforth is a pleasant village to live in and we have most amenities in the village, a bank, Village Shop with Post Office, Bakers, Hairdressers, Combination Outdoor and Antique Shop, Hobby Shop and Most Importantly 5 pubs :-) – well that’s including 2 hotels ;-)

Gosforth is famous for it’s Viking cross in the churchyard and also for the most northerly cork tree in Europe – OK Very Obscure but maybe worth a mention.

The down-side is that we are also only 3 miles from Sellafield but I try not to think about that one ;-) But no doubt it does have an effect on tourism in the area But it does provide local jobs.

I spend as much time as I can on the fells, I can walk out of my front door and be on a 2000 footer within ½ an hour. Or hop in my car and be in Wasdale in less than 10 minutes, So although I will put a few bits and pieces on here about Gosforth, I will concentrate on Wasdale, OK, It’s a long time since I left the farm, But I Still consider myself as “A Wasdale Lad”

If you have any questions about the Western lakes then please fell free to drop me a line, If you want to come out on the fell with me one day then also drop me a line and we will see what we can sort out

Thanks for dropping by

Rob

On the Climber's Traverse, Great Gable.

The Sphinx Rock

A Great walk in Wasdale is the " Front Climber's Traverse " on Great Gable, Here you will come across " The Sphinx Rock " this is a natural rock shape which overlooks Wastwater -- the Deepest lake in England !!! Quite a sight, I think you will agree !!????
Not far from the Sphinx Rock is Napes Needle, If you like you can " Thread the Needle " this means climb up to it then pass through the small gap behind it !! Be Warned it is easier said than done as there is quite a drop -- best done heading from east to west !!! Give it a go as long as you have a Good head for Hights !!!!

First signs of Spring ??

Snowdrops in bloom in the hedge opposite my house

Cumbria can be a bit cold and wet during wintertime, so as it gets towards the end of January I start to look for the 1st signs of Spring.
I took this photo yesterday, Snowdrops in full bloom in the hedge opposite my house.
Springs just around the corner - Yipeeeeeeeeee

Pros and Cons

Pros:Great Walking
Cons:Watch the Weather !!!!
In a nutshell:Have a Great walk but Please remember to Be Safe !!!!!

Last visit to Cumbria: Oct 2008
Intro Updated Jul 5, 2010
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Reviews (53)

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Comments (48)

CatherineL Feb 8, 2012 at 9:48 AM Report Abuse

A very interesting 'back yard' indeed. Thanks for sharing.
rachesuiphilippines Mar 10, 2011 at 6:09 AM Report Abuse

Hi Rob, Snow in Wasdale pic is so beautiful and very soothing to the eyes. I love it. pearl
hunterV Jan 10, 2011 at 7:59 AM Report Abuse

Thanks for your interesting page, Rob!
RoscoeGregg Oct 17, 2009 at 11:56 PM Report Abuse

We loved Keswick and the hills around. You inspire me to return
angiebabe Oct 17, 2009 at 1:42 AM Report Abuse

Should have read yr pg earlier&I'd have come up for the Wasdale or Eskdale shows!Exellent pg - I will make sure I have a copy if Im ever back up this way!ARe you sure the accom prices are an accurate approximate?have an excellent weekend wherever you are!
nickandchris Jun 29, 2009 at 2:58 PM Report Abuse

Superb opening shot.
gkitzmil Feb 14, 2009 at 10:07 AM Report Abuse

AH, very nice! Looks like a great place to visit
ranger49 Oct 21, 2008 at 1:05 PM Report Abuse

Did you think a comment posted as an accommodation tip here today might have been an ad? I did - d'ye ken?
Saagar Jun 16, 2008 at 4:03 PM Report Abuse

Did some virtual travelling in Cumbria, great stuff. Went there during my student days, need to go again...liked esp your mountain pics.
betako3 Jan 2, 2008 at 1:39 PM Report Abuse

All the best in the New Year :) Thanks for visiting my Scottish page. I didn't get as far as Cumbria but after reading your page I wish I had. The place seems a hiking paradise!