From a lay-by close to Thirlmere Dam. Took the steep path up to a col, then a laid path through a pine copse, with board walks, up to the summit. Great view of Thirlmere and the Helvellyn range from this summit. We then returned to the col, to join the forest track for a little way. A faint path through the trees brought us to the base of the rocky peak of The Benn, windy its way up to the summit. Returning to the col, and after an ascent of Castle Crag fort, we took the forest track north, leaving it to cross a bridge over the Shoulthwaite Beck, as the track was closed due to tree-felling. An unpleasant descent ensued on a boggy path through high bracken, followed by a return south on the verge of A491, and the flooded lane back to our starting point. With AT. Sunshine and rain showers, with a fierce south-west wind.

Buzzard.