A few hours to spare this morning so instead of hanging round the house clock watching, the short drive to Grange-Over-Sands followed by a stroll over Hampsfell felt quite appealing. When I set off the day was overcast, a glint of sunshine over the bay hid the promise of things to come, as I gained height I walked into the pages of a comic book, misty views and garish colours.

I left the car in the large car park on Windermere Road at the north end of Grange, a short walk north and I'm met by a fingerpost directing me through Eggerslack Wood, passing two dissused concrete water tanks before reaching the open fell, ascending the fell I wander into a world of unreal colours with views across misty valleys and silvery seascapes. I soon find myself approaching the Hospice to be greeted by stunning views to the north, the Cartmel Valley hidden under a vail of cloud. From the Hospice my route took me to the Beacon on Fell End before descending to Spring Bank Farm, I cross the field containing a Lime Kiln followed by a steep descent over tarmac back to the centre of Grange. The smell of baking greeted me as I rounded the corner to enter the village centre, Higginson's Pies are the best in Cumbria, I joined the long queue, forgetting all about taking any more photo's I aimlessly wandered back to the car munching away on one of their best pork pies, a perfect end to a perfect morning.

Hampsfell above Grange-Over-Sands.	back to list view route map
	Ascending through Eggerslack Wood.
	Free of the woods I'm about to start the short ascent of the open fell.
	As I climb higher stunning views across the bay tilt into view, through the blue haze the hills of Bowland above Lancaster.
	Looking to Whitbarrow Scar across the southern edge of the Kent Valley.
	Across the vast mudflats of Morecambe Bay, to the left Arnside Park and the Silverdale coast.
	Nearing the summit of Hampsfell looking to Arnside Knott.
	Mist lies across the southern most reaches of the Kent Valley.
	Approaching the Hospice.
	From the roof of the Hospice a sea of cloud fills the Cartmel Valley.
	Disappearing into a blue/grey horizon the Coniston massif.
	Swirling cloud and shimmering mists carry the eye to the snow capped hills of the Lake District.
	Shifting sands and glistening seascapes, mouth-watering views across Morecambe Bay.
	The stunning view to the south.
	Magical views from the roof of the Hospice.
	The Hospice marks the 727ft high summit of Hampsfell, proving you don't have to climb very high to gain outstanding views.
	One of the standing stones marking the ascent to Fell End.
	And the views from Fell End prove just as good.
	Descending Fell End looking back across the Cartmel Valley.
	Looking to Cartmel Sands and the Furness Peninsula.
	The final view across Morecambe Bay before the descent to Spring Bank Farm.
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