Thursday 4th June 2009

Start point: The Old Dungeon Ghyll car park (NY 286 062)

Old Dungeon Ghyll - Rossett Gill - Rossett Pike - Angle Tarn - Ore Gap - Bowfell - Three Tarns - The Band - Old Dungeon Ghyll

Distance: 7.7 miles     Total Ascent: 910 metres     Time Taken: 3 hours 30 minutes

Weather: Dull and overcast. 14oC.

Route Map

Many thanks to everyone from me, Louise, Connie and Casper for the messages of sympathy and support that we have received both via e-mail and in the guestbook, it is really comforting to know that our 'family' out there is thinking of us at this time.

Today was almost an 'escape to the hills' and of course there was lots of time for thinking of old Angus, especially as this was an area we have walked together many times. Of course, with those thoughts came some smiles and the odd tear. I smiled as I thought of the way he used to drive me bonkers with his incessant barking - but of course I know they were the barks of freedom and the joy of being free on the fells. I thought of the way he climbed the hills and crags with barely any effort, covering twice the distance that I did running round and round in circles. I thought of the times when there was just me and him, alone in the mist in the middle of winter and we were best mates - in it together, always. He was - and is - the spirit of the fells and I will miss him.

The Band with Crinkle Crags and Bowfell beneath cloud from the entrance to Mickleden.

Pike o' Blisco across Oxendale.

Pike o' Stickle and Loft Crag towering above Mickleden.

Rossett Pike from Mickleden.

Heading to Esk Hause, Rossett Pike beyond.

Bowfell from the path to Rossett Pass. At the crossing of Rossett Gill, I opted to climb it rather than following the path.

Mickleden from the lower section of Rossett Gill.

Casper waits patiently on the climb of Rossett Gill.

The view along Mickleden to Lingmoor Fell from the top of Rossett Gill.

Rossett Pike from the top of Rossett Pass.

Casper on Rossett Pike.

The view from the summit of Rossett Pike.

The Mickleden cairn lies to the west of the main summit and overlooks Mickleden.

Rossett Pike above Angle Tarn on the path to Ore Gap.

Looking across Ore Gap to Esk Pike. As I climbed here the mist enveloped me and I admit a great wave of emotion overcame me as well. I had to sit for a while, let the tears well and have ten minutes or so of solitude and contemplation before pressing on.

The summit of Bowfell. Casper, where did you get those brown socks?

The Great Slab.

Descending to Three Tarns, Crinkle Crags beyond.

The King is dead. Long live The King - Casper at Three Tarns. I was sure I could hear Angus barking around there today, I could imagine it echoing in the silence...

Angus at the same place, 2006. RIP son.

Great Langdale from the descent of The Band.

The Langdale Pikes across Mickleden.

A glimmer of sunshine now we are back at valley level.

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