Saturday 12th September 2009

Start point: At the end of the minor road from Brown Howe (SD 281 916)

Beacon Fell (OF) from Tottle Bank

Distance: 2 miles     Total Ascent: 200 metres    Time Taken: 1 hour 30 minutes

Weather: Sunny and warm.22oC.

Route Map

It was a gorgeous day today, too good to miss out on a walk when the opportunity arose. I really fancied having a swim somewhere and Beacon Fell ticked all the right boxes for that along with the views of course. Although it was sunny and warm, autumn is quickly catching us now and the fells are turning a beautiful golden colour which was enhanced by the sunshine today.

First sight of the Coniston fells.

Top o' Selside and the tiniest glimpse of Coniston Water from the climb to Beacon.

More of Coniston Water comes into view as we climb higher. Lost something Casper?

Ah, there you are Dougal Doo! Beacon Fell is the other way, behind you. What a good lad he was today - no, make that a very good lad. This was his first taste of the freedom of the fells as he was off the lead throughout the walk. No problems responding to command, no problems with sheep, in fact no problems at all.

Casper and Dougal show their family similarity.

Together in the heather.

Coniston Water.

The head of the lake from the climb with the Fairfield fells beyond.

The Coniston range.

Beacon Fell summit. The 'treasure' tin we placed here in April has gone as has everything we left inside including the fable of the box. It has been replaced with a rather less elegant plastic box, suitably enhanced earlier the same day with Spiderman badges kindly left by a young StridingEdge fan, Alfie.

Brock Barrow above High Nibthwaite at the southern end of Coniston Water.

That's a nice look Casper, glad I groomed you this morning.

Dougal has managed to keep clean for his summit shot.

A portrait of Dougal on Beacon Fell.

What a day. What a place.

Dow Crag and The Old Man.

Brown Pike, Buck Pike and Dow Crag.

The mighty Wetherlam beyond Torver.

Beacon Tarn, known forever in our house as 'Sparkly Tarn' due to the moniker Connie gave it a couple of years ago.

Casper was first in, closely followed by...

...well, me! In this reversal of roles, Dougal is guarding our things whilst we have a swim. I wonder if he can find a stick for me to fetch?

At great risk to life, limb and camera, BeaconTarnCam brings you the view from the middle of the tarn looking to Wool Knott. It was wonderful in here today and I spent a good while having a swim in the warm sunshine. Absolute heaven. I couldn't help thinking, though, that this was probably the final curtain call for summer and the last outdoor swim of 2009.

Casper doesn't look like he will give Dougal any swimming lessons, so I did.

I don't think he will be the next Angus as far as swimming goes but Dougal does bear more than a passing resemblance to him in this shot.

Damp dogs drying off in the sunshine.

The Old Man and Wetherlam from an un-named tarn on the return.

There is a magnificent display of bright red berries on this Rowan Tree.

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