Saturday 29th January 2011

Start point: Hardknott Pass summit (NY 230 014)

Border End from Hardknott Pass

Start Time: 16:20

Weather: Sunset. -1oC

There is something about watching a winter sunset from the fells that is very appealing and, I reckon, one of the finest things you can see from up on high. I did have the choice of going out in the beautiful clear sunshine of the day but decided to leave a walk until later and grab the sunset view. Of course I ended up leaving it all a little close for comfort and it ended up being a bit of a race to the top.

Once up there, all was silent and there wasn't even a breath of wind, my fingers and face were numb with the cold and the beautiful final embers of sunlight made the icy ground glow. Magnificent.

The sun is low in the sky looking from the top of Wrynose Pass, Harter Fell and Hard Knott are the distant silhouettes. I am heading for Hard Knott but will I make it in time before the sunset?

Looking to Wrynose Pass where the first photo above was taken from the climb to Border End.

The sun has already gone in the hidden Duddon Valley, Caw and Stickle Pike in the distance.

Esk Pike, Bowfell and Crinkle Crags across the top of Hard Knott.

It's icy up here looking towards the Scafells.

Sunset on Border End.

Eskdale.

I opted to head for the western side of Border End rather than going for Hard Knott - Casper and Dougal seem to know the way.

A magnificent view of the Scafells and Esk Pike heading across frozen Border End.

Close up on Esk Pike and Bowfell.

What a lovely sunset this evening but it was getting pretty cold up here now.

Glowing dogs.

Harter Fell with Devoke Water shining just to the left of the sun.

Icy rocks.

The view to Bowfell, Crinkle Crags and Little Stand from the crossing to have a peek into Upper Eskdale.

The Scafells and Upper Eskdale.

Dougal-Doo seems impressed with one of the finest views in the Lake District.

Almost time to set off back before it gets too dark but I had to return to this spot three times looking for a dropped lens cap. It was worth it as found it in the end!

Esk Pike.

Bowfell.

Scafell and Slight Side.

Lowering sun.

Nearly gone.

The last one before the sprint back down to Hardknott Pass.

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