Bowfell

Walked on 19/03/2025

Walking Diary 2025

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

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

Distance: 14 km Total Ascent: 949 metres Time Taken: 5 hours Start Time: 08:00

Weather: Sunny. 3°C

The weather has certainly been kind this week with long and sunny spells. I headed up to Bowfell in glorious sunshine, it was cooler higher up than maybe it looks and it turned into a ‘layers on, layers off’ kind of day depending on shelter from the cool breeze. There were of course many thoughts of Fletcher and it felt strange to be solo rather than with my usual sidekick.

Bowfell Route Map

Heading into Mickleden it was shaping up to be a beautiful day. It was warm and a little hazy but it certainly felt like Spring was here.

The Langdale Pikes are ever present towering above with a changing view of them as you head around the curve of the valley.

Pike o' Stickle.

Looking to the head of Mickleden with Rossett Gill and Rossett Pike to the left and Stake Pass to the right.

Closer up on Rossett Gill and Pike.

Cambridge Crag, Bowfell.

Climbing Rossett Gill I had a scout around for the Packwoman's Grave (see Wainwright 'The Southern Fells' Rossett Pike 4) dating from the late 1700's. It took a little hunting out but it was good to find it still intact.

At the top of Rossett Gill.

On top of Rossett Pike, the Mickleden cairn seems to have disappeared since last time I was here. Still a fabulous view along the length of the valley though.

Rossett Pike summit.

Angle Tarn.

Bowfell Buttress across Angle Tarn.

Rossett Pike and Angle Tarn from the path to Ore Gap.

Langstrath and beyond, what a cracking day.

Esk Pike across Ore Gap.

As I arrived at Bowfell summit, a couple of people who were there before me were leaving which meant I had the summit to myself for lunch - I think 15 minutes alone up there on a day such as this must be quite a rare occurrence but I was glad to have timed that one right! This is the lunch view to the Scafells, what a magnificent view it is from here.

...and a zoomed in view.

The north-western fells from Bowfell.

The Great Slab of Flat Crags.

A hazy view to Pike o' Blisco and Windermere to the south.

On the decent towards Three Tarns...and there are actually three tarns today!

The Scafells across one of the tarns.

This tarn is still frozen despite the sunshine.

Great Langdale from The Band.

The Langdale Pikes from the descent.

The Band and Bowfell from the valley.

Classic view of the Pikes from the Great Langdale.

Bowfell

Walked on 20/01/2016

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

Old Dungeon Ghyll – Rossett Gill – Rossett Pike – Angle Tarn – Esk Hause – Esk Pike – Ore Gap – Bowfell – Three Tarns – The Band – Old Dungeon Ghyll

Distance: 9.2 miles Total Ascent: 986 metres Time Taken: 6 hours Start Time: 09:00

Weather: Cool and clear. 2°C

All I can say about today is wow! What a fantastic day to be out on the fells, the sunshine made it really warm so I was in shirt sleeves for most of the walk and there was snow – lots of snow – everywhere. The views were stunning, this really was day to remember and ones like this are all too few and far between.

On the way past, a beautiful pink hue on the Coniston fells from Torver.

The Langdale Valley was frozen and mostly in mist this morning but this was the view on emerging.

Heading for Stool End, Crinkle Crags caught in sunshine.

The head of Mickleden, Rossett Pike (our first port of call today) in the sunshine

Crossing Mickleden Beck.

The Langdale Pikes towering above Mickleden.

The sun is coming out now and there is a lovely blue sky.

Looking back along the frozen valley.

Heading for Rossett Gill climbing up in the centre distance.

The way to go.

Looking back from the climb...

...and a bit higher...

...and on and on. The going was quite arduous at times, the path was lost under knee deep snow so it was a best estimate only for the route.

Rossett Pike from the top of Rossett Pass.

The frozen summit of Rossett Pike looking along Langstrath.

A close up on Blencathra.

Mickleden from the Mickleden cairn. Dougal found a Philips screwdriver atop a rock here...if anyone's lost one, let me know (and more to the point, why?)!

Dougal and Fletcher were enjoying the conditions today.

Esk Hause (between Great End and Allen Crags) looks an easy target from here but it was not as straightforward as it looks. Frozen Angle Tarn can be seen below the first section of rocks, then there is a climb and a further descent before another climb all in knee deep, soft snow.

Looking back the other way to Rossett Pike from the fist climb, blazing a trail.

These two were fed up waiting for me!

Angle Tarn.

A beautiful winter wonderland.

Climbing to Esk Hause a big bank of cloud was slowly spreading southwards.

The view from Esk Hause.

You may well gaze in wonder Fletcher my lad!

Great End, Great Gable and beyond.

The Scafells.

View? What view?

The Scafells from Esk Pike summit.

Derwent Water and Skiddaw from Esk Pike.

Bowfell ahead.

What a day!

Descending to Esk Hause.

Climbing to Bowfell.

The Scafells from the summit.

A close up of Scafell and Scafell Pike.

Looking across 3 Tarns (which looks like no tarns today) to Crinkle Crags.

The Great Slab and beyond.

Looking back to the summit from the descent.

Heading down to 3 Tarns, Fletcher looks like he is sliding down.

The Scafells from the tarns.

Pike o' Blisco from The Band.

Descending The Band, Great Lansdale already back in the shadows.

The setting sun on the Langdale Pikes.

Bowfell

Height: 902 metres / 2959 feet Grid reference: NY 24470 06443 Category: The Southern Fells

Without doubt, one of the finest fells in the Lake District. Shown as two words on the OS map, generally referred to as Bowfell.

Bow Fell and The Band from Side Pike

Bowfell from Shelter Crags

The Scafells from Bowfell summit

The Langdale Pikes from the summit

The Great Slab of Flat Crags

Esk Pike

Walked on 09/07/2014

Start Point: Cockley Beck (NY 246 016)

Cockley Beck – Moasdale – Lingcove Beck – High Gait Crags – Yeastyrigg Crags – Pike de Bield – Esk Pike – Ore Gap – Bowfell – Three Tarns – Shelter Crags – Crinkle Crags – Stonesty Pike – Little Stand – Ulpha Fell – Cockley Beck

Distance: 9 miles Total Ascent: 1013 metres Time Taken: 6 hours Start Time: 07:30

Weather: Lovely, 21°C

It was perfect summer weather for a walk up to Esk Pike from Cockley Beck – this is definitely the quiet way to do these fells and I didn’t see anyone until 3 Tarns and then one or two on Crinkle Crags. By the end I was completely boiled, but hey – not complaining! This walk will feature in Trail magazine later this year.

First sight of the Scafells from Moasdale this morning - lovely.

Scafell and Scafell Pike before heading down to cross Lingcove Beck.

The south ridge to Esk Pike in the foreground.

Close up on Scafell Pike, Scafell to the left and Ill Crag to the right.

Scafells panorama.

Fine views from High Gait Crags.

Mono Pike.

The King of the Fells and the fell that is king.

Looking back along the ridge to Hard Knott and Harter Fell.

The Lion King.

Climbing higher across Yeastyrigg Crags.

Looking across Pike de Bield to the Scafells. Further along from Pike de Bield is a large cairn (marked 'memorial cairn' on 2nd edition Wainwright's), the brass plaque on it says 'Gerry Charnley 1929 - 1982.

Langstrath from Esk Pike summit. Esk Pike and Bowfell were swirling in and out of the mist all morning and it was a shock to hit the cold air.

Heading for Bowfell across Ore Gap.

The dark outline is the south ridge of Esk Pike (just climbed) and beyond is the finest view of the Scafells of all, taken from Bowfell.

The Great Slab of Flat Crags and the Langdales.

Crinkle Crags across Three Tarns.

Down at the tarns and a chance for Dougal to cool off.

Pike o' Blisco, Windermere beyond from Crinkle Crags.

The highest swimmer in England at 854m in Crinkle Crags Tarn.

Rounding Long Top, Dougal checks out the way across the fifth (or first!) Crinkle and over to Stonesty Pike and Little Stand.

Great Langdale.

Stonesty Pike summit - I think Birkett got the wrong one when he chose it.

Beautiful weather and pools on Little Stand.

The Duddon Valley from the descent of Little Stand.

Looking back up from the road - there is a way down somewhere!

Crinkle Crags and Bowfell

Walked on 05/11/2012

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

Old Dungeon Ghyll – Oxendale – Red Tarn – Crinkle Crags – Shelter Crags – Three Tarns – Bowfell – Climbers Traverse – The Band – Old Dungeon Ghyll

Distance: 8 miles Total Ascent: 1005 metres Time Taken: 5 hours Start Time: 07:30

Weather: Cold, snow. -2oC to +10oC!

It was a beautiful weekend with lots of snow visible on the fell tops. Today was to be the day of the week according to the forecasters…well, it would have been rude not to go out!

Langdale sky over Lingmoor Fell.

Oxendale.

Clouds were forming and pouring over the Langdale Pikes.

Pike o' Stickle.

Moon over Great Knott.

The Langdales from the top of Browney Gill.

Pike o' Blisco.

The Coniston fells.

These sheep were waiting for us on Crinkle Crags.

A view to Blencathra and Helvellyn.

The 2nd and 3rd Crinkles from the 1st and the descent to the Bad Step.

Crinkle Crags Tarn, the highest tarn in England? - read all about it in The Wainwright Companion

Casper and Dougal loving the sunshine.

Long Top, the summit of Crinkle Crags.

Deep snow and the path to the 3rd and 4th Crinkles.

Helvellyn beyond High Raise.

Looking back to the 1st and 2nd from the 3rd!

What a beautiful day.

A contrast in colours looking down on Great Langdale.

3rd to the left and the bigger 2nd from the 4th (sounds like a puzzle all this Crinkling!).

Crinkle Crags from Shelter Crags.

Eskdale and the west Cumbrian coast.

Bowfell across Three Tarns from the prominent rock tower.

The Scafells across Three Tarns, a beautiful place.

Casper and Dougal seem to like it too. Today's story from the fells whilst I was there - a group of chaps were heading towards me, one of them to another in a rather posh voice 'Oh look, it's a shepherd with his dogs'.

Bowfell Links.

The largest of the tarns.

Looking back to Crinkle Crags over Three Tarns from the climb - and yes, there are three tarns, the revised Pictorial Guides show a different story but you can (of course!) read all about that in The Wainwright Companion!

The Dragon's Den? Casper found this handy igloo on top of Bowfell, if you look closely it is actually made in the shape of a dragon. Casper is sat in the mouth with two eyes and two horns on top.

Cloud and moon over the Scafells from Bowfell summit.

Upper Eskdale from Bowfell summit.

There is a magnificent view of the Scafells from here. Select on the image to see a larger version.

The Great Slab of Flat Crags.

Crinkle Crags across Three Tarns from the descent. Bumped into StridingEdge fan Rod descending here, nice to have a chat on such a day.

Descending The Band.

Looking back up the path, Three Tarns are in the depression top left.

Crinkle Crags from The Band.

Out of the snow and cold wind and back to the greener pastures of Great Langdale.

The Langdales from The Band.

Mickleden.

A more pastoral scene showing much of today's route - Crinkle Crags and Bowfell in the background and the snowless lower slopes of The Band.

Bowfell

Walked on 26/07/2011

Start point: Cockley Beck (NY 246 017)

Cockley Beck – Moasdale – Lingcove Beck – High Gait Crags – Yeastyrigg Crags – Pike de Bield – Esk Pike – Ore Gap – Bowfell – Three Tarns – Shelter Crags – Crinkle Crags – Adam-a-Cove – Moasdale – Cockley Beck

Distance: 9.3 miles Total Ascent: 1013 metres Time Taken: 5 hours 15 minutes Start Time: 06:40

Weather: Sunny spells, warm. 19ºC

Today’s weather promised much but ended up being a mixed bag with clouds swirling in and out throughout the walk. Despite this it was really still and warm and very clear making it a good day to explore this quiet and remote area at the head of Eskdale.

Bowfell route map.

Heading into Moasdale it looks like a promising morning.

Looking back to Grey Friar across Cockley Beck.

First sight of the Scafells. Mmm, they look quite tempting!

Gateway to heaven.

A great sheet of cloud was moving across from the east by the time I reached the head of Moasdale, Esk Pike and Bowfell ahead.

The route to Esk Pike is along the central ridge via High Gait Crags and Pike de Bield Moss.

Crossing Lingcove Beck.

Scafell Pike, Broad Crag and Ill Crag from Low Gait Crags.

Pike de Bield Moss, the route to Esk Pike via the south ridge.

The heads of state - Scafell and Scafell Pike.

Scafells panorama.

Long Green reflection.

Scafell in sunshine now.

Dougal and Casper on High Gait Crags.

Scafell Pike and Pen.

Scafell Pikes reflected.

On the summit of Pike de Bield. It was interesting to see how the clouds were forming around Scafell as I climbed.

The route to Esk Pike from Pike de Bield, clear for now but by the time I got there it was enveloped by clouds.

Looking through the mist to Bowfell, right.

Smoking fells in mono.

Langstrath from Esk Pike.

Skiddaw and Derwent Water across Glaramara.

The clouds swirling around Scafell Pike.

Angle Tarn and Rossett Pike from the descent to Ore Gap.

A panoramic view across Ore Gap to Esk Pike from the climb to Bowfell.

Looking northwards from Bowfell, that way looks to be the clearest today, from Grasmoor to Skiddaw.

The summit of Bowfell.

The Langdale Pikes beyond The Great Slab of Flat Crags.

Crinkle Crags through there somewhere.

Shelter Crags and Crinkle Crags from the descent to Three Tarns...and there are three tarns again too!

Bowfell Links.

Bowfell from the climb to Shelter Crags.

Shelter Crags and Bowfell from the fifth Crinkle, Gunson Knott.

Hell Gill, The Band and Great Langdale.

Clearing over the Scafells once more but Dougal is too busy planning our route to look. The central darker ridge is the one used to climb Esk Pike.

The first and second Crinkle from the third.

Crinkle Crags and Bowfell from Long Top, the summit of Crinkle Crags.

Dougal and Casper summit Crinkle Crags.

Crinkle Crags Tarn, at 854m it is the highest tarn in the Lake District and in England.

At the foot of the Bad Step.

Crinkle Crags.

Great Langdale and Pike o' Blisco, Windermere beyond.

Dougal slides down Adam-a-Cove.

Esk Pike and Yeastyrigg Gill.

Back into Moasdale looking at Bowfell and Crinkle Crags.

Bowfell

Walked on 11/02/2010

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

Old Dungeon Ghyll – Rossett Gill – Rossett Pike – Angle Tarn – Esk Hause – Esk Pike – Ore Gap – Bowfell – Three Tarns – Buscoe – Oxendale – Old Dungeon Ghyll

Distance: 9.1 miles Total Ascent: 1016 metres Time Taken: 4 hours 45 minutes

Weather: Cool and clear. 4°C

It started off really dull and it clouded over almost as soon as I set off from Great Langdale – but lo and behold, the sun came out and the skies soon became glorious blue. It really was great day on the fells, most of the walk was completed in shirt sleeves and even though it was icily cold, the sun really warmed it up. It was really quiet up there too and I only saw two other people – on the descent to Three Tarns.

It was decidedly grey at the start of the walk along Mickleden - I didn't hold out much hope for the weather today, but pressed on regardless.

Mind you, it looks a bit brighter over Pike o' Stickle now.

Looking back along Mickleden to Great Langdale.

Bowfell from the bridge across Stake Gill.

The start of the Rossett Gill path, Bowfell ahead and Rossett Pike to the right.

Rossett Pike looking resplendent in the sunshine and what a difference in the weather in less than an hour.

Bowfell from the Rossett Gill path, Bowfell Buttress is the lofty pinnacle.

Mickleden and the Langdale Pikes from the zig-zags.

Casper comes back to see where I am in this snow filled gully.

Rossett Pike from the top of Rossett Pass.

The view to the east from the summit of Rossett Pike.

Mickleden from the Mickleden Cairn.

Casper and Dougal are enjoying their walk in the sunshine today.

Esk Pike and Great End from Rossett Pike.

The same view over frozen Angle Tarn.

Looking back over Angle Tarn to Hanging Knotts.

Little Dougal Doo blazing a trail for Esk Hause - he's born to it, that lad.

Having a look at Great End from Esk Hause.

Esk Pike from the cross shelter.

The climb to Esk Pike from Esk Hause.

The Scafell Pikes from the climb.

Derwent Water and Skiddaw from the summit of Esk Pike.

Hard Knott and the Duddon Estuary.

The Helvellyn ridge and Langstrath.

The view across to Windermere from the top of Bowfell.

The Scafells.

Crinkle Crags and beyond.

Scafell Pike from Bowfell.

Two black shiny noses.

The Great Slab of Flat Crags.

Looking back to Bowfell's summit.

The descent to Three Tarns, Crinkle Crags ahead.

The Scafells from one of the tarns.

Bowfell Links from on one of the tarns!

That looks more tarn-like, however it is frozen solid too.

Pike o' Blisco and Buscoe - that descent was interesting in places, the usual bogginess replaced with great sheets of ice.

Bowfell and Buscoe Sike.

Hell Gill falls.

Oxendale.

Late sunshine on Side Pike.

The Langdale Pikes, with full sunshine on them now.

Bowfell

Walked on 04/06/2009

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. 14C.

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.

Bowfell route map.

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.

One Small Step

Walked on 15/10/2008

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

Old Dungeon Ghyll – Oxendale – Red Tarn – Crinkle Crags – Three Tarns – Bowfell – Climbers Traverse – The Band – Old Dungeon Ghyll

Distance: 7.8 miles Total Ascent: 1000 metres Time Taken: 6 hours

Weather: Showers, cold wind. 11ºC.

‘One Small Step’ was the second walk I have organised for StridingEdge followers, the name being obvious when you look at the route. The weather was certainly changeable and it improved after we had crossed the Crinkle Crags ridge. Thanks to all who attended today, it was a brilliant day out with great company.

Early morning sun and low level cloud over Coniston Water on the way to Great Langdale.

Coniston Water.

On to the walk - the Langdale Pikes from the path to Oxendale.

They're all off - wait for me!

Valley mist and the Langdales.

Great Langdale over Stool End.

Oxendale beck.

Oxendale with Crinkle Crags under cloud cover.

Looking back from the climb alongside Browney Gill.

Autumnal Oxendale.

The climb towards Red Tarn.

Cascades on Browney Gill.

Who are all those people?

Crossing Browney Gill and a change of direction to head up towards Crinkle Crags.

Looking back to Red Tarn. From hereon in, the weather was against us along the Crinkle Crags ridge. The cloud was down, the wind was up and the rain was in!

'One Small Step' - everyone successfully negotiated the Bad Step, me and Casper were last up here looking back down from the top. The rest of the ridge walk continued in the clag including our lunch stop above Three Tarns until...

...an improvement in the weather and Three Tarns and Bowfell were revealed.

The StridingEdge 'One Small Step' walkers: Mike, David, Andy, Martin, Scott, Claire, Gary, Karl with Eleanor kneeling (Casper on the right in case you didn't know!).

The climb from Three Tarns to Bowfell.

Lingcove Beck and Eskdale from the summit of Bowfell.

Esk Pike makes a brief appearance from Bowfell.

Something has interested Casper, he's licking his lips!

The view perhaps?

Three Tarns below and Crinkle Crags.

A closer view and perhaps the best view of Crinkle Crags today.

The Great Slab of Flat Crags, Windermere in view beyond Lingmoor Fell.

Langstrath from the descent to the Climbers Traverse.

Descending the river of boulders to the south of Cambridge Crag.

"Cambridge Crag is identifiable, beyond all doubt, by the waterspout gushing from the base of the cliff - and nothing better ever came out of a barrel or a bottle." - A. Wainwright, Bowfell 6.

Following the Climbers Traverse.

The Climbers Traverse.

The Band from the Climbers Traverse.

The Langdale Pikes from The Band.

Pike o' Blisco from The Band. The path used in ascent can faintly be seen running diagonally upwards from left to right towards Browney Gill.

Bowfell

Walked on 06/02/2008

Start point: Cockley Beck (NY 246 017)

Cockley Beck – Moasdale – Lingcove Beck – Three Tarns – Bow Fell – Three Tarns – Shelter Crags – Crinkle Crags – Little Stand – Ulpha Fell – Cockley Beck

Distance: 7.5 miles Total Ascent: 940 metres Time Taken: 4 hours 45 minutes

Weather: Great winter conditions – snow, blue skies and a cold wind. 5°C.

I wasn’t sure how it would turn out today as it was a bit overcast when I set off for Bowfell from Cockley Beck at the head of the Duddon Valley. It turned out to be a fantastic day in real winter conditions and this is just how I like my walking – the going was rough, rugged and remote and the weather was quite changeable with lots of sunny spells but there was still a strong, icy cold wind. Not to worry though, it is winter after all! The icing on the cake was the climb to Bowfell in fresh snow and under a blue sky – just heaven. Thankfully I managed to get the settings in the new camera right today as well after a bit more messing about. Hopefully they will not need too much tweaking from now on.

An interesting prospect in view - Bowfell, Crinkle Crags, Little Stand towering above the Duddon Valley and the River Duddon.

Ulpha Fell at the start of the walk.

The road to Hardknott Pass - England's steepest road.

Moasdale Beck.

Little Stand from Moasdale. The final route of descent later was along the diagonal scree gully running left to right at the right of the fell.

First sight of the high fells from the rise up from Moasdale, the Scafells covered in cloud. Esk Buttress is directly in line with Casper. I got pelted in a hail shower along here which didn't give me great hope for the rest of the days weather - but you never quite know how it will turn out...

Esk Pike and Bowfell.

A close up of Esk Pike with Yeastyrigg Gill running up to Ore Gap on the right.

Look, some blue sky over Crinkle Crags!

A magnificent panorama - Great End, Esk Pike and Bowfell.

Following Lingcove Beck heading up to the right to Three Tarns below Bowfell.

Casper checks out the way to Bowfell - yep, all the way up there!

One of the Three Tarns, completely frozen and the view to the Scafells obliterated by the low lying cloud.

Suddenly it is all starting to look good on the climb to Bowfell from Three Tarns. It was fantastic here being the first to climb the virgin snow, sometimes up to knee depth and then the sunny spells and blue sky making the day a real joy to be out.

Looking eastwards over the Langdale Pikes and a smattering of snow on the highest fells.

It all looks a bit dark over that way - Bowfell's summit is to the left. Who knows what Casper is up to?!

A snowy Great Slab on Bowfell.

Heading for the summit of Bowfell.

Looking north to Esk Pike and Great End.

A superb view into Great Langdale and to Windermere from the summit of Bowfell.

Crinkle Crags, the way we are heading next from Bowfell. Beyond the Coniston fells remain in cloud.

Looking into Eskdale.

First to the top today Casper!

The Langdale Pikes in another sunny spell.

Lingmoor Fell, Pike o' Blisco and Windermere.

A view into Langstrath, Eagle Crag and Sergeant's Crag in the centre.

Monochromatic Bowfell Buttress and Cambridge Crag.

A black and white view to the south-east.

A bit breezy at times says Casper.

Descending back to Three Tarns, which can be seen below with Crinkle Crags beyond. Descending this section I met a couple of 'lads' climbing to Bowfell. We had a chat and talked about a few mutual acquaintances, but the thing that struck me was their ages - 75+ if they were a day! I hope I'm still going strong at that age! (Their advice to me? 'Keep out of the wind at your age'! I don't know if that means because I am old or because I am (to them) young).

The Langdales from Shelter Crags.

The summit of the Fifth Crinkle, Gunson Knott.

On the Fourth...

...the third.

Climbing to the Second Crinkle looking at the Third (right) and Fourth (left).

Long Top, the Second and highest of the Crinkle Crags.

The summit of Long Top.

Bowfell from the secondary summit cairn.

The First Crinkle from the top of the 'Bad Step'.

Looking back up to the Bad Step (centre). The climb or descent is to the right of the chock stone.

Fleeting clouds across Little Stand and the Coniston fells from the First Crinkle.

All is frozen on Stonesty Pike.

Wetherlam across a frozen tarn on Little Stand.

Sunburst over the Duddon Valley, Harter Fell to the right.

The Scafells from the steep descent from Little Stand. Still under cloud but it did seem to lift during the descent - here Slight Side on the left is clear now.

Great Carrs and Grey Friar finally get to see the light of day across the Duddon Valley.

Ulpha Fell from Cockley Beck.

Bowfell

Walked on 29/08/2007

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

Old Dungeon Ghyll – Pike O’ Blisco – Red Tarn – Cold Pike – Crinkle Crags – Shelter Crags – Three Tarns – Bowfell – Climbers Traverse – Hell Gill – Oxendale – Old Dungeon Ghyll

Distance: 9 miles Total Ascent: 1260 metres Time Taken: 5 hours

Weather: Sunny. 18oC.

Regular viewers may remember the last time I set off on this route in January when I nearly got blown off Pike o’ Blisco in a blizzard and decided to cut short the route. Some may also remember that back in May I managed to drop my camera and ruin a lens. Since then I have been using the cheapo kit lens that I had but I finally got around to getting a new one which I used for the first time today – hopefully the photos will be back to their previous clarity and sharpness. The walk today was memorable for a couple of reasons; the first was that I managed a quick dip – the first on a walk this year. The second was when I got chatting with the shepherd at Stool End Farm who had a Beardie as a working companion and it was interesting to compare her with Casper.

On the way to Langdale the mist lies over the head of Coniston Water.

Early morning sunshine and cloud on Bowfell.

Crinkle Crags over Wall End Farm.

Golden Casper.

The cloud clears from Bowfell on the climb to Pike o' Blisco.

Blue skies over Pike o' Blisco.

All clear over the Coniston fells from the southern cairn on Pike o' Blisco.

Mist over Crinkle Crags with Bowfell beyond the main summit cairn.

Cold Pike over Red Tarn with a distant Black Combe.

Crinkle Crags and Bowfell from Red Tarn.

The Crinkles from Cold Pike...

...just follow the superhighway.

The second and third Crinkles from the first.

Approaching the 'Bad Step' on the second Crinkle - it is the dark area to the right of centre.

Not so bad today though, me and Casper managed it okay. There is an alternative way around to the west if you don't fancy trying it.

Clouds over the Scafells from Long Top, the second and highest of the Crinkle Crags.

The cloud was constantly appearing then disappearing from Scafell Pike to the left and seemed to be pouring into Eskdale from Esk Hause to the right.

Scafell Pike.

The clouds over Esk Hause.

Bowfell from Shelter Crags.

Casper has a sit down at Three Tarns with a view of the Scafells as a backdrop.

The view from the second tarn - there were only two today, despite the name.

All clear on the Scafells now from Bowfell summit.

All was cloudy to the north and into Langstrath.

Looking back to Bowfell Buttress from the Climber's Traverse on Bowfell.

Looking up to the Crinkles from Buscoe.

At the bottom of Hell Gill, I found this secluded pool an idyllic place for a bathe. Heaven Gill I'd say!

Whorneyside and the Crinkle Crags from the path to Oxendale. The bracken is well gone now.

The same view from further along the path.

Once at Stool End, I spotted a shepherd with a Beardie so we spent a good hour whiling the time away. This working Beardie was half the size of Casper even though the markings are very similar; there are plenty of working Beardies around Langdale - a hardy breed indeed...but you knew that!

The Langdale Pikes.

Bow Fell

Walked on 10/02/2006

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

Old Dungeon Ghyll – Rossett Gill – Rossett Pike – Angle Tarn – Esk Hause – Allen Crags – Esk Pike – Bow Fell – Three Tarns – The Band – Old Dungeon Ghyll

Distance: 11.4 miles Total Ascent: 1331 metres Time Taken: 4 hours 20 minutes

Weather: Cold at first, but warming up nicely in the sunshine with clear, blue skies. -2°C to 4°C

Angus set an absolutely blistering pace today, he was like a young pup for the tough walk up to Bow Fell from Great Langdale! The ‘come on’ bark was an almost constant noise and I think he was happy to be out in the sunshine, as was I. He was recognised on Esk Pike today – I think fame is going to his head!

Walking along Mickleden, Bow Fell up to the left, Rossett Gill in the centre and the first target of the day, Rossett Pike, on the right.

Looking up to Pike o' Stickle and Loft Crag - the Langdale Pikes.

Pike o' Stickle and the 'axe factory' screes.

Blue skies and sunshine - lovely.

Looking back along Mickleden to the Langdale Pikes from the ascent of Rossett Gill.

The steep Rossett Gill path.

It's still freezing out of the sun on the side of Bow Fell.

Rossett Pike from the top of Rossett Pass.

Angus, your tongue has grown longer with the pace you have set!

Looking back to the Langdale Pikes and Rossett Pike from Angle Tarn.

Looking east to Helvellyn over a frozen tarn on Tongue Head.

Skiddaw overlooking Keswick and Derwent Water from Allen Crags.

Pillar, Great Gable and Green Gable over Sprinkling Tarn.

...and a wider view.

Looking north over to the Buttermere fells from Esk Hause.

Upper Eskdale.

Langstrath from Esk Pike.

The view from Esk Pike.

The Duddon Estuary and the Furness peninsula from Bow Fell - I can see my house from here (okay, perhaps not technically correct - it is actually the other way round!). Caw and Stickle Pike are in the middle distance.

Scafell and Scafell Pike from Bow Fell.

...and closer up.

Heaven indeed - lying by Three Tarns in the sunshine with the highest land in England behind for a great view.

The Scafells over one of the (frozen) Three Tarns.

Side Pike and Lingmoor Fell from the descent of The Band.

Great Langdale from The Band.

Bow Fell

Walked on 12/09/2005

Start point: Cockley Beck (NY 246 016)

Cockley Beck – Moasdale – Lingcove Beck – Three Tarns – Bow Fell – Climbers Traverse – Three Tarns – Shelter Crags – Crinkle Crags – Stonesty Pike – Little Stand – Ulpha Fell – Cockley Beck

Distance: 8.8 miles Total Ascent: 1127 metres Time Taken: 4 hours

Weather: Sunny and warm. 20°C.

Today was an almost unseasonally warm day, just like midsummer. I had a walk from Cockley Beck at the head of the Duddon Valley up to Bow Fell and back along the Crinkle Crags. I had forgotten how rough the terrain was, especially for a dog, but Angus seemed to take it all in his stride. There isn’t a full set of photographs today as the camera battery decided to give up along the Climbers Traverse on Bow Fell – I must remember to recharge it in future! Hopefully the photographs I did manage to capture show the flavour of the walk terrain and conditions.

Bow Fell route map.

Little Stand and Ulpha Fell from Moasdale. The final route of descent was straight down the middle which was very rough - not recommended.

The Scafells appear from the boggy walk along Moasdale.

The Scafell range.

Esk Pike and Bow Fell.

Bow Fell links.

Looking back along Lingcove Beck from the approach to Three Tarns.

The Scafells across one of the Three Tarns.

The Crinkle Crags across Three Tarns from the climb to Bow Fell.

Angus on the summit of Bow Fell.

Scafell and Scafell Pike separated by Mickledore.

One man and his dog looking down The Great Slab on Bow Fell.

The Langdale Pikes across the infeasibly angled Great Slab of Flat Crags.

The Langdale Pikes and Mickleden from the Climbers Traverse.

Bow Fell

Walked on 13/01/2005

Start point: Cockley Beck (NY 246 016)

Cockley Beck – Moasdale – Lingcove Beck – High Gait Crags (254) – Yeastyrigg Crags – Pike de Bield (255) – Esk Pike (256) – Ore Gap – Bow Fell – Three Tarns – Shelter Crags – Crinkle Crags – Stonesty Pike (257) – Little Stand (258) – Ulpha Fell – Cockley Beck

Weather: Mainly clear interspersed with cloud and a biting wind on the tops. Snow above 600m.

Today’s walk was a l o n g walk from Cockley Beck to Esk Pike and Bow Fell. The long, boggy run in along Moasdale was helped by the spectacular views (the best?) of Bow Fell, Esk Pike and the Crinkle Crags. The Sca Fells were in cloud all day so I didn’t get to see to much of them , unfortunately. I really rated this walk – thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish.

Bow Fell route map.

Elevation profile of the route. Key: HGC=High Gait Crags, PdB=Pike de Bield, EP=Esk Pike, BF=Bow Fell, SC=Shelter Crags, CC=Crinkle Crags, SP= Stonesty Pike, LS= Little Stand

3D image of the walk route.

Looking back along Moasdale.

Esk Pike and Bow Fell from above Lingcove Beck.

The mighty Bow Fell.

Esk Butress on Scafell Pike from High Gait Crags.

The River Esk and Great Moss from Pike de Bield.

A frozen Esk Pike summit.

The Langdales and Mickleden from the ascent of Bow Fell.

A contrast in colours - Lingcove Beck from Bow Fell summit.

'The Bad Step', right of centre, used in descent from the second Crinkle.

The Crinkle Crags from Stonesty Pike.

Pike O' Blisco and Cold Pike from Little Stand.

Cockley Beck Bridge.

Crinkle Crags

Walked on 21/06/2004

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

Old Dungeon Ghyll – Pike O’ Blisco (61) – Red Tarn – Cold Pike (62) – Great Knott (63) – Crinkle Crags (64 – 68) – Shelter Crags (69) – 3 Tarns – Bowfell (70) – Climbers Traverse – White Stones on The Band (71) – The Band – Old Dungeon Ghyll

Weather: Sunny with scattered showers.

Today’s round is a high ridge round with great views of the Langdale Pikes and the Scafell range. Today started off sunny, but the clouds on the tops looked ominous.

Up the tarmac from The Old Dungeon Ghyll car park, past Wall End and then a right turn onto the fell side for the ascent of Pike O' Blisco. This view of Mickleden over Wall End is from the road.

The path to Pike O' Blisco is a steep stairway. This view of the Langdale Pikes is from the path. The path eventually levels out and the summit dome of Pike O' Blisco is reached by a rocky scramble.

The rain set in as I reached the top. Here Windermere can be seen from Pike O' Blisco summit.

Red Tarn from the descent of Pike O' Blisco. The route I took was around the far left of the tarn from this view and then straight up the side of Cold Fell following the (electric) fence all the way to the summit.

Pike O' Blisco from the summit of Cold Pike. Then it's an easy descent to the main path going to Crinkle Crags and striking northwards from the path I headed for Great Knott summit.

The Crinkle Crags from (a rainy) Great Knott summit. Great views of the Crinkle Crags ahead now, the main path is hard to miss.

The second Crinkle, Mickle Door and the third Crinkle across Great Cove. There are five Crinkles in all, each is a separate summit. The highest summit is the second Crinkle, named Long Top. The Crinkle Crags can be a very confusing place in mist as the path does not follow a direct line. At the start of the second Crinkles ascent, there is a vertical rock face approximately 3 metres high known as 'the bad step'. This requires either climbing the rock or circumventing the step by following the path to the left flank of the buttress.

The first Crinkle, left looking to the Scafells..

and the Third Crinkle looking over Mickleden.

Windermere from Long Top, the second Crinkle.

The Langdale Pikes from the fourth Crinkle, left and the Coniston fells from the fifth Crinkle, named Gunson Knott. When walking the ridge it appears there are more than five Crinkles, indeed there seems to be seven. The first top after the Crinkles is named Shelter Crags and there is a further un-named peak just before the descent to Three Tarns.

Bowfell from the summit of Shelter Crags. As the cloud was clearing, I decided to press on to Bowfell.

Bowfell looms over Three Tarns. The steep path can clearly be seen rising up to the summit.

It was well worth climbing Bowfell for the spectacular views. Here Lingcove Beck, Hard Knott, Harter Fell and Black Combe can be seen from the summit.

A distant Grasmoor, Eel Crag, Sail and Grisedale Pike over Brandreth and Allen Crags from Bowfell.

Scafell, Mickledore, Scafell Pike and Ill Crag from Bowfell.

Pillar from Bowfell. From here I took a different line of descent from the route of ascent. Following the path known as the climbers traverse from the summit alongside the Great Slab, a gigantic slab of steeply angled rock

The Great Slab of Flat Crags

Pike O' Blisco and the Coniston Fells from the climbers traverse. From the climbers traverse, a path known as The Band is joined. Just north of the path is the appropriately named White Stones.

The Langdale Pikes from the summit of White Stones on The Band. Picking up The Band again, it was a simple descent to Stool End and The Old Dungeon Ghyll car park.

Bowfell

Walked on 30/04/2003

Old Dungeon Ghyll – Rossett Ghyll – Angle Tarn – Esk Hause – Allen Crags (15) – Esk Pike (16) – Bowfell (17) – The Band – Old Dungeon Ghyll

Angle Tarn.

Looking over Angle Tarn back to the Langdales and Rossett Pike.

The Langdale Pikes from Allen Crags summit.

Angus on Esk Pike summit.

Lingcove Beck from Bowfell summit.

The Great Slab on Bowfell.