Holme Fell

Walked on 13/02/2024

Walking Diary 2024

Start Point: Hodge Close (NY 315 016)

Holme Fell from Hodge Close

Distance: 3.7 km Total Ascent: 145 metres Time Taken: 1 hour Start Time: 09:55

The weather has been (and predicted to continue to be) poor this week with lots of rain and grey days. Today was the only one with any sign of promise so I went to Holme Fell to take advantage of a hopefully dry morning. It wasn’t too bad but the clouds did close in when I got to the top.

Looking across the larger reservoir, Ivy Crag to the left and Holme Fell summit ridge to the right. I had a near miss here - as I pulled my gloves from my pocket, my phone came with it and bounced 3 times on the (thankfully) soft grass before neatly plopping in the reservoir. I fished it out straight away and checked to see it was working - phew, I didn't know they were that water resistant!

Looking back across the reservoir in the opposite direction.

The Langdale Pikes under leaden skies.

...and a wider view.

The higher fells (Helvellyn & co) are hidden in the clouds today.

A fleeting glimpse of Wetherlam. As I reached the summit the cloud cover closed in with only occasional breaks in it.

Looking from the northern edge of the summit ridge.

Fletcher!

Holme Fell summit.

There is a fantastic view of Coniston Water from the southern end of the summit ridge, although I had to wait around to see it through the clouds today.

You are looking the wrong way Fletcher!

The cairn on Ivy Crag.

Down at the second, smaller reservoir.

Holme Fell

Walked on 02/12/2021

Start Point: Hodge Close (NY 315 016)

Holme Fell from Hodge Close

Distance: 2.6 miles Total Ascent: 165 metres Time Taken: 1 hour Start Time: 09:50

Weather:

Clear                 
Temperature      -1 ℃ 
Felt like        -4 ℃
Wind Speed       6.4 mi/h
Wind Direction   NNW

It was looking like it would be another fantastic day today so I made time to get to seek out some fresh air and climb the diminutive Holme Fell. It is always enjoyable up here and one I have visited a fair few times over the years. One thing I did notice since I last climbed is how clear the paths up there are now compared to how they were, which I guess proves how popular this fell has become recently. Another observation was that around the summit there was evidence of a fair few camp fires, something I have not seen there before.

Out of the shadows and into the light - up at the first reservoir on the climb to Holme Fell (on the right behind the tree). Ivy Crag is the prominence in the centre.

Looking back down over the reservoir and what a stunning day it is. Helvellyn has a dusting of snow in the distance.

Looking across to Wetherlam it is just so clear. Steel Edge is in the centre running diagonally right to left - it looks like an easy climb from here!

The familiar silhouette of the Langdale Pikes.

A panorama to the north and east looking at Helvellyn and Fairfield. Once up on the summit ridge the wind really picked up and it had a raw, biting edge to it.

A fantastic view along the length of Coniston Water.

Barking Dougal and ready to pounce Fletcher on Holme Fell.

Holme Fell summit looking to the far eastern fells.

A panoramic shot of Wetherlam.

A short walk away from the summit is Ivy Crag, arguably a better viewpoint than the true summit and certainly an airier perch with a large cairn. This view is looking across the main summit ridge in the middle distance to Wetherlam which dominates.

The view from Ivy Crag across Tilberthwaite and Lingmoor Fell to the Langdale Pikes.

Looking north-east to the Ill Bell ridge from the descent. The trees look a bit bare now after Storm Arwen.

Back down at the reservoir which is partially frozen still.

The second (hidden) reservoir - Dougal and Fletcher have seen something!

Footnote #1: If you look closely in this 'quick on the draw' photo you might be able to see what Dougal and Fletcher had spotted in the last photo. It was a fantastic sight - a magnificent stag descended the crag in front of us no more than 10m away, stared at us for a couple of seconds then bolted. That was a sight to remember for sure, it was the biggest stag I have seen for a long time in the Lake District. Of course those two nearly went through themselves and didn't know what to make of it!

Footnote #2: There are signs of Storm Arwen all over the Lake District with fallen trees etc everywhere and there are unfortunately still (at the time of typing) people without power. When I parked at Hodge Close and set off this morning, mine was the only car there. When I came back it looked like the whole of Electricity North West had descended upon the area with lots of vans and equipment down there. Great too see them at work and chasing down the issues, I hope they get everyone re-connected soon.

Holme Fell

Walked on 18/10/2017

Start Point: Hodge Close (NY 315 016)

Holme Fell from Hodge Close

Distance: 1.7 miles Total Ascent: 165 metres Time Taken: 1 hour Start Time: 08:15

Weather: Cool and calm, 8°C

Well, I did ask! Thank you for the feedback received regarding the website, the overwhelming feeling was that I should carry on and that there is still life in the old dog yet. Due to the amount of e-mails I received, there is no way I can personally respond to them all so to those of you that did send a message all I can say is thanks and I am grateful for the positive feelings about the site. The StridingEdge family is still alive and kicking.

This morning was lovely, a great change from the weather earlier in the week and nice to have a bit of calm and quiet. There was no wind at all this morning thankfully. I would say this was a typical Lakeland autumn morning, just beautiful and calm.

Holme Fell route map

Ivy Crag, left with Holme Fell on the right reflected in the reservoir. What a gorgeous and calm autumn morning.

Perfectly still rounding the reservoir.

Misty vales.

Lingmoor Fell in the sunshine.

Hope they are off somewhere warm. There was lots of goose activity up there today.

Wetherlam.

A panoramic shot from the climb.

Looking pensive boys!

Holme fell summit.

Nice to see the sunshine and the wind is not missed after the storm earlier in the week.

A close up on the Langdale Pikes.

Coniston Water from the cairn.

Wetherlam from the summit.

The fell dogs.

Big Fletcher and Little Dougal on Ivy Crag.

Holme Fell summit with Wetherlam beyond.

Lingmoor Fell from the descent.

Second reservoir reflections.

Holme Fell

Walked on 02/01/2017

Start Point: Hodge Close (NY 315 016)

Holme Fell from Hodge Close

Distance: 1.7 miles Total Ascent: 165 metres Time Taken: 1 hour Start Time: 10:00

Weather: A bright and sunny 0°C

There was wall to wall sunshine today, it was absolutely gorgeous but the views do not necessarily tell how cold it was in the wind which cut through to the bone at times. A great little fell with big views this one.

All is still at the frozen reservoir.

Don't blame it on the sunshine (!)

Wetherlam.

Helvellyn and the high fells have a dusting of snow this morning.

The Langdale Pikes.

Fletcher and Dougal are loving the sunshine.

Holme Fell summit.

Coniston Water.

A close up of Steel Edge on Wetherlam.

Holme Fell summit (central) with Wetherlam beyond from Ivy Crag.

Holme Fell

Walked on 18/01/2016

Start Point: Hodge Close (NY 315 016)

Holme Fell from Hodge Close

Distance: 1.7 miles Total Ascent: 165 metres Time Taken: 1 hour Start Time: 14:30

Weather: A wintry 2°C

There has been plenty of snow around Cumbria and the Lake District this weekend with some fabulous winter weather to go with it. I managed to miss all that being busy with all sorts of other things so today when I managed to get out, the day was very different to the weekend. Gone were the blue skies and winter wonderland, the south Lakes was transfrormned into a very overcast scene. It was a real winters day with mist hanging around and not a breath of air plus with all the snow dampening down any noise it made for a quite eerie walk. It was enjoyable though, Fletcher and Dougal certainly enjoyed being in the snow today.

Wetherlam from Hodge Close.

Walking along the track from Hodge Close.

At the (frozen) reservoir, Ivy Crag left and Holme Fell summit right.

Walking around the reservoir.

The climb to Holme Fell.

Frozen Lakeland from the climb.

Holme Fell summit.

Fletcher & Dougal don't look too impressed but that is because I have stopped them frolicking in the snow for a minute - the giddy kippers!

Fletcher found this on Holme Fell - someone is climbing all the Birketts +1 in 2016 to raise money for Cancer Research. More info at www.542in2016.org.uk

You can just about make out Coniston Water. When I got here I realised I had (annoyingly) lost my lens cap - I don't know what it is about Holme Fell because this exact same thing has happened before I seem to recall!

Back to the summit, looking the other way.

Holme Ground below, Tilberthwaite beyond.

Ivy Crag looking to Tarn Hows beyond. Aha, so there it is - lens cap found...the snow made it easier to spot thankfully!

The cairn on Ivy Crag.

Looking across to Holme Fell summit.

Looking down to the first reservoir.

The second reservoir is also frozen.

Brrr - time to go!

Holme Fell

Height: 317 metres / 1040 feet Grid reference: NY 31528 00654 Category: The Southern Fells

Looking across the summit of Holme Fell to Fairfield, Hart Crag and Dove Crag

Wetherlam from the summit

Coniston Water from the summit

Holme Fell

Walked on 07/08/2014

Start Point: Hodge Close (NY 315 016)

Holme Fell from Hodge Close

Distance: 1.7 miles Total Ascent: 165 metres Time Taken: 1 hour Start Time: 08:50

Weather: Lovely, 17°C

What a glorious morning – so nice that I had to stop at a couple of places for an opportune photo or two on the way to Coniston. Holme Fell is fabulous at this time of year with the visually lovely and fragrant Ling in abundance.

The view from the Scott Memorial.

Reflected trees.

Calm water looking across to Wetherlam.

Similar but different.

The old reservoir at the foot of Holme Fell.

The view across to the Langdale Pikes.

The summit of Holme Fell with lots of fragrant Ling all around.

Looking along Coniston Water.

A heathery view.

Dougal.

Wetherlam.

The view to Fairfield and the eastern fells.

Back down at the reservoir.

The smaller second reservoir.

Ivy Crag left, Holme Fell right.

Holme Fell

Walked on 07/01/2013

Start point: Hodge Close (NY 315 016)

Holme Fell from Hodge Close

Distance: 1.7 miles Total Ascent: 165 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 15 minutes Start Time: 10:50

Weather: Murky but dry. 8oC

The first walk of 2013 and the weather is as it was last time I was out – dark and murky. I can’t grumble, at least it was dry and the air was fresh although taking photos when it is like this is not the easiest thing as it is just so dark.

Note: This walk marks 10 years since I took the first photos on this site on the Langdales on 7th January 2003 (although the website didn’t start until a year later). What a journey it has been, I hope you will stay with us for the next 10 years!

Hodge Close Quarry.

Holme Fell ahead...somewhere.

Misty trees.

Fleeting views from the boggy climb.

Clearing mist over Tilberthwaite.

Dougal and Casper on top of Holme Fell.

Ivy Crag.

There are fell walking cows over there!

Reservoir.

Mono reflections.

Wetherlam makes the briefest of appearances.

Swansong on Yew Tree Tarn.

Holme Fell

Walked on 21/07/2012

Start point: Hodge Close (NY 315 016)

Holme Fell from Hodge Close

Distance: 1.7 miles Total Ascent: 165 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 15 minutes Start Time: 10:50

Weather: Warm with long sunny spells. 15°C

Wow, the sun made an all too rare appearance today so we grasped the opportunity for a walk in sunshine up to Holme Fell above Coniston. The Ling was much in evidence up there too, showing that late summer is nearly upon us!

Looking down on Hodge Close quarry.

All is still at the reservoir, Ivy Crag left and Holme Fell right. The sky over that way is looking a bit grey now.

Mono reflections.

Blue skies and loveliness looking to the east across the reservoir.

The view to Fairfield from the climb.

A wider view from the climb showing a bit of demarcation in the sky.

The lovely Ling is coming into bloom on Holme Fell now.

The Langdale Pikes.

Wetherlam.

Great Intake and the Langdales.

Connie, Dougal and Casper on the slippery slope.

A penny for them Connie.

Coniston Water.

Wetherlam view again from a slightly different angle.

Dougal-Ling.

A panoramic view from Ivy Crag - from the Langdales to the Far Eastern fells.

The Old Man, Wetherlam and Holme Fell summit from Ivy Crag.

The Langdales from the descent.

At the second reservoir, Dougally Doo is going for it!

Holme Fell

Walked on 02/12/2011

Start point: Hodge Close (NY 315 016)

Holme Fell from Hodge Close

Distance: 1.7 miles Total Ascent: 165 metres Time Taken: 45 minutes Start Time: 09:20

Weather: Overcast, cold. 5ºC

It was a cold morning and most of the higher fells were covered in cloud early on – when they lifted the forecasted snow was revealed on them, a later start than last year to wintry weather. There were some ominous clouds around and heavy showers later on which presumably left more snow up on high.

Holme Fell route map.

A 'petit-sunburst' across the reservoir.

Reservoir and clouds.

The Langdales have a dusting of snow on them.

The view from the climb and the fells to the east are covered in cloud.

Coniston Water from Ivy Crag.

The clouds on the eastern fells have lifted sufficiently now to reveal snow on Helvellyn and Fairfield beyond the cairn on Ivy Crag.

Those clouds look quite heavily laden.

Helvellyn and Fairfield.

More weather coming in from the left.

Fairfield.

More snow showers across The Langdales.

Wetherlam beyond the summit of Holme Fell.

Standing on the edge - at the top of Raven Crag looking along Yewdale to Coniston Water.

Heavy clouds over the far eastern fells.

Dougal and Casper on Holme Fell.

Wetherlam.

The Old Man is shrouded today.

Holme Fell summit ridge.

The summit cairn on Holme Fell...

...and the view in the opposite direction.

The clouds are down once more, looking across on the descent.

Down at the smaller reservoir.

Hodge Close quarry.

The trees at Hodge Close have grown right around the old wire rope.

Holme Fell

Walked on 19/09/2011

Start point: Hodge Close (NY 315 016)

Holme Fell from Hodge Close

Distance: 1.7 miles Total Ascent: 165 metres Time Taken: 45 minutes Start Time: 09:00

Weather: Overcast. 13ºC

I just had time for a quick walk this morning up to Holme Fell from Hodge Close. The weather was predicted to worsen throughout the morning and this turned out to be correct. Luckily I missed a soaking and although it was dull, the views were still good from this diminutive fell.

Holme Fell route map.

A hint of blue sky over Hodge Close at the start of the walk.

Dull but calm over the large disused reservoir.

Good-bye blue sky...goodbye...

The Langdale Pikes and Lingmoor Fell.

'Which way did he go'? 'Never saw him'.

The Langdale Pikes across Tilberthwaite spoil heaps.

Fairfield and the horseshoe.

Coniston Water from the summit ridge.

The summit of Holme Fell.

Still plenty of Ling around.

Cool Coniston Water.

Wetherlam - The Old Man is lost in cloud to the left.

Looking back to the summit and that sky is ever closing in.

Ivy Crag.

Coniston Water from Ivy Crag.

Dougal and Casper.

Heading back to the reservoir.

It's looking quite autumnal at the smaller reservoir.

Holme Fell

Walked on 18/03/2011

Start point: Hodge Close (NY 315 016)

Holme Fell from Hodge Close

Distance: 1.7 miles Total Ascent: 165 metres Time Taken: 45 minutes Start Time: 13:10

Weather: Long sunny spells. 9°C

What a gorgeous day it turned out to be today with long sunny spells and good, clear views and it was too nice to resist a quick jaunt up to Holme Fell with an easy climb from Hodge Close. Despite the sun it was still a little on the chilly side – I was still wearing gloves today.

Holme Fell route map.

Hodge Close quarry.

Holme Fell through the trees.

Ivy Crag and Holme Fell reflected.

There is just the merest ripple on the old reservoir today.

Looking north across the reservoir.

The sky towards Fairfield.

Approaching Holme Fell summit with a view of Coniston Water.

Sunshine boys.

The summit of Holme Fell.

Coniston Water.

The sunshine boys take 2 with Wetherlam behind.

Wetherlam.

Holme Fell summit from Raven Crag.

The Langdale Pikes from Ivy Crag.

What a gorgeous day!

Descending back to the old reservoirs.

The Langdale Pikes.

Tree reflections.

Calm on the smaller reservoir today too.

Crossing the dam wall.

It won't stay calm for long with Dougal and Casper around.

Holme Fell

Walked on 16/04/2010

Start point: Hodge Close (NY 315 016)

Holme Fell from Hodge Close

Distance: 1.7 miles Total Ascent: 165 metres Time Taken: 45 minutes Start Time: 13:20

Weather: Sunny, 15C

It seemed to nice to miss the good weather so I found time for a quick walk up to Holme Fell this afternoon. It was lovely and warm once more and there were a few people around enjoying the good weather. There are no planes in the sky today due to the Icelandic volcano eruption and therefore no contrails either. There was, however, evidence of cows at this particular summit so it was a pretty odd day all in all!

Holme Fell route map.

Coniston Water, from the east side of the lake.

Looking across to The Old Man.

Looking to the head of Coniston Water and Holme Fell, where we are heading today.

Big Wall in Hodge Close Quarry.

Reflections in the smaller reservoir. We skirted around this way to try and avoid a large herd of cows!

Looking across the larger reservoir and those are the cows in the foreground, not Casper and Dougal as it appears at first glance! Me and the two 'cow magnets' ended up walking through the middle of the herd anyway. Sorry boys, you are on your own on this section - I don't think we have ever walked so quickly!

Lingmoor Fell and the Langdale Pikes.

The view to the far eastern fells.

Looking to Helvellyn and Fairfield.

Wetherlam from Holme Fell.

Casper and Dougal making sure the mud gets nicely baked on at the top of Holme Fell. Watch it boys, I can definitely hear the scissors being sharpened now.

There is a great view of Wetherlam, where I was on my last walk on Wednesday, from here.

Coniston Water.

The Langdale Pikes from Ivy Crag.

A closer view with plenty of mining evidence in the foreground.

More bovine avoidance tactics were required as we skirted the eastern side of the reservoir on the return section.

Wetherlam across the reservoir.

Holme Fell

Walked on 05/08/2009

Start point: Hodge Close (NY 315 016)

Holme Fell from Hodge Close

Distance: 1.7 miles Total Ascent: 165 metres Time Taken: 1 hour

Weather: Sunny gradually brightening. 20C.

I had time for another short walk this morning and things didn’t look too promising at the start but at least it was fine. Lo and behold, the sun came out giving ever better views shortly after the start of the walk. I ended up visiting Ivy Crag twice, for one reason and another…

Holme Fell route map.

It was a bit dull at the start of the walk, here looking into Hodge Close quarry.

Ivy Crag, left, and Holme Fell on the right from the first disused reservoir.

Reflections on the second reservoir.

Looking in the opposite direction on the first reservoir once more.

Things are starting to brighten up a little now.

The climb to Holme Fell through a sea of bracken.

The Old Man of Coniston with Holme Fell cairn visible to the right of the central ridge from Ivy Crag.

The summit ridge of Holme Fell.

Casper on the summit...

...and overlooking Coniston Water.

Coniston Old Man and Wetherlam.

The Langdale Pikes from Holme Fell.

Coniston Water.

A close up of The Old Man.

Holme Fell summit. Hmm, now where did I put that lens cap? After a bit of a search around I came to the conclusion I must have dropped it over on Ivy Crag - so back over there it was, retracing my steps.

The cairn on Ivy Crag. Actually, I'm glad I did come back because it was all in sunshine now - but frustratingly I still can't find the lens cap!

The Old Man and Wetherlam from Ivy Crag, the Holme Fell ridge is across the boggy area.

Sunny Langdale Pikes from Ivy Crag.

Yachts on Coniston Water. Found it! In the camera bag where it was all the time - of course.

Autumn berries...already?

Descending back past the reservoir.

Holme Fell

Walked on 06/12/2008

Start point: Hodge Close (NY 315 016)

Holme Fell from Hodge Close

Distance: 1.7 miles Total Ascent: 165 metres Time Taken: 40 minutes

Weather: Clear and bright. 4ºC.

Weather like this is just too good to miss! It was lovely and clear today with the snow clad fells sparkling in the sunshine and I managed to fit in a quick walk up to Holme Fell. The snow was crunchy today and for some reason this seemed to send Casper berserk with him constantly doing his ‘Bouncing Beardie’ party piece – I think this meant he enjoyed the walk!

Holme Fell

Walked on 30/06/2008

Start point: Hodge Close (NY 315 016)

Holme Fell from Hodge Close

Distance: 1.8 miles Total Ascent: 203 metres Time Taken: 1 hour

Weather: Overcast but warm. 18ºC.

This morning’s walk was up to Holme Fell at the head of Coniston Water and I swear I saw the only blue sky in the Lake District this morning up there, although admittedly the skies were clearing throughout the day. We also paid a visit to Ivy Crag, often mistaken for the summit as it is marked by a large cairn a couple of hundred meters from the main summit knoll. We took this at a leisurely pace today which allowed lots of swimming time – for some of us anyway!

Raven Crag and Calf Crag on the southern side of Holme Fell.

Holme Fell, that's where we're off!

Ivy Crag on the left and the summit of Holme Fell to the right from the first disused reservoir.

The second disused reservoir.

On the summit knoll of Holme Fell, the cairn up to the right and a view of Coniston Water.

The Old Man in cloud from Holme Fell.

Wetherlam with Tilberthwaite below.

Angus and Casper on Holme Fell.

Coniston Water.

The Langdale Pikes beyond Tilberthwaite quarry.

Lots of Ling on Holme Fell.

The Langdale Pikes and Lingmoor Fell from Ivy Crag.

The Old Man and Wetherlam from Ivy Crag. In the middle distance is the summit ridge of Holme Fell.

Descending by the first reservoir again, this time looking in the opposite direction.

There were endless swimming circles from Angus in there.

Holme Fell

Walked on 02/07/2007

Start point: Hodge Close (NY 315 016)

Holme Fell from Hodge Close

Distance: 1.8 miles Total Ascent: 203 metres Time Taken: 40 minutes

Weather: Overcast but warm. 18oC.

I was amazed to see how widespread the ‘pins’ were in the StridingEdge family map this week. Of course I know there are a few people looking at the site regularly but it is quite incredible to see where everyone is situated and thanks to all for showing me.

The rain has been widespread all over the country this week of course and the Lake District was no exception; I hope none of you were caught by the floods. This morning’s walk was a case of dodging more showers for a squelchy walk up to Holme Fell from Hodge Close, a delightful shorter walk and a chance for a run and swim for Angus and Casper, once again the stars of the latest edition of Lake District Life magazine.

Holme Fell across one of the disused reservoirs.

All is peaceful in this reedy stretch of water this morning.

The Langdale Pikes and Lingmoor Fell come into view across the reservoir.

...and closer up.

Wetherlam and Birk Fell across Low Tilberthwaite.

Yewdale and Coniston Water.

Coniston Water.

The familiar shape of the Langdale Pikes over High Tilberthwaite quarry.

Angus and Casper...

...getting all cosy.

Looking to the summit cairn of Holme Fell from the southern end with Helvellyn and Fairfield beyond covered by cloud.

Looking across to Black Fell.

Wetherlam catches the briefest spot of sunshine.

Back to the reservoir and the tranquillity is shattered.

Calm reflections on the adjacent reservoir though.

Reflected trees.

This rivulet was pouring over the edge of the great hole of Hodge Close.

Hodge Close, a disused quarry.

Holme Fell

Walked on 04/04/2007

Start point: Hodge Close (NY 315 016)

Holme Fell from Hodge Close

Distance: 1.8 miles Total Ascent: 203 metres Time Taken: 40 minutes

Weather: Sunny and warm. 15oC.

More lovely, sunny weather today and the recent haziness has diminished somewhat. The walk to Holme Fell from Hodge Close is short and easy yet it still offers great views on a day such as today. It was so warm, I struggled to get Angus out of the old reservoir on the way back – he was enjoying himself too much!

Blue skies and sunshine - just what we wanted to see on the way to Holme Fell, here looking north over one of the disused reservoirs.

The Langdale Pikes over the spoil heaps from the climb to Holme Fell.

Contrails over the Langdale Pikes.

Looking across the reservoir to Helvellyn and Fairfield.

Wetherlam.

Long tongues...

...means it is warm on the summit of Holme Fell!

The Old Man of Coniston.

Coniston Water.

Close-up of The Old Man with the tourist path and the summit cairn clearly visible.

Pike o' Stickle, Loft Crag and Harrison Stickle.

Pike o' Blisco with Crinkle Crags beyond.

Angus sunning himself.

Casper the mountain Beardie.

Looking across the summit of Holme Fell to Fairfield, Hart Crag and Dove Crag.

Pike o' Stickle and Loft Crag.

A lovely day.

Red Screes and the eastern fells over Black Fell.

On the return, back at the reservoir.

Great reflections.

Well, there were! Come on Angus, hurry up!

Holme Fell

Walked on 10/01/2007

Start point: Hodge Close (NY 315 016)

Holme Fell from Hodge Close

Distance: 1.8 miles Total Ascent: 203 metres Time Taken: 40 minutes

Weather: Sunny spells with a cold wind on the top. 6°C

It certainly got cooler overnight and there was snow evident on the higher fells today. The wind was an icy blast for our short walk to Holme Fell and there was the occasional sunny spell to brighten things up. This was nothing more than a short sprint but was useful for checking out conditions elsewhere for a longer walk tomorrow.

Holme Fell from one of the reservoirs to the north.

Looking across to the Howgills nearly 30 miles away

There's snow on Helvellyn, Nethermost Pike and Dollywagon Pike.

Red Screes.

Fairfield.

Angus.

The Langdale Pikes looking gloomy

Coniston Water.

Casper manages to catch some winter sunshine.

Wetherlam.

Angus and Casper on Holme Fell.

Sunshine on the reservoir brightens it all up a bit.

Holme Fell

Walked on 16/02/2006

Start point: Glen Mary Bridge (NY 321 999)Glen Mary Bridge – Holme Fell – Hodge Close – Oxen Fell – Black Fell – Tarn Hows – Glen Mary Bridge

Distance: 7.3 miles Total Ascent: 660 metres Time Taken: 2 hours30 minutesWeather: Dull and overcast, turning to rain. 5°C

More grey skies this morning and it was quite cold – the higher tops all had a dusting of snow on them. At lower level, that turned to rain – at least the rivers and falls were looking good!