Lingmoor Fell

Walked on 25/11/2025

Start Point: Blea Tarn Car Park (NY 296 043)

Blea Tarn Car Park – Lingmoor Fell – The Squeeze – Side Pike – Blea Tarn – Blea Tarn Car Park

Distance: 5.4 km
Total Ascent: 341 metres
Time Taken: 2 hours
Start Time: 09:30
Weather: Sunny and lovely. 2ºC
Finlay’s Wainwright count: 11/214 (1 new this walk)

Route Map – GPX download available

Today turned out to be another blue, clear sky day in between a few less favourable ones weather-wise. Lingmoor Fell is a relatively easy walk but one which offers fine views and gets up close and personal with some of the bigger fells such as the Langdale Pikes and Bowfell – another great training ground for young Finlay then! He is looking more grown up by the day, they don’t stay pups for long.

Straight from the car park close to Blea Tarn there is a fantastic view from the road already with the early light on the Langdale Pikes and Side Pike.

Crinkle Crags and Bowfell on the steep climb from Bleatarn House ('Solitary').

Close up on magnificent Bowfell and The Band; there are fine retrospective views all the way up this ascent.

The Coniston fells across Little Langdale - Wetherlam, Swirl How and Great Carrs.

Pike o' Blisco, Crinkle Crags and Bowfell - wow, what fabulous views in every direction today.

Once we reached the top of Lingmoor Fell there was a cold and icy wind blowing. It was a bit odd as it was only blowing on the very top and we didn't have to walk very far to get out of it again. Well done Finlay, you are doing so well, this is Wainwright #11.

The view from Lingmoor Fell and the way ahead, following the fence.

Helvellyn and Fairfield have a bit of cloud on the tops now.

A fine view into Mickleden and our next target is in view, Side Pike (centre right, with the wall at its foot).

Following the wall to Side Pike.

Descending towards Side Pike - is there even a way up?

Yes there is, and this is the key to climbing it through this thin gap in the rock (known as The Squeeze or slightly less flattering as 'Fat Man's Agony'). Thankfully I was still able to make it through (!) and Finlay was back and forth through it a few times!

A fine view into Oxendale with Crinkle Crags at its head.

The Langdale Pikes from Side Pike - what a stunning view (and probably the finest view there is of them).

The view into Mickleden from near to the road crossing before the path around Blea Tarn.

Another well known view of the Langdale Pikes across Blea Tarn. It was really quiet around here today and a perfect ending to this lovely walk.

Brock Barrow

Walked on 21/11/2025

High Nibthwaite – Brock Barrow (OF) – Low Light Haw (OF) – High Light Haw (OF) – High Nibthwaite

Distance: 4.2 km
Total Ascent: 221 metres
Time Taken: 1 hours 30 minutes
Start Time: 09:50
Weather: Sunny and lovely. 2ºC
Finlay’s Wainwright count: 10/214 (no new ones this walk; OF = Wainwright Outlying Fell)

Route Map – GPX download available

Since my last walk in Wasdale on that beautiful afternoon, there has been some cold and dull weather and a fair bit of rain but today (Friday) it turned out to be a stunning morning once more. I have walked all these fells a fair few times but some of them not for a few years now so am rekindling my acquaintance with them and of course there is the ongoing training for Finlay. He takes it all in his stride, still nothing too strenuous at the moment but he has taken to it well. Great views today, I loved it!

Looking over a frosted wall to Coniston Water at High Nibthwaite.

What a beautiful morning.

Cold and crisp, just how I like it.

A layer of mist on the lake with Beacon Fell reflected.

Looking along the length of Coniston water to the high Coniston fells.

...and a zoomed in version.

The scene was constantly changing as the sun rose and gave a little heat into the day, the mist swirling and rising.

The Anthony Gormley statue keeping watch over High Nibthwaite.

A misty Crake Valley with the windmills over on Kirkby Moor from the climb to Brock Barrow alongside Caws Beck. As we climbed into the sunshine towards the top of Brock Barrow, there was evidence of cows. I thought I was lucky as the cows must be on lower ground at this time of year - wrong! As we crossed through the wall that encircles Brock Barrow there was indeed a large herd of cows looking at us. We then had to backtrack a bit and approach the summit from the north to avoid unnecessary confrontation. I looked down on Coniston Water and the mist was creeping northwards quite rapidly, it would have been a great view and a sight to see from the top. As it turned out, it had completely disappeared during the enforced detour.

The Crake Valley from the fine cairn on Brock Barrow.

Looking northwards to the Coniston fells. Yesterday they had been covered in a fresh blanket of snow but it had all but disappeared from the southern facing slopes now.

The dog enemy! Normally the short walk to the top would have Benn straight through the centre of this photo but we had to take a big arc to the left.

What a fabulous view of the Coniston fells.

Looking down on High Nibthwaite towards Black Combe.

A magnificent obelisk on Brock Barrow plus the cairn that marks the top!

Lots of geese flyovers today.

Heading for the secondary summit, the cairn can be seen in the middle ground ahead.

The secondary summit on Brock Barrow. There is a new gate to the right of the cairn to head through (part of the cow management I presume!).

Low Light Haw.

Distant snow covered Howgills.

On High Light Haw looking towards Black Combe, Brock Barrow is the mid ridge on the left.

Me and my shadow - a wide angle view from High Light Haw.

Close up on Dow Crag and The Old Man.

Finlay taking in the view on the descent back to the Parkamoor track.

Nether Wasdale circuit

Walked on 17/11/2025

Greendale – Joss Naylor Cairn – Buckbarrow – Glade How – Cat Bields – Seatallan – Middle Fell – Greendale

Distance: 9.8 km
Total Ascent: 734 metres
Time Taken: 2 hours 40 minutes
Start Time: 13:35
Weather: Sunny and lovely. 5ºC
Finlay’s Wainwright count: 10/214 (3 new this walk)

Route Map – GPX download available

What a fantastic day in between the rainy ones! I didn’t have a walk particularly planned for today but when I saw the weather…well, needs must! Pack your bags Finlay my lad, we’re off out! I knew Wasdale would be a good bet on a day such as this as the views are always outstanding and it didn’t;’t disappoint today with the added bonus of it being very quiet. We walked a lovely circuit of Nether Wasdale taking in Buckbarrow, Seatallan and Middle Fell which takes the Finlay count to 10!

Britain's favourite view? So the TV programme said anyway - it is certainly fantastic on a day such as this.

Buckbarrow (which will be our first summit of the day) from the same place as the previous photo.

...and Middle Fell (which will be our final summit of the day) again from the same place. There is magnificent scenery in every direction when you are in Wasdale.

Closer up on Buckbarrow from Joss Naylor's garden. I thought about Joss a fair bit on this walk with it being his stomping ground - I think you could say all these fells on today;'s walk were his back garden. I met him a number of times and even walked these fells with him once. He was certainly a dog lover, he had a soft spot for our old Beardie Casper back in the day and of course Dougal who walked with us. I know he would have loved Finlay too.

The Scafells from the climb alongside Greendale Gill, there's not a cloud in the sky today.

The plaque at the foot of the Joss Naylor cairn, rebuilt by him to celebrate the life of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. I have been at this cairn twice with Joss himself and I know he enjoyed building it.

The Joss Naylor Cairn looking towards Middle Fell.

Buckbarriow summit. It was a real boggy trudge getting from Joss's cairn to Buckbarrow and I was conscious of the time it was taking. I wanted to see the sunset from up on high aiming to get to Middle Fell for around 15.45 (sunset 16.10) with a bit of breathing room to get down before it was dark.

Buckbarrow, Wainwright #8 for Finlay.

There was further bogginess on the next section climbing to Glade How, although a lot of the puddles were now iced over. As we climbed I could already 'feel' the sun starting to set and this is noticeable in the colour changes in the photos and of course the lengthening shadows. This is the cairn on Glade How looking at the next section of the climb to Cat Bields.

Middle Fell from Glade How.

Looking back to Glade How and Buckbarrow from Cat Bields.

The view across to the Scafells was constantly fabulous!

Looking out to the Irish Sea from Cat Bields.

The cairn on Cat Bields. Now for the climb to Seatallan across the boggy and icy ground.

Which view are you taking in Finlay?

Haycock from Seatallan.

Seatallan is Wainwright #9 for Finlay. He is getting into this fell walking malarkey now.

There is a superb view from the easternmost edge of Seatallan before the steep and dramatic plunge down into Greendale - from Great Gable to the Scafells with Yewbarrow central in this shot.

Scoat Tarn and Scoat Fell.

On the descent of Seatallan looking to Middle Fell with Greendale Tarn looking like a mirror.

Middle Fell - made it right on cue at 15.43 to catch the best of the sunset as 10 minutes later it was all but gone in this valley.

Middle fell - Wainwright #10 for Finlay and you can tell he has been enjoying himself today!

Haycock, Scoat Fell and Red pike from Middle fell.

Seatallan and the ridge just walked from left to right.

Sunset on Middle Fell.

What a fabulous sunset over the Scafells. We sat there for a few minutes, a oatie bar for me and a Bonio for Finlay. What a life Finlay, how blessed we are to witness scenes such as this. It was so peaceful today, not a breath of wind, the ever lowering sun and not a single person seen all afternoon...perfect.

The Screes.

I managed to take a shot with a wide angle lens whilst we were sat here (what I mean is I actually thought about doing it and remembered that the lens was in my bag!).

One last shot - I can't resist - and now it's time to be off. I saw two people climbing as I was going down, I think they missed the sunset if that's what they were after. What a fantastic afternoon on the fells.

High Rigg

Walked on 13/11/2025

Start Point: Lay-by opposite Thirlmere Dam road (NY 315 194)

Lay-by (opposite Thirlmere Dam road) – Wren Crag – High Rigg (Birkett) – High Rigg (Wainwright)/Naddle Fell (Birkett) – St. John’s Church – Low Bridge End Farm – Lay-by

Distance: 8.3 km
Total Ascent: 247 metres
Time Taken: 2 hours 10 minutes
Start Time: 10:25
Weather: Wet. 10ºC
Finlay’s Wainwright count: 7/214 (1 new this walk)

Route Map – GPX download available

It was a wet walk today – as any fell walker knows, we live with hope that the rain will clear and that the sun will shine through with beautiful blue skies. Any fell walker knows that this doesn’t always happen – oh well! Once you’re out, you’re out! One thing was for sure, there weren’t many others out today but good to get out for Finlay’s 7th Wainwright. He is coming along well, today’s lessons were traversing boggy and sodden paths, jumping stiles over walls (actually he jumped a wall when I was on the stile, an amazing 6 foot leap) and sheep (the avoidance thereof).

Climbing up towards Wren Crag with the main A591 below looking to Great How. I was hopeful at this point that the rain would pass over.

Castle Rock above Legburthwaite.

Scots Pine on Wren Crag neatly framing the main road along the valley.

There are still some lovely autumn colours around and beyond...even more rain.

On Wren Crag and if anything the rain was getting heavier and the wind was starting to pick up a little.

A brief shelter by the wall on Mart Crag.

Any pool in a storm for Finlay!

The view looking back to Thirlmere.

Now it starts to get confusing with the profusion of rocky knolls and tops. This is High Rigg (Birkett) top or High Rigg SE top depending on what and where you look. The view is towards High Rigg (Wainwright) summit...named Naddle Fell by Birkett. I told you it was confusing! The worst of the weather came in now for the walk between the two tops - lots of rain and a strong wind.

The cairn without a view of anything at all on High Rigg.

Wet Wainwright #7 for Finlay.

Skiddaw briefly making an appearance over St John's Youth Centre, Church and Low Rigg.

Rainbow over St John's in the Vale. The rain finally stopped on the return leg on the lower path. I say path, actually it was more like a river and it took a fair bit of wading to get through at times.

The best view of the day along St John's in the Vale.

Black Fell from Tarn Hows

Walked on 06/11/2025

Start Point: NT Car Park (SD 327 995)

NT Car Park (Tarn Hows) – The Tarns – Iron Keld – Black Fell (Black Crag) – South East Cairn – Iron Keld – Tarn Howes – NT Car Park (Tarn Hows)

Distance: 7.6 km
Total Ascent: 153 metres
Time Taken: 2 hours
Start Time: 09:50
Weather: Grey and overcast but warm for the time of year. 12ºC
Finlay’s Wainwright count: 6/214 (1 new this walk)

Route Map

It was nice and sunny this morning at home but by the time I made it to Coniston, the skies were grey and overcast. I was set to walk from Tarn Hows around Black fell then Holme Fell but decided to leave Holme Fell for another day when there are some clearer skies. It was unseasonably warm today and this walk was completed in shirt sleeves which is remarkable for November. It was also very still with barely a breath of wind, all of which combined to make this a really lovely walk. Once I was a quarter of the way along the outward path along Tarn Hows there was no one around until I was back to the main path. Of course the car park was full when I got back but there was the special treat of coffee and cake at Joey’s Cafe waiting for me!

All is calm down at The Tarns with only a few people about. Up on the top are the belted Galloway cows that inhabit the area. They must be used to people and dogs as they seemed very docile when we passed and never even gave us a second glance when we passed some of their brethren later on in the walk.

Iron Keld Plantation between Tarn Hows and Black Fell.

It made me feel old walking through Iron Keld Plantation - when I first walked this way 25 odd years ago, it was a thick pine forest. Over the years I have seen that felled and a new woodland landscape emerge - there are still some pines but mainly Birch trees now and they seem to be coming on well.

We made a small detour to spot height 297m (on the O.S map) for no reason really - there were no views today as the clag was down low. This made for a walk in silence apart from some distant chainsaw action and there wasn't a breath of wind.

Blag Crag, the summit of Black Fell looking over High Arnside.

Where is this Black Crag you speak of? Wainwright #6 for Finlay.

Windermere just about visible.

The south east cairn below with Esthwaite water beyond.

Down at the magnificent cairn.

Esthwaite Water from the cairn. As we walked back towards Iron Keld I could see a bird in the treetops and it was making a strange 'bop bop' noise. I couldn't for the life of me think what it was - a Rook perhaps? Answers on a postcard please if anyone knows...

At the Scott Memorial above Tarn Hows. We had to tippy toe past some of those Belted galloway's to get here. As I mentioned earlier, they never even looked at us even though we had to walk through the middle of their small herd.

Holme Fell beyond The Tarns - if the weather had been a bit better I may have taken that in as a round trip but maybe next time.

Finlay at the memorial.

Reflections back at Tarn Hows, the ripples caused by Finlay having a dunk, at least it cleaned all the mud off him. The good thing about finishing here is that there is a coffee wagon at the car park with a good selection of cakeys to go with it.

Gowbarrow Fell

Walked on 30/10/2025

Start Point: NT Car Park (NY 400 216)

NT Car Park (High Cascades) – High Cascades – Gowbarrow Fell – Shooting Lodge – Green Hill – (Aira Force) – High Force – NT Car Park (High Cascades)

Distance: 6.4 km
Total Ascent: 395 metres
Time Taken: 2 hours
Start Time: 10:00
Weather: Sunny spells. 6ºC
Finlay’s Wainwright count: 5/214 (1 new this walk)

Route Map
(this was the intended route although I went off piste to get up to Green Hill and descended the path from there towards Aira Force. With hindsight it may have been better to stick to the top and head for Green Hill directly, however there were some great – and dramatic – views from the circular path.)

We are on the Wainwright bagging trail once more for Finlay and doing some of the easier walks to build him up. Gowbarriow Fell was an excellent choice today as it turned out with the weather being a lot better to the east than it had been further west. As I came over Kirkstone Pass, there was thick layer of mist over Ullswater so I hoped that we could get above it for our walk today.

When I parked up and prep'd for the walk, I was still under the mist but as I left the car park it miraculously cleared and I was just above it and could see sunny blue skies. Brilliant!

This is right at the start of the walk with the sun starting to shine though as I went through the gate.

Crossing the bridge over the upper cascades.

Mono mist lifting.

Lovely colours and fluidic mist looking over Dockray to Great Dodd. This path as changed a bit since I was last here (2011! has it really been that long?) with some new zig-zags installed to try and stop erosion and some wooden fences to try and force you to stick to the path.

Ullswater covered in mist.

A fabulous view now climbing alongside the wall into clear air. I spotted a pink and cream stripy child's hat...should I take it to see if I could find the owner or leave it there as they may return to where they had walked? Decisions, decisions...

Blencathra looking magnificent but the top of it didn't stay clear for long today.

The mist over the water is breaking and lifting with the heat of the day. I left the wooly hat towards the bottom but caught up with the owners. Sorry dad (or papa - they were a French family) you will have to go back down and retrieve it - at least it was found!

Gowbarrow Fell, Great Mell Fell beyond. There was a lady with a young lad and also an even younger member of the family in a baby carrier. I congratulated the lad (I think he was 5 years old) on his second Wainwright - that's no mean feat. Well done!

...and a big well done to (muddy!) Finlay, that's #5 in the bag!

Ullswater from the summit with breaking mist.

Rounding the corner by the old Shooting Lodge there were some dramatic clouds over the High Street fell.

This path is fabulous, especially at this time of year.

All the good weather is to the east today and the colours over here are truly stunning.

A solitary boat on Ullswater and a great view of the Beda Fell ridge.

Finlay - looking good Finster! Lake District fell walking training is going well - we are sticking to the easier fells for now to build him up.

Hallin Fell.

I went off piste from the main path to climb up to Green Hill, a great vantage point for Ullsawter with Lyulph's Tower below.

Tongue's out for Finlay on Green Hill.

The cairn on Green Hill.

More autumn colours on the descent towards Aira Force. I gave Aira Force a miss today as there were so many people around with it being half term and the path back to the car past High Force was really busy. This was a really enjoyable walk, I may not leave it so long next time!

Tarn Hows & The Scott Memorial

Walked on 23/10/2025

Start Point: Tarn Hows NT Car Park (NY 326 995)

Clockwise circular following the main paths.

Distance: 3.6 km
Total Ascent: 60 metres
Time Taken: 1 hour
Start Time: 13:00
Weather: Sunny spells. 9ºC

The weather was pleasant enough for a short walk after lunch today for me, Louise and Finlay. When we arrived at Tarn Hows it was actually raining lightly and the first half of the walk was under ominous clouds. As we rounded the top end of The Tarns, the clouds blew over and sunny blue skies miraculously appeared! This is always a fantastic little walk and it gave Finlay a chance of some swimming lessons to boot.

Route Map and GPX Download

As we rounded the eastern side of The Tarns the sun came out and showed the autumn colours off to good effect.

Coniston Old Man and Wetherlam.

Crinkle Crags, Pike o' Blisco and Bowfell beyond Tarn Hows.

Still cloudy looking across to Dunmail Raise.

...but slowly clearing away.

The Scott Memorial, Tarn Hows.

Finlay at the memorial.

Looking the other way to The Old Man and Wetherlam.

The Langdale Pikes.

https://www.facebook.com/reel/9196705557120402

Wansfell & Wansfell Pike

Walked on 22/10/2025

Start Point: Troutbeck (NY 409 032))

Troutbeck – Nanny Lane – The Hundreds – Wansfell – Baystones (487m) – Wansfell Pike – Nanny Lane – Troutbeck

Distance: 7.5 km Total Ascent: 322 metres Time Taken: 2 hours. Start Time: 10:00

Weather: Showers with sunny spells. 9ºC

Finlay’s Wainwright count: 4/214 (1 new this walk)

It was pouring with rain when I set off from trout beck this morning but it did look as though it would be showery and that’s how it turned out in the end thankfully – at least there were some sunny spells!almost as soon as I set off I spotted a familiar figure in his unmistakable ‘uniform’ of beige Duffle Coat, none other than Chris Jesty (of Wainwright book update fame). I had a chat to him and his family, great to see he is still getting out on the fells into his 80’s.

This was another nice little walk to introduce Finlay to fell walking life – I had him off the lead for a while plus there were (new to him) stiles and walls to negotiate. He’s coming along well and Wainwright #4 is in the bag!

Route Map with downloadable GPX

Me and Chris Jesty.

It was raining heavily as I climbed Nanny Lane from Troutbeck. To the south was sunshine so I was fairly confident that the weather would be showery with some (hopefully) decent spells of sunshine.

A glimmer of blue sky as the rain blows through Troutbeck Park.

Continuing on Nanny Lane, Wansfell on the horizon.

I managed to give Finlay a bit of off lead training up here, confident that he couldn't run off anywhere and that he wouldn't be spooked by surprises such as sheep and people!

Blue sky incoming.

It has just about stopped raining as we hit the summit of Wansfell - wet and muddy, this was Wainwright #4 for Finlay.

As if by magic the sky cleared - Wansfell looking to Wansfell Pike, Windermere to the left.

Just over the wall to the north is Baystones and a spot height of 487m marked on the O.S map. I'm sure I had to climb the wall last time I came here but that is now down so even easier to get to although it doesn't really add anything that the Wansfell actual summit has. This is the view towards Kirkstone Pass to the north.

Wansfell and Wansfell Pike from Baystones.

Heading for Wansfell Pike following the wall along the ridge.

Ambleside is getting a sunny spell below but there is rain incoming again!

Wansfell Pike ahead and it looks like there are one or two people up there - up top now I had been alone.

looking back to Wansfell from the ridge.

The Great Wall of Wansfell continues.

There is a lovely view of Windermere from here.

Finlay is enjoying the view too.

Clearing a little to the north and the Kentmere fells are visible again. You will have to take my word for it that we visited Wansfell Pike as shortly after this photo was taken the heaven's opened - and remained open - until we got back down to Nanny Lane! On the descent from Wansfell Pike there was a familiar figure approaching again - yes it was Chris Jesty for the second time. As I said to him you wait 20 years for a Jesty then 2 come along at once! I wonder how the Duffle Coat fared in the pouring rain?

There were some lovely autumn colours in Troutbeck when the sun came out.

Troutbeck.

Red Screes Inversion

Walked on 14/10/2025

Kirkstone Pass – Red Screes – Smallthwaite Band – Middle Dodd – Smallthwaite Band – Kirkstone Pass

Start Point: Kirkstone Pass (NY 401 080)

Distance: 4.5 km Total Ascent: 455 metres Time Taken: 2 hours 30 minutes Start Time: 10:25

Weather: Murky and grim below the cloud, blue skies and sunshine above! 10C

Finlay’s Wainwright count: 3/214

The weather appeared to be favourable for a temperature inversion today given a high pressure had been sitting over the whole country for the week. As always, you never can be 100% sure until you get there and even then it is a question of where and which fell will be high enough. Bearing in mind I had young Finlay with me, I chose Red Screes starting from the top of Kirkstone Pass – good choice it turned out in the end and it was a fabulous walk soaring above the clouds.

Route Map

Made it! I talked to a couple who were descending as I climbed and they confirmed I would get up above the cloud today - and this is the first breakthrough to stunning blue sky and clarity.

The views were just fabulous as I came through the cloud, whetting my appetite for the rest of the walk.

Caudale Moor and High Street across Kirkstone Pass. The prominent rock in the foreground is known as The Horn.

A wider view as I climbed.

The Kentmere fells..

Finally I was up on to the summit and there was a magnificent view across the sea of cloud to Crinkle Crags, the Scafells and Great Gable.

The Coniston fells across the summit tarn.

Red Screes.

Red Screes Tarn.

What a day!

Wainwright #2 for Finlay. He's a good lad climbing with aplomb - every walk is a learning experience for him at the moment and we are taking gentle steps.

Wall to wall sunshine and in shirt sleeves for the descent to Middle Dodd along Smallthwaite Band. As I descended I could see the summit of Middle Dodd was back down in the cloud but not worry, it was too close to miss out whilst we were up here.

Lovely!

Middle Dodd, Wainwright #3 for Finlay.

When I was on the summit of Red Screes, I talked to a couple of young ladies and discussed Brocken Spectres and the fact there would be a great chance of them on the way to Middle Dodd with the sun behind and the cloud below. I left them and descended and there were Brocken Spectres everywhere I looked and fogbows of varying quality. As I climbed again I asked them if they had spotted them but no, they were sure there were none to be seen. I looked back as I climbed above the cloud again and sure enough there were great fogbows...

...and Brocken Spectres.

The view across to Helvellyn from Smallthwaite Band.

Close up on the Scafells, Harrison Stickle in front of them.

The cloud seems to be rising now as the heat of the day warms up the clouds.

Froswick and Ill Bell looking just great.

As I looked back, Middle Dodd finally appeared from the cloud! Oh well, I can't really grumble on a day like this.

Loughrigg Fell

Walked on 24/09/2025

Start Point: Tarn Foot, Skelwith Bridge (NY 345 039)

Tarn Foot – Ivy Crag – Loughrigg Fell – The How – Loughrigg Tarn – Tarn Foot

Distance: 4.7 km Total Ascent: 259 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 50 minutes Start Time: 09:50

Weather: Dull but clearing. 12°C

Finlay’s Wainwright count: 1/214

Finlay is 6 months old now (but looks a lot older!) and he has grown quickly. Time for us to get out on a longer walk and his first actual Wainwright summit with the relatively easy climb from Tarn Foot up to Loughrigg Fell. The day cleared out nicely with a fair few people up on the summit enjoying the lovely views.

Route Map

Wetherlam from the start of the climb towards Ivy Crag.

Looking into Great Langdale.

There is a great view of Windermere from here.

Higher up now looking across Loughrigg Tarn to Wetherlam.

Elter Water is in view in this photo.

Windermere from the summit.

A truncated (and dare I say it ugly) repair to the trig column, it's a shame it couldn't have been rebuilt properly.

Blue skies looking to Dunmail Raise.

Well done Finlay, that's Wainwright #1 in the bag!

Back down at Loughrigg Tarn.

Beacon Fell

Walked on 21/09/2025

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

Beacon Fell (OF) from Tottle Bank

Distance: 3.9 km Total Ascent: 155 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 20 Start Time: 10:05

Weather: Bright and sunny. 10°C

What a beautiful sunny morning, too good to miss for a walk up to Beacon Fell and give Finlay another chance to experience the great outdoors with a swim in Beacon tarn for him and later in Coniston Water. The perfect morning turned a little sour at the end, read on for details…

Route Map

It's a lovely, clear morning climbing towards Beacon Fell.

Not a cloud in the sky looking down on Coniston Water, the bracken is starting to turn now.

The climb ahead along Fletcher Gully.

Finlay in the bracken and heather.

Coniston Water.

Beacon Fell summit looking towards Black Combe.

The Coniston fells also from the summit. I couldn't see the tin when I looked but I have indeed heard reports it is still there!

The fell dog.

Beacon Tarn down below.

Down at the tarn.

He seems to like the water, young Finlay.

Leaving the tarn to head back toward the start, following the Cumbria Way.

A final view of the Coniston Fells on a beautiful sunny Sunday morning. Later things got a lot worse - whoever thought that not putting spare wheels in modern cars was a good idea needs to think again! I punctured not far from the start and what would have been a 10 minute wheel change turned into an annoying 5 hour wait for recovery with lunch at the Wilson's with Louise whilst we waited!

Devoke Water

Walked on 25/08/2025

Start Point: Birker Fell road (SD 171 977)

Birker Fell Road – Rough Crag (OF) – Devoke Water – Birker Fell Road

Weather: A very warm Bank Holiday Monday, 26C

Where to go on a beautiful, sunny and warm Bank Holiday Monday? The popular destinations would surely be very busy so, mindful that I needed a gentle walk to introduce Finlay to the smaller fells, I decided to head west and enjoy the weather over at Devoke Water. There were plenty of cars at the parking area but no-one around when we walked which was fine by me. It was a lovely, slow paced walk and the views, as ever, were fabulous.

View to the Scafells from the start of the walk.

Little fluffster Finlay only gets a little walk today.

Devoke Water from the gentle climb to Rough Crag.

Looking down on Seat How.

At the top of Rough Crag. It was really windy up here and quite exposed when out of shelter - it's a good job it was a very warm day at 26C! We sat out of the wind below the summit for a good while, it was great to enjoy the warmth and take in the views.

The wind strength is expertly demonstrated by my assistant, Finlay.

Yoadcastle beyond the boathouse.

We descended directly to Devoke Water for a paddle and a drink - and another long sit.

Choppy waters.

Finlay paddling and drinking!

Sunny Devoke Water.

It's sunny across on the Scafells now,

Torver Common

Walked on 24/08/2025

It was a lovely late summer day today, really warm with light winds so it was good to get out and give Finlay a little taste of things to come. We took it really easily, just a gentle stroll with lots of sitting and admiring the views, it really was the sort of day to do just that.

Not too far from the road is the ever beautiful Kelly Hall Tarn.

The Coniston fells look magnificent from here.

The same view from a little higher up.

Finlay - still learning the ropes.

Coniston water looking north...

...and south.

It's a warm on e today Finlay my lad!

He's giving me the evil eye!.

SS Gondola passes below as we sit for a while and enjoy the lovely day.

Long Moss.

The ever present Coniston fells loom large over the ridge.

Towards the head of the lake and the fells beyond Ambleside.

Wetherlam and the Yewdale fells.

What better way to cool off than a sit (!) in the River Crake?

Meet Finlay!

Walked on 23/08/2025

I hinted about this on my previous walk documented here on 27th March when I went to Walla Crag – when I was descending, I received a message from Gillian at Breaksea Bearded Collies that her bitch had given birth to a litter of 10 pups, 5 male and 5 female and would I be interested in one? Well, how could we resist that temptation? We were bereft after the sudden loss of Fletcher so we seized the chance to get another little Beardie pup in our lives. Presently he is, of course, still too young to walk far; this is only the beginning of his journey but it is fair to say he is loved by our family. You’ll soon be up on those fell Finlay Foo! Check out his progress on his own Facebook page, Finlay on the Fells and Insta page finlayonthefells!

Walla Crag

Walked on 27/03/2025

Start point: Keswick (NY 266 233)

Keswick – Springs Road – Springs Wood – Rakefoot – Walla Crag – Derwent Water – Keswick

Distance: 9.4km Total Ascent: 300 metres Time Taken: 2 hours 15 minutes Start Time: 10:55

Weather: Sunny spells, windy on the top. 9°C

I was in the north Lakes this morning so took the opportunity to have a walk up to Walla Crag as the weather was surprisingly good when I got to Keswick. I think the weather was better here than anywhere else in the Lakes – south Lakes was overcast and dull and the whole of the central Lakes was wet. Walla Crag offers superb views over Derwent Water and well worth a visit.

Walla Crag route Map

First view of Derwent Water from the radio mast.

Blencathra from the climb to Walla Crag. It was a lovely morning walking up here, there was hardly a soul around and there was the constant accompaniment of Skylark song.

Dodd and Keswick.

Derwent Water and the north-western fells.

The view to Bassenthwaite Lake from the summit of Walla Crag. Amazingly I was on my own up here, a rarity for this popular place.

Skiddaw - under the cloud cap somewhere.

There was constant drama in Borrowdale with rain and cloud constantly coming in...but never making it fully to Derwent Water. It was really windy on this section of descent and I was glad to get to the shelter of the Cat Gill ravine.

The descent was steeply through the sweet smelling Gorse adjacent to Cat Gill. Some good news arrived (pertinent to StridingEdeg.net) when I was here. More revelations anon...

Across the road to Derwent Water and the water level seems quite low after a prolonged dry spell. The Centenary Stones are far from the waters edge.

Centenary Stones or Millennium Stones?

The Jaws of Borrowdale.

It was lovely in the sunshine looking down the lake.

Blue skies above Walla Crag now.

Catcalls and the beach.

Friar's Crag.

Someone is enjoying the fabulous view from the seat at Friar's Crag

Just lovely.

New jetties are going in down at the landing.

Bowfell

Walked on 19/03/2025

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.

Farewell Fletcher

Walked on 27/02/2025

Start Point: Walna Scar road (SD 289 970)

Walna Scar car park – Boo Tarn – Coniston Old Man – Brim Fell – Brim Fell Rake – Raven Tor – Low Water – Walna Scar car park

Distance: 7.7 km Total Ascent: 577 metres Time Taken: 2 hours 30 minutes Start Time: 11:40

Weather: Beautiful and clear. 6°C

This was a walk I wasn’t particularly looking forward to and also a walk I didn’t think I would have to do quite this soon as it was Fletcher’s final walk. It was no time ago at all that he was running up here so the speed of his demise was a bit of a shock. We walked or usual way (I am sure Fletcher could walk this with a blindfold on!) and visited Angus, Casper & Dougal and left Fletcher with them. Rest easy Fletcher, farewell lad.

Wall to wall blue sky today.

Climbing higher, Brown Pike ahead.

Buck Pike and Dow Crag across The Cove.

High up, above the snow line near the spot where Angus, Casper and Dougal are at rest. I sat a while and thought of them all and I thought of Fletcher - a lot. It was only a few weeks ago we were up here (18th January was the last time) and then he was as fit as a fiddle. I think that is the difference with Fletcher to the others - he never got old; he didn't slow up and he was not ill. He was fighting fit until one day he wasn't and then it was too late. I can scarcely believe he is gone and I feel so sad about it. I hope he finds the others, he was taken too soon. RIP Fletcher lad, we won't forget you.

View from the Old Man.

There was a surprising amount of snow around with a cold, icy wind on the top.

Looking to the Duddon Estuary.

The Scafells with the cloud starting to build now.

The view back to The Old Man from the path to Brim Fell.

The Scafells from Brim Fell.

Grey Friar and the Scafells beyond.

Swirl How.

A cold looking Dow Crag.

There are a few people on the Old Man now.

The view through the Fairfield gap (the col between Grey Friar and Swirl How) with the mighty Bowfell to the right.

Great How Crags.

Low Water and the Old Man from the descent of Brim Fell Rake.

Black sails and Wetherlam.

Swirl How from Raven Tor.

Brim Fell Rake.

This is the last photo of Fletcher on the Old Man - 18.01.25. RIP Fletcher.

Scafell Pike & Lingmell

Walked on 16/01/2025

Start point: Brackenclose (NY 182 074)

Brackenclose – Brown Tongue – Scafell Pike – Lingmell Col – Lingmell – Brackenclose

Distance: 9.6 km Total Ascent: 979 metres Time Taken: 4 hours Start Time: 07:00

Weather: Beautiful and clear. 2°C

This is probably the only time of year to get on Scafell Pike without anyone around so I set off early to catch the sunrise. I didn’t quite make it this time but was near enough. The wind really picked up at the Lingmell Col and of course it was cold and biting. I had a chat to the ‘Wasdale Womble’ on the way up (she was already on the way down!) and there was a couple of guys on the summit but apart from that I saw no-one all morning. I sheltered on Lingmell for a coffee before making the steep descent down the nose back to Wasdale. What a great morning!

Route Map

Dawn moon-set from Hollow Stones.

First light on Great Gable climbing up from the Lingmell Col.

The tops of the fells to the north lit up with the sunrise.

Phew, made it to the top of Scafell Pike just after sunrise!

All worth it for the views, here looking across to Scafell.

The view to the north, Derwent Water, Skiddaw and Blencathra all visible. Note that all the snow has gone on Blencathra now (last week's walk!). The weather looks quite calm in the photos but it really was blowing a gale up there and it was freezing cold.

Low lying cloud in the valley's to the south.

Looking along the Scafell ridge.

Fletcher.

England's top dog, fur blowing in the wind!

Scafell Pike casting a shadow over Mosedale. There is a glimpse of Low Tarn on the centre left of this photo.

Lingmell summit picked out in the sun on the way down.

Lingmell summit.

The view to the north-east across Styhead Tarn.

Just one little biscuit...please.

The slender column above Lingmell Crag. This sits below the highest point and true summit.

It looks as though it has a smaller sibling a little further down now.

A view into Mosedale.

Close up on Great Gable.

Mickledore from Lingmell.

Paws for thought.

Wasdale Head gets a little sunshine.

Wasdale classic view.

Blencathra

Walked on 10/01/2025

Scales – Blencathra (Scales Fell – Doddick Fell – Hallsfell Top – Gategill Fell – Knowe Crags – Blease Fell – Atkinson Pike) – Scales

Distance: 12.7 km Total Ascent: 745 metres Time Taken: 3 hours 15 minutes (moving time) Start Time: 10:55

The wintry weather continued in the Lake District so I headed north today to make the most of it and wow, I wasn’t disappointed. This was a perfect winter’s day one of the best and very enjoyable on one of my favourite fells. There was a surprising bit of cloud around the summit for a while but when that cleared it was indeed magical. What a great day out on the fells!

Great Mell Fell at the start of the climb from Scales.

It looked as though it was going to be the perfect winter day.

A beautiful sun filled sky but the temperatures were sub-zero still. It was warm enough climbing in the sunshine though and the going was easy in soft snow.

Plenty of ski tracks on the side of Mousthwaite comb.

The Pennines to the east. There wasn't a cloud in the sky, blue skies everywhere with all the fells being visible...

...until we got to the top of Scales fell when there was one fell covered in cloud - and we were on it!

Seemingly out of nowhere and un-noticed until now the cloud has covered the top of Blencathra.

What a view to the south.

Climbing higher the wind really picked so it was time to layer up and get the micro-spikes on at the same time.

Sharp Edge.

Getting colder as we climbed higher.

Someone is climbing Sharp Edge today.

Looking back before we were enveloped in cloud.

A Brocken Spectre.

Cornice.

It was eerie at the top with the sun trying to burn through the cloud.

Hurry up Dad!

Blencathra summit. It was like Piccadilly Circus behind me so I carried on across the summit to see if I could get out of the cloud again.

Yes, I could! Skiddaw now has a cloud cap.

That's more like it! Wow, the view was fabulous now looking to Gategill Fell Top.

Great Calva.

Snowy edge.

The Coledale fells from Blease Fell.

Superb! Depending on where you were on the ridge, the wind was quite fierce - you can see the spindrift in the sky in this photo.

Skiddaw is clear of cloud now.

Looking back from Blease Fell.

We found a nice, sheltered spot between Gategill and Blease Fell with a lunch spot with views to die for. There was only one thing on Fletcher's mind - it was Bonio time! I talked to quite a few passing folk here including people on skis, the conditions were peect for that with the deep snow.

Something to look at over lunch.

...and the view the other way.

Heading back to the summit now with the moon rising over Hall's Fell.

A long view to the east.

The summit of Blencathra, now clear of cloud (and people!).

Hall's Fell Ridge.

Looking back up from the descent, the Saddleback clearly visible now.

Blencathra in the setting sun.

The Coniston Fells

Walked on 08/01/2025

Start Point: Torver

Torver – Scarr Head – Walna Scar Road – Brown Pike – Buck Pike – Dow Crag – Goat’s Hawse – Coniston Old Man – Scarr Head – Torver

Distance: 12.9 km Total Ascent: 1272 metres Time Taken: 4 hours Start Time: 10:00

After a big snow dump over most of the country at the weekend, today looked a good bet for a walk now things have calmed down a little. It did not disappoint, what a day for a proper winter walk- there wasn’t a breath of wind and it was quite warm in the sunshine of the south facing slopes. Creeping cloud from the south did catch us up in the end but I love these sort of days where the sun is setting almost as soon as it has risen.