The Mosedale Horseshoe

Walked on 01/03/2022

Start point: Wasdale Head (NY 187 088)

Wasdale Head – Black Sails Pass –Pillar – Wind Gap – Black Crag (Pillar) – Scoat Fell – Steeple – Red Pike – Dore Head Screes – Wasdale Head

Distance: 9.4 miles Total Ascent: 1009 metres Time Taken: 4 hours 30 minutes

Clear               
Temperature      4 ℃ 
Felt like        2 ℃
Wind Speed       4.1 mi/h
Wind Direction   NE

What a fantastic day for being out on the fells. February was pretty much a wash out/blow out after a number of named storms and a day of settled and fine weather came as a blessed relief! It’s a good while since I have done this route (12 years!) but I picked the perfect day to visit my favourite fell and area. There was perfect clarity and hardly a breath of wind throughout and I even caught the sun a little too.

Great Gable from Wasdale Head.

The long and winding road into Mosedale.

Crossing Gatherstone Beck looking down to Mosedale and across to Dore Head, the route of descent later (gulp!).

The view towards Looking Stead and Pillar from Black Sail pass.

Climbing high above Mosedale now.

High Stile and High Crag across Ennerdale.

Wasdale Head from the climb to Pillar.

The ridge walk to the top.

The eastern crags of Red Pike.

The approach to Pillar.

Pillar summit (my personal favourite) looking to the Scafells.

...and to the north.

I can see for miles and miles...across Ennerdale...across Buttermere...across the Vale of Keswick to Skiddaw and Blencathra.

Looking down on Pillar Rock.

Ennerdale Water.

Patches of snow remain on the highest areas.

Pillar.

The route descends to Wind Gap and then up to Black Crag before the climb to Scoat Fell.

On Black Crag.

Steeple and shadows.

The summit of Scoat Fell, the cairn is atop the wall.

A new haircut for Fletcher. We sat on Steeple for a while, a great place for lunch in the relatively warm conditions.

Looking across to Pillar and Black Crag from Steeple.

Today's lunch spot view.

We crossed the wall on Scoat Fell and headed directly for Red Pike.

Great Gable above Kirk Fell.

Middle Fell and Seatallan across Scoat Tarn.

Approaching the summit of Red Pike.

On the edge - the summit cairn of Red Pike.

Wasdale Head.

Fletcher on his throne - The Chair on Red Pike.

Wast Water and Low Tarn from The Chair.

Stirrup Crag and Dore Head from the descent of Red Pike.

Pillar from Dore Head.

The way down! This is steep to say the least - handy hint: there is a path to the left go the actual scree run which makes the going slightly easier.

Back down to earth in Mosedale.

The head of Wasdale resplendent in sunshine.

The classic view on the road out of Wasdale.

Caw

Walked on 18/01/2022

Start Point: Kiln Bank Cross (SD 215 933)

Kiln Bank Cross – Park Head Road – Long Mire – Caw (OF) – Park Head Road – Kiln Bank Cross

Distance: 3.5 miles Total Ascent: 300 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 15 minutes Start Time: 10:45

Dougal said he fancied a walk today so we chose somewhere that he could manage plus found somewhere away from the grey sky and general dullness of the valleys.

We were still under cloud when we set off but there were glimpses of blue sky appearing as we followed the Park Head Road.

Suddenly we were in the sunshine. Below, towards the coast, there was a dense blanket of fog over the lower ground. Here there were more clouds but they were wispy - a semi-inversion!

Looking to the Woodland fells (Blawith Knott, Great Burney and Kirkby Moor) appearing above the dense, lower clouds.

Closer up.

Made it to the summit with blue skies but it didn't look like this would last for long as there was a strong, cold breeze blowing in with some heavier cloud coming.

Fletcher and Dougal.

Looking to the Coniston fells.

From the cold descent.

Coniston sunset

Walked on 17/01/2022

Start point: Walna Scar road (SD 289 970)

Walna Scar car park – Boo Tarn – The Old Man of Coniston – Boo Tarn – Walna Scar car park

Distance: 3.8 miles Total Ascent: 518 metres Time Taken: 2 hours Start Time: 14:30

Clear above cloud                 
Temperature      5 ℃ 
Felt like        5 ℃
Wind Speed       1.7 mi/h
Wind Direction   SSW

At home we were under dull cloud but perhaps, just perhaps things would be better up on high…

When I set off from home, it was dull and grey but an inversion looked a possibility. As I approached Coniston, I could see the Old Man summit was covered in cloud - around the top 300 feet. I almost thought it would be pointless after the disappointment of the previous walk to Blencathra but I stuck with it. By the time I got to Walna Scar car park the summit was clear and the sky was bright blue and that was good enough for me!

As I climbed in the sunshine, the cloud lingered to the south west and I wasn't quite sure what would happen as the sun lowered.

As I looked directly behind I could see the cloud creeping towards Coniston.

...and there it was, the higher I climbed the better the view and the inversion.

Harter Fell to the left and the cloud is starting to creep along Dunnerdale. The Scafells are distant right above the trig. column.

Close up on Harter Fell and beyond.

Continued cloud creep along the lake and to Coniston village.

Wow, this is fantastic!

All alone on the summit now.

Dazzling!

The lowering sun lights up the summit.

A view to Blencathra.

Whitfell, all alone.

Strange undulations in the clouds below. On the horizon the dome of Whernside and the flat top of Ingleborough over 30 miles away.

Dunnerdale is full of cloud now.

An island in the sea.

Scafells sunset.

Fletcher is not bothered about sunsets or inversions - only biscuits and treats!

The setting sun over Black Combe.

Dunnerdale inversion complete.

A clear sky to the east.

Sunset panoramic.

There is a view to Snowdonia on the horizon.

Can you see it?

A clear view for almost 100 miles!

I could sit here all day.

Time to start the descent before full darkness, there were interesting clouds swirling around from Goat's water.

Moon rise to the east.

The Wolf Moon.

Last view as I descend below the clouds and the sun finally sets on the day.

Blencathra

Walked on 15/01/2022

Start point: Scales (NY 349 272)

Scales – Scales Fell – Blencathra – Scales Fell – Scales

Distance: 5.3 miles Total Ascent: 660 metres Time Taken: 2 hours 25 minutes Start Time: 07:00

Following on from yesterday’s fabulous walk up to Scafell Pike, conditions looked as though they may be the same today so I really fancied witnessing the conditions from a different perspective so it was up to Scales early to head for Blencathra summit for the sunrise. Unfortunately there is no one that can predict the weather or conditions with 100% accuracy and on this occasion the weather did not play as predicted! Ho-hum, you can’t win them all…

Well I did make it for sunrise in plenty of time but the expected conditions were not there. The cloud was low but above the fell tops. Helvellyn was covered in cloud but there was cloud dropping into St John's in the Vale and Threlkeld making it look like an inversion may be on the cards...but alas, no!

Low sun into low cloud gave a strange sunrise - linear light to the east with virtually nothing to the west.

Looking to the south west it is dull, Derwent Water cloaked in cloud.

Diminutive Binsey shows through the mist.

Lenticualr clouds, strange sky and conditions.

Sharp Edge from the descent - someone is already crossing.

Scales Fell and a brief clearing of the sky...now I am on the way down!

Scafell Pike

Walked on 14/01/2022

Start point: Brackenclose (NY 182 074)

Brackenclose – Brown Tongue – Scafell Pike – Mickledore – Lord’s Rake – Scafell – Green How – Brackenclose

Distance: 7.5 miles Total Ascent: 1140 metres Time Taken: 4 hours 30 minutes Start Time: 06:45

Clear above cloud                 
Temperature      2 ℃ 
Felt like        2 ℃
Wind Speed       0.9 mi/h
Wind Direction   SSE

Conditions looked favourable for an inversion again today so I took the leap of faith and set off in the dark heading for Scafell Pike to get the best chance of seeing a sunrise over the inversion. Of course you never quite know – will it, won’t it? Climbing higher and through the clouds is a magical moment; witnessing the sunrise in such a place is a truly jaw dropping and inspiring moment; a great day to be on the fells.

When I reached the Lingmell ColI came through the mist and into a fantastic dawn. On the climb to the summit it was already dawn and it was a fabulous sight, here looking to Lingmell and Great Gable appearing through the cloud in the early light.

Frozen rocks on the summit made the going slippery, here with Fletcher camouflaged against them. I hit the summit dead on sunrise at 08:25, phew!

Scafell Pike sunrise - fantastic!

It was beautiful the way the rising sun lit up the rocks - and Scafell - like a martian landscape.

Great Gable and Green Gable through the mist, beyond is Grasmoor.

looking along the Scafells to a distant Blencathra left and the Helvellyn ridge above the cloud.

Skiddaw...just appearing.

Sunrise panoramic.

I was joined by runner Dan on the summit to witness the sunrise.

Me with Fletcher.

The Coniston fells and sun pillar.

Scafell and beyond an ocean of clouds.

As the sun rises, Scafell Pike casts a shadow with a Brocken Spectre visible .

All looking good now the sun has risen. I talked to one other person (the 'Wasdale Womble'!) but apart from that the roof of england was all mine for a good half hour this morning.

We headed over to the southern cairn for a closer look at the sea of cloud and sat with a coffee for a while to contemplate life. Looking back to the main summit there is still no one around.

Coniston.

Fletcher looking down on Pen, Crinkle Crags beyond.

Any biscuits?

Bowfell and Crinkle Crags panoramic.

Blencathra all alone.

Time to move on much as I wanted to stay. The next stop would be Scafell via Lord's Rake so first of all we need to head down to Mickledore over more treacherous icy rocks.

The sun beating down on Mickledore.

Closer up on the edge of the inversion.

Looking across Mickledore to Broad Stand. The cloud was pouring over the ridge as we crossed.

Fletcher wondering which way we are going.

At the top of Lord's Rake looking back to Scafell Pike. The chock stone has fallen since the last time I was here (admittedly it was a while ago!) and the way round the top was a bit of a squeeze.

Pillar and the Mosedale fells.

Lingmell and Great Gable.

The Scafells from the summit.

Looking across Scafell to Symonds Knott - only the highest fells are through the clouds now as it has lifted - Lingmell has disappeared.

The view to the south.

Great Gable and Skiddaw (which looks so close!).

Fairfield beyond Esk Pike, the gentle rise of High Street to the right.

Time to head down (steeper than I remember!) from Scafell and into the clouds. As we headed down the sun was directly shining behind us projecting Brocken Spectres.

Once you se one you can't stop seeing them.

Brocken Spectre and 270 degree fogbow.

I don't recall having seen a fogbow before.

Down below the clouds was this - a different world to the one I have just spent the morning in!

Stickle Pike sunset

Walked on 05/01/2022

It was a fantastically clear day in the Lake District today and the evening was looking as though there would be a great sunset. Come on Dougal & Fletcher, let’s get up to Stickle Pike to witness it!

The shadows are already lengthening at the start of the climb, there is no time to hang around!

The sun is disappearing behind Black Combe as we make it to the top.

Looking over Great Stickle to the udon Estuary with Barrow and Furness beyond.

Wow, it is a beautiful sunset tonight and well worth the effort to get up here.

The Golden Boys.

Looking to the head of Dunnerdale, L-R: Scafell, Scafell Pike, Harter Fell (mid ground), Esk Pike, Bowfell, Little Stand, Crinkle Crags, Grey Friar, Coniston fells and Caw.

The sun has quickly all but gone now.

Time to go - for the sun and us!

Blawith Knott

Walked on 19/12/2021

Start point: Woodland Fell road (SD 256 879)

Blawith Knott (OF) from the Woodland Fell road

Start Time: 11:25 Weather: Sunny 4C

Wow, what a fantastic day again today! A walk wasn’t really on the cards but sitting under a blanket of fog I knew that conditions would be a continuation of the previous few days when it wasn’t that hard to get above the inversion layer and witness some fantastic views – and that is exactly what I got from lowly Blawith Knott. It was really quite warm above the cloud layer and the views today were forever with really clear air, it was well worth making the effort to walk along this ridge.

It didn't take too long to get above the inversion layer, here looking across to Black Combe.

Great burner and Heathwaite fell.

Stickle Pike.

Wow, what a fabulous view to the south west.

...and to the south east looking to the Crake Valley.

On the edge of heaven - at the summit.

Looking across to Kirkby Moor.

It was quite warm up there too - below the fog 2C, above 7C.

Lots of low lying clouds.

Fletcher checks out the way ahead to Angus Tarn then Tottlebank. Coniston Water is still under a layer of fog.

Water, water everywhere...frozen Angus Tarn.

Stunning clarity and views today.

Beacon Fell.

Tottlebank Height looking to Coniston Water and beyond.

Misty trees.

Just beautiful.

Coniston Water.

3-in-1. Black Combe, Blawith Knott and Tottlebank Height.

Fletcher is joined by Dougal today - there is still life in the old dog yet!

The Coniston fells.

Duddon Estuary panorama.

Clouds and hills.

Even Fletcher likes to take it all in.

Sinking back beneath the inversion. Down there it is like the blue skies never existed. Some from last evening when we had an even easier and lower walk to Birkrigg Common, Ulverston...

Misty sunset.

The Hoad monument across a sea of cloud.

The Coniston fells.

Moon rising.

Roman candle trig column.

Helvellyn Sunrise

Walked on 17/12/2021

Start point: Wythburn (NY 324 136)

Wythburn – Birk Side – Nethermost Pike – High Crag – Dollywaggon Pike – Seat Sandal – Wythburn

Distance: 8 miles Total Ascent: 1042 metres Time Taken: 5 hours 30 minutes Start Time: 06:30

Clear                 
Temperature      5 ℃ 
Felt like        5 ℃
Wind Speed       1.3 mi/h
Wind Direction   ENE

Regular followers of this site over the years will know I like a sunrise walk and particularly at this time of year up to Helvellyn. All the conditions looked to be good for a decent sunrise today so I felt compelled to go for it, and I am mighty glad I did as it was absolutely fantastic up there. Previously all my December walks up there have been memorably cold but this time it was not so bad. Of course you never know what the conditions are really going to be like walking up in the dark but the view of the inversion to the east when nearing the top was fabulous and I knew I was in for a treat from that moment.

Pre-sunrise and it is shaping up to be a fantastic day ahead.

Ghostly Striding Edge is completely enveloped in cloud.

I had time for a walk along the summit plateau before the sunrise proper - there were another couple of people there to witness the spectacle as well.

Here we go, the first glimpse of sunrise - it is, of course, relatively late at this time of year at around 08:30.

Catstycam looking solitary.

Well worth the wait...

...and well worth a photo or two.

Helvellyn sunrise.

It is absolutely superb this morning.

The clouds look like you could jump from the edge into them. Perhaps you could swim to Catstycam?

Striding Edge looking fantastic, like some sort of prehistoric beast emerging from the clouds.

No man is an island.

Fletcher leads the way from Helvellyn.

Striding Edge is constantly changing with more - or less - being revealed by the clouds as they ebb and flow.

Acres of fluffy clouds as far as the eye can see to the east.

Looking great from every angle.

Fletcher is oblivious to the magnificence behind him.

I did hang around on Helvellyn for a good while (for me anyway) and walked along the ridge a couple of time before heading south to Nethermost Pike, here looking to the west with Bowfell to Great Gable in view through the inversion.

The inversion clouds are sinking away from Striding Edge and Catstycam now.

A penny for them Fletcher.

Heading for High Crag.

A panorama to the west. The central part if the lakes along Thirlmere was clear of cloud.

Fairfield and the Ill Bell ridge beyond.

Seat Sandal under a cloud cap. I stopped on Dollywaggon Pike and had a coffee and watched the fascinating cloud movements unfold. The cloud was pouring from Grisedale Tarn and down Raise Beck and began to fill up the Thirlmere valley.

Looking along The Tongue from Dollywaggon Pike summit, a good place to sit for a while. Amazingly I never saw anyone along this ridge after I left Helvellyn.

...and looking back the other way.

At the old gatepost that marks the start of the steep descent to Grisedale Tarn, Seat Sandal summit is out of the clouds now so let's go for it!

More thoughts for Fletcher on the way down. Oh my, I had forgotten how steep this was!

We're going in!

Then, as if by magic, the cloud has all but gone looking to Fairfield and St Sunday Crag from the steep climb to Seat Sandal.

Grasmere, Windermere and Coniston from Seat Sandal summit.

A brocken spectre? Nearly....sort of...not quite. If the clouds were a bit thicker it would have been a cert from that position but not to worry.

The view from Low Wood on the way home - rarely is Winderemere this calm.

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.

Holme Fell summit looking to the far eastern fells.

Barking Dougal and ready to pounce Fletcher on Holme Fell.

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.

Harter Fell

Walked on 25/11/2021

Start point: Birks Bridge, Duddon Valley (SD 235 992)

Harter Fell from Birks Bridge

Distance: 4.9 miles Total Ascent: 477 metres Time Taken: 2 hours Start Time: 09:30

Clear                 
Temperature      3 ℃ 
Felt like        0 ℃
Wind Speed       8.6 mi/h
Wind Direction   NNW

It was the calm before the storm weather-wise today with it being cold, crisp and settled for one day only. I managed to get out for a walk to Harter Fell in the Duddon Valley, I know this offers some of the finest views of the Scafells and today did not disappoint. I felt sure I would be alone today in this remote fell at the head of a hidden valley – it didn’t quite turn out that way in the end but the day was enjoyable nevertheless.

On the top the conditions were baltic with a cold northerly wind blowing which meant we didn’t hang around for too long but I did manage to shelter from the wind and enjoy lunch looking across to the Scafells. Today I was with both furry companions as Dougal had an outing alongside Fletcher.

A room with a view - Grey Friar from Birks.

Autumn turning to winter.

Hardknott Forest is being returned to native woodland.

This is the steep way up!

Fletcher heading for the summit.

Cockley Beck and Wrynose Bottom from Maiden Castle.

I was thinking on the way up, you hardly see a soul up here. In fact I was thinking I don't think I have ever seen anyone up here apart from Chris Jesty who I bumped into one time. That thought was shattered when we reached the top - there was easy a dozen people up there, not sure where they all came from but I guess the day was too good to miss, like this fantastic view of the Scafells from the top.

A panoramic view - Scafell, Scafell Pike, Esk Pike and Bowfell.

The summit of Harter Fell.

Looking across to the rocks that are the true summit of Harter Fell.

The daring duo back together - Dougal and Fletcher. I think this is about the limit for Dougal now as he was flagging a bit towards the end.

Looking to the west coast from the summit along the Eskdale valley, Devoke Water visible.

Sun over the Duddon Estuary.

Looking across Eskdale with Eel Tarn and Burnmoor Tarn visible.

The south-west descent from Harter Fell. This was the steep way and I followed the wall - my recommendation for anyone thinking of it is...don't bother! It is too steep and rough to be enjoyable.

The forest road on the return to Birks. This soon changed into a boggy mess of a path.

Little Stand and the River Duddon .

The River Duddon below Birks Bridge, the perfect place for Dougal and Fletcher to have a dip at the end of the walk.

Gummer’s How

Walked on 21/11/2021

Start Point: Gummer’s How Car Park (SD 390 877)Gummer’s How Car Park – Gummer’s How (OF) – Gummer’s How Car Park

Start Time: 10:35

Weather: Clear
Temperature     4 ℃
Feels like        0℃
Wind Speed      10.3 mi/h
Wind Direction N
Humidity          87%

It was a lot colder today than it has been during the rest of November, a real shock to the system but with the cold weather came clear skies.

Connie came home this weekend as a surprise visit from Manchester and really wanted to get out for a walk to her favourite fell, Gummer’s How, so how could I resist that one? It really was fantastic conditions up there today with a biting wind on the top. There was a long procession of people going that way as well such is its popularity and of course it is a relatively easy walk. Great to get the old team together once more!

Looking down on Lakeside from the end of the steep section.

The Coniston fells from the trig. column on Gummer's How.

Connie on Gummer's How 2005 vintage.

The nearest Connie got to sitting on the column today over 16 years later!

The view along Windermere to the Fairfield Horseshoe and Red Screes.

Connie and Angus on Gummer's How 2005.

Connie with Dougal and Fletcher at the same place - almost impossible to get all three to look in the right direction at once/smile/open eyes etc!

Steamer steaming below and the Coniston fells looking magnificent beyond.

The length of Windermere.

The Dunnerdale Fells

Walked on 19/11/2021

Start Point: Kiln Bank Cross (SD 215 933)

Kiln Bank Cross – Stickle Tarn – Great Stickle (OF) – Tarn Hill (OF) – Stickle Pike (OF) – Kiln Bank Cross

Start Time: 09:50

Partly Cloudy

Temperature     11 ℃
Feels like        11 ℃
Wind Speed       11.7 mi/h
Wind Direction   WSW
Humidity          83%

It was sunny at home this morning but further inland over the Lakeland fells there was lots of low lying cloud. The only place with any light it seemed was the south-western corner and even that was looking a bit hit and miss. It is always an enjoyable and relatively easy round at Dunnerdale. The clouds were scooting through all the time and it was pretty breezy up on the tops. At least it was a chance for Dougal to get out again!

Up at Stickle Tarn - spot the Dougal? (and Fletcher!)

Stickle Pike - this would be the last time the top was fully out of the clouds.

Fletcher on the path to Great Stickle.

looking back to Stickle Pike.

On the Great Stickle ridge with the prominent trig.column ahead.

Show me the light. Drama over Broughton.

Looking down to the Duddon Estuary.

Sing Dougal, let them all know you are here!

The cloud has moved in from Tarn Hill summit.

Fletcher looking distinctly unimpressed with the windy conditions!

Back to Stickle Pike.

If anything there is even more cloud now climbing to Stickle Pike. I bumped into one of Connie's old teachers here, the only person I met all day so we stopped and chewed the fat about the good old days (when we used to work for a living!). The path to Stickle Pike is a great groove up the fellside but in my memory it was always a thing path in the grass.

Nothing to see here - Stickle Pike.

Newlands Round

Walked on 11/11/2021

Start point: Chapel Bridge, Little Town (NY 232 194)

Start Time: 06:55

Weather: Sunny spells.

Partly Cloudy                 
Temperature      6 ℃ 
Feels like       1 ℃
Wind Speed       3.8 mi/h
Wind Direction   S
Humidity         95%

Little Town – Chapel Bridge – Low High Snab – High Snab Bank – Robinson – Littledale Edge – Hindscarth – Hindscarth Edge – Dale Head – Dalehead Tarn – High Spy – Maiden Moor – Hause Gate – Catbells – Little Town

Well it’s been a long time since I did this one! The last time I did this route was in 2003 but of course the fells have been visited since then using different routes. It was longer and tougher than I remember but then again perhaps it is because I have 18 more years in my legs. This is a fantastic round and one that I can highly recommend and the conditions were absolutely perfect for it with fine Autumn weather. As you will see the conditions all around weren’t necessarily so good so I struck lucky today.

For anyone interested, there are two Striding Edge Lake District calendars this year, an A3 one and an A5 desktop version. They are available h ere and there is a multi-buy discount available for both sizes.

Little Dale pre-sunrise from High Snap Bank. That was a steep climb to start the day!

Fletcher with Robinson (today's first target) behind.

Sunrise over Skiddaw and Blencathra, it is looking like it will shape up to be a good day. We are still in the shade as the sun has not appeared over the Hindscarth ridge to the east. It was about here I realised that I did not have the light gloves on I was wearing earlier so I retraced my steps back to the only logical place they could be which is where the Fletcher photo was taken. Unfortunately I could not see them - I will have to send Louise up to have a look as my man look was obviously not good enough!

Approaching the climb to Robinson.

It's turning into a nice sunrise now on this wide shot.

Close up on Blencathra.

I don't remember this climb being so rocky and a bit of a scramble in places.

Climbing higher and looking back the cloud is already drifting in.

A panoramic from the summit plateau of Robinson.

Robinson.

Fletcher has spotted someone over on High Stile!

Looking down to Buttermere and Crummock Water from the summit of Robinson.

On Littledale Edge, we will follow the diagonal path to the left to climb to the summit of Hindscarth. Firstly, Fletcher has to negotiate the heavy traffic crossing our path.

A little bit of sunshine lights up High Crag, High Stile and red Pike. There were fleeting glimpses of the sun throughout this section and on the exposed parts the wind was quite cool whilst out of the wind it was really quite warm. This made it one of those 'too hot - too cold' walks which was difficult to balance without a load of faffing around with clothing.

The summit of Hindscarth.

On Hindscarth Edge heading for Dale Head, the cloud is starting to build over the Scafells in the distance.

Sunshine over Buttermere.

Fletcher on Dale Head.

A magnificent cairn with a magnificent view - the summit of Dale Head.

The cloud is forming over the Helvellyn ridge now to the east, with a bit of luck we will escape the advancing weather.

Skiddaw and the Newlands valley.

Down at Dalehead Tarn with High Spy beyond. I went to the shelter on the far side of the tarn below the rocky outcrop to the right for a coffee and a think. It was Armistice Day and it was about 11am so it made perfect sense to have a couple of minutes of true silence and reflection on events of the past. We will not forget them.

Onward and upward - the summit cairn on High Spy and it was here I came across the first other peopleI had seen all day.

Derwent Water from Blea Crag, a fantastic viewpoint and worth the slight detour from the main path.

The summit of Maiden Moor with an unimpressive cairn after the edifices that mark the previous two summits.

A panorama of a magnificent view from Maiden Moor. 'It must be something like this in heaven' - Wainwright, Maiden Moor 8

There were lots of people climbing Catbells from all angles and it suddenly got very busy.

Autumn colours at the southern end of Derwent Water.

Well this wasn't here last time I climbed Catbells - a summit column complete with viewpoint marker. This was the only decent photo I could get as I was surrounded by people up here, it was really busy!

Llama drama! No, it is actually Alpaca drama and something you don't see every day and there were two of them climbing from Little Town to Catbells. Apparently it is a thing to walk an Alpaca - who knew?

Nearly back to the car at Little Town with a view to Hindscarth and Robinson. That was the end of a long walk for me but a thoroughly enjoyable one and the weather was pretty well perfect for walking. By the time I had driven round to Thirlmere (which can be no more than a mile away as the crow flies) it was raining and miserable. I could scarcely believe it after being in the opposite conditions all day.

Grizedale Forest

Walked on 02/11/2021

Some of the art installations that featured recently on the Sky Arts programme Landmark ended up in Grizedale Forest so Louise, the dogs and I visited to have a closer look. It was a fascinating programme to watch and see how the sculptures were created and brilliant to be able to get to see them in real life.

Sunshine through tree at the beginning of the walk - just before it started raining! We were following a trail to find the new sculptures featured on the Sky Arts programme Landmark recently.

The sun lights up the colours in the foreground...but look at that sky!

'Home of the Rose' art installation by Sadie Clayton

Looking up at the copper rose (depicting the Yorkshire Rose).

Home of the Rose...with two added extras!

Flight by Said Qureshi.

The 'wings' look great when the sun is shining on them.

'Sharing', a 2017 installation by Charlie Whinney (not part of the TV show).

'Only Breath' by Sapien (Steve Anwari).

Fly Agaric.

A view from Red Screes to Ill Bell.

Fun in the Autumn leaves.

Wall art.

Beacon Fell

Walked on 24/10/2021

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

Beacon Fell (OF) from Tottle Bank

Start Time: 11:15

Weather: Damp and overcast. 12°C

The dogs were sprung from the boarding kennels this morning after we had been away for a few days. We went to Beacon Fell, an old favourite of ours and nothing too taxing – it was the perfect walk for the conditions today which were pretty much a polar opposite of our previous walk to Helvellyn.

Click below to see the route – you can print or download a .gpx file. The route is the actual track walked.

It was a bit overcast at the start of the walk and it didn't look like we would make it all the way round dry...we shall see!

Climbing higher with a view to Coniston Water now. Below on the path are the Barrow Ramblers who I stopped and chatted to as they descended. Nice to bump into you all today!

Climbing the gully - they know the way. I think.

Looking back down the gully, it is raining over Coniston village and high fells by the look of it.

Fletcher and Dougal at the top. It was more than a bit breezy and fresh!

Full Coniston Water (almost).

Beacon Fell. There was no sign of the treasure tin today, perhaps I will resurrect it one day.

Heading for Beacon Tarn in the slight drizzle. Not too bad considering the weather elsewhere today and it had stopped by the time we got down to the tarn.

Wool Knott across Beacon Tarn.

A portrait of Dougal.

Looking back to the tarn at the start of the return leg.

The gnarled old tree is still standing, all alone.

A sea of orange and the Coniston fells are invisible under the cloud.

Helvellyn via Striding Edge

Walked on 15/10/2021

Start point: Patterdale (NY 394 160)

Patterdale – Hole-in-the Wall – Striding Edge – Helvellyn – Swirral Edge – Catstycam – Patterdale

Distance: 9 miles Total Ascent: 920 metres Time Taken: 5 hours Start Time: 06:45

Weather: Cool and sunny. 9C

Well, here we are again! It took some time from the previous post to get a follow up but at last I have managed it. We have done some walks on the fells (when you have a Bearded Collie you have to!) but alas time has not allowed me to post them and some were done without taking a camera.

Things have changed for me recently with work which will hopefully free up time to get out there once again; to be free of a stuffy office and be back on the fells in the fresh air will feel even better this time around I am sure.

So, where to walk? Striding Edge – of course! It seemed the natural place to go and I haven’t done it for a while (9 years almost to the day in fact). Friday was forecast to be good so we set off early to make the best of it. Dougal is getting on in years now so he is retired from the more arduous walks so it was just Fletcher for company today.

Good morning indeed - first light on the climb.

Morning has broken.

Birkhouse Moor from the Hole in the Wall

Helvellyn and Catstycam.

Looking back towards Ullswater.

Dollywaggon and Nethermost Pikes.

Approaching High Spying How and the edge!

Fletcher on High Spying How - I think this will be his first crossing of Striding Edge.

At the start of Striding Edge - it is very clear on the summit and only a couple of people around this early in the morning.

Dragon's teeth.

The crossing.

The climb to Helvellyn.

looking back on Striding Edge.

Catstycam across Red Tarn.

Fletcher on the summit - it is all ours today lad!

As far as the eye can see - superb clarity today looking from Coniston to Great Gable in this panorama.

A deserted summit plateau.

The way ahead, descending Swirral Edge and climbing to Catstycam.

Looking to Skiddaw and Blencathra in the distance with a brilliant shadow outline of our route down Swirral Edge and the climb to pointed Catstycam.

Looking back from the foot of Swirral Edge.

Red Tarn and Striding Edge in the bright sunlight.

Yes, it's thataway Fletcher!

Helvellyn.

Fletcher checks out the stunning view from Catstycam.

Down at Red Tarn.

It's not just good, it's golden. Autumn colours in Grisedale Valley.

A sea of ochre.

Grisedale Beck.

Coniston Old Man sunrise

Walked on 28/01/2019

Start point: Walna Scar road (SD 289 970)

Walna Scar car park – Boo Tarn – The Old Man of Coniston – Brim Fell – Brim Fell Rake – Low Water – Below Beck Fells – Walna Scar car park

Distance: 4.1 miles Total Ascent: 630 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 45 minutes Start Time: 07:15

Weather: Cold, 0C!

Today looked like it would be a promising one with the prospect of crystal clear views with sub zero temperatures overnight so I thought I would take advantage of the relatively late sunrise (08:10) and set off for the Old Man in the dark. I was hindered at the beginning as annoyingly I managed to lose the end from my hydration bladder somewhere meaning that liquid was spilling all over without anything in place to stop it. There was nothing for it but to disassemble it and reconnect when required. All this faffing around hindered me a bit so I didn’t quite make the top for the sunrise but witnessed it on the way up instead.

I didn\'t quite make it to the top for the sunrise, I was probably about 2/3 of the way up - it is still an awesome sight though here as the sun breaks the horizon over Coniston Water.

The sun bathing the fell side looking to Brown Pike and Black Combe beyond.

Looks like it will be a lovely day today. From here on in it was cold...really cold and by the summit I was in full arctic expedition mode!

The view from the top of the Old Man, the fells still bathed in the golden glow of sunrise.

On my own. The Scafells from the summit.

Sun rays.

Beautiful, the wind really picking up now.

Coniston Old Man sunrise.

Heading for Brim Fell.

Close up on the Scafells.

Fletcher is heading back to see what is taking so long!

Coniston from Brim Fell.

Swirl How flanked by distant Skiddaw and Blencathra.

Fairfield and Helvellyn. I had intended to carry on with the Coniston round but given the hydration bladder problem plus the fact it was absolutely baltic, I bailed out here heading down for Low Water.

The moon over Coniston from the breakfast stop.

Low Water and patient Fletcher. Dougal is in for a drink.

Portrait of the boys.

Helvellyn

Walked on 04/12/2018

Start point: Wythburn (NY 324 136)

Wythburn – Birk Side – Nethermost Pike – High Crag – Dollywaggon Pike – Nethermost Pike –Helvellyn – Wythburn

Distance: 7.2 miles Total Ascent: 1018 metres Time Taken: 4 hours 10 minutes Start Time: 06:45

Weather: Freezing, some cloud and a strong cold wind. 0ºC

Today seemed to be the best bet for some decent wintry weather with the forecast showing wet and windy for pretty much the remainder of the week. It is always a bit of a leap of faith setting off up to the fells in the dark and hoping that the weather will be okay when you get to the top. Perhaps it wasn’t as fabulous as I hoped it may have been but still it was a great walk along the frozen Helvellyn ridge. That wind was bitingly cold up there yet at valley level it was as still as could be, especially to the south as you will see in the photos. There wasn’t a soul around this early and on such a day and it was quite special to have a sunrise and Helvellyn all to myself.

Helvellyn Map

In the twilight on Nethermost Pike. All the way on the journey and then on the climb I was intrigued by the crescent moon and close by Venus shining brightly. The indications were good that this was to be a clear day but as I approached Helvellyn I could see the cloud was already forming on the top so I cut straight across to get here, hoping it would remain clear.

Witnessing the sunrise from up on high is always a great moment and fantastic sight.

The mist was constantly swirling in and out now with a strong and cold wind blowing it.

Despite the cold it was still a beautiful sight to witness and gave some interesting perspectives on the daybreak.

To the south the low lying valleys were under a nice temperature inversion, here lit up by the rising sun. I think that makes High Crag and Dollywaggon Pike look even colder.

Looking back to frozen Nethermost Pike from High Crag.

As above, so below - there was plenty of cloud forming around us now.

Fletcher and Dougal are ready to go, they certainly don't want to be sitting around in this weather.

Frozen Grisedale, Ullswater beyond.

A similar view from The Tongue on Dollywaggon Pike.

In the mist - the ridge just walked.

It is looking quite clear over to the east now.

Wow, what a winter's view looking back to Dollywaggon.

High and mighty Striding Edge.

On my own - the frozen summit of Helvellyn.

Fletcher looking pensive.

Follow the path...but which one?

The view across to Coniston.

...and closer up. Looks like Great Langdale and Coniston Water are beneath the clouds today.

Frozen Steel Fell to Harrison Stickle.

Thirlmere to Skiddaw from the descent.

Coniston Old Man

Walked on 22/11/2018

Start point: Walna Scar road (SD 289 970)

Walna Scar car park – Boo Tarn – The Old Man of Coniston – Brim Fell – Brim Fell Rake – Low Water – Below Beck Fells – Walna Scar car park

Distance: 4.1 miles Total Ascent: 630 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 45 minutes Start Time: 08:30

Weather: Cold, turning very wintry. 3C

Today looked to be a good day for a walk on the fells, the opportunity arose so I took it and I’m glad I got there early as the weather certainly took a turn for the worse in a very short space of time. Nice to be out again, sorry about the lack of walks on the site but there are plenty of other things to occupy my time at the moment! I still intend to update as and when and who knows I may even fill in the gaps one day…

Coniston Old Man Route Map

Early morning Coniston from Torver and all is looking good.

A misty view to Coniston Water from the climb to The Old Man.

Looking across The Cove to Dow Crag.

Dougal knows the way...

Above the snow line now looking across to the Dow Crag ridge.

To the east there is a big bank of cloud heading our way... it will be a race to the top to beat it...

...just made it I think, it is still a beautiful day when I make the summit.

Low Water and the Coppermines Valley.

Fletcher looking across to the Scafells.

Just for a few minutes I had the wonderful wintry feeling of stillness and the creeping cold whilst alone at the top.

Creeping cloud.

The Old Man of Coniston.

A dusting of snow across the tops, the first of the winter.

The frozen path.

Barren summit.

No more than 5 minutes later things changed in a big way. The cloud came across the summit turning the scene to a near mono one. With the cloud came the wind - the cold, cold wind...brr!