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.