Start point: Hardknott Pass summit (NY 230 014)
Hardknott Pass – Border End – Eskdale Needle – Hard Knott – Hardknott Pass
Distance: 1.6 miles Total Ascent: 188 metres Time Taken: 1 hour Start Time: 14:40
Weather: Sunny. 8°C
Sunshine was all around today and it was really quite warm and pleasant too. Today I was with Dougal alone, even on this relatively short and easy walk, as I have retired Casper from fell walking. His age has caught up with him now and he can no longer manage to wander the fells with us – sad but true. He will be retiring in comfort though with the knowledge he has led a great life getting to places other dogs can only dream of; we have spent many happy hours together. In the future I think he will be joining the Love the Lakes team as Chief Shop Dog so I think he will be regaling all and sundry with his tales from the fells should he be asked!
Wrynose Pass.
A wider view looking across the Duddon Valley to the Coniston fells.
Border End.
What a beautiful day and warm enough for shirt sleeves (for a while anyway as once over the top of Border End there was an icy wind blowing down the valley so fleece, hat and gloves were required!).
The head of Eskdale from frozen Border End.
...and again, from further along.
Looking along the Eskdale Valley into the bright sunshine.
Dougal checks out the fabulous view...or is he looking for Casper?
A panoramic view of the Scafells from Border End. Select on the image to see a larger version.
Esk Pike and Bowfell, Eskdale Needle at the bottom of the photo.
A wider panorama.
Slight Side and Scafell.
The approach to Eskdale Needle.
The Needle is in a fantastic situation overlooking Upper Eskdale and The Scafells.
Eskdale Needle from the south.
The Steeple.
Climbing to Hard Knott.
Scafell Pike, Broad Crag and Ill Crag with the lower subsidiary summit of Scafell Pike, Pen, foremost.
Esk Pike.
I think those clouds look great but have a look at the photos to see how quickly they change, they are different in every one!
Hard Knott summit.
As above, so below looking to Grey Friar across a frozen pool.
Ulpha Fell (Little Stand) along the Duddon Valley.
Spring has sprung in Dunnerdale.