Start point: Knipe Fold (SD 391 994)
Black Crag from Knipe Fold
Distance: 3.4 miles    Total Ascent: 215 metres    Time Taken: 1 hour 15 minutes    Start Time: 09:20
Weather: Overcast and cold. 2ºC
The rather glamorous weather from last week has gone for now; the snow has all but melted and the blue sky is just a memory and left behind is a more typical December day – a bit grey and dull. I had time for a short walk up to Black Fell and it felt warmer than the temperature gauge said thankfully.
Black Fell route map.
A blur of fur on the bridleway from Knipe Fold.
The Coniston fells and seasonal trees in Iron Keld Plantation.
There is a surprisingly good view from here - off the beaten track on the lumps and bumps in Iron Keld Plantation. This view is to the south over cold looking Hawkshead and Esthwaite Water.
Wetherlam and beyond across an icy puddle.
Heading across the deforested plantation, the south east cairn on Black Fell is visible to the right.
The Langdale Pikes through the trees..
Black Fell.
Dougal and Casper on the Black Crag, the summit of Black Fell.
Wetherlam from the summit, Coniston Old Man is lost in cloud.
Lingmoor Fell and the Langdales.
Windermere.
Hawkshead.
The Fairfield fells beyond Loughrigg.
The Helvellyn ridge and Seat Sandal.
Mono Langdales.
It looks as though it might be brightening up a little over there.
Big Wetherlam.
Esthwaite Water and Hawkshead across the south east cairn.
Frozen Tarn Hows and Coniston Water.
A panoramic view from the south east cairn (and two sniffing, snuffling dogs!).
There is even a hint of blue sky to the east but to the west remains dull.