Gummer’s How

Walked on 12/02/2013

Start point: Gummer’s How Car Park (SD 390 877)

Gummer’s How Car Park – Gummer’s How (OF) – Gummer’s How Car Park

Distance: 1.2 miles Total Ascent: 150 metres Time Taken: 1 hour Start Time: 10:50

Weather: Cold and grey. 2°C

It was cold and grey this morning with no signs of any brighter weather when we set off to Gummer’s How. There were plenty of families up there agian today enjoying the fresh air – and the invasion of cows!

Lakeside on a grey day from the start of the path to Gummer's How.

Roadblock - easy to get past in your own, not easy with two furry cow magnets in tow.

Phew, made it! Connie checks out the view.

I spy people.

Connie, aged 12.

There is still a bit of snow and ice lingering on the northern side.

Windermere.

Connie, Casper and Dougal.

A glimpse of the sun.

Coniston Old Man

Walked on 08/02/2013

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: 4.3 miles Total Ascent: 630 metres Time Taken: 2 hours 30 minutes Start Time: 09:30

Weather: Cold with a strong wind on top. 3°C

The weather turned out much better than I thought it would today – it was a proper winter’s day up on The Old Man, all blue sky and snow, just lovely. That was a good choice Casper lad!

The Coniston fells looking good from Torver.

A spontaneous outbreak of sunshine on the climb to The Old Man.

Brown Pike in sight. Just after this I stumbled on some ice and my bottle fell out of the side pocket on my rucksack - it was just great to watch it slide down on the ice and snow for 30 metres. Curses were issued.

Walna Scar and Brown Pike.

Buck Pike and Dow Crag across The Cove.

Casper and Dougal hold paws.

The view over Coniston and Windermere beyond.

Sunshine and blue sky approaching the summit.

A fabulous view over Low Water to Wetherlam and beyond from the top.

A panoramic view from The Old Man of Coniston. Select on the image to see a larger version.

The summit of The Old Man.

A lovely winter view of The Scafells.

It was beautiful up here...

...beautiful but cold, I should add.

The boys on the summit.

The Coniston fells.

Looking back to the summit cairn.

Dow Crag and Harter Fell.

Brim Fell with Bowfell putting in an appearance in the background.

Old Men?

Brim Fell.

A panoramic view from Brim Fell, select on the image to see a larger version.

Looking across Grey Friar from Brim Fell.

At the top of Brim Fell Rake.

Loving it now, it was just a fantastic winter's day up here.

Blazing a trail down the rake.

Levers Water, Black Sails and Wetherlam.

Insurance on the steep descent.

Low Water and The Old Man from Raven Tor.

Low Water.

The descent through the old mine workings.

Grisedale Pike

Walked on 06/02/2013

Start point: Braithwaite (NY 227 237)

Braithwaite – Kinn – Grisedale Pike – Hobcarton Head – Hopegill Head – Sand Hill – Coledale Hause – Coledale – Braithwaite

Distance: 7 miles Total Ascent: 843 metres Time Taken: 3 hours 30 minutes Start Time: 10:15

Weather: Cold with a strong wind. 3°C

With a break in the weather and a bit of sunshine around, Grisedale Pike looked very tempting from Keswick today wearing its best winter coat. The predicted weather as for high winds with a wind chill of -18C and so it turned out in the end – I didn’t fancy the full Coledale round once I had been up high for a while so took the valley route from Coledale Hause. As the old saying goes “Half a Coledale is better than no Coledale at all”! Once again it was just me and young Dougal whilst Casper stayed at home in the warm – sensible boy!

Before the walk...a wintry view along Windermere from Bowness Bay.

Skiddaw from Braithwaite.

A panoramic view of Skiddaw.

Causey Pike beyond Barrow from the climb to Kinn.

Cold Coledale.

Grisedale Pike.

Dougal checks out the climb.

Sail in mono.

Sunshine and cloud.

Eel Crag and the Coledale Valley.

The climb to Grisedale Pike up Sleet How...spot the Dougal?!

Kinn, Skiddaw and the Vale of Keswick.

Climbers ahead on Sleet How.

Looking back down from Sleet How.

The summit of Grisedale Pike - with a bitter, strong wind, it really was as cold as it looks.

A winter panorama.

The view across Outerside and Causey Pike.

Grasmoor beyond Hobcarton Head.

Dougal surveys the head of Coledale.

On the descent, first heading for Hobcarton Head then Hopegill Head up to the right.

Lovely winter scenery but oh-so cold.

Walkers on Hobcarton Head give some scale to the scene.

Looking back to Grisedale Pike, Skiddaw beyond from Hobcarton Head.

Grasmoor.

Hopegill Head and Ladyside Pike.

Grisedale Pike from the climb to Hopegill Head.

Whiteside and a glimpse of Crummock Water from Hopegill Head summit.

Wandope.

The cloud is starting to cover the fells to the south and east now.

Eel Crag from Sand Hill.

Skiddaw and Blencathra along the Coledale Valley.

Force Crag mine.

Black Fell

Walked on 30/01/2013

Start point: Knipe Fold (SD 391 994)

Black Fell from Knipe Fold

Distance: 3.4 miles Total Ascent: 215 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 15 minutes Start Time: 09:00

Weather: Strong wind. 7oC

There has been little chance for me to get out on the fells over this last couple of weeks but today there was an opportunity but the weather forecast seemed to scupper any plans I had. Today’s mission was to beat the forecast rain, hail, thunder…

The boys are back in town! Heading along the lane from Knipe Fold.

Black Crag, the summit of Black Fell to the left and the south east cairn to the right.

Looks a bit dull over the Coniston fells.

Windermere.

Esthwaite Water over the south east cairn.

It was a little breezy today.

Eye, eye Dougal.

Black Crag on Black Fell.

A wider view.

Looking across the wall towards Ambleside and beyond.

Lingmoor Fell with the Langdale Pikes under the cloud somewhere.

The Fairfield Horseshoe.

Coniston Water and Tarn Hows visible across the trig. column.

Esthwaite Water.

A bleak house.

A Windermere panorama from the cairn.

Looking back up to the column.

Wetherlam, clear of cloud for now.

Knipe Fold contre-jour.

Wetherlam, Steel Edge and Wetherlam Edge

Walked on 16/01/2013

Start point: Tilberthwaite car park (NY 306 010)

Tilberthwaite – Steel Edge – Wetherlam – Wetherlam Edge – Birk Fell Man on Birk Fell – Tilberthwaite Gill – Tilberthwaite

Distance: 4.2 miles Total Ascent: 648 metres Time Taken: 3 hours 30 minutes Start Time: 09:25

Weather: Freezing. -1oC

There is plenty of snow around to quite a low level at the moment and the valley roads are treacherously icy in places. I left Casper at home today (by the fire, of course!) as he feels the cold these days (he is no spring chicken) and with young Dougal by my side climbed to Wetherlam via Steel Edge and descended by way of treacherous Wetherlam Edge. It was a bit of a monochrome day with no contrast between the sky and the snow covered land making the task of getting decent photos even harder than usual!

The Coniston Fells from Torver.

It was a freezing cold day, here looking back over Tilberthwaite.

Wetherlam across Tilberthwaite Gill.

Tilberthwaite, the winter wonderland.

Winter sky over Morecambe Bay.

The way to the top of Wetherlam via Steel Edge.

Steel Edge. Crampons were required to climb it this morning.

Looking back down Steel Edge.

The view to Coniston Water.

The Old Man (and the young!) and Brim Fell.

A panoramic view of the Coniston fells, select on the image to see a larger version.

The Langdale Pikes from the summit of Wetherlam.

Dougal snow-beard.

The descent of Wetherlam Edge was quite hairy in places - I had crampons on at the top but there wasn't really enough snow for them so I ended up with spikes on and an ice-axe for this one.

Mist forming in Greenburn below on the descent of Wetherlam Edge.

Crinkle Crags, Bowfell and Pike o' Blisco with Greenburn Reservoir below.

A distant view across freezing Lakeland to Helvellyn and Fairfield.

Looking back up Wetherlam Edge.

Wetherlam.

The Langdales from Birk Fell.

Passing the Larch trees in Tilberthwaite.

Wetherlam Edge.

Steel Edge. Select on the image to see an overlaid route.

The Scafells

Walked on 10/01/2013

Start point: Brackenclose (NY 182 074)

Brackenclose – Brown Tongue – Scafell Pike – Ill Crag – Broad Crag – Great End (and return) – Mickledore – Hollow Stones – Brackenclose

Distance: 7.5 miles Total Ascent: 1247 metres Time Taken: 6 hours Start Time: 06:45

Weather: Sunny above the clouds. 3oC

With the ridge of high pressure sitting over the Lake District and the persistent fog at lower levels there was a very good chance there would be a temperature inversion today which fortunately proved to be correct. I set off early from Brackenclose to try and catch the sunrise from the roof of England and I am glad I did, it was a fantastic morning to have the highest peaks in the land all to myself with some stunning views.

Just made it in time - sunrise from the summit of Scafell Pike.

What a beautiful morning with a big temperature inversion sitting over most of the Lake District.

This was interesting to watch, the cloud is pouring over Sty Head into the valley between Great Gable and Great End. In the distance are Skiddaw and Blencathra.

Summit view.

A panoramic of the cloud inversion. Select on the image to see a larger version.

Red sky at the trig. column and an inversion over Buttermere in the distance.

Scafell Pike summit positively glowing, from the southern cairn.

Mickledore and Broad Stand.

Scafell panorama.

Looking along Upper Eskdale to Caw, Harter Fell and Green Crag.

Black Combe and Whitfell above the sea of cloud.

Glowing sun.

The Grasmoor and Dale Head groups of fells beyond the Gables.

Far reaching tentacles.

The descent from Scafell Pike to Broad Crag, Ill Crag to the right and Great End.

Scafell Pike from Ill Crag.

Scafell Pike and Ill Crag (and Casper!) from Broad Crag.

Sunny on Great End.

The view to Skiddaw and Blencathra over Sprinkling Tarn.

Skiddaw with High Spy central with Seathwaite Fell summit at the very bottom of this photo.

A panoramic from Great End. Select on the image to see a larger version.

Looking across Rossett Gill to Great Langdale.

Dougal and Casper are loving it.

Looking back along the Scafells from Great End.

Ocean of dreams - Caw and Harter Fell.

A fabulous view on a fabulous day.

Lowly Stickle Pike has put in appearance beyond Harter Fell.

Crossing the Broad Crag col, the cloud was pouring into Upper Eskdale.

Another chance to sit and watch with wonder, the cloud pouring across Pen then floating up towards me.

Back on Scafell Pike with sunshine and loveliness all around.

Descending to Mickledore.

This icy descent is not for the faint hearted.

Pulpit Rock.

Descending to Wasdale.

Yewbarrow.

Wast Water. On the way home, I had to see what the view was like from Stickle Pike looking the other way...

...unfortunately conditions had changed a little but there was still a nice inversion over the Duddon Valley with the Scafell in view top left.

Caw.

Holme Fell

Walked on 07/01/2013

Start point: Hodge Close (NY 315 016)

Holme Fell from Hodge Close

Distance: 1.7 miles Total Ascent: 165 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 15 minutes Start Time: 10:50

Weather: Murky but dry. 8oC

The first walk of 2013 and the weather is as it was last time I was out – dark and murky. I can’t grumble, at least it was dry and the air was fresh although taking photos when it is like this is not the easiest thing as it is just so dark.

Note: This walk marks 10 years since I took the first photos on this site on the Langdales on 7th January 2003 (although the website didn’t start until a year later). What a journey it has been, I hope you will stay with us for the next 10 years!

Hodge Close Quarry.

Holme Fell ahead...somewhere.

Misty trees.

Fleeting views from the boggy climb.

Clearing mist over Tilberthwaite.

Dougal and Casper on top of Holme Fell.

Ivy Crag.

There are fell walking cows over there!

Reservoir.

Mono reflections.

Wetherlam makes the briefest of appearances.

Swansong on Yew Tree Tarn.

Orrest Head

Walked on 19/12/2012

Start point: Windermere (SD 414 987)

Orrest Head (OF) from Windermere

Distance: 1.3 miles Total Ascent: 105 metres Time Taken: 30 minutes Start Time: 09:20

Weather: Cold wind, overcast. 5ºC

Just enough time for a quick walk up to Orrest Head this morning, I thought it would be wise to get up there as early as possible before the predicted high winds and accompanying rain. There was an icy blast up there to remind us that it is still mid-winter…

Today was one of those grey winter days (the dark days) when it never seems to get light so this walk was pretty much in the gloom with no distant views - this one is looking across Windermere village to Windermere.

A panoramic view - you don't have to get so far from the road to see a good length of the lake. It was no wonder the Victorians decided this would be a good place for a tourist stopping place.

Climbing higher.

A panoramic of the top of Orrest Head.

The Far Eastern fells from the top.

Mono view.

There is a new view indicator courtesy of The Wainwright Society and Windermere Town Council and what a good job they have made of it with a lovely piece of etched slate.

Windblown Dougal and Casper on the top, it was pretty cold up here.

Looking across to School Knott.

Dougal checks out the northern reaches of Windermere.

The return to Windermere.

Wansfell

Walked on 10/12/2012

Start point: Troutbeck (NY 409 032)

Troutbeck – Nanny Lane – The Hundreds – Wansfell – Wansfell Pike – Nanny Lane – Troutbeck

Distance: 3.7 miles Total Ascent: 350 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 30 minutes Start Time: 09:50

Weather: Sunny with snow showers. 4ºC

More cold weather today and it was sunny around the fringes of the Lake District but many of the higher tops were shrouded in cloud; cloud that looked heavily snow laden. Even lowly Wansfell had a good few snow flurries blowing across whilst I was up there but in between there were some decent views.

At the start of Nanny Lane.

Ill Bell across the fields.

Following the walls...

...right to the end.

Sunshine and snow clouds.

On the summit of Wansfell.

Windermere and Wansfell.

Caught in the sun - Dougal and Casper.

It's behind you! A snow storm blowing in.

Looking across Ambleside....all was good until I realised I had dropped a glove so made a return to Wansfell summit. Luckily it hadn't blown away, so not too bad.

Wansfell Pike ahead.

Kirkstone Pass.

Looking back to Wansfell.

Across Ambleside, Loughrigg and Lingmoor to Crinkle Crags, Bowfell and the Langdale Pikes.

A panoramic view from Wansfell Pike. Select on the image to see a larger version.

Close up on Bowfell and The Langdales.

Crinkle Crags and Bowfell.

Mono Windermere in the bright sunshine.

Heading back to Troutbeck.

Helvellyn

Walked on 05/12/2012

Start point: Wythburn (NY 324 136)

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

Distance: 5.8 miles Total Ascent: 924 metres Time Taken: 3 hours 30 minutes Start Time: 06:40

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

I seem to be following a bit of a pattern here with heading out early, chasing the sunrise but I find it is well worth it. Today’s views were just jaw dropping with the sun lighting up the fells with some fabulous colours. The wind was very strong making it feel like a bit of an Arctic expedition at times and I was well layered up for this one.

Helvellyn Route Map

First light, the moon still high in the sky.

Climbing to High Crag, trying to make it in time for the sun coming over the horizon.

Made it, and well worth the effort it was too.

Big cornice lit up with a lovely pink hue by the early morning sun.

The Coniston fells.

Looking back to High Crag.

There was a strong, cold wind blowing up here as Casper and Dougal will tell you.

A jaw dropping sunrise, just fabulous.

A panoramic view from Nethermost Pike, select on the image to see a larger version.

Pink snow looking to Helvellyn from Nethermost Pike.

Catstycam and Striding Edge.

Cornice on Helvellyn and the climb to the cross shelter. Time to get the crampons on from here, there was snow on ice and it was quite treacherous in places.

My original intention was to drop down and cross Striding Edge, however I reckoned it would be a little tricky today especially with this wind so I gave it a miss.

It has calmed down a little now looking down on Striding Edge.

The view from Helvellyn. Select on the image to see a larger version.

A brand new white coat for Catstycam.

The cross shelter.

The summit of Helvellyn.

Spindrift on Helvellyn.

It was quite fierce at times!

Striding Edge from the summit.

Swirral Edge.

Swirral Edge to Catstycam.

Heading back across the summit plateau.

Snowbeard has a piece of my banana!

Having a quick coffee in the cross shelter Dougal decided he would become the King of Helvellyn. People often ask how Dougal and Casper manage in the snow but remember, they are fell bred and the fells are a Beardies home turf.

At the Gough Memorial.

Of course, I can't resist another view of Striding Edge!

A panoramic view of Striding Edge. Select on the image to see a larger version.

Blue skies now the sun is up but it still oh so cold.

The view to the west from Nethermost Pike.

Seat Sandal.

Grisedale, frozen Hard Tarn below.

Sun, shadows, cloud and cornice.

Fairfield.

The summit of Dollywaggon Pike.

A lovely, windblown view.

Great Gable to Pillar across Ullscarf.

Bowfell to the Scafells.

A panorama from Dollywaggon Pike. Select on the image to see a larger version.

From the descent of Dollywaggon Pike.

At the ruined sheepfold on the descent - I managed to lose the path here, I couldn't see it anywhere!

This will do though, Thirlmere and Skiddaw from the descent.

Coniston Sunrise

Walked on 30/11/2012

Start point: Walna Scar road (SD 289 970)

Walna Scar car park – Coniston Old Man – Brim Fell – Goat’s Hawse – Dow Crag – Buck Pike – Blind Tarn – Walna Scar car park

Distance: 5.3 miles Total Ascent: 780 metres Time Taken: 3 hours Start Time: 07:20

Weather: Freezing, some cloud. 0oC

It has been really cold and clear for the last couple of days so I wanted to get high on a fell to catch a glorious sunrise this morning and I wasn’t disappointed with the one I got – the view from the Old Man was fabulous this morning, one to remember for a while.

Pre-dawn on the climb to The Old Man and the sun is still below the horizon.

Getting lighter as I climb higher, the valleys below are covered in mist.

Sunrise, first sight of the sun over the horizon.

The view down from the climb.

Mono Coniston Water, partially frozen, and Windermere beyond covered in a thick blanket of cloud.

Black Combe and Brown Pike glowing in the early sunshine.

Morecambe Bay with Heysham Power Station visible looking along cloud covered Coniston Water and the Crake Valley.

The full moon over Dow Crag.

Martian mountains?

Winter Hill on the horizon floating above a sea of orange cloud.

A panoramic view from the summit.

The view over Low Water and Levers Water.

The sun has risen into cloud now looking across layers of valleys.

The Old Man summit view.

Silhouetted cairn.

No one was around this early (of course!).

The face of Dow Crag - at this point I wasn't sure where I was heading next and seemed to do quite a bit of aimless wandering, watching the conditions unfold to work out the best way to go.

The Old Man in mono.

The Scafells.

There was a fabulous winter sky this morning.

Brim Fell summit cairn and The Old Man.

Casper surveys his kingdom.

Skiddaw, Great Carrs, Swirl How and Blencathra.

Scafell and Scafell Pike.

Skiddaw.

Frozen Brim Fell.

Brr, it was cold up here today.

Brim Fell summit.

Finding a way down.

Goat's Water.

Dougal and Casper, raring to go!

Harter Fell.

The view from Dow Crag.

Looking back over Goat's Hawse.

The frozen Duddon Valley.

Dow Crag from Buck Pike.

Me and Casperoonals.

Blind Tarn.

Coniston Old Man across The Cove.

That fiery sky was ever-present today.

Sun Dog to the left.

Cove Bridge.

Caw

Walked on 27/11/2012

Start point: Kiln Bank Cross (SD 215 933)

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

Distance: 3.3 miles Total Ascent: 413 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 40 minutes Start Time: 09:20

Weather: Sunny spells with a cool wind. 7oC

There has been plenty of rain around over the last week or so but the Lake District has escaped the severe flooding that other parts of the country have been unfortunate enough to endure. It almost seemed impossible that we could get some dry weather at last after it rained relentlessly all day yesterday but here we have it – a rare dry day! The tops of the highest fells have a covering of snow and the wind up on top was pretty cold today.

The Park Head Road - a bit damp underfoot but not from above, thankfully.

Brock Barrow.

An interesting and different route to Brock Barrow following an old quarry track, the zig-zags of which can be seen quite clearly.

Looking across the Duddon Valley from the ruined quarry buildings to The Pike and Hesk Fell, Whitfell beyond.

Stickle Pike in mono.

Stickle Pike and Black Combe. These workings are more extensive than I realised.

Caw and a bit of blue sky.

Snow capped Grey Friar and Swirl How.

The high fells at the head of the Duddon Valley are lost under a thick belt of cloud.

Sunshine over Morecambe Bay, Heysham Power station silhouetted.

Lots of weather going on in the Duddon Valley as I reached the top of Caw.

Black Combe from Caw.

There was a strong, cold wind up here today.

The Coniston fells.

The look that says a thousand words...

...and so does this one, something akin to 'Get a move on'!

Grey Friar, grey sky.

The Duddon Estuary.

The Fell Dogs.

Dougal portrait.

Dougal the Woolly Jumper, proudly standing atop a wall today. He scaled the north face of the 6' wall in one bound. The reason? 'Because it was there'

The way back, following the wall which follows the lay of the land, in and out.

A bit brighter over Stickle Pike now.

The Uldale Fells

Walked on 14/11/2012

Start point: Longlands (NY 266 358)

Longlands – Longlands Fell – Lowthwaite Fell – Brae Fell – Little Sca Fell – Great Sca Fell – Meal Fell – Trusmadoor –Great Cockup – Longlands

Distance: 6.9 miles Total Ascent: 673 metres Time Taken: 2 hours 40 minutes Start Time: 10:20

Weather: Warm but windy on the tops. 12oC

Firstly, thanks to all (the many!) who attended the book launch in Keswick and Bowness this weekend, it was great to meet so many of the StridingEdge family and I was humbled by the amount of people that had travelled from far and wide to attend the event and meet Dougal and Casper (and two blokes that have brought a book out!). Thank you.

The weather has completely turned around from my last walk with the temperatures reaching a heady 12C and the snow has completely disappeared from the fell tops now. I wasn’t expecting much from the weather but was pleasantly surprised when the weather was much brighter than expected on these rather dull fells. The wind however was biting up there and it was really quite cold on the tops.

It was a bit dull but Grasmere was flat calm on the way past today.

Binsey and Over Water from the climb to Longlands Fell.

Longlands Fell summit.

It was mighty windy once up on the top (as demonstrated by my able assistant, Dougal) and hat and gloves were required from here.

The view to Lowthwaite Fell with Skiddaw to the right beyond Great Cockup.

The small cairn on Lowthwaite Fell.

The route to Little Sca Fell (following the path up to the left).

Drama over Skiddaw.

Looking over to the Solway Firth from Brae Fell.

The path to Little Sca Fell, left to centre.

High Pike and a hint of blue sky.

Sun on Brae Fell.

Lowthwaite Fell and Longlands Fell.

A spontaneous outburst of sunshine.

The sunken wind shelter on Little Sca Fell.

Knott from Great Sca Fell.

The steep descent to Meal Fell, Great Cockup beyond.

A solitary figure walks the path to Meal Fell.

The valley of the River Ellen looking to Over Water and Binsey.

Burntod Gill.

Meal Fell, the summit is the small shelter to the left.

Looking across Meal Fell summit.

Little Sca Fell, Great Sca Fell and Knott from Meal Fell.

Windswept Casper, nine years old on the 15th November.

Trusmadoor.

The view along Burntod Gill.

The Back o' Skidda' from Great Cockup.

Dougally Doo and Casperoonals on Great Cockup.

Skiddaw panoramic.

Bassenthwaite Lake. Today's tale from the fells...when I was descending steeply towards the River Ellen, I could see by looking at the lie of the land the best route of descent. I could also see a crossing of the River Ellen and a path on the opposite bank marked by the gap in the bracken. The person a little further ahead of me had a hand held GPS at which he was intently gazing. He managed to descend the horribly steep way without lifting his eyes from the screen and continued across a bog towards a crossing of the River Ellen which would have been a nightmare, as it goes into a deep ravine further downstream from the crossing. I could see him looking around for a crossing place when I was well on my way back to Longlands...they are alright those GPS's but sometimes it's better just to look!

Following the wall back to Longlands.

Crinkle Crags and Bowfell

Walked on 05/11/2012

Start point: The Old Dungeon Ghyll car park (NY 286 062)

Old Dungeon Ghyll – Oxendale – Red Tarn – Crinkle Crags – Shelter Crags – Three Tarns – Bowfell – Climbers Traverse – The Band – Old Dungeon Ghyll

Distance: 8 miles Total Ascent: 1005 metres Time Taken: 5 hours Start Time: 07:30

Weather: Cold, snow. -2oC to +10oC!

It was a beautiful weekend with lots of snow visible on the fell tops. Today was to be the day of the week according to the forecasters…well, it would have been rude not to go out!

Langdale sky over Lingmoor Fell.

Oxendale.

Clouds were forming and pouring over the Langdale Pikes.

Pike o' Stickle.

Moon over Great Knott.

The Langdales from the top of Browney Gill.

Pike o' Blisco.

The Coniston fells.

These sheep were waiting for us on Crinkle Crags.

A view to Blencathra and Helvellyn.

The 2nd and 3rd Crinkles from the 1st and the descent to the Bad Step.

Crinkle Crags Tarn, the highest tarn in England? - read all about it in The Wainwright Companion

Casper and Dougal loving the sunshine.

Long Top, the summit of Crinkle Crags.

Deep snow and the path to the 3rd and 4th Crinkles.

Helvellyn beyond High Raise.

Looking back to the 1st and 2nd from the 3rd!

What a beautiful day.

A contrast in colours looking down on Great Langdale.

3rd to the left and the bigger 2nd from the 4th (sounds like a puzzle all this Crinkling!).

Crinkle Crags from Shelter Crags.

Eskdale and the west Cumbrian coast.

Bowfell across Three Tarns from the prominent rock tower.

The Scafells across Three Tarns, a beautiful place.

Casper and Dougal seem to like it too. Today's story from the fells whilst I was there - a group of chaps were heading towards me, one of them to another in a rather posh voice 'Oh look, it's a shepherd with his dogs'.

Bowfell Links.

The largest of the tarns.

Looking back to Crinkle Crags over Three Tarns from the climb - and yes, there are three tarns, the revised Pictorial Guides show a different story but you can (of course!) read all about that in The Wainwright Companion!

The Dragon's Den? Casper found this handy igloo on top of Bowfell, if you look closely it is actually made in the shape of a dragon. Casper is sat in the mouth with two eyes and two horns on top.

Cloud and moon over the Scafells from Bowfell summit.

Upper Eskdale from Bowfell summit.

There is a magnificent view of the Scafells from here. Select on the image to see a larger version.

The Great Slab of Flat Crags.

Crinkle Crags across Three Tarns from the descent. Bumped into StridingEdge fan Rod descending here, nice to have a chat on such a day.

Descending The Band.

Looking back up the path, Three Tarns are in the depression top left.

Crinkle Crags from The Band.

Out of the snow and cold wind and back to the greener pastures of Great Langdale.

The Langdales from The Band.

Mickleden.

A more pastoral scene showing much of today's route - Crinkle Crags and Bowfell in the background and the snowless lower slopes of The Band.

Coniston Old Man

Walked on 01/11/2012

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: 4.3 miles Total Ascent: 630 metres Time Taken: 3 hours Start Time: 10:50

Weather: Cold, snow. 5oC.

I saw Scafell through a parting in the clouds earlier this morning and could see that there was snow on the tops. It was a good bet that others would have snow on too and on the way to Coniston I could see that those tops were also dusted with snow. It only seems like 5 minutes ago since summer but there you go – full blown winter conditions on the fells once more.

A fleeting glimpse of Dow Crag and The Old Man from Torver - it looks as though there is a bit of snow on the tops this morning.

When I got out of the car there was nothing to be seen, everything was covered in mist...but as I set off it quickly disappeared.

The Bell through the clearing mist.

On the Walna Scar Road. The summit of The Old Man can almost be seen.

Wetherlam.

Frosty skies and rising mist looking to the south from Little Arrow Moor.

A bit of sunshine and a view to Brown Pike.

A panoramic view across The Cove - Brown Pike, Buck Pike and Dow Crag.

A cloud of two halves!

The southern end of Coniston Water and Morecambe Bay.

Above the snow line now looking to Brown Pike and Blind Tarn, Black Combe beyond.

Coniston Water is clear now.

Approaching the summit. There were lots of families here today as it is half term, great to see so many enjoying the fells.

The wintry summit of Coniston Old Man.

Old Man panoramic.

Low Water and beyond.

A panorama of Dow Crag.

Grey Friar and Brim Fell.

No messing around for these young lads - straight down to business with snowmen and snowballs!

Those clouds look heavily laden with snow.

Looking back to the summit on the way to Brim Fell.

Contrasting colours.

There was a really cold wind crossing towards Brim Fell.

Looking across to Windermere before disappearing into the clouds.

Hole in the sky above The Old Man.

No views for us from Brim Fell today.

The snow Beardies.

Back out of the mist at the foot of Brim Fell Rake heading to Low Water.

Finding the best route.

Dougal in a snowstorm.

Rainbow over Coniston.

The Bell in sunshine.

Back at the car and blue skies up on high.

Blawith Knott

Walked on 26/10/2012

Start point: Woodland Fell road (SD 256 879)

Woodland Fell Road – Blawith Knott (OF) – Lang Tarn – Woodland Fell Road

Start Time: 14:45

Weather: Cold wind. 5C.

The predicted Arctic blast did indeed arrive today and it was numbingly cold in the wind even on the top of lowly Blawith Knott – it only seems like 5 minutes since summer! Today was only a short walk followed by an aimless wander around – quite relaxing and enjoyable it was too.

Black Combe from Giant's Grave.

Here's something you don't see often - bailed bracken.

The Duddon Estuary from the first cairn on the climb.

Wetherlam catches some sun.

It looks a bit brighter over to the east.

The guiding lights.

Blawith Knott - the wind was mighty cold up here today.

The Fell Dogs.

Fairfield and friends.

Lang Tarn, the smallest named tarn in the Lake District.

The heads of state - Scafell and Scafell Pike.

Stickle Pike to Caw.

The view across Woodland.

Yewbarrow

Walked on 24/10/2012

Start point: Overbeck Bridge (NY 168 068)

Overbeck Bridge – Bell Rib – Great Door – Yewbarrow (South Top) – Yewbarrow (North Top) – Dore Head – Over Beck – Overbeck Bridge

Distance: 3.9 miles Total Ascent: 580 metres Time Taken: 2 hours 30 minutes Start Time: 09:40

Weather: Mild. 14C.

I was looking forward to getting to Wasdale once more, it seems like ages since I was over that way. The weather started off looking quite promising but by the end of the walk it had clouded over and ended up a little dull but the great scrambling sections at either end of the fell made up for that.

Yewbarrow route map.

Early morning mist in Eskdale.

Britain's favourite view.

Great Gable.

Bell Rib on the southern tip of Yewbarrow from Overbeck Bridge.

Middle Fell.

Red Pike.

Autumn colours.

The steep climb to imposing Bell Rib.

Red Pike from Dropping Crag...

...and the view from the edge to Seatallan across Over Beck.

Looking down the scree chute to Wasdale, Dropping Crag is lower right.

Scafell through Great Door.

The Scafell Pikes.

Looking across to Burnmoor Tarn from the second cleft on the south ridge.

Illgill Head and Whin Rigg - The Screes.

Caw Fell and Haycock in the sunshine as the clouds come over the rest of Wasdale from the cairn on Bull Crag.

Nice haircut boys (and no I haven't chopped Dougal's ear off!).

Low Tarn nestling below Red Pike, Haycock beyond.

Great Gable and lenticular cloud.

The summit of Yewbarrow.

Walking the ridge to the north top of Yewbarrow, Pillar in cloud beyond and Red Pike rising up from Dore Head to the left.

What's going on over there?

Kirk Fell to Scafell - a panoramic view from the north top.

Great End and Lingmell with cloud caps, Scafell Pike and Scafell without - all towering over Wasdale Head.

The mountain lion checks out the route of descent...

...the feared (by some) Stirrup Crag - Dougal is already path finding below.

From Dore Head, the upper band of rock looks unassailable.

Down at Dore Head tarn.

Yewbarrow from the back.

Casper and Dougal.

Looking to Middle Fell along Over Beck.

Autumn hue.

Walney Sunset

Walked on 21/10/2012

It was such a fantastic day today, the weather was fine and clear and it was really warm. I didn’t manage to make it for a walk but did manage to catch the final glowing embers in a fabulous west coast sunset from Walney Island.

Ship on the horizon.

An orange swell.

The lowering sun was just beautiful from here.

Beach panorama.

Almost gone.

Orange water.

The end of the day.

Moon rising.

Solitude.

Lank Rigg

Walked on 18/10/2012

Cold Fell Road – Blakeley Raise – Grike – Crag Fell – Whoap – Lank Rigg – Cold Fell Road

Distance: 6.4 miles Total Ascent: 565 metres Time Taken: 2 hours 45 minutes Start Time: 09:50

Weather: Showers and a strong wind. 12C.

It was damp with a strong wind today making it feel decidedly chilly; I wore gloves throughout which shows how cold it was. There were quite a few showers but at least the strong wind made sure they blew away quickly.

Lank Rigg route map.

Whoap and Lank Rigg from the climb to Blakeley Raise.

Dent from Blakeley Raise.

Grike ahead (there is a descent at the midline of this photo, so not quite as easy as it looks here!).

Criffel across the Solway Firth.

Knock Murton and Blake Fell.

Whoap and Lank Rigg panorama - the return leg of the walk.

Grike.

The summit cairns on Grike.

Ennerdale Fell, to the right is Whoap.

The boggy path to Crag Fell.

Looking back to Grike.

The north western fells from Crag Fell.

The wild boys, windswept on Crag Fell.

Ennerdale Water below looking to Great Borne.

That sky is looking a bit ominous over the high fells at the head of Ennerdale.

Ennerdale Fell.

Grike and Crag Fell from Ennerdale Fell.

Whoap.

Lank Rigg ahead.

Whoap Beck valley.

Looking back to Whoap from the climb to Lank Rigg.

Lank Rigg.

A panoramic view from the summit.

Wainwrights treasure seems to have moved but there are still plenty of coins - I added by two bob's worth!

Lank Rigg Tarn looking to Caw Fell.

Looking out to the west Cumbrian coast, Sellafield in view.

The summit of Lank Rigg.

Blakeley Raise from the descent.

Grike and Crag Fell from the direct descent of Lank Rigg - I could see where the car was from the top so I went for it. I knew it would be a bit boggy going this way but the heavens opened too making it a bit of a damp affair. Then I had to cross the River Calder...good job it wasn't far to the car after that! On the way home, you guessed it...

Silver How

Walked on 15/10/2012

Start point: Grasmere Church (NY 336 073)

Grasmere – Allan Bank – Silver How – Spedding Crag – Dow Bank – Grasmere

Distance: 3.7 miles Total Ascent: 363 metres Time Taken: 2 hours Start Time: 09:40

Weather: Changeable. 8C

It was a strange morning that didn’t look as though it would ever dry up with heavy rain early on. Up on high, things did change for the better though, much better.

Silver How route map.

It was quite a gloomy start through Grasmere, here on the road towards Allan Bank (Wordsworth's residence 1808-1811).

Seat Sandal above the rooftops of Grasmere.

A panoramic view from Helm Crag to Stone Arthur with lots of interesting and quickly shifting clouds around.

Following the ancient path.

Raining now at the top of the path looking back towards Grasmere.

Panoramic from the gate.

The way ahead, following the green path between the bracken.

Helm Crag.

More shifting clouds, this time looking across to Stone Arthur and Great Rigg.

Silver How ahead.

It seemed to be brightening up a little here now.

The Vale of Grasmere.

Wow, what happened there? It was like a different day in the blink of an eye with blue sky and sunshine.

Silver How summit, the Coniston fells rising above the cloud.

Casper and Dougal - sun kissed and muddy.

Looking northwards, that big bank of cloud was over Grasmere and spreading my way. The Langdales to the west weren't visible all morning so I seemed to be in a small sunny pocket.

The path towards Elterwater - I wasn't sure where I was going to end up really, it depended on the weather so I had a bit of an aimless wander around.