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.

Eventually I descended southwards here looking towards Dow Bank from the big cairn.

Grasmere and Rydal Water.

Autumn in the Vale of Grasmere.

Spedding Crag.

Lovely colours in the sunshine.

The path to Silver How (summit to the left) from the wall corner.

Following the wall to Grasmere.

Mirrored Grasmere.

Access to the Silver How lane, right.

Island reflection.

Silver How.

Silver How across Grasmere and a bit of sunlight on the trees. Later...

Low Wood jetty.

The Langdale Pikes making a brief appearance, taken from Low Wood.

Crinkle Crags and Bowfell.

Windermere - paradise?

Helvellyn & Striding Edge

Walked on 09/10/2012

Start point: Patterdale (NY 394 160)

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

Distance: 8.1 miles Total Ascent: 920 metres Time Taken: 4 hours 30 minutes Start Time: 08:00

Weather: Warm and sunny. 12C

The forecast was making it look to good to miss today and fortunately they got it right. Striding Edge was looking good today, very good in fact with views for miles.

Helvellyn & Striding Edge route map.

Dawn over Patterdale from Kirkstone Pass.

I couldn't resist paying Brothers Water a visit as I passed.

Beautiful reflections and sunrise. On with the walk...

On the road towards Grisedale, the fields are frozen in the valley but the sun is rising now.

Looking into Grisedale, the grass is still frosted in the early sun.

Climbing higher, St Sunday Crag towering above Grisedale.

Striding Edge and Helvellyn from the Hole in the Wall.

Looking along Birkhouse Moor to Ullswater which is under a thick blanket of cloud this morning.

Striding Edge.

A wider view.

StridingEdge on Striding Edge.

Hell's teeth.

The Chimney.

Red Tarn and Catstycam.

Looking down on Striding Edge from the climb to Helvellyn.

Red Tarn and Birkhouse Moor.

A panoramic view from Helvellyn.

The summit plateau - mine, all mine today.

Helvellyn summit.

Nice and clear today looking at Great Gable to Pillar.

Swirral Edge and Catstycam.

Red Tarn panoramic.

Go on Dougal, go for it!

The descent of Swirral Edge.

...and looking back up to Helvellyn from the bottom.

Climbing to Catstycam.

Catstycam summit.

White Side and Raise from Catstycam (nice shadow of Catstycam too) with Skiddaw beyond.

Sun on Swirral.

Helvellyn reflected.

Colour run.

Catstycam from the walk to Birkhouse Moor.

A fabulous view of 'the lot'.

Birkhouse Moor summit.

Glenridding Dodd and Ullswater from the north east ridge of Birkhouse Moor.

Glenridding.

Autumnal Place Fell.

Hard Knott

Walked on 08/10/2012

Start point: Hardknott Pass summit (NY 230 014)

Hardknott Pass – Border End – Hard Knott – Hardknott Pass

Distance: 1.6 miles Total Ascent: 188 metres Time Taken: 1 hour Start Time: 14:30

Weather: Warm and sunny. 14C

Shorts and t-shirt was the attire for today as there was a bit of sunshine on my back and a return to warm weather – lovely it was too and what fantastic views this afternoon.

Hard Knott route map.

Grey Friar across Cockley Beck and Wrynose Bottom.

Ancient wall looking to Wrynose Pass.

Scafell from the first cairn on Border End.

A fabulous view of the Scafells from here.

Face off.

Casper and Dougal get an eyeful of Upper Eskdale.

The Scafells to Esk Pike to Bowfell.

Casper and Dougal and a fabulous backdrop.

Hard Knott is in the centre ground, Crinkle Crags beyond.

Esk Pike and that Pike de Bield path looks oh so easy from here.

The Scafells from Hard Knott.

England's finest, Scafell Pike.

Scafell panoramic.

The summit of Hard Knott complete with TV aerial.

Wrynose Bottom.

Looking down on the Wrynose Pass road.

I-spy Slight Side and Scafell.

Pool reflections looking toward the Coniston fells.

Hard Knott from the Duddon Valley.

Glaramara via Combe Gill

Walked on 01/10/2012

Start point: Strands Bridge (NY 249 135)

Strands Bridge – The Combe – Combe Door – Combe Head – Glaramara – Stonethwaite Fell – Rosthwaite Cam on Rosthwaite Fell – Bessyboot on Rosthwaite Fell – Big Stanger Gill – Stonethwaite – Strands Bridge

Distance: 6.4 miles Total Ascent: 815 metres Time Taken: 4 hours 30 minutes Start Time: 07:30

Weather: Showers, strong wind on the tops. 14C

It wasn’t the best forecast to go for a walk in the wettest valley in the country but I thought I came away relatively unscathed today! Yes there were lots of showers but I enjoyed the route up, the scramble of Combe Gill. That is more than I can say for the route of descent…

Glaramara route map.

Falls on Combe Gill with distant Combe Head just peeping into view.

The path towards Combe Gill.

Daybreak over Borrowdale.

The divergence from the main path - left to Combe Gill, right to Thornythwaite Fell.

A good place for a geography lesson - moraines, drumlins and a hanging valley.

Combe Gill - the route is to the right of the ravine.

Panoramic of The Combe.

Walking The Combe.

Combe Gill.

The view back along to Borrowdale.

The ravine.

This section towards the top is the crux. Chucking it down now!

Looking back down from the top of Combe Gill.

Yes, up there!

Rosthwaite Fell and a view to distant Skiddaw and Derwent Water.

Combe Door.

High Raise and the Langdale Pikes from Combe Head.

Glaramara.

Looking along Borrowdale from Combe Head.

Glaramara from the cairn on Combe Head.

A bit wet and wild today.

The approach to Glaramara.

The 20' rock step. Dougal bounded up here today, Casper had to be given a little helping hand...he is getting on a bit now you know.

Glaramara summit in mist.

Passing Combe Door again.

Heading for Rosthwaite Fell.

Rosthwaite Cam and Dovenest Crag (called Stonethwaite Fell by Birkett).

Stonethwaite Fell summit to the left.

Fleetwith Pike from Stonethwaite Fell.

Fining a way to Rosthwaite Cam.

Rosthwaite Cam from the south. From the previous photo to this one, the rain was like stair rods and the wind so strong I could hardly stand up...

...but as if by magic the strong wind then blew it all away. This is a great view of High Stile and Fleetwith Pike from Rosthwaite Cam.

Bessyboot overlooking Tarn at Leaves.

Would you believe it? The sun came out as I was passing Tarn at Leaves.

Bessyboot, the summit of Rosthwaite Fell.

The strange array of rock spurs to the north west of Bessyboot summit.

The route crosses the ravine at this small cairn.

The descent to Stonethwaite is going to be a steep one.

Another 'fixed' path - absolutely unusable when it is wet like this and completely annoying. I had a heavy fall descending here when I was forced to use this horrible stone stairway. What is the point of making a path that cannot be used in the wet?

Big Stanger Gill.

Amen to that.

Stonethwaite.

Rosthwaite Fell from Stonethwaite.

Stickle Pike

Walked on 28/09/2012

Start point: Kiln Bank Cross (SD 215 933)

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

Distance: 1 mile Total Ascent: 105 metres Time Taken: 30 minutes Start Time: 14:15

Weather: Breezy with fleeting sunny spells. 14°C

I took the opportunity for a quick walk up to Stickle Pike this afternoon, the higher fells were covered in cloud and this particular fell seemed to stand out from the rest by being in sunshine. It’s a great walk here, there is always something different to explore and the dogs are glad of a place to swim.

At the foot of Stickle Pike, Dougal doing his Dougal thing.

Harter Fell over on the left and Caw on the right both pick up the fleeting sunshine.

Caw and quarries.

Stickle Tarn.

The main path to Stickle Pike - I never used it today walking across the top from left to right in this photo.

The Hair Dryer.

The intrepid explorer.

Casper!

Stickle Tarn from the south.

A beautiful view to Caw across Stickle Tarn.

We had a little scramble up this nice gully.

Looking down and across The Knott.

Great Stickle, the Duddon Estuary and Black Combe.

The sun shines on the summit of Stickle Pike.

Dougal and Casper.

Looking to Caw.

Dappled view.

The Duddon Valley and the way down.

The Pike, left, and Hesk Fell.

The Business Meeting, Clough Head

Walked on 26/09/2012

Start point: Wanthwaite (NY 316 232)

1Wanthwaite – Wanthwaite Bank – Buck Castle – Jim’s Fold – Clough Head – Old Coach Road – Wanthwaite

Distance: 4.4 miles Total Ascent: 595 metres Time Taken: 2 hours 30 minutes Start Time: 09:50

Weather: Changeable but dry. 12°C

The Business Meeting? Well today was a bit of that, taking a walk with Clive Hutchby to discuss various things up to Clough Head. There were some good sunny spells but it was really quite cold on the top with a strong breeze blowing.

Clough Head from Wanthwaite, the route of ascent is from left to right.

Looks promising over Skiddaw.

Leaving the Old Coach Road to climb through the old quarries.

Through the quarries looking to Clough Head.

Wanthwaite Bank.

Skiddaw and Blencathra.

Getting into the groove.

Looking back down.

Bright and sunny towards Skiddaw.

St John's in the Vale and High Rigg.

The light makes it look like a painting.

Climbing higher.

I took Wainwright's intermediate 'sporting' route (Buck Castle on the OS map), the line of the path can be seen in this photo. Clive took the easier and more usual grass slope route to the top.

Looking beyond Threlkeld Knotts from the climb to Gategill Fell, Hall's Fell and Doddick Fell on Blencathra.

On Buck Castle looking to Wainwright's amphitheatre.

A long way down from the top of the rock tower of Buck Castle.

The sheep show the path across Wanthwaite Crags.

The view towards Keswick from high above Wanthwaite.

High Rigg summit in the sunshine, layers of fells beyond.

Looking down from Wanthwaite Crags.

Across Derwent Water to the Coledale fells.

Sunshine and a cold wind on the climb to Clough Head summit.

A Blencathra panoramic...and Dougal.

The Vale of Keswick from Clough Head.

Clive, propping up the trig column.

The Coiled Springs.

Looking for a way down.

Threlkeld Knotts and beyond from the descent.

Looking back to Clough Head from the Old Coach Road.

Lake District

Walked on 22/09/2012

It has been a lovely weekend of early Autumn weather, Saturday especially so – I couldn’t resist a few shots on my travels even if I didn’t have time to make it for a walk!

Parkamoor Jetty and a mirror finish to Coniston Water.

The Coniston fells.

Another view of the jetty.

Yew Tree Tarn.

Little Langdale.

Little Langdale Tarn.

Closer up on Little Langdale Tarn, Pike o' Blisco beyond and Bowfell to the right.

Slater's Bridge.

An alternative angle.

Windermere sunset.

Gummer's How.

Big sky. West coast sunset 23.09.12...

Black Combe.

High Raise

Walked on 21/09/2012

Start point: New Dungeon Ghyll Car Park (NY 295 064)

New Dungeon Ghyll – Tarn Crag – Sergeant Man – High Raise – Thunacar Knott – Harrison Stickle – Pike Howe – New Dungeon Ghyll

Distance: 5.5 miles Total Ascent: 752 metres Time Taken: 3 hours 40 minutes Start Time: 07:50

Weather: Brightening with long sunny spells later. 12°C

It was very quiet up on the fells today, I hardly saw a soul all morning. The weather was ever improving with sunshine and loveliness all around by the end of the walk.

First of all, an invitation for you if you are around in the Lakes on the weekend of the 10th & 11th of November…

It would be great to see you there where you can meet the gruesome twosome (and Dougal and Casper!).

An early start from Dungeon Ghyll, Pike Howe ahead.

Stickle Ghyll.

Plenty of water flowing today after a few days of heavy rain.

The footbridge across Stickle Ghyll looking to Tarn Crag.

Pike Howe and a touch of blue sky.

Looking across to Pike Howe. I was following the original path to the east of Tarn Crag (now fallen out of fashion I think), a lovely climb with a nice gradient and zig-zags on grass - much better than the modern rocky pitched path. It's almost as if those old timers knew what they were doing!

This Rowan tree was laden with bright red berries.

A ruin with a view.

Sergeant Man comes into view.

Harrison Stickle.

Pavey Ark.

The small walled enclosure 10 yards past the fork.

Harrison Stickle.

Climbing higher.

Pavey Ark and a clear view of the North Rake.

Dougal checks out the two tarns - Codale and Easedale whilst the Fairfield fells get some sunlight on the clouds.

Sergeant Man from the rock slab.

The summit from the east.

The summit of Sergeant Man.

Dougal and Casper.

Looking down the Blea Rigg ridge to Windermere.

Not much to be seen from the summit of High Raise which was completely enveloped in mist.

Windermere, Pavey Ark and clearing skies.

The mist swirling around Pike o' Stickle.

Heading across to Harrison Stickle.

Stickle Tarn from the path.

Looking across to Pavey Ark.

Harrison Stickle summit.

A panoramic view across Stickle Tarn.

Bowfell in cloud beyond Pike o' Stickle.

Loft Crag and Pike o' Stickle from the descent.

The ravine of Dungeon Ghyll.

Looking back along the path, Dungeon Ghyll to the left.

Windermere and Great Langdale.

The first people I met today climbing to Harrison Stickle.

Tarn Crag and Stickle Ghyll - the original path I used earlier can be seen as the ribbon of green diverging from the rocky path.

Great Langdale.

Harrison Stickle from Pike Howe.

'What are you up to?'.

The path to Harrison Stickle.

The old and the new - looking down on the paths around Pike Howe

The lower section of Dungeon Ghyll.

The descent.

Crinkle Crags at the head of Oxendale, clear of clouds now.

Great Langdale looking lovely in the sunshine.

The Langdale Pikes.

Glenridding Dodd

Walked on 17/09/2012

Start point: Stybarrow Crag, Glenridding (NY 387 179)

Glenridding Dodd from Stybarrow Crag

Distance: 1.9 miles Total Ascent: 321 metres Time Taken: 1 hour Start Time: 09:50

Weather: Windy with frequent showers. 12°C

Today didn’t promise too much weather wise but I thought I came off quite lightly with it for a straight out and back climb to Glenridding Dodd this morning. The initial climb this way is sylvan and steep but offers a relatively quick way to reach the top.

Clearing clouds on the way over Kirkstone Pass and the weather doesn't really look too promising...

...but 20 minutes later it was looking a little different over Ullswater.

Paradise?

Ullswater and Birk Fell from the steep climb alongside Mossdale Beck.

Climbing through the trees.

Out of the woods.

Crossing the wall and there was a strong wind whipping up across here.

Heron Pike.

The walker below gave me a cheery wave, here looking to Birkhouse Moor and Catstycam.

The fierce wind was constantly blowing showers across Glenridding.

The summit of Glenridding Dodd.

Yes Dougal, it is windy!

Birkhouse Moor from the path heading eastwards across the summit.

Rainbow rising.

Looking down on Glenridding.

A Glenridding panorama.

Ullswater.

Casper and Dougal taking shelter.

Place Fell panorama.

Descending through the Larch trees.

Bannerdale Round

Walked on 11/09/2012

Start point: Mungrisdale (NY 361 303)

Mungrisdale – East Ridge – Bannerdale Crags – Bowscale Fell – East Top on Bowscale Fell – Bowscale Tarn – Bowscale – Mungrisdale

Distance: 7.3 miles Total Ascent: 607 metres Time Taken: 3 hours Start Time: 09:40

Weather: A mixed bag of everything. 12°C

It seemed a lot cooler and fresher today than of late for a walk to Bannerdale Crags and I was confident of the weather clearing as I set of from Mungrisdale in the rain. The weather was a right old mixture of rain and hail showers, strong wind and sunshine. The climb to Bannerdale Crags following the east ridge is highly recommended with a nice scramble on the upper section.

Setting off from Mungrisdale in the rain, Bannerdale Crags in the distance and The Tongue to the right.

A few minutes later, all change over The Tongue.

The east ridge of Bannerdale Crags running left to right, today's route of ascent.

Sunshine on Bannerdale Crags from the start of the climb of the east ridge.

Bannerdale Crags, the rim running along the horizon.

Looking back along the River Glenderamackin.

The east ridge and the summit to the right.

Dougal, sheep spotting, and Bowscale Fell in the sunshine.

At the foot of the east ridge.

Bannerdale.

This is a fabulous way up and it is highly recommended if you like a bit of a scramble.

Looking back down along the escarpment.

The summit from the final tower of the east ridge.

Bowscale Fell with its east ridge beyond The Tongue.

The summit of Bannerdale Crags, Bowscale Fell beyond.

The distinctive saddleback shape of...Saddleback (Blencathra).

Dougal (giving me the eye) and Casper.

East ridge profile.

Bowscale fell.

Bannerdale Crags from the ridge leading to Bowscale Fell.

Sunny again on the way to Bowscale Fell.

Looking back to Blencathra after passing a party of walkers.

Skiddaw under cloud from Bowscale Fell, Great Calva to the right.

There was a strong wind up here but these two were loving it anyway.

A panoramic looking to Blencathra and Skiddaw.

Looking along the east ridge of Bowscale Fell.

Clearing skies.

High Pike.

I walked out to the cairn atop the east ridge, here looking across to Blencathra with Bannerdale Crags and the east ridge I climbed centre left. The dark line in front of it is The Tongue.

Bowscale Tarn.

I firstly heard then spotted this sheep gathering down by the tarn. More of those sheep later...

Looking across to Bowscale Fell from the east ridge.

Bowscale Fell from the top of the grassy rake (that is Wainwright's description - it is no longer a grassy rake, more of a muddy groove!).

Descending to Bowscale Tarn.

Carrock Fell.

Beautiful weather now following the track to Bowscale. If you look very closely we are following those sheep mentioned earlier, they are right at the end of the track in this photo.

The Caldew valley.

Bowscale. Oh, and those sheep...

...well, they caused a bit of a traffic jam along the road back to Mungrisdale. It was interesting to follow this party along the road and fascinating to see how three men and five dogs worked this flock - 'garn' ('go on') and 'gerrim' ('get him') were the words of the day. Those dogs were brilliant, just a little nip on the neck or leg of any sheep that dared break free. Of course, I had my two wannabee's with me - they would have loved to join in.

Beacon Fell

Walked on 03/09/2012

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

Beacon Fell (OF) from Tottle Bank

Distance: 2 miles Total Ascent: 200 metres Time Taken: 2 hours Start Time: 10:00

Weather: Warm. 19°C

This is the final hurrah for the school holidays before the return to school for Connie. We walked old favourite Beacon Fell in fittingly glorious weather and it was just about warm enough for a dip in Beacon Tarn too.

Early mist clearing from the fells above Ambleside across Coniston Water.

...and clearing from the Coniston fells at the foot of the climb to Beacon Fell.

Coniston panorama.

Beacon Fell ahead.

Close up on Dow Crag and The Old Man.

The foot of the gully which leads to the top.

A lovely day to be out in the fresh air.

Beacon Fell summit...nice to see the treasure tin has made a welcome return.

A cooling dip for Casper.

Nice!

A not too pristine Casper with Connie and Dougal on Beacon Fell.

Coniston Water and it was starting to cloud over a little now.

The view across Woodland to Black Combe.

Beacon Tarn.

Heading for the tarn.

Wool Knott from Beacon Tarn. I had a lovely dip but didn't stay in for too long.

There's something wrong here - firstly, I am the only one in the water, secondly it is about 10 degrees too cold to be in there and thirdly...can you see the object that Casper has got his beady eye on? Well that is half a bar of soap (!) that someone kindly left. It is gone now - Dougal took one look at it after I shooed Casper away from it and promptly swallowed the lot in one go. He's staying outside for a while now...

Looking back to the tarn from the Cumbria Way path.

A fine view o' them fells on the way back.

Clear now, but dull over the Coniston Fells.

A reedy tarn, The Old Man and Wetherlam.

Blawith Knott & Tottlebank Height

Walked on 20/08/2012

Start point: Woodland Fell road (SD 256 879)

Woodland Fell Road – Blawith Knott (OF) – Angus Tarn – Tottlebank Height (OF) – Woodland Fell Road

Distance: 2 miles Total Ascent: 156 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 15 minutes Start Time:14:25

Weather: Warm with the odd sunny spell. 20oC

It was another warm and muggy morning and there was a bit of rain around but it eventually cleared and was quite sunny for a period. We took this opportunity to head for Blawith Knott but the sun didn’t last the distance with the cloud catching us in the end.