After all the good weather recently I guess there had to be some bad – it just so happens that this was the only day I could get out so I had to take it as it came. Let’s just say I had some good navigation practice and needless to say, I saw no-one all day! Today’s walk will be a ‘Trail Route’ in a future edition of Trail magazine.
I know, I know – we have not been getting out much recently, the main reason being I have a new job and that is taking up all my time at the moment; never fear, normal service will be resumed soon enough. Tonight we managed a quick evening walk up to Blawith Knott – it seemed a shame not to use the warm weather and the good news about Casper is that the incurable seemingly is (partly) curable, so he can once again join us at least on the smaller walks for now.
Firstly a holiday snap – we were in Provence in July taking in a bit of the Tour de France. We managed to see the Ventoux stage and this photo was taken two days later at the start in Vasion la Romaine. Nice to get so close to the Sky team…
After all the wonderful weather over the fells that I have been jealously eyeing from afar, today was…dull! Not to worry, I didn’t let the weather and lack of views spoil the feeling of the freedom of the fells. It was fantastic to be back up there (Dougal thinks so too!) and we followed the old favourite ‘McMahon Route’ to The Old Man, returning via Brim Fell Rake.
Love the Lakes, Keswick – Springs Road – Springs Wood – Rakefoot – Walla Crag – Derwent Water – Love the Lakes, Keswick [4.9 miles, 322m ascent]
I’m still not wearing shorts and it still doesn’t seem to be getting any warmer! The wind up on Mellbreak was mighty cold today, I did contemplate hat and gloves for a while it was that bad. Still, there are always great views from here and I did have a couple of thoughts about the climb to Hen Comb. Read on to hear more…
It may be May (!) but it doesn’t particularly feel like it, the shorts and tee shirt are still not in evidence yet. Dougal (and Casper) have gone for it though having lost their winter coats ready for the long hot summer ahead. It was just me and Dougal again today for a jaunt along the east side of Coniston Water up on Bethecar Moor, a fairly relaxed walk with some great views.
It was beautiful this morning, very still and sunny and it was pleasantly warm climbing Rough Crag but as soon as I got to the High Street plateau it was covered with cloud which made it feel a lot cooler. It was a great day for it though and we were in total solitude throughout with just deer and sheep for company.
It’s a while since I have done these fells and it was nice to get back there for a visit. The weather was constantly changing and the summits were very windy with the clouds constantly blowing in and off. There was quite a number of dead sheep around today, a grizzly consequence of the heavy snowfall not so long ago.
What a beautiful day today, a welcome change after a couple of blustery ones. It really did feel like spring walking along the tops with the Meadow Pipits in full voice and the warm sun on my back.
On the way…
The Easter holidays seem to be going on forever this year, but this is it Connie – back to school tomorrow. It was quite pleasant up on Beacon Fell today and very quiet as you would expect. The strong wind made the top a place not to hang around though…
Casper enjoyed it so much the other day I thought I’d give him the opportunity of another jaunt to a small fell, it was good to have him back although nothing has changed – he is still officially retired unfortunately.
Time for a quick walk up to Blawith Knott with Connie, Casper and Dougal today. The wind was biting up there but it was nice to have the company and a fellwalking reunion.
New Dungeon Ghyll – Stickle Tarn –Harrison Stickle – Dungeon Ghyll – New Dungeon Ghyll [2.8 miles, 635m ascent]
What a beautiful day for a short walk up to Catbells, I would love to have continued and done the Newlands Round today but any walk is better than none. There were views for miles today which was accompanied by a sometimes bracing wind.
Yet another beautiful day here with sunny blue skies all around. Today we climbed Sharp Edge up to Blencathra, the reminder that it was still winter was on the north face of the edge where the ice was treacherous to the unwary.
Warning: Do not attempt Sharp Edge in winter conditions unless you know what you are doing. Never take a dog that way.
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!
It was so cold up there today – to the bone in fact – and not a day for hanging around for too long. Wasdale though, as ever, was beautiful.
I was up early again today to catch the sunrise and it was well worth it to see the beautiful rising sun across a temperature inversion. Once above the haze layer the air was very clear – a fantastic and memorable day to be out on the fells.
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!
