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.

The view from Burney along the Woodland Fell road - the bracken has suddenly taken on a definite brown tinge now as it dies off.

Giant's Grave.

Blawith Knott.

The hamlet of Woodland gets a brief spell of sunshine in the valley below.

Hot dogs.

On the climb.

The three amigos take in the view of the Duddon Estuary.

The Coniston fells looking a bit moody now, Wetherlam gets a brief spell of sunshine.

Dougal, Connie and Casper on Blawith Knott.

...and they're off! Following the clear path past Angus Tarn towards Tottlebank Height.

Enjoying a dip in Angus Tarn. If it was a bit deeper we may have joined them as well.

The splendid Angus Tarn.

Sitting pretty amongst the heather.

Looking the other way, towards Beacon Fell.

Tottlebank Height.

Dougal surveys the Crake Valley...

...whilst Casper descends our mini-Striding Edge down to the track.

Scout Scar and Cunswick Scar

Walked on 14/08/2012

Start point: Serpentine Woods car park (SD 511 092)

Serpentine Woods, Kendal – Kendal Fell – Cunswick Fell – Cunswick Scar (OF) – Scout Scar (OF) – Serpentine Woods, Kendal

Distance: 6.6 miles Total Ascent: 296 metres Time Taken: 4 hours Start Time: 11:25

Weather: (Eventually) hot and sunny. 22°C

We took a walk from Kendal to Scout Scar via Cunswick Scar today, following the Wainwright walk in the Outlying Fells book. The starting point is better nowadays for those with cars than the original as there is a free and convenient car park adjacent to Serpentine Woods. The weather started off really dull but soon turned into a rare beautiful summer’s day. As Wainwright said ‘This is a walk above others : a pleasure every step of the way’…and we did indeed ‘…take sandwiches and make a day of it’.

The old quarry tramway at the start of the walk and the weather wasn't looking so promising so we (for 'we' read 'I') carried all our waterproof gear today.

Benson Knott across Kendal rooftops.

...and from further along the track.

Passing beneath Kettlewell Crag.

At the wall end and the crossing of Kendal golf course. At the end of the green is Hellsfell Nab.

Crossing the footbridge to Cunswick Fell.

Lo and behold, it seems to be brightening up now, Cunswick Scar top ahead.

The cairn on Cunswick Scar, looking to Kentmere.

Dougal (looking ready to pounce) and Casper on Cunswick Scar. There is now water for them to drink or swim in up here.

Same place, different era - Connie adopts the classic Wainwright pose on the Cunswick Scar cairn.

The Coniston fells.

Red Screes and Kentmere, clearing by the minute.

Looking back to Cunswick Scar from the walk to Scout Scar.

The view across to Whinfell.

The view from the climb to Scout Scar.

Kentmere.

The panorama is distant from here - from Coniston to Bowfell to the Langdales.

Scout Scar, the Mushroom to the left.

The Mushroom shelter, a great place for our lunch stop.

Plaque in the shelter.

The Lyth Valley, looking along it to Arnside Knott with Whitbarrow Scar to the right.

The big cairn at the end of the scar and the turning point of this walk.

It was boiling now and there were more frequent rest stops - lovely amongst the sweet smelling heather.

A new friend across the road from the old racecourse.

The old summerhouse in Serpentine Woods.

The info board inside although you can't get near enough to read it, the summerhouse is under lock and key.

Brock Barrow

Walked on 10/08/2012

Start point: High Nibthwaite (SD 294 897)

Brock Barrow (OF) from High Nibthwaite

Distance: 1.5 miles Total Ascent: 175 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 20 minutes Start Time: 11:00

Weather: Hot and sunny. 23°C

It was really warm this morning – Connie, we are going out for a walk…your choice…!

Climbing above the rooftops of High Nibthwaite.

Beacon Fell from the path.

Brock Barrow looking seasonally heathery today.

The Crake Valley from the climb.

The Coniston fells from the top.

Brock Barrow cairn.

Looking across the foot of Coniston Water.

When you get to the top, you just have to have a rest when it is as hot as this!

What a lovely day.

Plenty of shouts and laughter from the lake below.

A panoramic view from the top.

Casper, Connie and Dougal soaking up the sunshine.

Dappled fells.

Dougal says 'Let me in too'.

Heading for the second summit, Top o' Selside up to the right.

There is a fabulous view of Coniston Water from here.

In the Ling.

Self timing.

On the descent.

Back down at High Nibthwaite.

Beacon Fell across tranquil Coniston Water.

Blencathra via Gategill Fell, Knott Halloo & Doddick Fell

Walked on 07/08/2012

Start point: Threlkeld (NY 318 256)

Threlkeld – Knott Halloo – Gategill Fell – Blencathra – Doddick Fell – Threlkeld

Distance: 4.2 miles Total Ascent: 733 metres Time Taken: 3 hours Start Time: 12:20

Weather: A mixed bag. 18°C

I was getting itchy feet so when the opportunity for a walk arose I grabbed it – I was going come rain, hail or shine! As it turned out is was really quite warm on the climb and when I reached the top I couldn’t believe how many people were up there (I never saw anyone on the steep way up though). This and a couple of other things that happened reminded me why I like to get out early…

a Blencathra via Gategill Fell, Knott Halloo, Doddick Fell.JPG

Knott Halloo prominent on Gategill Fell from Blease Gill (I took this photo at the end of the walk as it came out better than those taken at the beginning!).

Clough Head over Threlkeld from the climb alongside Blease Gill.

St. John's in the Vale.

The clouds are drifting over distant Catbells from the first small rock shelter on the climb of Gategill Fell.

There's a bit of rain in there somewhere.

Knowe Crags on Blease Fell from Gategill Fell.

A heathery hidey-hole.

Climbing higher - it's a steep one this.

The final part of the climb to Knott Halloo.

Knott Halloo.

The view over Keswick from Knott Halloo.

Looking up to Gategill Fell Top from just above Knott Halloo with the rock turret on the right.

Miniature Striding Edge.

Looking up the ridge from the rock turret.

The fly catchers hold paws on the miniature Striding Edge (appropriately).

Hall's Fell, Doddick Fell beyond.

The final tower.

Looking back down to the rock turret (centre) and Knott Halloo (right).

As I climbed to Gategill Fell Top, the mist came in with a little bit of short lived drizzle, so there were no views from there, here looking down on Gate Gill. I was informed by one lady on the summit that I had 'come the wrong way' - thanks, I will remember that next time.

Those people are stood on Gategill Fell Top, looking from the summit.

Hall's Fell Ridge from the descent towards Doddick Fell.

Scales Tarn and Sharp Edge.

Blencathra summit from Doddick Fell Top.

Looking down the Doddick Fell ridge, the route of descent, from Doddick Fell Top.

Doddick Fell Top as viewed from Wainwright's second rock-turret.

...and the view from the first rock-turret.

Looking up to Doddick Fell Top from 1450'.

Sunshine over the Mell Fells.

Doddick Gill from Doddick Fell looking to Hall's Fell Top, the summit of Blencathra.

Gate Gill looking to Blencathra's summit. Gategill Fell is to the left, Hall's Fell on the right.

Gategill Fell above Threlkeld.

Scandale

Walked on 27/07/2012

Start point: Ambleside (NY 375 046)

Ambleside – High Sweden Bridge – Low Pike – High Pike (Scandale) – Dove Crag – High Bakestones – Scandale Tarn – Scandale – Ambleside

Distance: 9 miles Total Ascent: 835 metres Time Taken: 6 hours 30 minutes Start Time: 08:00

Weather: Sunny and warm (eventually). 19°C

There was a mixed bag of weather today – poor weather for the initial climb sandwiched by sunshine and blue skies. I was joined on this walk by Clive Hutchby, author of The Wainwright Companion – the book is due out later this year and the photos in it are by me. This walk mimics ‘Dove Crag 5’, the page that was the first one Wainwright drew for the Pictorial Guides on November 9th 1952.

The early climb from Ambleside looking across to cloud enveloped Coniston, nice to see a bit of sunshine.

That looks like it will change though looking across to Scandale.

High Sweden Bridge.

Casper and Dougal on High Sweden Bridge.

Cloud enveloped High Pike from Low Pike and there was a bit of drizzle around now.

The climb ahead follows the wall.

Looking back towards Windermere.

The same view from higher up.

Dove Crag from High Pike...and Dougal having a roll in the mud!

Finally the clouds have cleared and it is summer once more.

Little Hart Crag across Scandale.

The clearing cloud.

Dougal and Casper follow the path to Dove Crag.

You may well lick your nose Casper, you mucky pup!

A view down to Brothers Water.

The cairn on High Bakestones, Red Screes beyond.

Tarn on High Bakestones.

The last remaining cairn on High Bakestones, the others have disappeared.

Me and Clive (and Dougal!).

Little Hart Crag is next up.

Looking across to St Sunday Crag and Hartsop above How from Little Hart Crag.

Scandale.

Brothers Water to the High Street range.

Love is... a heart shaped Scandale Tarn.

Little Hart Crag from the south.

Looking back into Scandale from the descent.

High Pike from Scandale.

It was lovely here today, very peaceful.

High Sweden Bridge in the sunshine this time.

A fine view from the descent to Ambleside.

Holme Fell

Walked on 21/07/2012

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: Warm with long sunny spells. 15°C

Wow, the sun made an all too rare appearance today so we grasped the opportunity for a walk in sunshine up to Holme Fell above Coniston. The Ling was much in evidence up there too, showing that late summer is nearly upon us!

Looking down on Hodge Close quarry.

All is still at the reservoir, Ivy Crag left and Holme Fell right. The sky over that way is looking a bit grey now.

Mono reflections.

Blue skies and loveliness looking to the east across the reservoir.

The view to Fairfield from the climb.

A wider view from the climb showing a bit of demarcation in the sky.

The lovely Ling is coming into bloom on Holme Fell now.

The Langdale Pikes.

Wetherlam.

Great Intake and the Langdales.

Connie, Dougal and Casper on the slippery slope.

A penny for them Connie.

Coniston Water.

Wetherlam view again from a slightly different angle.

Dougal-Ling.

A panoramic view from Ivy Crag - from the Langdales to the Far Eastern fells.

The Old Man, Wetherlam and Holme Fell summit from Ivy Crag.

The Langdales from the descent.

At the second reservoir, Dougally Doo is going for it!

Gummer’s How

Walked on 15/07/2012

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: 11:00

Weather: Overcast, showers. 14°C

The school holidays have begun and Connie and friend Maya wanted to try Geocaching today – so we did just that on Gummer’s How where there are a couple of hidden treasures. I think we timed it a bit wrong as it was sunny either side of the walk, but never mind, we enjoyed the walk anyway.

Sort of sunny, sort of not at the start of the walk.

Ulverston Amateur Swimming Club on tour - the new Barrow School's Junior 50m Backstroke Champion on the left and the new Barrow School's Junior 50m Breastroke Champion on the right (the doggy paddle champion is bringing up the rear, and it's not me!).

Before the shower hit the summit of Gummer's How.

Two onto one will go!

Maya and Connie can't believe the amazing pushmi-pullyu has made an appearance once more - two heads and four legs but which way will it go next?

Storm approaching along Windermere.

Looking across to Lakeside, looks like a yacht race below.

Dougal surveying Windermere.

Not forgetting Casper the fell maestro.

More rain, even heavier coming in. By the time we got to Bowness the sun was out and it never looked as though there had been any rain at all.

Coniston Old Man

Walked on 11/07/2012

Start point: Walna Scar road (SD 289 970)

Walna Scar car park – Low Water – Brim Fell Rake – Brim Fell – The Old Man of Coniston – Boo Tarn – Walna Scar car park

Distance: 4.3 miles Total Ascent: 630 metres Time Taken: 2 hours Start Time: 09:25

Weather: Heavy showers. 12°C

After a month of solid work, work, work it was nice to get out again today. I was determined to do it whatever the weather – today was not about sunshine and views, it was about fresh air and being alive.

Foxgloves and promising sunshine at Big Hill looking to The Bell.

Hmm, not so promising now on the tourist route to The Old Man.

The industrial past of Coniston.

Passing the old mine workings.

Relics of a bygone age.

Dougal leads the way past Low Water heading for Brim Fell Rake.

Low Water and The Old Man from Raven Tor.

Dougal and Casper - very wet but glad to be out today I think.

Not much to see on Brim Fell. The rain was horizontal and it was touch and go whether gloves and hat were needed. Plan B was put into operation and I decided to return via The Old Man rather than Swirl How and Prison Band.

All alone on The Old Man...not sure what that Casper look means!

Out of the clouds looking across Coniston on the descent.

More industrial relics (sorry Casper!).

Clearing skies on The Old Man...now!

Rest Dodd

Walked on 11/06/2012

Start point: Hartsop (NY 409 131)

Hartsop – Brock Crags – Satura Crag – Rest Dodd – Hayeswater – Hartsop

Distance: 4.4 miles Total Ascent: 562 metres Time Taken: 2 hours 15 minutes Start Time: 09:50

Weather: Constant showers. 13°C

The weather was a little different to last time I was out, the rain was light but pretty well constant today and most of the tops were hidden beneath the murk. This was a made up on the go walk, I hadn’t intended coming here at all today but it sufficed given the conditions and being a fair weather walker I didn’t get as far as I had intended at the start either.

Gray Crag with the summit looking a bit, well, grey from Hartsop.

Pasture Bottom and Threshthwaite Mouth.

Hartsop Dodd.

Hartsop and Brothers Water from the climb to Brock Crags.

High Street is under the clag above Hayeswater, Gray Crag to the right. The distinct path is the one I used in descent from Hayeswater.

Gray Crag panoramic.

Looking towards Angletarn Pikes and Place Fell from Brock Crags.

The summit of Brock Crags.

Angle Tarn is quiet today.

Casper and Dougal check out what's happening over my shoulder.

Angle Tarn from Satura Crag.

Bannerdale and Beda Fell.

On the climb to Rest Dodd.

The dreaded peat hags on The Nab and a glimpse of Ullswater.

Place Fell.

On the summit of Rest Dodd.

The Knott or not The Knott?

Not, it turned out...as the clag clears briefly.

The descent to Hayeswater.

Hayeswater.

At the outflow from Hayeswater.

A zoom over to Dove Crag.

How green is my valley? The well photographed barn in Hartsop.

Hayeswater Gill.

Lingmoor Fell

Walked on 28/05/2012

Start point: Blea Tarn Car Park (NY 296 043)

Blea Tarn – Bleatarn House – Lingmoor Fell – Lingmoor Tarn – Side Pike – Blea Tarn

Distance: 3.2 miles Total Ascent: 390 metres Time Taken: 2 hours Start Time: 09:30

Weather: Sunny and warm. 25°C

Wow, what a scorching weekend it has been and today continued in the same way. So it was sun cream on and plenty of drinks for the climb to Lingmoor Fell, the diminutive fell with the XL views!

The Langdale Pikes across Blea Tarn.

It was really warm here today, the dogs were straight in (after the reflection shot, naturally!).

Bowfell beyond Blea Tarn House.

Looking back down the steep climb.

Blea Tarn.

A clear day without a cloud in the sky.

Blake Rigg and Pike o' Blisco over Blea Tarn.

The Coniston fells.

Brown How, the summit of Lingmoor Fell.

Descending to Lingmoor Tarn.

The Langdales across Lingmoor Tarn.

I came across this sheep stuck in a bog - the poor thing couldn't move so I did my good deed for the day and hauled it out. It is amazing how heavy sheep are when laden with mud and water and I think it must have been there for quite a while as it couldn't walk for a good 10 minutes or so. You can imagine what Casper and Dougal thought of me fraternising with the 'enemy'!