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'!

The wall to Side Pike.

There are still the odd clumps of bluebells around.

The Langdales across the wall.

The impenetrable looking wall of Side Pike.

Casper following the path, this is the only way through...

...only skinny dogs can manage this one! What do you mean 'how did I manage then'?

Mickleden.

The Langdale Pikes.

Great Langdale.

A hot day for Dougal and Casper.

Oxendale, with Crinkle Crags at its head.

Bowfell and The Band.

Pike o' Blisco.

Back at Blea Tarn, there are a few more clouds around then there was first thing this morning.

Brock Barrow

Walked on 24/05/2012

Start point: High Nibthwaite (SD 294 897)

Brock Barrow (OF) from High Nibthwaite

Distance: 1.5 miles Total Ascent: 175 metres Time Taken: 45 minutes Start Time: 09:30

Weather: Warm and hazy. 18°C

Summer has returned to the Lake District and it has been warmer than warm this week. I have not been doing much walking this week but have been out and about with my camera as shown in the first set of shots. Today I had a short walk up to Brock Barrow at the southern end of Coniston Water.

I couldn't resist this scene on Tuesday...

...I thought it looked like one of those scenes from yesteryear.

A mirror finish on Coniston Water at Parkamoor Jetty.

Perfect.

Beacon Fell from the jetty.

The Coniston fells.

Coniston Water.

Coniston Bluebells - about to be overtaken by the bracken.

Looking good in the sunshine though. Tuesday was also (bad?) haircut day for the boys and with the threatened good weather coming, they needed it.

Shaking out the cobwebs at Roanhead.

Bath time. On Wednesday, it was a real scorcher...

The Langdale Pikes from Elter Water.

A good place to be.

The Langdale Pikes. On with the walk...

All is calm at Lake Bank, the mist is just starting to burn off and you can see it up to the right. Also missing are the Coniston fells, still hidden by the mist to the north.

Another day of perfect reflections.

Beautiful.

Climbing from Nibthwaite, Beacon Fell is over the rooftops but to the right the mist is clearing from the Coniston fells now.

Climbing higher looking across Allan Tarn to the big bank of fog sitting over the edge of the coast.

The steep way up.

The Coniston fells from Brock Barrow.

It is slightly hazy today but very warm up here.

The view from the second cairn.

Looking down on Coniston Water.

The Old Man and Wetherlam reflected.

The long tongues and short fur tell the tale of the thermometer today.

Back down at Nibthwaite, looking across to Beacon Fell.

Up periscope.

Loughrigg Fell

Walked on 18/05/2012

Start point: Tarn Foot, Skelwith Bridge (NY 345 039)

Tarn Foot – Ivy Crag – Loughrigg Fell – The How – Loughrigg Tarn – Tarn Foot

Distance: 2.7 miles Total Ascent: 270 metres Time Taken: 1 hours 15 minutes Start Time: 09:50

Weather: Overcast, light drizzle throughout. 10°C

I’m still on ‘tekkin it easy’ mode at the moment but I will be back on the rough stuff soon enough. This is always a delightful walk whatever the weather and today it was drizzly and overcast. That didn’t really take too much away from the walk though and it seemed unusually quiet this morning – there wasn’t a soul around anywhere.

It was a bit murky this morning but quite still and a pleasant enough temperature, here looking towards the Coniston fells, shrouded in mist.

The view towards Windermere, it seemed brighter to the east.

Above Loughrigg Tarn.

On Loughrigg.

The summit of Loughrigg Fell with Lingmoor Fell in the centre.

The Fell Dogs.

The Langdales put in an appearance through the gloom.

Baa Baa black sheep.

Grasmere.

A slightly different view with a bit of drama over Seat Sandal and Great Rigg.

On the descent.

A family outing on Loughrigg Tarn.

It was amazingly still down at the tarn, still drizzling though.

Langdale Pikes reflections.

Loughrigg Tarn.

The view from the track on the eastern side of the tarn.

Coniston Old Man

Walked on 11/05/2012

Start point: Walna Scar road (SD 289 970)

Walna Scar car park – Boo Tarn – The Old Man of Coniston – Boo Tarn – Walna Scar car park

Distance: 2.9 miles Total Ascent: 572 metres Time Taken: 2 hours Start Time: 09:25

Weather: Overcast with snow showers. 6°C

I was glad to get out anywhere this morning having been deliberately staying away from the rough stuff after sustaining a bit of an injury. I took it easy on this one and made it more of a recuperative stroll. I think I should be in my shorts by now but no, it was back to the winter gear again with quite a heavy snow shower when I was on the summit.

It was looking a bit murky over the fells to the north, Wetherlam in cloud.

Boo Tarn and the Walna Scar Road.

Coniston Water.

Looking towards the Duddon Estuary.

Buck Pike and Dow Crag across The Cove, the cloud rolling in now - it was clear earlier.

Dougal - no prizes for guessing what he is looking at - not Walna Scar and Brown Pike across The Cove, that's for sure.

Casper and Dougal.

Climbing Crag O' Stile.

The view across Coniston to Windermere, Bursting Stone quarry below.

Someone knew where the plaque was.

The final 100m to the summit was under cover of cloud with a shower blowing in - a snow shower that is - and a heavy one at that.

The tourist path.

Low Water and Levers Water.

A Coniston Water panoramic...and Dougal.

The return along the old miners track.

The steam yacht Gondola on Coniston Water.

Blawith Knott

Walked on 02/05/2012

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: 50 minutes Start Time: 14:00

Weather: Warm and breezy. 17°C

I just managed a quick walk up to Blawith Knott today, one of my favourite lesser heights. It was lovely up there with a warm, summery breeze and the birdsong of Meadow Pipits for company. I love it up there.

At the Giant's Grave

These two seem to know the way!

Light and shade - the Coniston fells don't appear to be fairing as well as us

Aye, aye - the windswept look for Fletcher

It was indeed a strange mix - really warm with big dark clouds to the west and blue skies to the east

At the western cairn on Blawith Knott

Dougal shows Fletcher what a proper fellwalking tongue should look like

We are still in the sunshine, but not for long I think

The path past Angus Tarn to Tottlebank Height

A dip in Angus Tarn for the boys

Wool Knott in the sunshine, beyond is the darker shape of Beacon (Fell)

That is the view to Coniston Water from Tottlebank Height

Darker skies now on the return leg - 5 minutes after getting in the car it started to rain (so good timing really)

Middle Fell

Walked on 30/04/2012

Start point: Greendale (NY 144 056)

Greendale – Middle Fell – Greendale Tarn – Greendale Gill – Greendale

Distance: 2.8 miles Total Ascent: 525 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 20 minutes Start Time: 09:15

Weather: Bright and breezy. 15oC

Different day, different weather! It was about 10 degrees warmer than yesterday when I set off this morning though the wind was still strong in Wasdale. It was a good day for views though as the wind kept blowing those clouds away.

Wasdale - the classic view. There was a bit of a breeze blowing down the lake this morning.

Middle Fell, where I am heading for today.

Buckbarrow from Greendale.

Brown How and Greendale Gill.

Looking towards the west Cumbrian coast across Buckbarrow.

On the climb to Middle Fell, Seatallan and Haycock in view.

Blue skies and loveliness.

The Scafells in mono.

...and a colour version from the summit Middle Fell.

Scoat Fell and Red Pike.

Middle Fell.

A lovely - if breezy - view.

Casper and Dougal demonstrate the strength of the wind today.

Haycock from the steep descent to Greendale Tarn.

Dougal finds the quickest way to Greendale Tarn, a direct route down a grassy rake.

A quick dip for the boys down at the tarn.

Greendale Tarn.

Descending Greendale Gill.

The gorse is in full bloom and (unfortunately) the bracken is starting to unfurl now too. We will soon be head high in the green stuff!

High Seat

Walked on 24/04/2012

Start point: Surprise View (NY 268 189)

Surprise View – High Strutta – Bleaberry Fell – High Seat – High Tove – Watendlath – Surprise View

Distance: 6.8 miles Total Ascent: 550 metres Time Taken: 3 hours Start Time: 09:15

Weather: Overcast but clear. 10oC

It seemed brighter in the south of the lakes this morning but it was remarkably still throughout the lakes. Windermere was mirror finished, quite an unusual occurrence for such a large body of water, so of course I had to stop for a photo or two on the way past. The trudge along the central ridge that I walked today was the usual, predictably squelchy affair despite the dry weather of late.

On the way past Windermere this morning…

The Coniston fells reflected.

Windermere jetty.

It was perfectly calm this morning.

Heaven.

Beautiful. On with the walk...

Surprise view, Bassenthwaite Lake in view (but Skiddaw not).

Catbells across Derwent Water.

There is a great view of Derwent Water from High Strutta (what a great name as well, especially if you like having a bit of a strut!).

Sheep spotters on the climb.

he sheepdog ready to round any up that he can (if given the chance, which he isn't).

Crossing Ashness Gill.

Looking across Ashness Gill to the more usual path to High Seat. I took the more natural line up to Bleaberry Fell and think I found an old path - whatever, it was an 'interesting' route which led directly to the summit of Bleaberry Fell.

Skiddaw is under there somewhere from the summit of Bleaberry Fell.

High Seat is a boggy walk away from Bleaberry Fell.

It is unattractive and wet across here.

High Seat.

It was an even boggier walk to get to High Tove which is in the left centre of this photo. Beyond it are Ullscarf and High Raise and to the right of High Raise is the small pimple of Pike o' Stickle and Eagle Crag.

The cloud is starting to lift from Clough Head and the Dodds, looking from High Tove summit.

High Seat from High Tove.

The cloud is also starting to lift from the higher fells to the west, pointed Bowfell prominent on the left skyline.

Heading down to Watendlath and Watendlath Tarn, Great Gable just coming out of cloud to the left.

On the way down. All these views will be obliterated by trees soon enough.

Watendlath Beck. There was a major fire on Sunday at Vinegar Jones Fish & Chip shop in Bowness which happens to be close to our Love the Lakes shop...

Their roof has gone and the street below is littered with debris.

From the front, you can see right through the roof.

Beacon Fell

Walked on 23/04/2012

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: 1 hour Start Time: 13:30

Weather: Overcast but clear. 12oC

It was really quite still this afternoon for a short walk up to Beacon Fell, in fact it was mild as well so it was good to do the full walk in short sleeves. I had a hunt round for the ‘treasure tin’ up there today but it looks like some kind soul has removed it again. Why oh why oh why…?

Climbing to Beacon Fell.

Looking towards Fairfield.

Black Sails and Wetherlam with a peep into Red Dell.

Aye, 'tis pirate Dougal - 'Aha me hearties'.

'If this goes in the calendar, I'll kill him!'. Caption by Jeanette Williams via Facebook - thanks Jeanette!

It was lovely and still up here and not a soul around today.

The view from the climb.

Coniston Water.

The majestic Coniston fells.

Fairfield and Red Screes beyond the head of Coniston.

The Old Man.

Black Combe from the summit.

The view from Beacon Fell. No treasure tin today, it has disappeared again.

Down at Beacon Tarn, Casper is already in.

As if by magic...Casper and Dougal are all cleaned again after that quick dip.

Beacon Tarn.

I took an off-piste route back, here looking towards the Coniston fells from above the usual path.

A panoramic view.

Beacon Fell profile.

Dow Crag

Walked on 20/04/2012

Start point: Walna Scar road (SD 289 970)

Walna Scar road – The Cove – Goat’s Water – South Rake – Dow Crag – Buck Pike – Blind Tarn – Cove Bridge – Walna Scar road

Distance: 5 miles Total Ascent: 577 metres Time Taken: 2 hours 30 minutes Start Time: 09:00

Weather: Some clear spells. 9oC

Once again the weather was bright until I actually got to the fells; once there the clouds proceeded to overtake them. I had no definite idea of where today’s walk would take me when I set off but I decided upon the enjoyable scramble of the South rake on Dow Crag.

A bit of blue sky over The Old Man - but that was just about the last I saw of that for the morning.

Dougal and Casper take a dip in Boo Tarn. I expect they will be lovely and clean when they come out of that boggy pool.

On the Walna Scar Road.

Buck Pike and Dow Crag from The Cove.

Below Dow Crag.

Goat's Water.

Casper cools off on a cool day - I think he is trying to tell me it is haircut time.

Looking up to Dow Crag from the edge of Goat's Water.

Lord of the Rock.

The climb to the base of the crags.

Looking towards the South Rake from the stretcher box.

The Old Man across Goat's Water.

At the foot of the South Rake.

Casper takes a look at Easy Gully.

Looking down South Rake.

Nearly at the top.

At the exit of the rake.

We were overtaken by the swirling mist on Dow Crag.

Brown Pike and Blind Tarn.

Casper and Dougal down at Blind Tarn.

Buck Pike.

Coniston Old Man across The Cove.

Crossing The Cove.

Cove Bridge.

Brock Barrow

Walked on 16/04/2012

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 15 minutes Start Time: 12:00

Weather: Overcast. 8oC

Connie is still off school so we went for a walk to Brock Barrow above High Nibthwaite. Around the fringes of the southern Lake District it was really sunny but further in it was a little overcast.

A busy lunchtime in High Nibthwaite.

Climbing above the rooftops looking towards beacon Fell.

The steep scramble to the top.

Hands on action looking along the Crake Valley.

The Coniston fells.

A breather at the top of Brock Barrow for Connie, Casper and Dougal. Incidentally, that cairn was built by A H Griffin, he said 'It was the first and only summit cairn I have ever built'.

As for the view from here, Griffin wrote: '...a magnificent viewpoint for the length of the lake and the mountains behind...'

Looking across Allan Tarn and Nibthwaite to Black Combe across the Blawith fells.

We are all enjoying the views today.

Wetherlam beyond the second summit.

Sheep spotters gather at the end of the (rock) platform.

You look that way and I'll look this. Back down at the foot of Coniston Water...

Dougal walks on water whilst Casper sinks (or swims).

Caught in a trap.

The sentinel Gormley statue guards Beacon Fell.

Bouthrey Bridge has recently re-opened after being completely destroyed in the 2009 floods.

This was the last bridge in Cumbria to be reconstructed after the devastation, hopefully it will never see that level of water again but at least it is wider and looks more substantial now.

The St John's Ambulance first aid box on the wall at Water Yeat. This was completely renovated a few years ago and I believe it was the first such box anywhere in the country.

Walla Crag

Walked on 11/04/2012

Start point: Love the Lakes, Keswick (NY 266 233)

Love the Lakes, Keswick – Springs Road – Springs Wood – Rakefoot – Walla Crag – Derwent Water – Love the Lakes, Keswick

Distance: 4.9 miles Total Ascent: 322 metres Time Taken: 4 hours Start Time: 10:15

Weather: Clear spells and showers. 8oC

Today Connie and I were joined by a few families that follow StridingEdge and we had a lovely relaxed walk up to Walla Crag from Keswick. The weather was kind to us after recent days and it was great to chat to friends old and new along the way.

Skiddaw from Castlerigg.

Causey Pike across Derwent Water.

On the path to Walla Crag at Rakefoot.

Skiddaw 'erupting'.

Blencathra and a hint of brightness.

Following the wall to Lady's Rake.

Blencathra from the gate to Lady's Rake.

Looking to Bassenthwaite Lake from Lady's Rake.

Derwent Water and the north western fells.

Skiddaw.

Borrowdale from The top of Walla Crag.

'Who are all these people?' think the two safely tethered crust hunters.

Moody skies and a great view across Derwent Water with fresh snow on Crag Hill and Grisedale Pike.

Borrowdale from Walla Crag.

Keswick and the Skiddaw massif.

Looking towards Bassenthwaite, sunshine on Barf and Dodd.

The Dodds beyond the lunch stop.

Getting down with the kids - the StridingEdge.net walking group shot.

Sunshine on the descent to Cat Gill.

Distant Great Gable.

Descending Cat Gill.

Catbells across Derwent Water.

Connie and Casper at the Millennium Stone.

We just got caught by a heavy shower towards the end of the walk, looking across moody Derwent Water.

Connie climbing in Keswick

Hartsop above How

Walked on 05/04/2012

Start point: Cow Bridge, Hartsop (NY 403 134)

Cow Bridge – Brothers Water – Priest’s Hole cave – Hartsop Above How – Gale Crag – Deepdale Bridge

Distance: 5.4 miles Total Ascent: 633 metres Time Taken: 2 hours 40 minutes Start Time: 09:20

Weather: Sunny and clear. 8oC

There was different weather once more today, it was really clear with bright sunshine with just a sprinkling on snow on the tops. The sun quickly warmed it up and it was shirt sleeves all the way for this one.

Brothers Water reflections.

It was absolutely glorious this morning.

There was a mirror finish on the water.

Swanny comes to visit...or to chase Dougal and Casper away.

Brock Crags.

It was looking very Wasdale-like here today.

Angletarn Pikes. On with the walk - firstly I had to get past the herd of cows, complete with youngsters, at Hartsop Hall farm. This was no mean feat to accomplish with the two 'cow magnets' in tow without getting trampled to death. It certainly made things a little 'interesting' and we had to find a way to sneak round their blind side.

Dove Crag from Dovedale.

Looking to Hogget Gill and Little Hart Crag.

The path to Dove Crag.

Surveying the climb.

A fabulous view looking back from the climb, it was really warm in the sunshine as well.

Hartsop above How from Hunsett Cove.

Phew, made it. At the top of the climb. I took a slight detour from the path to seek out the Priest's Hole, a small cave high up on Dove Crags.

The view from the ledge outside the Priest's Hole - straight down from here.

The Priest's Hole.

A window on the world from inside the cave. The path to the cave is difficult to see and I directed two others to it as I descended to cross over to the Hartsop above How ridge.