Wasdale

Walked on 04/04/2012

There was a fall of snow over the high ground today (as there was in many other parts of the country) but once the sun was high it seemed to quickly melt away. The wind was strong and cold, but Wasdale was as beautiful as ever.

The Screes.

The classic Wast Water view and a bit of movement on the water.

Connie, patiently waiting.

Heavy 'sea'.

Lingmell and the Scafells.

Surf's up!

Scafell.

Scafell Pike and Scafell.

Great Gable.

An earlier view recreated, this time with Connie joining the boys (and me getting wet feet!).

Pillar.

Proud as punch.

Give me that stick back!

Got it!

Scafell looking like a volcano, taken from the Birker Fell road.

Gummer’s How

Walked on 02/04/2012

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. 10oC

It’s the first day of the Easter break and a chance for me, Connie and the boys to get out on the fells together again. We went to Gummer’s How and managed to avoid those pesky cows that reside up there these days and neatly sidestepped ‘evidence’ of their existence on the way up too!

The South Lakes from the foot of Gummer's How with The Hoad Monument in Ulverston in view upper left (i you look very closely!)...

...and a similar view from higher up.

The Kent Estuary and Morecambe Bay.

Shrouded Coniston Fells.

Connie on the trig. column.

The summit of Gummer's How.

Windermere.

The Far Eastern fells beyond Bowness on Windermere.

Casper, Connie and Dougal.

A girl's best friend.

Coniston view.

The view to Lakeside.

Coniston and the Langdales.

The steamer leaving Lakeside for Bowness.

Looking along the River Leven.

Mono view.

Ullswater

Walked on 28/03/2012

It was gorgeous in the Lakes today, 20C once more and I stopped when I was passing through to take a few photos of the area on a glorious spring day.

Ullswater and the jetty made famous in the 'Athena' poster from the '80's.

A whole host of golden Daffodils.

Place Fell.

Birkhouse Moor.

These are the real Wordsworth Daffodils, made famous in the 1804 poem 'Daffodils': "Daffodils" (1804) I WANDER'D lonely as a cloud That floats on high o'er vales and hills, When all at once I saw a crowd, A host, of golden daffodils; Beside the lake, beneath the trees, Fluttering and dancing in the breeze. Continuous as the stars that shine And twinkle on the Milky Way, They stretch'd in never-ending line Along the margin of a bay: Ten thousand saw I at a glance, Tossing their heads in sprightly dance. The waves beside them danced; but they Out-did the sparkling waves in glee: A poet could not but be gay, In such a jocund company: I gazed -- and gazed -- but little thought What wealth the show to me had brought: For oft, when on my couch I lie In vacant or in pensive mood, They flash upon that inward eye Which is the bliss of solitude; And then my heart with pleasure fills, And dances with the daffodils. That's how I felt when I saw them in the sunshine!

The Duke of Portland Boathouse reflected.

A perfectly calm Ullswater...

...until the steamer arrived.

Hard Knott

Walked on 26/03/2012

Start point: Hardknott Pass summit (NY 230 014)

Hardknott Pass – Border End – Eskdale Needle – Hard Knott – Hardknott Pass

Distance: 1.6 miles Total Ascent: 188 metres Time Taken: 1 hour Start Time: 13:35

Weather: Hot, clear. 20C

What a change in the weather over this weekend, it only seems like minutes ago I was dressed in full winter gear but today it was absolutely boiling, shorts and tee shirt was the order of the day. Dougal and Casper are still sporting their winter attire, but not for much longer I reckon – any small bog, any little droplet of moisture up there today and they were in it. Sean Scissorhands is on the prowl…

Hard Knott route map.

Bowfell, Crinkle Crags and Little Stand at the head of the Duddon Valley.

Hard Knott and Castle How.

Looking along the Duddon to Hard Knott from further up the valley.

Wrynose Pass from the climb.

First sight of Slight Side and Scafell through the gap between Border End and Hard Knott - always a jaw-dropper.

The Isle of Man in view from Border End.

What a view from Border End.

The Scafells.

Esk Pike and Bowfell.

Eskdale.

Long tongues tell the weather story today.

The Watcher.

Great views to the Isle of Man now the haze has disappeared.

A panoramic of the Scafells.

Ill Crag and Esk Pike at the head of Upper Eskdale.

Upper Eskdale.

Heading for Eskdale Needle.

Eskdale Needle.

The summit of Hard Knott.

Looking across the Duddon Valley to Great Carrs and Grey Friar.

Calm waters.

Steel Fell

Walked on 23/03/2012

Start point: Steel End (NY 320 129)

Steel End – North Ridge – Steel Fell – Rake Crags – Wyth Burn Valley – Steel End

Distance: 2.9 miles Total Ascent: 366 metres Time Taken: 1 hour Start Time: 10:45

Weather: Sunny and warm but hazy. 15C

Time was in short supply today but the weather was far too good to miss this direct walk to Steel Fell climbing the north ridge. It was really warm but very hazy so the views weren’t so far reaching – nice to feel warm sunshine on my back today though.

Steel Fell route map.

Wyth Burn.

Steel Fell in mono.

Looking across to Helvellyn.

Dougal finds the path to climb the north ridge of Steel Fell.

Looking back down to Steel End (the farm has changed it's name to West Head now).

Dollywaggon Pike and Birkside Gill across the main road.

Thirlmere from the north ridge and a line of haziness visible.

Looking back down the steep north ridge, Nethermost and Dollywaggon Pikes opposite.

...and again from higher up.

At the top of the north ridge.

The incline suddenly becomes much gentler en route to the summit. Casper finds the best way to cross the fence whilst Dougal...watches sheep!

Seat Sandal.

Hot Dogs - the scissors are being sharpened for Casper and Dougal as I type!

The summit of Steel Fell looking across to Dollywaggon Pike, St. Sunday, Fairfield and Seat Sandal.

Following the fence along the ridge to Calf Crag, beyond is Greenup Edge where I walked on Monday. I made up today's walk as I went along and opted for the quick descent route following the fence down from the corner in this photo.

Casper ponders the route.

Nab Crags and the Wyth Burn valley - and the steep descent. Dougal continues his favourite pastime of sheep watching.

Into the sun, looking back at the route of descent.

A final view back into Wyth Burn before the return to Steel End.

Greenup Round

Walked on 19/03/2012

Start point: Stonethwaite (NY 262 137)

Stonethwaite – Great Crag – Low Saddle of Coldbarrow Fell – High Saddle of Coldbarrow Fell – Ullscarf – Greenup Edge – Low White Stones – High Raise – Sergeant’s Crag – Eagle Crag – Stonethwaite

Distance: 9.1 miles Total Ascent: 941 metres Time Taken: 4 hours 30 minutes Start Time: 09:50

Weather: Some bright spells, cold wind. 10C

It started off brightly enough today but the clouds were soon rolling in and the wind was once again mighty cold. There was some fresh snow visible on High Crag showing just how cold it was and the going to Ullscarf from Dock Tarn was made that bit tougher by the boggy going underfoot.

Greenup route map.

Eagle Crag from Stonethwaite Bridge.

Looking back to Stonethwaite from the climb to Willygrass Gill.

Above the woods with a view to Grey Knotts and Fleetwith Pike, Honister lit up by the sunshine.

Greenup.

Eagle Crag and Sergeant's Crag, between them is High Raise with Pike o' Stickle just about in view to the right.

Skiddaw in the distance from the heathery walk to Great Crag.

Great Crag summit.

The route ahead - over Dock Tarn to Low Saddle, High Saddle and Ullscarf.

Down at Dock Tarn, Dougal and Casper camouflaged as rocks.

Looking across to Great Gable and High Stile from the climb of Coldbarrow Fell - this is a real boggy mess across here.

Bowfell at the head of Langstrath.

Water in a line - a puddle, Watendlath Tarn, Derwent Water and Bassenthwaite Lake.

It was really quite a cold wind up here and the cloud was rolling in from the west over Bowfell and the Scafells, Sergeant's Crag and Eagle Crag in the foreground.

Blea Tarn below, from Low Saddle.

Looking the other way, to High Saddle and Ullscarf.

Low Saddle and Great Crag from High Saddle.

Ullscarf summit, looking to High Raise.

Fleetwith Pike and the High Stile ridge.

After a boggy trudge along Greenup Edge, High Raise seemed near enough so I decided to squeeze that in today as well. This view is from Low White Stones looking to Helvellyn and Fairfield.

Up on High Raise I bumped into three StridingEdge fans from Chorley who were walking from Langdale, it was good to have a chat up there today...and Dougal and Casper enjoyed their biccies and sarnies (given, not stolen I hasten to add!).

A touch of sunshine in Langstrath...we're not going that way today boys!

Sergeant's Crag ahead.

High Raise and Pike o' Stickle from Sergeant's Crag.

Dougal works out the route to get to Eagle Crag.

High Raise and Sergeant's from Eagle.

Dougal and Casper - complete with evidence of their bog trotting - on Eagle Crag.

A bit of sunshine down in Borrowdale now.

The steep descent by the wall.

A nice place for the dogs to swim.

Eagle Crag from Stonethwaite Beck.

Scafell

Walked on 14/03/2012

Start point: Brackenclose (NY 182 074)

Brackenclose – Brown Tongue – Lord’s Rake – Symonds Knott – Scafell – Green How – Brackenclose

Distance: 4.7 miles Total Ascent: 913 metres Time Taken: 3 hours Start Time: 09:30

Weather: Low cloud below, sunshine above! 8C

There was only one reason I came to climb Scafell today and that was because the weather forecast once again stated that the highest tops would be above the clouds. I must admit as I set off from Wasdale, it didn’t seem possible as the conditions just seemed wrong for a temperature inversion…shows how much I know!

Scafell route map.

Climbing the path towards Brown Tongue and the weather doesn't look at all promising - grey and murky in the valley with another layer of cloud higher up. Surely this is not inversion weather?

Wast Water from the crossing of Lingmell Gill. As I climbed Brown Tongue at the big boulder, I bumped into a chap who had been to Mickledore but gave up as he couldn't see anything and he didn't think it was worth carrying on. He did mention there was the odd break in the cloud, which was interesting...

At the foot of Lord's Rake.

Nearing the top of Lord's Rake, I could see blue sky above me. This is the view when I turned around - the cloud was pouring over Mickledore into the area where I had just climbed.

Scafell Pike from Lord's Rake.

The view from the second section of Lords Rake, only Great Gable is visible through the clouds looking that way.

Scafell Pike from the start of the third section of Lord's Rake, the chockstone at the top of the first section visible leaning across the exit.

The third section - down through the mist and back up.

Wow, what a beautiful sight - a sea of clouds when I exited Lord's Rake.

Lord's Rake.

A Brocken Spectre and Great Gable.

The ebbing and flowing tide.

Close up on Great Gable.

The Brocken Spectre followed me all the way up along the edge of Scafell Crag with Pillar on the left, Great Gable on the right with High Stile trying to get through the cloud in the centre.

Great Gable with distant Skiddaw to the right. On the distant left is Grasmoor and Crag Hill.

Looking across Deep Gill from Symonds Knott to Scafell Pike and Bowfell.

Dougal and Casper enjoying the sunshine today.

Bowfell.

Red Pike, Scoat Fell and Pillar.

A view for miles across cotton wool clouds.

A wider view of Scafell Pike and Bowfell.

Scafell summit looking to Bowfell with Crinkle Crags putting in a brief appearance.

Beyond Ill Crag to the left is Helvellyn with Nethermost Pike and Dollywaggon Pike in view. Further right, beyond Esk Pike, is Fairfield.

The summit of Scafell, Symonds Knott to the right. The two fells above the clouds are Great Gable and Skiddaw.

Which way Dougal?

Nearing the edge of heaven.

Goodbye Gable.

Back down in Wasdale - I don't think anyone would believe me if I told them what it was like on top of the fells!

Derwent Fells

Walked on 09/03/2012

Start point: Rigg Beck (disused quarry) (NY 229 201)

Rigg Beck quarry – Ard Crags – Ill Crag – Knott Rigg – Keskadale Edge – Rigg Beck quarry

Distance: 4.9 miles Total Ascent: 500 metres Time Taken: 2 hours Start Time: 11:00

Weather: Low cloud, windy on the ridge. 10C

The cloud was right down on the fells today when I set off along Rigg Beck for the Derwent Fells. I descended via the Wainwright monikered Keskadale Edge, a great way down with a few surprising ‘ups’ before the steep descent.

Derwent Fells route map.

Ard Crags from Rigg Beck.

Ard Crags looming high as I get closer.

Looking the other way towards Catbells.

Crossing Rigg Beck Beardie style.

He's like Zebedee that Dougal - boing, boing, boing!

Maiden Moor.

Keep still Dougal! Heading for Aikin Knott.

Looking back down before I disappear into the murk.

The eyes have it - but look at Dougal's stance, the spring is wound up so tightly he's ready to bounce off any second.

Is there any life out there? Early frogspawn on Knott Rigg.

Back out of the clouds on the descent of Keskadale Edge.

The view over Keskadale to Newlands.

Looking back to Keskadale Edge and Ill Gill.

Newlands, towards Newlands Hause.

How it used to be - milk churns and plough.

Great Mell & Little Mell Fells

Walked on 08/03/2012

Start point: Brownrigg Farm (NY 407 247)

Great Mell Fell from Brownrigg Farm

Distance: 2 miles Total Ascent: 275 metres Time Taken: 45 minutes Start Time: 11:35

Weather: Dull (on many levels!). 8C

What can I say? Not my favourites as already documented…but I was out.

Great Mell Fell route map.

I'm looking through a hole in the sky.

The tree.

Little Mell Fell.

Matterdale.

The race to the top.

Great Mell Fell.

Do you think anyone will notice we're holding paws?

Sky.

The Dodds.

The leaning Scots Pines of Great Mell Fell. I am standing straight and I have not been on the Cumbrian Legendary Ales (yet - but think I need some to liven things up a bit).

Start point: The Hause (NY 423 235)

Little Mell Fell from The Hause

Distance: 0.7 miles Total Ascent: 120 metres Time Taken: 20 minutes Start Time: 12:30

Better views from this one but I drove round to it rather than walking.

Raining on the steep climb from The Hause.

Looking across to the High Street ridge across Ullswater.

Brooding sky from higher up.

Little Mell Fell.

Place Fell.

Hallin Fell and beyond.

A view across to Sandwick and it seems to be brightening.

Ullswater.

White Maiden

Walked on 07/03/2012

Start point: Long House at the foot of the Walna Scar Road near Seathwaite, Duddon Valley (SD 239 968)

Long House – Walna Scar road – White Pike – White Maiden – Walna Scar (OF) – Walna Scar Road – Long House

Distance: 3.5 miles Total Ascent: 460 metres Time Taken: 1 hours 30 minutes Start Time: 13:30

Weather: A real mixed bag but generally a cold wind. 5C

The snow seems to have disappeared from all the south western fells now. Today was a real mixed bag of weather but an enjoyable climb up through the Walna Scar Quarries up to White Pike and White Maiden. It seems like ages since I have been this way so it was a welcome (if a bit fresh) return.

White Maiden route map.

There's a touch of blue sky up there, looking up to White Pike from the bottom of the Walna Scar Road.

Harter Fell across Long House Gill and it's looking a bit grey over there.

The view from higher up the track with a glimpse of Scafell to the right.

White Pike and the disused tips from the Walna Scar Quarry.

Light and dark, looking across to Black Scar.

The gentler south western side of Dow Crag. You would never guess what the eastern face of it was like from here.

The Cove.

Green Crag and Harter Fell across ruined quarry buildings.

The Scafells are missing in action over there somewhere.

Walna Scar Quarry.

From the quarry it is a steep and direct climb to White Pike. The wind really picked up climbing up here (as Casper and Dougal demonstrate) and with it came the rain.

...but the strong wind blew the clouds right away by the time I reached the summit cairn of White Pike and the Scafells are magically revealed once more.

Looking along Broughton Moor to the Duddon Estuary, Black Combe to the right.

Broughton Moor Slate Quarry below, beyond is Beacon Fell and Beacon Tarn with a glimpse of Coniston Water.

White Pike.

The Coniston fells from White Pike.

Scafell and Scafell Pike with the ridge of Hard Knott central.

Esk Pike and Bowfell.

A lovely view of the Scafells now across one of the un-named tarns on White Maiden.

The summit of White Maiden.

Coniston Water.

It's like a different day altogether walking the White Maiden ridge.

Heading for the small lump of Walna Scar looking to Dow Crag, Buck Pike and Brown Pike. On the distant right is The Old Man.

Harter Fell.

The top of Walna Scar and as if by magic the weather completely changed again as it went very grey...time for a quick exit.

Back down to the bottom of the Duddon side of the Walna Scar Road, this is Long House Gill from the small bridge.

Wetherlam

Walked on 05/03/2012

Start point: Tilberthwaite car park (NY 306 010)

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

Distance: 4.2 miles Total Ascent: 648 metres Time Taken: 2 hours 30 minutes Start Time: 09:10

Weather: Long sunny spells, cold wind. 8C

The weather was gorgeous this morning, being really clear in the south western corner of the Lakes. There seemed to be a bit of cloud around the fell tops beyond but Wetherlam was a great walk to do on a day like this – I did have to keep well wrapped up on the Wetherlam ridge though as it was colder than it looks.

Wetherlam route map.

The Coniston fells from Torver.

Wetherlam looking good in the sunshine.

Walking through the old quarry workings from Tilberthwaite.

Looking down over Tilberthwaite to snow capped Fairfield.

Crossing Crook Beck.

Blake Rigg from the start of the climb up Steel Edge.

Steel Edge, today's route to Wetherlam.

Steel Edge again - the first part of the ridge is an easy walk; the second, rocky section is a scramble.

Casper enjoys the sunshine though the wind is cold climbing here.

The final grassy section before the scramble.

Scrambled dogs giving me the hurry up call.

Steel Edge from the top.

The Old Man and Brim Fell from the top of Lad Stones.

Great How Crags and Swirl How.

The path to the summit.

Looking across the large tarn at the south eastern end of Wetherlam.

...and again from a little higher up. The tarn is part frozen and the wind was really cold along here.

Swirl How and Prison Band, Great Carrs to the right.

The Scafells in cloud, Crinkle Crags and Bowfell from the summit of Wetherlam.

Casper and Dougal summit Wetherlam.

There is a lovely view of the Coniston fells from here, in fact I think Wetherlam has one of the best 360 views of any fell.

Looking back to the summit cairn.

Swirl How, Great Carrs and Greenburn.

The Old Man to Swirl How.

Cold Pike, Red Tarn, Pike o' Blisco and beyond.

This north side of Wetherlam was quite icy and treacherous in places, here looking down Wetherlam Edge into Little Langdale.

Crinkles and Bowfell, clear of cloud now.

Looking back to Wetherlam Edge.

Birk Fell Man. It was like Piccadilly Circus around here for some reason and there were lots of people out enjoying the good weather. It seems we all converged on Birk Fell Man at the same time from different directions!

Wetherlam Edge and Great Carrs.

The Langdale Pikes, Blea Tarn and Side Pike central.

Wetherlam Edge and Tilberthwaite Larches. On the way home...

Looking across Coniston Water and Coniston to The Old Man.

Odds and Sods

Walked on 01/03/2012

Various views, times and places!

There hasn’t been much fell walking going on over the last few weeks but I have taken a few photos on my travels, some were specific visits for the book and some were in passing. Normal service will be resumed from next week as the book is signed and sealed (still to be delivered but the photos are finished…hooray!).

Helm Crag and Steel Fell from Grasmere. At Thornthwaite...

The Clerk.

The climb to The Bishop.

The Bishop of Barf. These Bishop photos are a cert for the book, the previous ones I have were taken in 2004 and simply not good enough.

Less sun but more view.

The Bishop, The Vicar and The Curate.

The Bishop and Barf from The (old) Swan.

Casper on Lanthwaite Hill, a la Wainwright...

An excerpt from The Wainwright Companion.

Grasmoor.

Clearing skies across Crummock Water.

Grasmoor End showing the direct route I followed back in January.

The sun is coming out over the Loweswater fells...

...and Whiteside.

Boiling sky.

Another Grasmoor.

Looks steep from here.

Mellbreak over Crummock Water.

Torchlight over Buttermere.

Cold Pike

Walked on 19/02/2012

Start point: Three Shire Stone (NY 277 027)

Three Shire Stone – Rough Crags – Cold Pike – Red Tarn – Three Shire Stone

Distance: 2.5 miles Total Ascent: 305 metres Time Taken: 1 hour Start Time: 10:30

Weather: Sunny and clear.0°C

It was too good to miss this morning with the weather being cold and clear so I headed to Three Shire Stone at the top of Wrynose Pass for a short walk up to Cold Pike. I wasn’t disappointed, the views were superb and far reaching today.

Cold Pike across Duddon Grains.

Harter Fell and Wrynose Pass.

Pike o' Blisco and Black Crag as I traversed west to climb Cold Pike.

High above Red Tarn now looking to a distant Skiddaw on the left and prominent Pike o' Stickle.

The Three Amigos.

Little Stand.

Pike o' Blisco from an icy pool.

Into the sun - Windermere and Wetherlam.

Twin peaks of Cold Pike, left and right with Crinkle Crags in central view.

Crinkle Crags and Bowfell from the summit.

Clear as clear can be this morning.

Skiddaw and Blencathra from Cold Pike.

Bowfell.

The Langdale Pikes.

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

Casper and Dougal loving the sunshine. 'What are you up to dad? Why are you lying down?!'.

The two summit cairns, left and right.

Crinkle Crags and Bowfell.

Looking down to Wrynose Bottom and the Duddon Valley.

The view from the steep descent.

It's still cold up here despite the sunshine.

Great Knott, Crinkle Crags and Bowfell across a part frozen Red Tarn.

Red Tarn.

The view from a little higher up on Redtarn Moss, back in full sunshine now.

Looking across (yet another) frozen pool.

Cold Pike from Three Shire Stone.

Keldas

Walked on 13/02/2012

Today’s quick walk was with a specific purpose in mind, to get a photo from Keldas for the upcoming publication ‘The Wainwright Companion‘. Along the way I took a couple of other photos – it felt warm today, much warmer than it has been for the last couple of weeks. Like Spring it was!

A beautiful view across choppy Windermere to snowy Fairfield.

From Kirkstone Pass, Froswick Ill Bell and Troutbeck Tongue in the foreground.

Sheffield Pike above Glenridding on the climb to Keldas.

A panoramic view of Sheffield Pike and Glenridding Dodd.

Frozen Lanty's Tarn.

Ullswater from the short climb from the tarn to Keldas.

The view from the top of Keldas.

Wot, no snow? Casper and Dougal think Spring has sprung.

Birkhouse Moor.

Mono Lanty's Tarn.

Saint Sunday Crag. On the way back...

Broody skies over Bowfell and The Langdales from Hammar Bank.

Caw

Walked on 08/02/2012

Start point: Kiln Bank Cross (SD 215 933)

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

Distance: 3.5 miles Total Ascent: 300 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 20 minutes Start Time: 12:00

Weather: Freezing.0°C

I think I struck lucky with the weather today – the prediction was for an inversion but that didn’t seem particularly likely as I could see the fell tops through grey gloom and it was windy but as I started walking the sky began to clear. It was certainly cold and there was a strong wind as well making the temperature well below zero up there.

The Park Head Road below; Caw, today's objective, can be seen above the crags in the foreground.

Following the frozen track.

The Duddon Valley.

Caw looked so inviting from here, the summit lit up by the sun.

Looking back towards Hesk Fell from the climb.

A frozen view to the Duddon Estuary.

The Coniston fells from Caw.

The frozen Duddon Valley below.

The icy summit of Caw.

It was windier than you might have thought up here as my two able companions demonstrate - and that means it was incredibly cold...not a place to hang around for too long today.

The Duddon Estuary from the summit.

Looking the other way.

It looks oh so cold on this photo.

Casper and Dougal look down on Seathwaite and the Duddon Valley with a fine view to Pillar and the Scafells, Harter Fell in the foreground.

The summit from the descent.

Looking across a frozen pool.

...and how it looked the other way across the same pool.

The route of descent (the wall below is the one in the third photo, above), Stickle Pike to the left.

A panoramic view of Caw.

Heading back along the Park Head Road, Stickle Pike ahead.

Coniston Old Man

Walked on 06/02/2012

Start point: Coniston (SD 300 975)

Coniston – Walna Scar Road – Boo Tarn – The Old Man of Coniston – Boo Tarn – Walna Scar Road – Coniston

Distance: 4.7 miles Total Ascent: 730 metres Time Taken: 3 hours Start Time: 09:15

Weather: Sunny and clear. 3°C

The cold winter days continue and ‘down below’ the freezing fog hangs in the valleys for most of the day at the moment. Up on high it is a different story with more blue skies and clear views making these excellent walking days.

There was freezing fog everywhere on the climb from Coniston village.

Looking across Coniston towards Black Fell.

Walking the road towards the fell gate.

A mackerel sky over The Bell.

Freezing fog is covering Coniston Water.

The view to the east, the Bursting Stone quarry road below.

Coniston village still covered by fog.

Casper and Dougal on the climb.

Coniston panorama. Select on the images to see a larger version.

Coniston Water, Beacon Fell to the right.

Casper leads the way.

Brown Pike and Buck Pike.

Dougal and Walna Scar.

Sunny but cold this morning.

Sheep spotting.

Buck Pike and Dow Crag.

Brown Pike across The Cove.

The low lying valleys to the south east are all covered by mist.

Looking along Coniston Water and the Crake valley.

The Ill Bell ridge to the east.

Black Combe on the left has no snow on it.

Some of the eastern fells have a cloud cap this morning.

A view for miles from the summit of The Old Man of Coniston.

The Scafells from the summit.

The column on The Old Man.

Fairfield beyond Wetherlam.

Brim Fell along the ridge.

Black Combe across Brown Pike with Blind Tarn in the hollow beneath Brown Pike.

A great view of Dow Crag in the sunshine, South Rake to the left.

Scafell.

Harter Fell.

Looking across to the Helvellyn ridge. The dark tip to the right is Dollywaggon Pike, Helvellyn next left.

Mono Howgills.

Casper, King of the Fells.

Looking across Coniston village from the summit.

The steep way down.

Back at the end of the Walna Scar road and not a car in sight (which is unusual!) at the car park.

Scafell Pike

Walked on 01/02/2012

Start point: Brackenclose (NY 182 074)

Brackenclose – Lingmell – Lingmell Col – Scafell Pike – Mickledore – Lord’s Rake – West Wall Traverse – Symonds Knott – Scafell – Green How – Brackenclose

Distance: 6 miles Total Ascent: 1162 metres Time Taken: 5 hours 30 minutes Start Time: 08:00

Weather: Clear with a cold wind. 3°C

Cold and clear was the forecast and that was spot on today. This is a relatively short distance mileage wise but the time taken tells how difficult the going was at times. The wind made it hard and the deep snow in Deep Gill made it even harder.

Note: Ice axe and crampons were required for this climb. Lord’s Rake, The West Wall Traverse and Deep Gill are difficult and not for the unwary.

Sunrise over the Scafells.

Wast Water and Middle Fell from the start of the steep climb to Lingmell.

Climbing higher, looking into Mosedale.

Looking back down, Illgill Head to the left. This climb was all in the shade, the sun had to climb above Scafell yet.

Red Pike, Scoat Fell and Pillar at the head of Mosedale.

Looking back to Illgill Head. Once beyond the snowline the wind really picked up, it was Siberian! It made the going tough along here and it seemed to take an age to get to Goat Crags.

Scafell in mono.

Into the sunshine at last and Great Gable comes into view.

Crossing to the column, visible up to the right.

Great Gable from Lingmell Crag.

The column on Lingmell looking to Great End.

The view across Styhead Tarn.

Lingmell summit.

Great End from the descent to Lingmell Col.

Back into the shadows climbing the north face of Scafell Pike with a great view across to Skiddaw and Blencathra.

Onward and upward.

Scafell Pike summit ahead.

Directly below the column.

Frozen Scafell Pike summit.

I can see for miles and miles - a fabulous view from Scafell Pike today.

A cold view towards Scafell.

Top dogs - Casper and Dougal summit the roof of England.

It turned to 'proper winter' when I was up here with clouds swirling around and the sun shining through.

Looking across to Esk Pike and Bowfell.

Dougal weighs up the best way down.

Scafell from Pulpit Rock, Lord's Rake is the diagonal gully on the right.

Down at the stretcher box at Mickledore it is time to get the crampons on.

At the foot of Lord's Rake.

An annotated version of a photo from above, showing the route to Lord's Rake and onwards. I think the climbers (circled) at the foot of the Scafell Crag give a good idea of the scale.

Pulpit Rock on Scafell Pike.

Looking back to Mickledore from the foot of Lord's Rake. You can see my tracks down Rake's Progress on the right.

The view to Scafell Pike from the climb of Lord's Rake. Not much opportunity to take photos here as I was concentrating on the job in hand. Remember: Ice Axe and Crampons were required from the foot of the rake onwards.

Made it to the top! Looking back down Lord's Rake. Everyone wants to know about the chockstone sitting at the top of Lord's Rake and whether it will fall. Undoubtedly it will one day as it is only resting across the top. For the moment (today only, I will make no predictions and you need to assess the situation yourself if you are going this way!) it seems pretty solid. This photo was taken with the three of us sat underneath it. I had planned to carry on across Lord's Rake until I looked beyond the chock stone and saw a very similar picture to the last time I was here in snow - there was a great slab of snow between me and the second col which was just a chute down to Hollow Stones below. I'm not certain it could be crossed as it looked a bit unstable, too dodgy for me anyway and there were no other footprints showing that anyone had tried it. The next thing to look at was the West Wall Traverse and it was a climb up an icy wall to get to it and once there I was committed to continuing that way.

Scafell from the West Wall Traverse.

Looking back to the top of Lord's Rake from the West Wall Traverse. The chockstone is directly below the left hand edge of the large rock (my footprints go beneath it). The West Wall Traverse was straightforward enough but once into Deep Gill, it acted like a wind tunnel and there was snow constantly blowing down it. At least the snow was quite soft but it was knee deep in places and made for an arduous climb. The gully is probably at an angle of about 60 degrees and it looked a long way down when I looked back and it was much harder work than Lord's Rake. Needless to say, every kick of the crampons and every bite of the axe were made to count on this climb.

Made it! Deep Gill from the top.

Scafell summit from the top of Deep Gill.

The view from Symonds Knott across the top of Deep Gill. The left hand part of the 'Y' was my exit point and you can see my footprints below it.

The summit of Scafell.

There is a haze layer to the west, looking across Burnmoor Tarn and Miterdale, Whin Rigg and Illgill Head to the right.

Looking north from frozen Scafell.

One the descent from Scafell - Symonds Knott, Scafell Pike and Ill Crag in view.

Brrr, there was a chilly wind across here.

Seatallan, Yewbarrow and the western fells from the descent.

Wasdale Head.

Yewbarrow.

Looking back to Scafell, the moon rising to the left.

Dougal takes in the sunny view.

Wast Water.

Scafell Pike and Scafell from Lingmell Gill.

Wasdale

Walked on 30/01/2012

Wasdale

It was looking rather nice this afternoon but pretty cold. I had enough time for a short walk around Wasdale Head with the boys, taking in the beautiful views in this loveliest of valleys.

It was a bit choppy on Wast Water looking at the classic view.

Scafell Pike and Scafell.

From further along the valley road - the Scafells, England's finest looking magnificent today.

Scafell, good enough to eat.

Great Gable above Wasdale Head.

A wider panoramic of Kirk Fell and Great Gable.

Pillar, my favourite.

Two good lads and a good tester for my boots - Casper and Dougal on the old packhorse bridge at Wasdale Head.

Pillar from the bridge.

The sign points the way. Bonus photos - a beautiful sunset on Saturday 28th January on Walney Island...

The cicrumzenithal arc of a sung dog clearly visible in this shot.

Sunset groynes.

Panorama.

Breaking wave.

Go for it Casper!

Longer exposure for water movement.

Ship on the horizon.

Heron Pike

Walked on 27/01/2012

Start point: Grasmere (NY 341 083)

Grasmere – Grey Crag – Alcock Tarn – Heron Pike – Butter Crag – Grasmere

Distance: 2.75 miles Total Ascent: 524 metres Time Taken: 2 hours Start Time: 10:30

Weather: Lots of wintry showers. 3° (when will I see you again!) C

The weather was supposed to brighten up later, but I guess you’ve got to get out whilst you can and it didn’t look so good when I set off in pouring rain. I made this walk up as I went along, I didn’t really know where I was heading apart from Alcock Tarn but when I looked up to Heron Pike it seemed so close I decided to go for it. The weather was constantly changing again today and as I climbed the rain soon turned to snow backed by a strong wind.

Heron Pike Route Map.

Stone Arthur through the rain from Forest Side.

Helm Crag, High Raise beyond.

Harrison Stickle, one of the Langdale Pikes where I was on Monday.

The Vale of Grasmere.

Looking to the Coniston fells.

Damp Dogs, Casper and Dougal.

Stone Arthur just about visible across Alcock Tarn.

The Langdales and High Raise.

Heron Pike directly ahead, there is even a glimpse of blue sky up there.

Looking back across Grasmere, there is some more weather heading our way.

Big clouds rolling in up on the Heron Pike ridge, Windermere, Esthwaite Water and Coniston Water in view.

A little further on and the weather caught us up, howling wind and snow.

Braving the elements.

Today's view from Heron Pike.

Snowy Dougal - time for a quick exit I feel.

Stone Arthur through the snow shower from the direct descent.

I'll just follow these two guides today.

That's better, back down at Butter Crag.

More snow looking to Stone Arthur and Greenhead Gill.

The Langdale Pikes

Walked on 23/01/2012

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

New Dungeon Ghyll – Stickle Tarn – Harrison Stickle – Pavey Ark – Thunacar Knott – Pike O’Stickle – Loft Crag – Thorn Crag – Pike How – New Dungeon Ghyll

Distance: 5 miles Total Ascent: 791 metres Time Taken: 3 hours 30 minutes Start Time: 09:00

Weather: Lots of wintry showers. 5°C

The weather took a turn for the worse as I climbed alongside Stickle Ghyll this morning and became really wintry on the climb to Harrison Stickle. Backed by a strong wind is was a proper winter’s day with the weather changing minute by minute. There were fleeting clear spells which were magical, but I really enjoyed every step of today’s walk – weather and all.

The Langdale Pikes Route Map.

At the start of the climb to Stickle Tarn.

Falls on Stickle Ghyll.

Lingmoor Fell and there is a bit of weather around now - sleety rain at this height but it soon turned to hail, then snow.

Looking to Pike How through the hail.

At the dam on Stickle Tarn in a heavy (and painful!) hail shower.

Heading for Harrison Stickle.

A brief interlude between the showers to look down on Stickle Tarn with distant Fairfield in view. Things soon changed however...

Lots of snow, lots of wind - Harrison Stickle summit ahead.

Snowy Casperoo.

Come on, let's go!

The summit of Harrison Stickle.

Pike o' Stickle from the path to Pavey Ark. Beyond there is an eerie blue light over Crinkle Crags and Bowfell.

Halo over Harrison.

For a fleeting minute of two there was full sunshine as I made my way across to Pavey Ark, here looking towards Thunacar Knott...but look at that ominous sky beyond.