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.

On Black Crag, part of the Hartsop above How ridge with a great view of High Street and the far eastern fells.

Hart Crag.

Dougal and Casper on Hartsop above How, enjoying the glorious weather.

Hart Crag and Fairfield from the summit of Hartsop above How

Deepdale and Fairfield with Dollywaggon Pike on the far right.

Place Fell and Patterdale on the descent of the ridge.

Angletarn Pikes and Brock Crags. We will cross the stile at the bottom of the photo to head back down to Cow Bridge.

Above Brothers Water.

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.