Grasmoor

Walked on 13/01/2012

Start point: Lanthwaite Green (NY 159 208)

Lanthwaite Green – Grasmoor – Crag Hill – Wandope – Thirdgill Head Man – Whiteless Pike – Whiteless Breast – Low Bank – Rannerdale Knotts – Lanthwaite Green

Distance: 7.1 miles Total Ascent: 1038 metres Time Taken: 4 hours Start Time: 09:00

Weather: Cold, very clear. 2°C

As I passed through Ambleside In could see the blood red sky to the south east catching me. As I went through Keswick, I could see a lovely inversion forming over Derwent Water but I managed to press on regardless despite these fantastic condition to head for Buttermere. I was rewarded with the shot I wanted across early morning Buttermere and then a walk in absolute clarity on the north western fells, taking in Grasmoor by the direct route from Lanthwaite Green – a steep one and not for the faint hearted. As Wainwright described it ‘On the whole, however, the climb is probably less difficult than the North Wall of the Eiger’!

Dawn at Buttermere.

Pink sky.

Beautiful red sky and reflections looking to Fleetwith Pike.

Grasmoor direct Route Map.

This photo was taken after the walk but shows today's route of ascent to Grasmoor - straight up!

Early morning Mellbreak from Lanthwaite Green.

At the foot of the (gulp!) climb.

Love the sky.

Low lying cloud in the Crummock Valley.

Climbing the scree slope.

Mellbreak from the scree. I was in the shade for the whole climb being on the north face of Grasmoor.

The Loweswater Fells.

Carling Knott and Burnbank Fell.

At the top of the grassy rake looking towards Whiteside.

There were many photos of Mellbreak today but there are great views from here.

Loweswater.

Whiteside and Gasgale Gill.

The view from the Pinnacle.

Climbing to Grasmoor End.

Made it...

...but there's still a fair walk to get to the summit from here. At least the going is easier and I am in the sunshine now

Would you like ice with your drink Dougal?

Dougal on the frosty summit.

Grasmoor summit.

Looking into the sunshine towards the Scafells.

Hopegill Head.

Hopegill Head, Grisedale Pike and Skiddaw from Dove Crags.

Fabulous views for miles today.

Layers upon layers of fells.

Distant Skiddaw and Blencathra.

Looking back to the top of Grasmoor.

Crag Hill within touching distance. It wasn't on the agenda...but go on then.

Frozen pool at the crossroads.

The summit of Crag Hill and that trig. column is going to collapse soon (look at the bottom left of it).

Coledale panorama - select on the image to see a larger version.

Dougal and Casper on frosted Crag Hill.

Grasmoor from the descent.

Wandope.

Crag Hill from Wandope summit.

Whiteless Edge and Whiteless Pike from Thirdgill Head.

Looking back to Thirdgill Head and Wandope.

A view through to Helvellyn from Whiteless Pike, Ard Crags and Knott Rigg in the foreground.

Looking back from the descent of Whiteless Pike.

Rannerdale Knotts from Whiteless Breast.

Low Bank.

Crummock Water and Loweswater from Rannerdale Knotts summit.

Whiteless Pike looks shapely from here.

Descending towards Crummock Water and Mellbreak.

Grasmoor from Lanthwaite Green.

Black Fell

Walked on 05/01/2012

Start point: Knipe Fold (SD 391 994)

Black Fell from Knipe Fold

Distance: 3.4 miles Total Ascent: 215 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 15 minutes Start Time: 12:45

Weather: Sunny with a cold, strong wind. 5°C

I didn’t think we would see any clear skies today, it was blowing a gale all night and most of the morning with frequent heavy showers. Everywhere was wet underfoot as you might imagine and once out of shelter the wind was still quite strong but thankfully it blew all the rain clouds far away.

A submerged jetty at Low Wood shows how much rain there has been around this week but the strong winds of last night and this morning have blown it all clear again.

The tide line shows how high the water has been.

Looking across Windermere to Crinkle Crags, Bowfell and the Langdale Pikes. On with the walk...

A pastoral view to the east from the track from Knipe Fold.

Casper and Dougal on the throne initialled 'CD'...made for those two, obviously!

The view through Iron Keld plantation to Windermere. The Low Wood Hotel (where the first photos on this page were taken) is the white building centre right.

'The Woolly Jumper' - I don't know what Dougal was up to but I stopped for a second and boi-oing, he was up here as quick as a flash, up a 7 foot wall in a single leap. Get him signed up for the Olympic squad quick!

Black Crag, the summit of Black Fell is to the left with the trig. column visible. To the right is the large south-east cairn.

The Langdale Pikes and High Raise with Lingmoor Fell in the foreground.

A wider view across Low Arnside.

Dougal and Casper on the summit.

Black Crag, the summit of Black Fell.

The view from Great Cobble.

Helvellyn and Fairfield.

Despite the sunshine it was still blowing a hoolie up here.

Looking across Ambleside to the Far Eastern fells.

Close up on the Langdale Pikes.

Crinkle Crags and Bowfell.

The boys check out the best way to the south east cairn, Esthwaite Water beyond.

Windermere, the Howgills to the right.

The south east cairn.

Helvellyn to the left, the Fairfield fells to the right beyond Great Cobble.

Esthwaite Water from the descent.

Moon rising to the east.

The Howgills to the left, Latterbarrow with the large obelisk visible to the right. On the way back...

Dreamy Coniston Water.

Blawith Knott

Walked on 02/01/2012

Start point: Woodland Fell road (SD 256 879)

Blawith Knott (OF) from the Woodland Fell road

Start Time: 13:30 Weather: Icy, strong wind. 4°C

Just time to blow away the cobwebs from the Christmas excess today and kick off 2012 with a short walk up to Blawith Knott. The wind was very strong even at this modest height and had a real icy feel to it – not a time to hang around for sure.

Race you!

Stickle Pike.

Caw at the end of a rainbow.

A touch of blue sky over the top of Blawith Knott.

Dull over the Coniston fells with snow laden clouds looming over them.

Black Combe.

How windy? How cold? If I were you Dougal, I would stay right there behind Casper.

Drama over the Duddon Estuary.

The Old Man with a fresh dusting of snow.

Sunbeams.

The summit of Blawith Knott.

The charge of the Dougal brigade, looking to Beacon Fell. The eastern fells beyond have snow on them as did Scafell when it showed briefly.

Fast moving sky.

Later...Connie has a go at climbing on Kendal climbing wall.

Latterbarrow

Walked on 21/12/2011

Start point: Colthouse (SD 360 988)

Latterbarrow (OF) from Colthouse

Distance: 1.5 miles Total Ascent: 143 metres Time Taken: 30 minutes Start Time: 11:35

Weather: Overcast, relatively warm. 9ºC

On this, the shortest day of the year, it was surprisingly mild at a heady 9C. Normally we would be in the depths of winter and have a bit of snow around. Of course it is still there on the higher tops, it was just that I couldn’t see it today. There were some interesting conditions to be observed from lowly Latterbarrow though with the low lying mist hanging in the valleys and across Windermere.

Latterbarrow route map.

This view across Windermere from Hammar Bank caught my eye, the only clear place I had seen all morning...looks like a good bet for a walk across there today...

Looking across Outgate to Black Fell.

The obelisk atop Latterbarrow.

Low lying mist all around, here looking towards Loughrigg.

A wider, panoramic view.

Casper gets in a spin.

It's other worldly down there.

Looking across Windermere to Wansfell, Low Wood Hotel prominent across the mere.

Snakes in the grass - Casper looks at Dougal who is caught in the crosshairs.

Misty trees.

A wider view.

Blelham Tarn below from the descent.

Working out the best way down.

The view to the south from the ferry across Windermere, heading back to Bowness.

Catbells

Walked on 16/12/2011

Start point: Hawes End (NY 247 212)

Hawes End – Skelgill Bank – Catbells – Hause Gate – Allerdale Ramble – Skelgill Bank – Catbells – Skelgill Bank – Hawes End

Distance: 4.3 miles Total Ascent: 695 metres Time Taken: 3 hours 30 minutes Start Time: 08:30

Weather: Snow showers. 0ºC

There was a lot of snow around when I set of on the climb to Catbells this morning. My original intention had been to do the full Newlands Round but things didn’t quite turn out as expected and shows that you don’t necessarily have to get to the highest fells to get the views. It turned out to be a bit of an odd walk really, read on to see what happened…

Catbells route map.

Heavy snow and still dark at the start of the climb to Catbells.

A near mono scene.

Twin peaks - Catbells and Skelgill Bank.

A little bit of sun appearing over to the east.

Cold and frozen Newlands Valley.

It looks like it may be an interesting sunrise this morning.

At least I can see the summit from Skelgill Bank.

Casper and Dougal.

Greyscale scenery with an orange sky.

In a heavy snow shower now.

Wow! Catbells sunrise.

For a few minutes, all was aglow and it was simply breathtaking.

Sun a rise, early in the morning.

The Derwent Fells at sun up.

Skiddaw and Dodd.

Fiery sky.

Skiddaw has a tinge of colour this morning.

Up on the summit of Catbells and central in the photo is a Sun Dog, caused by the sun shining on ice crystals.

Looking to Maiden Moor.

Dougal and Casper on Catbells.

The sun, a dog and a Sun Dog!

Which way Dad? Well, not that way as all views were completely obliterated in the heavy snow as we descended to Hause Gate - in fact it was a complete white-out. It seemed pointless carrying on and I did wonder about getting back home once I reached the car as well so I decided to call it a day and walk back along the bottom of Catbells.

On the descent - nothing to see here.

Brandelhow in heavy snow.

Walking along the path - what is that I can see up there? Hmm, blue sky. By amazing powers of deduction I worked out that there would be a nice inversion if I made it back up on high. Sooo...back up we go!

I was correct in that assumption - a lovely inversion over Derwent Water and The Vale of Keswick.

Walla Crag and Bleaberry Fell, Clough Head and The Dodds beyond.

Climbing higher.

Actually it was quite quick moving that inversion, normally it is really still and they can sit for hours but this was rising and moving eastwards.

Walla Crag is almost covered now to the left.

Bleaberry Fell.

Dougal has found a good vantage point.

Bleaberry Fell and High Seat.

Clearing over the water.

Looking over Keswick to Skiddaw.

The mist rising to envelope me once more. Still I continued to the summit and hung around for a while - who knows what would happen next?

Cloud pouring into Borrowdale.

A winter scene, on the descent again now.

Causey Pike looks almost Alpine.

Catbells and Hindscarth.

Ard Crags and Knott Rigg, an island in the clouds.

Looking towards Skiddaw.

The cloud is still pouring down into Borrowdale.

Castle Crag looks like an interesting place today.

Derwent Water is clear now and it wasn't long before the cloud cover was in for the day.

Dow Crag via the South Rake

Walked on 12/12/2011

Start point: Walna Scar road (SD 289 970)

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

Distance: 5.1 miles Total Ascent: 593 metres Time Taken: 2 hours 50 minutes Start Time: 09:15

Weather: Showers, cloudy on the tops. 5ºC

It was bright around the periphery of the Lakes today but most of the fells I could see were shrouded in mist. I still fancied a bit of winter walking so headed for Dow Crag in search of some snow and have a hunt around for something else today as well.

Firstly, a bit of a story about a fell dog – this extract is from Wainwright’s ‘The Southern Fells’, Coniston Old Man 6…

Dow Crag route map.

It seems nothing has changed much and the same thing that happened to Charmer's Grave also happened to the Angus plaque. Details of Charmer's demise from the Lakes Herald, 31st March 1911 ... Another Promising Hound Dashed To Death CONISTON FOXHOUNDS - As was recorded in last week’s issue, the above hounds had a thrilling experience on Dow Crags at Coniston, seven of them being crag fast and not rescued for about 24 hours. Unfortunately one of the hounds, the promising young bitch Charmer, appeared to have stolen back on a fresh hunt, and got crag fast in the same place. But this was not discovered till later. On Sunday she was heard howling, and a rescue party tried to reach her, but before they could get there Charmer had fallen down the crag and was dashed to death.

Charmer's Grave with the inscription 'Charmer 1911' on the stone, 100 years on and the letters are faded but still visible.

Kindred spirits - Charmer is not alone today but has two other fell dogs to visit him. RIP lad. Note: I have put these Charmer's Grave photos out of sequence to protect its location. Back to the walk from the beginning...

Sunshine and clouds on The Old Man...

...and on The Bell. Beyond, Wetherlam is in cloud too. As soon as I started walking though, the heaven's opened and soaked me with a sleety shower.

Sunlit clouds to the south.

Blue skies to the south but the higher Coniston fells are all in cloud this morning.

A rainbow along the path to The Cove.

The Cove.

Goat's Water outfall.

Goat's Water.

The crags of Dow Crag.

Climbing into the mist.

Goat's Water from up on high.

At the foot of the South Rake and it is time to don crampons. Casper and Dougal don't seem too bothered by the steep slope or the snow. Note: Don't try a winter climb like this if you are inexperienced. Don't take a dog this way in these conditions.

Looking down the Rake. The snow was thigh deep for much of the way making the going pretty tough - it certainly got my heart rate up - but it was a really satisfying climb nevertheless.

It looks steep when it is filled with snow and a long, long way down.

The South Rake from the top.

The two intrepid mountaineers are pleased to have made it.

Heading for Buck Pike.

Buck Pike in mono.

Descending through the old quarry, Coniston Water in view.

The Old Man across The Cove.

Brown Pike and Buck Pike are under there somewhere.

Heading back along the newly smoothed Walna Scar Road.

Cove Bridge.

Sunshine heading back along the Walna Scar Road with a view all the way to the Ill Bell ridge.

Wansfell

Walked on 07/12/2011

Start point: Troutbeck (NY 409 032)

Troutbeck – Nanny Lane – The Hundreds – Wansfell – Wansfell Pike – Nanny Lane – Troutbeck

Distance: 3.7 miles Total Ascent: 350 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 20 minutes Start Time: 09:45

Weather: Strong winds and snow. 2ºC

It took me a while to decide where to walk this morning, I visited Coniston and Langdale before deciding to have a look to the east where it all seemed much brighter. After struggling up The Struggle in full winter conditions and with the snow still falling heavily, I decided to head back down the Kirkstone Pass before it became impassable…

Wansfell route map.

The Kirkstone Pass Inn. On with the walk, Wansfell looked clear and as it is of relatively modest height it seemed like a decent bet...

...until I set off when it started snowing heavily once more.

It was also very windy along here, I sheltered behind the wall to take this photo and was on the verge of turning back but decided to plod on hoping the wind would blow away the snow clouds.

Nanny Lane.

The first glimmer of brightness and the Ill Bell ridge comes into view.

Peeping over the snowy wall to get a view of Sallows.

Casper, the snow monster. Those two dogs are like spring lambs once they are in the snow, rolling around and chasing each other and generally enjoying themselves.

'You go that-away and I'll go this-away'. Once we climbed up onto the summit of Wansfell the wind was really strong...

...aaaghh! Hold on tight boys!

Bleak midwinter on the Wansfell ridge - the snow was horizontal along here. Surprisingly, I didn't see anyone today!

Following the wall to Wansfell Pike.

A sudden clearing in the clouds and Ambleside and Rydal Water come into view below.

Wetherlam beyond Wansfell Pike.

Crossing the wall.

Windermere with the back of the snow showers being blown down the water.

A little bit of sunshine at the southern end of Windermere.

Clearing to the north, Kirkstone Pass is distant left of centre.

Wow, the briefest of brief clearings reveals the full length of Windermere from Wansfell Pike.

Looking back to Wansfell, Ill Bell beyond.

Another brief parting of the clouds and Red Screes becomes visible.

Sunburst over Windermere. As soon as I left the summit of Wansfell Pike the snow came back with a vengeance and all views were once more obliterated.

On the decent of Nanny Lane.

Blawith Knott

Walked on 06/12/2011

Start point: Woodland Fell road (SD 256 879)

Blawith Knott (OF) from the Woodland Fell road

Start Time: 10:30 Weather: Cold. 3C

Just time for a quick walk up to Blawith Knott this morning, the fells were resplendent in their new winter coats so they were well worth a viewing. I would have preferred to be up there rather than just looking…another day maybe.

First sight of the Coniston fells from the Woodland Fell road, the path used to climb Blawith Knott is the one in the foreground.

Heading for Blawith Knott.

A little bit of sunshine looking towards Black Combe.

The magnificent Coniston fells.

A panoramic of the snowy Coniston fells.

Dow Crag and The Old Man.

Black Combe from the summit.

Looking towards Kirkby Moor.

Casper and Dougal on Blawith Knott.

On the descent.

It was starting to cloud over even during the short time I was up here with more snow laden clouds.

The Giant's Grave.

Holme Fell

Walked on 02/12/2011

Start point: Hodge Close (NY 315 016)

Holme Fell from Hodge Close

Distance: 1.7 miles Total Ascent: 165 metres Time Taken: 45 minutes Start Time: 09:20

Weather: Overcast, cold. 5ºC

It was a cold morning and most of the higher fells were covered in cloud early on – when they lifted the forecasted snow was revealed on them, a later start than last year to wintry weather. There were some ominous clouds around and heavy showers later on which presumably left more snow up on high.

Holme Fell route map.

A 'petit-sunburst' across the reservoir.

Reservoir and clouds.

The Langdales have a dusting of snow on them.

The view from the climb and the fells to the east are covered in cloud.

Coniston Water from Ivy Crag.

The clouds on the eastern fells have lifted sufficiently now to reveal snow on Helvellyn and Fairfield beyond the cairn on Ivy Crag.

Those clouds look quite heavily laden.

Helvellyn and Fairfield.

More weather coming in from the left.

Fairfield.

More snow showers across The Langdales.

Wetherlam beyond the summit of Holme Fell.

Standing on the edge - at the top of Raven Crag looking along Yewdale to Coniston Water.

Heavy clouds over the far eastern fells.

Dougal and Casper on Holme Fell.

Wetherlam.

The Old Man is shrouded today.

Holme Fell summit ridge.

The summit cairn on Holme Fell...

...and the view in the opposite direction.

The clouds are down once more, looking across on the descent.

Down at the smaller reservoir.

Hodge Close quarry.

The trees at Hodge Close have grown right around the old wire rope.

Branstree

Walked on 28/11/2011

Start point: Sadgill Bridge, Longsleddale (NY 483 057)

Sadgill Bridge, Longsleddale – Gatesgarth Pass – Branstree – Tarn Crag (Longsleddale) – Harrop Pike – Grey Crag(Longsleddale) – Great Howe (Longsleddale) – Sadgill Bridge, Longsleddale

Distance: 7.5 miles Total Ascent: 767 metres Time Taken: 3 hour 30 minutes Start Time: 09:00

Weather: Cold, wet and windy. 6C

Today I had a walk in Longsleddale, one of the remotest valleys around and I certainly saw no-one today. It was wild on the tops today with a strong wind and some heavy showers which coupled with boggy terrain made the going arduous at times – nice to be out for a longer walk once more though and I enjoyed it.

Branstree route map.

Longsleddale from Sadgill - it all looks a bit ominous ahead.

Beautiful Longsleddale and the River Sprint.

Following the track, Goat Scar to the left and Buckbarrow Crag to the right.

The head of Longsleddale.

Buckbarrow Crag.

Looking back into Longsleddale, the wind picking up and blowing some rain in now.

Cleft Ghyll.

The top of Branstree is in cloud, looking across Wrengill Quarry. Once through the quarry the wind really started to pick up and the cloud was almost down to Gatescarth Pass.

Casper puts the handy dog water bowl to good use on the summit of Branstree.

Out of the clag once more on Selside Brow heading for Tarn Crag with more layers on than an onion, plus the obligatory hat and gloves.

Boggy...

...peat hags, typical terrain in these parts, looking into Mosedale.

Branstree looks pretty clear of cloud now looking back from the climb to Tarn Crag.

Mosedale.

The survey post on Tarn Crag, the wind is whipping up the water in that puddle.

Tarn Crag summit.

The cairn on Harrop Pike is clearly visible from the descent of Tarn Crag.

The cairn on Harrop Pike.

Dougal is getting used to the windswept look.

The summit of Grey Crag.

Dougal and Casper on Grey Crag.

Three old men of the fells.

Grey Crag and the survey post on Great Howe.

Tarn Crag from Great Howe.

The easy gully leading back to Sadgill.

A great view of Longsleddale from the descent.

Sadgill Bridge.

Stickle Pike

Walked on 26/11/2011

Start point: Kiln Bank Cross (SD 215 933)

Kiln Bank Cross – Stickle Tarn – Stickle Pike (OF) – Kiln Bank Cross

Distance: 1 miles Total Ascent: 105 metres Time Taken: 25 minutes Start Time: 12:20

Weather: Grey with a strong wind and showers. 12C

The weather this morning was less than fabulous with strong winds and showers. Even at lunchtime when I went for a walk up to Stickle Pike it was almost dark and the wind up on the top was pretty strong as expected and the rain came down in a big way just as I made it back down to the car.

At the foot of the climb things were more than a little breezy today.

Looking across to Caw whilst I was conveniently sheltered behind these large rocks.

Heading for the tarn, straight ahead, with the summit up to the right.

Looking across to the old levels on Raven's Crag, Caw beyond in cloud.

Windswept Stickle Tarn.

Stickle Tarn and Pike.

Looking back down the path.

Stickle Pike summit.

Dougal and Casper brave the wind.

On the southern summit the wind was really strong and it made the going difficult, in fact it was hard work just to keep standing up. I hunkered down in a small hollow to get this shot of Great Stickle and the Duddon Estuary...

...and turn around putting my head above the parapet to get this shot across to the main summit.

Yes, it 's pretty wild up here Dougal!

Descending the summit on the northern side.

The Duddon Valley and a quick jog from here to make the car before the rain came.

Orrest Head

Walked on 23/11/2011

Start point: Windermere (SD 414 987)

Orrest Head (OF) circular

Distance: 1.2 miles Total Ascent: 109 metres Time Taken: 30 minutes Start Time: 10:05

Weather: Overcast, drizzle. 12C

It is still amazingly warm for the time of year but the skies were leaden and full of threatening clouds this morning. I didn’t fancy anywhere too high, which was a good thing really as I forgot my boots…I wouldn’t want to ruin my Gucci loafers crossing Striding Edge, would I?

Firstly, couple of photos I took on Sunday when I was on my way to Love the Lakes, Keswick…

Orrest Head route map.

Skiddaw gets a lovely inversion across Latrigg, I know where I would have gone if work wasn't a priority!

A beautiful view across Derwent Water to Catbells. On to today's walk...

Windermere from the path to Orrest Head.

Mossy wall.

I don't know what your doing up there Dougal, Casper has gone the sensible way through the sheep hole down to the left!

The view to the north west on the top of Orrest Head.

Take a seat and have a view in any direction you like.

Orrest Head, the new viewpoint indicator has sadly gone again.

The view southwards to Bowness and Windermere.

Something has grabbed Casper and Dougal's attention.

Sour Howes.

Wansfell.

Damp and slippery Orrest Head.

The view towards Ambleside.

Sour Howes and Sallows from the descent to Common Wood.

Back to Windermere.

Hard Knott

Walked on 16/11/2011

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: Sunny and bright. 9C

I just had time to squeeze a quick walk in sunny conditions this afternoon up to Hard Knott. I love the view to the back of the Scafells from here and it was lovely and quiet up there today.

Hard Knott route map.

The Duddon Valley looking towards Little Stand with blue sky to the right, grey to the left.

Hard Knott.

Sunshine on Hard Knott from Border End.

Bowfell and Crinkle Crags from the top.

Border End is in sunshine, the Scafells beyond are not.

It is still a mighty fine view across Upper Eskdale though.

Looking towards Esk Pike, Bowfell and Crinkle Crags, the photographer flanked by his two trusty cohorts.

Harter Fell from Border End.

Eskdale and the Roman Fort below.

The two headed dog.

Esk Pike and Bowfell loom large over Eskdale. In the centre is the next objective, Eskdale Needle.

Looking across to the Scafells.

Eskdale Needle ahead.

Getting closer.

From below.

Casper and Dougal do the Eskdale Needle pose.

A fabulous panorama from Hard Knott.

Hard Knott.

Harter Fell from Hard Knott summit.

Big sky overhead.

Great Carrs and Swirl How across a small tarn on the descent.

Harter Fell 'erupts'.

Greendale Round

Walked on 14/11/2011

Start point: Greendale (NY 144 056)

Greendale – Middle Fell – Seatallan – Greendale Gill – Greendale

Distance: 4.2 miles Total Ascent: 732 metres Time Taken: 2 hours 30 minutes Start Time: 09:30

Weather: Sunny and bright. 9C

What a beautiful morning it was and although quite hazy down below it did look as though it would be clear higher up and I wasn’t disappointed. The haze layer seemed to roll across from the east during the walk so I think it was a good idea to get out early. Nice to bump into StridingEdge fan David up on Middle Fell today too.

Greendale route map.

Buckbarrow from Greendale.

The path to Middle Fell.

Climbing higher.

Greendale and Greendale Gill.

Buckbarrow from the climb to Middle Fell.

Middle Fell summit ahead.

First sight of the Scafells - wow, beautiful.

The summit of Middle Fell.

The view across Greendale to Haycock, Scoat Fell and Red Pike.

Dougal, ready for action.

Red Pike with Low Tarn visible.

Scafells close up.

A fabulous view from Middle Fell - Kirk Fell, Great Gable, Yewbarrow and The Scafells in view.

Casper is 8 on the 15th - Happy Birthday Casper!

Middle Fell.

Heading along Middle Fell ridge.

It is hazy down below but the views from up here are fabulous.

Dougal and Casper have found someone else to walk with - he must have sandwiches! The steep climb to Seatallan lies ahead.

At the foot of the climb.

Middle Fell and Greendale Tarn and a big layer of haze beyond.

A view of lovely Scoat Tarn flanked by Scoat Fell and Red Pike with Pillar putting in appearance directly above the tarn.

Haycock and Pots of Ashness.

Distant Great Gable.

Spreading haze.

Looking from the summit plateau of Seatallan.

Looking in the other direction, the trig column and cairn clumped together over on the south western side.

The cairn and trig column.

A prefect view of the Scafells from the descent.

That bank of haze seems to be moving closer.

Layers of hazy fells.

Descending to Greendale Tarn below Middle Fell.

Greendale Tarn.

It was lovely down here and unseasonably warm.

The peace was broken by the shouts of three shepherds working the fells with a dozen dogs, one up on Seatallan, one on Middle Fell and one in the Greendale Valley. I think they would have had a couple more willing volunteers as well if they were given half a chance.

Seatallan.

Middle Fell from Greendale.

Yewbarrow and Great Gable.

The view.

Wasdale and Irton Pike

Walked on 07/11/2011

A few sunset photos, a wander around Wasdale and then…

Start point: Old Quarry car park (NY 121 012)

Old Quarry car park – Irton Pike (OF) – Old Quarry car park

Distance: 1.3 miles Total Ascent: 125 metres Time Taken: 30 minutes Start Time: 14:40

Weather: Sunny and bright. 9C

Firstly, some photos of a glorious sunset up on Birkrigg Common near Ulverston on Sunday evening…

Morecambe Bay from Birkrigg Common.

Sunset over Ulverston and The Hoad monument with the Fairfield Horseshoe beyond.

The Coniston fells.

Lowering sun.

Blackpool Tower across the bay.

Lowering sun lights up the offshore wind farm.

Birkrigg Common.

Melting away the day.

Going...

...gone. Monday was lovely and sunny so I wanted to visit Wasdale to see what it was like there and I wasn't disappointed - it was absolutely fantastic. Wast Water was flat calm and the views were clear - obviously, many of the shots are similar but it is a nice view...

The classic view, or one of them. Yewbarrow, Great Gable and Lingmell.

Similar, but different.

Reflected giants.

A different perspective with the dark and brooding screes reflected.

From a different place.

Lingmell and the Scafells.

Scafell Pike and Scafell.

I think this was my favourite of them all, those colours have run into the water.

The Screes.

Reflected Screes.

Britain's favourite view...with some mountains and a lake as well! I spent so long soaking in the delights of beautiful Wasdale, I ran out of time for the planned walk but decided to stop off at little Irton Pike for a quick walk and a different perspective.

Harter Fell and Green Crag from the climb to Irton Pike. When I set off up this way it looked easy peasy and Dougal seemed quite keen on it to. It was a direct ascent from the start of the felled section, it should no problem at all. Well, it was until about a third of the way up when we encountered the fells trees, the thick gorse, the thick and prickly brambles... an army assault course. Once we were into the thick of it there was no going back and it took twice as long as if I'd gone right round. At one point I was sure I would get through to an enchanted castle and find sleeping beauty. Did anyone hear any loud cursing from over this way yesterday?

At least the views made up for it! Buckbarrow, Seatallan, Red Pike and Middle Fell from Irton Pike.

Wasdale, this time from a bit further away. Those trees are growing quickly and the walk is now through an avenue of trees, it feels much more like a forest than last time I was here.

Whin Rigg, the top of The Screes.

Colourful trees.

No wonder they have long tongues after that climb.

Sun reflected in Morecambe Bay. Keep in mind that big bank of cloud out there.

Wast Water and the giants.

The way back. On the way home, at Wreaks above Broughton...

The Hand of Doom reaches out to for the Coniston fells. That big bank of cloud mentioned earlier was now rolling right into the Lake District.

School Knott

Walked on 04/11/2011

Start point: Cleabarrow (SD 423 961)

Cleabarrow – School Knott (OF) – Grandsire (OF) – Cleabarrow

Distance: 2.6 miles Total Ascent: 120 metres Time Taken: 1 hour Start Time: 09:15

Weather: Dull but calm. 12C

There was just time for a short walk up to School Knott this morning in somewhat dull weather. The promised brightness didn’t materialise but the colours on display from the flora on the walk made up for that.

School Knott rouye map.

Autumn at Cleabarrow.

The new tarn.

First glimpse of misty Windermere beyond Brant Fell.

Windermere from the climb.

Windermere.

Casper and Dougal on School Knott.

School Knott.

School Knott Tarn.

Mono reflections.

I couldn't decide which photo I liked best so you get to see both!

The colour version, climbing to Grandsire.

School Knott to the left, Orrest Head to the right sand Windermere between.

Cloud capped Kentmere fells from Grandsire.

Heading back with the boys at odds by 90 degrees. Which way, which way?

A riot of colour.

Walking along a coppery lane.

Whinlatter Round

Walked on 01/11/2011

Start point: Darling How (NY 181 255)

Darling How – Brown How on Whinlatter – Whinlatter Top – Tarbarrel Moss – Ullister Hill – Lord’s Seat – Barf – Broom Fell – Graystones – Spout Force – Darling How

Distance: 8.6 miles Total Ascent: 786 metres Time Taken: 5 hours Start Time: 07:10

Weather: Mist at first, improving to sunny spells. 10C.

The rain was absolutely bouncing before dawn this morning and I was wondering whether it was indeed a good idea to venture out in such conditions. As it was the rain eased and stopped before I met up with Andy Lang and Gary Jones for a walk around the Whinlatter fells and the weather was ever improving with particularly good views from Barf today. There was plenty of boggy ground to be traversed today though after the recent wet weather.

Whinlatter route map.

A murky start climbing through the old tree stumps of Aiken Plantation, Broom Fell in cloud to the left and distant Lord's Seat. We had an 'interesting' climb through the upper plantation slopes!

As we climbed to Whinlatter, the mist engulfed us for a while, here parting briefly to give a glimpse of Lorton Vale.

Brown How, the summit of Whinlatter, with the sun trying to burn through the cloud.

On Whinlatter Top.

Two photographers snapping Grisedale Pike.

Interesting skies and it's all looking quite promising.

The sun shone through whilst we crossed Tarbarrel Moss looking back along the fence to Grisedale Pike.

Whinlatter from Tarbarrel Moss.

The day is ever improving on Ullister Hill looking through to Embleton.

Lord's Seat, the next objective.

Barf and Skiddaw from Lord's Seat.

Lord's Seat from Barf.

Bassenthwaite Lake.

The Vale of Keswick and Derwent Water.

The summit of Barf looking back to Lord's Seat.

Casper and Dougal in the sunshine.

Five Amigos - Andy, me, Gary, Dougal and Casper.

The way back.

Skiddaw.

A close up on Dodd and Skiddaw.

The distant cairn visible on Broom Fell.

Skiddaw from Broom Fell.

Heading for Broom Fell.

The view back to Lord's Seat.

Mono Broom Fell.

Looking to Skiddaw.

Descending to Widow Hause.

On the Birkett summit of Graystones (the highest point).

Fingers of light on Wainwright's Graystones summit.

The steeper than steep descent from Graystones.

Sunshine through the clouds.

Spout Force. Much later, heading into Troutbeck...

Beautiful Autumn colours.

Brock Barrow

Walked on 28/10/2011

Start point: High Nibthwaite (SD 294 897)

Brock Barrow (OF) from High Nibthwaite then Blawith Common

Distance: 1.5 miles Total Ascent: 175 metres Time Taken: 45 minutes Start Time: 08:50

Weather: Sunny, cold. 2ºC

It was a lot cooler this morning and altogether more autumnal than of late. The colours were really showing up in the sunshine and Coniston Water was completely calm with a polished mirror finish making for some great photos at the end of today’s short walk.

Brock Barrow route map.

Looking across Nibthwaite to the southern end of Coniston Water, the early mist rising off the lake.

Looking across to the Blawith fells, the mist on Allan Tarn.

Sunshine boys.

Climbing out of the shadows.

Summit vista.

The Coniston fells from Brock Barrow.

The Crake Valley.

A mighty fine cairn.

Coniston Water and fells.

Dow Crag and The Old Man.

The second summit and the Coniston fells.

There is a mirror finish on Coniston Water below, Lake Bank Jetty to the left.

Casper and Dougal, sheep spotting.

Across Coniston Water.

It's looking so good in the sunshine down there... ...down at the lake side...

There is still a bit of mist lingering on the water looking across to Beacon Fell.

The distant Old Man at the head of Coniston Water.

Stillness.

From the boathouse. From the western side of Coniston Water...

Lake Bank Jetty.

The Coniston fells from Lake Bank jetty.

Autumn colours.

It's really tranquil looking south.

The giants of Coniston.

Coniston Water.

Reflected sky.

Just beautiful.

High Dam

Walked on 20/10/2011

High Dam

I had time for a quick stroll up to High Dam today in a mixed bag of weather – it was generally overcast with the odd shower and a less frequent glimpse of sunshine. It was lovely and peaceful up there – the car park was packed but I’m not sure where everyone went as I saw no one!

Ooh, a bit of sunshine through the mist climbing through the woods.

Lots of colours around as well.

Low Dam.

Sunlit leaves in Autumn.

The last of the blue sky as the clouds move in.

Casper and Dougal relax after a swim.

The conditions were rapidly changing, it has just stopped raining and the sun began to shine on the trees across High Dam in this shot.

It was so still (now the ripples from dog swimming had disappeared anyway!) and the reflection were lovely.

Like a mirror.

Perfect.

Russet reflections.

The beck from High Dam.

Coniston Old Man

Walked on 19/10/2011

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: 1 hour 30 minutes Start Time: 14:00

Weather: Sunny. 8ºC

It was beautiful and sunny today so I headed up to The Old Man for a quick walk. I expected it to be cold up on the top as there was snow on Fairfield the previous day and I was right – once on the climb there was areal cold blast and my hands and face were numb by the time I made it to the top. Great to see lots of people enjoying the clear views up there though including lots of family groups.

Coniston Old Man route map.

The Old Man of Coniston.

What a gorgeous day heading out in the sunshine, it felt quite warm walking along the Walna Scar Road to The Old Man.

At the foot of the Bursting Stone road and the climb to The Old Man.

There is a clear view across to The Howgills today.

Traversing Little Arrow Moor.

Dougal checks out the view across the climbing hut in The Cove to Buck Pike and Dow Crag.

Brown Pike and Buck Pike.

Casper and Dougal in the sunshine.

Crag o' Stile.

Dow Crag.

Fix the Fells or ruin them? You, the jury, decide. This is the new 'improved' version of the Walna Scar Road looking down from the climb to The Old Man, it looks like you could drive down there at 70mph with no problem now. What do you think? My view is that it is a complete mess and a waste of time, effort and money.