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.

Lots of drama over Harrison.

Pavey Ark

The view from the top of Pavey ark into Langdale, Windermere up to the left and Lingmoor Fell central.

High Raise is under there somewhere, Sergeant Man visible to the right.

The Vale of Grasmere from Pavey Ark.

Sunshine and clouds over the Coniston fells.

Harrison Stickle from Thunacar Knott just before I was completely enveloped in another snow shower.

Thunacar Knott.

The boys find their own path to Pike o' Stickle.

The Langdale Pikes from the path to Pike o' Stickle.

Looks like it is sunny and bright to the north.

Pike o' Stickle panoramic.

Made it to the top of Pike o' Stickle.

Mickleden.

Mono Bowfell.

Crinkle Crags close-up.

Crinkle Crags and The Band.

Harrison Stickle and Loft Crag from Pike o' Stickle.

A wider view of the same, Blea Tarn to the right.

Pike o' Stickle from the start of the Loft Crag ridge, Bowfell summit is clear of cloud to the left now.

Heading for Loft Crag.

Looking back to Loft Crag and Pike o' Stickle from Thorn Crag.

Harrison Stickle from Pike How.

The Langdale Pikes from Elterwater - it hardly looks as though there has been any snow up there now.

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.