Lingmoor Fell

Walked on 13/10/2011

Start point: Blea Tarn Car Park (NY 296 043)

Blea Tarn – Bleatarn House – Lingmoor Fell – Blea Tarn

Distance: 2.3 miles Total Ascent: 290 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 15 minutes Start Time: 09:40

Weather: Overcast. 12ºC

Once again it was overcast this morning but with a high pressure hanging over the Lake District, it ensured the lakes and tarns remained calm and made for some excellent reflections as I was passing. Once up on the summit of Lingmoor Fell, the clouds eventually caught up with us and the higher fells all seemed to have their head in the clouds today.

Lingmoor route map.

Yew Tree Tarn was flat calm when I passed this morning.

Wetherlam Edge from Little Langdale.

Little Langdale Tarn.

Little Langdale Tarn was polished like a mirror yet the clouds above in Greenburn were swirling around.

Reflected autumn.

Wet Side Edge.

At Blea Tarn - it's a pity the Langdales were missing in action!

From the set of the Hollywood blockbuster 'Snow White and the Huntsman', currently being filmed in the Lake District. What a great backdrop, can't wait to see how Kristen Stewart and Charlize Theron enjoyed it here!

Side Pike reflected.

Blea Tarn House at the start of the climb to Lingmoor Fell.

Climbing through the gap in the wall.

Looking into Mickleden.

Blake Rigg and Blea Tarn.

Looking back from the final assault on the summit.

The cloud is rising from Great Langdale to the east, to envelope us soon.

Lingmoor Fell.

Dougal and Casper on Lingmoor Fell.

Following the path alongside the wall.

Heading towards Side Pike.

Stickle Ghyll.

Side Pike.

Torver Common

Walked on 12/10/2011

Torver Back Common

After all the rain over the last few days, the dogs were desperate to get out for a run somewhere so I headed towards Coniston in the expectation of some grim weather. As I approached Torver, the clouds parted and the sun began to shine – that was good enough for us to have an aimless wander around this common which gives excellent views of Coniston.

Rainbow over Kelly Hall Tarn.

A wider view shows the blue sky chasing the rain clouds.

Beacon Fell from Kelly Hall Tarn.

Long Moss.

Wetherlam appears from the rain clouds.

Coniston Water.

A launch heading across Coniston Water. There's no such thing as a free one...

Clearing view.

Casper and Dougal above Coniston Water.

The Coniston fells.

The view to the south along Coniston Water, the wisps of mist moving rapidly along the lake.

Broody Dow Crag.

The Old Man.

Back at Kelly Hall Tarn the views have opened up a little.

The Old Man reflected now the clouds have parted.

A final view, sun on the lower slopes of The Old Man now.

Silver How

Walked on 07/10/2011

Start point: Grasmere Church (NY 336 073)

Grasmere – Allan Bank – Silver How – Lang How – Brigstone Moss – Allan Bank – Grasmere

Distance: 3.8 miles Total Ascent: 377 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 30 minutes Start Time: 09:30

Weather: Sunny, cold wind. 12ºC

The day certainly didn’t promise much as I set off this morning when everything was flat and dull. As I climbed towards Silver How, the skies began parting and the sun came out to light up the fells in autumnal glory. A great little walk this turned out to be and I wished I had more time to let me walk a while longer. The wind that accompanied the sunshine and blew away all the clouds was a cold one though, bringing a little touch of winter to the proceedings. Today I had some new Scarpa Trek GTX to try out too so we’ll see how they fare over the next couple of months.

Silver How

Dull Seat Sandal over Grasmere rooftops.

After the initial rather dull climb past Allan Bank from Grasmere, that looks more like it as a patch of sunshine lights up Tarn Crag.

Now the sun has caught us, looking across the Vale of Grasmere. Perhaps today will turn out okay after all.

Helm Crag.

Looking to Helm Crag from further up the climb, Seat Sandal beyond.

Come on Casper.

Once up onto Brigstone Moss the sun was shining brightly, here looking to Lang How.

Dappled Langdale Pikes.

A lovely view opening up to Crinkle Crags and Bowfell.

Helvellyn and Fairfield from Silver How.

Bowfell and the Langdale Pikes from the summit.

Windswept Casper and Dougal on Silver How.

Wassat?

Grasmere and Rydal Water.

Absolutely clear over on the Coniston fells now too. When I set off they were covered in cloud.

Doggone Dougal.

Lang How.

Helvellyn and Fairfield across a tarn below Lang How.

The Fairfield group.

Looking back to Silver How.

Bowfell and the Langdale Pikes.

Closer.

Great Langdale from the climb to Lang How.

Silver How and Windermere looking into the bright sun.

Dougal leads the way on the steep and pathless descent back to Brigstone Moss.

Fairfield, Great Rigg and Stone Arthur across sunny Grasmere.

A peep over the wall.

Helm Crag.

Autumn colours in Grasmere.

Stone Arthur.

Caw

Walked on 04/10/2011

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: 09:30

Weather: Windy, generally overcast. 12ºC

The Indian summer has disappeared and things have turned a lot more autumnal with strong winds and the odd shower around today. It was certainly a lot colder as well, this is the first walk since early summer that I have been back in long trousers. Things are set to get cooler with snow predicted on the tops later on this week – I think it’s time to dig out the winter gear.

Caw route map.

Looking across to Stickle Pike and quick moving skies from Kiln Bank Cross.

Looking along Park Head Road heading between Brock Barrow and Fox Haw.

Looking back to Stickle Pike.

Grey Friar and the Duddon Valley from Park Head Road.

Caw ahead - I am heading up to the right, along Long Mire. Down in the valley below I could hear the shepherds calling and the dogs barking as they rounded up the sheep from the fellside - I reckon Dougal and Casper would have signed up for a job given half a chance!

Looking along the Duddon Valley with distant Esk Pike and Bowfell between Harter Fell and Grey Friar.

At the foot of the climb on the eastern face of Caw.

Dougal.

The Duddon Estuary, Black Combe and Stickle Pike from the climb.

The Coniston fells from the top of Caw.

Caw summit.

Black Combe from the summit.

Hang on a minute, what happened to all your hair? Casper and Dougal sport a mid-term haircut and there is only Dougal's ear to give away how strong the wind is now.

Dougal on Caw.

Spotlight on Seathwaite.

Sun through clouds to the south.

White Pike and White Maiden from the trig. column.

Captured sunrays.

Best get going, there are some angry looking clouds coming this way.

The Coniston fells from the descent, Dow Crag is the highest peak right of centre.

Back on the Park Head Road.

Following the wall towards Stickle Pike.

Hesk Fell caught in the sunshine.

Loughrigg Fell

Walked on 28/09/2011

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: 09:30

Weather: Warm and hazy. 20ºC

The predicted Indian Summer well and truly returned today with stifling heat and not a breath of wind – not bad for the end of September! The views were hazy though but I guess you can’t have everything although the sun did threaten to burn off all the clouds and perhaps it would have done if I had hung around for long enough.

Loughrigg Fell

Loughrigg Tarn was flat calm with great reflections...but with no view across it due to the cloud build up.

Still, it was very peaceful here this morning.

Not a ripple on the water.

Beautiful. I will return this way later to see if anything has changed.

On with the walk - looking across to the Coniston fells from the start of the climb to Loughrigg.

A sunny spell looking across to the summit.

Loughrigg Tarn below.

The sunshine is trying to burn through the mist over on Windermere but Casper has designs on something more interesting over the other way.

Loughrigg Fell summit and no chance of the sun burning off the clouds yet.

Any old puddle will do when it is as warm as this, after all they are almost wearing their winter coats today.

The Langdales are lost in the murk across there somewhere.

Lingmoor Fell and Great Langdale.

The mist is just about burning off distant Wetherlam now.

Lingmoor Fell from the descent of Lad Crag.

Back down at Loughrigg Tarn.

Lovely reflections and a few autumn colours...

...but still no views!

Loughrigg Tarn panoramic.

Later, passing Yew Tree Tarn.

Gowbarrow Fell

Walked on 22/09/2011

Start point: Aira Force car park (NY 397 205)

Aira Force car park – Aira Force – Hind Crag – Bernard Pike – Green Hill – Gowbarrow Fell – High Force – Aira Force car park

Distance: 2.8 miles Total Ascent: 332 metres Time Taken: 1 hours 10 minutes Start Time: 09:00

Weather: Dull with the odd shower. 13ºC

Today’s walk was up to Gowbarrow Fell via Aira Force. This popular area was deserted when I left the car park but by the time I got back it was absolutely mobbed at the falls with plenty of coach parties taking the tour. Up on the tops of course there was no one – far from the madding crowd with relatively little effort.

Gowbarrow Fell route map.

Autumn fungi at Aira Force car park.

Fly Agaric.

Aira Force, (f22, 13s for those that are interested in photography).

At the bottom of the climb to Green Hill.

The welcoming committee.

Climbing higher.

Place Fell with Lyulph's Tower below. I hope the girl I spoke to who lives there found the dogs she had lost.

Beam me up.

Fingers of sunlight over Ullswater.

Low Birk Fell catches some sun.

Green Hill.

Casper and Dougal - Dougal looks like he is ready to spring away the second I give him the all clear!

There were showers for the boggy walk across Gowbarrow Fell to the summit.

Looking back to Place Fell from the summit.

Bit breezy up here boys (and muddy!)?

Descending Gowbarrow Park.

Following the wall.

Looking down on Aira Force from the bridge.

It's all about the money, money, money...the money tree at Aira Force.

Holme Fell

Walked on 19/09/2011

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: 09:00

Weather: Overcast. 13ºC

I just had time for a quick walk this morning up to Holme Fell from Hodge Close. The weather was predicted to worsen throughout the morning and this turned out to be correct. Luckily I missed a soaking and although it was dull, the views were still good from this diminutive fell.

Holme Fell route map.

A hint of blue sky over Hodge Close at the start of the walk.

Dull but calm over the large disused reservoir.

Good-bye blue sky...goodbye...

The Langdale Pikes and Lingmoor Fell.

'Which way did he go'? 'Never saw him'.

The Langdale Pikes across Tilberthwaite spoil heaps.

Fairfield and the horseshoe.

Coniston Water from the summit ridge.

The summit of Holme Fell.

Still plenty of Ling around.

Cool Coniston Water.

Wetherlam - The Old Man is lost in cloud to the left.

Looking back to the summit and that sky is ever closing in.

Ivy Crag.

Coniston Water from Ivy Crag.

Dougal and Casper.

Heading back to the reservoir.

It's looking quite autumnal at the smaller reservoir.

Striding Edge

Walked on 15/09/2011

Start point: Patterdale (NY 394 160)

Patterdale – Hole-in-the-Wall – Striding Edge – Helvellyn – Nethermost Pike – East Ridge – Grisedale – Patterdale

Distance: 8.8 miles Total Ascent: 960 metres Time Taken: 5 hours Start Time: 07:00

Weather: Sunny and warm. 13ºC

It was a lot cooler this morning than it has been of late, down to 3C when I set off. Once the sun was out though it soon warmed up and it turned into a superb morning. I descended via the east ridge of Nethermost Pike and even managed a quick dip in the hidden Hard Tarn.

Striding Edge route map.

Early morning Grisedale.

The head of Grisedale from the path to the Hole in the Wall - the bracken is turning now.

Dollywaggon Pike and Nethermost Pike. The east ridge from Nethermost looks interesting, I might use that for the way down later.

Fly me to the moon.

Ling-a long-a Grisedale.

That ridge has certainly caught my attention this morning and I was checking out where the best way down would be. Hard to tell from here but I decided on the scree run on the left of centre.

Looking back to Grisedale and the path climbed.

The Hole-in-the-Wall.

Striding Edge, Helvellyn and Catstycam.

Birkhouse Moor from the Hole-in-the-Wall.

Climbing to High Spying How and Striding Edge.

Red Tarn panoramic.

The jagged teeth of Striding Edge.

At the start of Striding Edge.

Dougal leads the way.

Crossing Striding Edge.

Striding Edge silhouette.

Red Tarn and Catstycam.

Striding Edge.

A panoramic from the climb to Helvellyn.

The summit plateau of Helvellyn.

Close up on Ullswater.

A fantastic view from Helvellyn across Catstycam to Ullswater with the Pennines beyond.

Dougal and Casper on Helvellyn.

Skiddaw from Helvellyn.

Blencathra across Raise and the Dodds.

Swirral Edge and Catstycam.

The Coniston fells.

The paths from Helvellyn.

There are one or two people on Striding Edge now.

Catstycam and Striding Edge from a pool on Nethermost Pike.

The summit of Nethermost Pike.

At the top of the east ridge of Nethermost Pike.

Looking across to Dollywaggon Pike, Hard Tarn below looks like it is worth a small detour today.

High Crag beyond Hard Tarn.

What a beautiful place this tarn is in, nicely secluded and off the beaten track.

Hard Tarn reflections.

A jewel.

The outflow from Hard Tarn is a strange one, it just overflows this rock lip.

The water was so clear and the location was so idyllic that I was magnetically drawn into the water for a swim. Admittedly, the water was a bit cooler than tepid but it is an unbeatable feeling to swim up on high in a clear pool such as this. I noticed my two companions weren't too bothered though!

The easier way down would probably have been down into Ruthwaite Cove but I decided to continue down from the east ridge towards Eagle Crag, here looking back to the towering east ridge.

Place Fell along Grisedale.

Nethermost Cove.

The east ridge.

Looking from the old mine workings to Nethermost Pike and Helvellyn.

Nethermostcove Beck.

Looking back to Eagle Crag.

Crossing Nethermostcove Beck.

Looking back from Grisedale.

This will do!

'Where can I get a drink around here?'.

Arnison Crag

Walked on 13/09/2011

Start point: Patterdale (NY 397 158)

Arnison Crag from Patterdale

Distance: 1.7 miles Total Ascent: 275 metres Time Taken: 45 minutes Start Time: 10:25

Weather: Strong wind and frequent rain showers. 13ºC

The wind was still strong this morning with frequent showers being blown across the fells. I had intended to go a bit further today but as discretion is the better part of valour, I made an early exit from the wind blown tops. If I had thought about it a bit more I could have descended via Hag Beck and made a circular route of it but as it was, all I could think of was descending – quickly.

Casper is keen to get out from the shelter of the trees and out onto the open fell.

Looking back to Place Fell.

It's like being on your summer holiday Casper, out in the sunshine enjoying a nice drink!

First glimpse back to Ullswater from the climb alongside the wall. The wind was strong and the showers were very frequent climbing up here.

Looks like the Ullswater Steamers have got the pot of gold today.

Birks across Glenamara Park.

Rainbow rising.

Up on the summit of Arnison Crag all hell was let loose with the wind, it was so bad I could hardly stand up and I knew I wasn't going any higher today.

Casper and Dougal hang on for dear life.

A brief sunny interlude across Trough Head.

Ullswater from the summit.

Sunburst over Hartsop.

Aaaaaaaagh!

A panoramic view from the summit.

Looking across Patterdale to Place Fell and Angletarn Pikes.

The Lion King surveys his Kingdom.

The route back - we covered the ground rapidly to get down, out of the wind.

It looks wild along the lake and that rainbow is heading northwards now.

The southern end of Ullswater looks a bit flooded, Silver Crag in the sunshine.

Sheffield Pike and Glenridding Dodd above Glenridding.

Birkhouse Moor.

Birks from Oxford Crag.

Sunshine and rain back in Patterdale.

Stickle Pike

Walked on 09/09/2011

Start point: Kiln Bank Cross (SD 215 933)

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

Distance: 1 mile Total Ascent: 105 metres Time Taken: 20 minutes Start Time: 11:40

Weather: Rain. 18ºC

The summer holidays are over and Casper and Dougal have been on their enforced hols too but now it will be back to business as usual for getting out on the fells a bit more regularly. The weather wasn’t the best today for our walk up to Stickle Pike but we were all glad to be up on the fells again and breath in the glorious fresh air.

Nothing to see of damp Stickle Pike today.

The freedom of the fells.

Stickle Tarn.

Damp dogs.

The summit of Stickle Pike.

Even though it is raining it is still worth having a celebratory victory roll for being back out on the fells!

Beacon Fell

Walked on 25/08/2011

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 30 minutes Start Time: 14:00

Weather: Warm and hazy. 18ºC

What a gorgeous afternoon it turned out to be today for our walk up to Beacon Fell, in amongst the Ling once more. We planned to replace the treasure tin on the top but another one has turned up so that’s fine. We left a couple of things in the box and were then lured to Beacon Tarn, difficult to resist on a day like this.

Beacon Fell route map.

First sight of the Coniston fells from the climb.

Connie follows Dougal and Casper through the bracken.

Lots of lovely Ling around again today.

Beacon Fell.

A penny for them, Con.

A glimpse of Coniston Water heading towards the gully.

Lovely view, lovely day.

Connie keeps hold of Casper while she can - it already looks like Dougal is on the move.

Great view to put on a mug I reckon!

Mugs galore.

Casper and Dougal.

Climbing the rocky gully.

The Coniston fells from the top.

The treasure tin has returned, it was lying on the grass so we put it back in the cairn.

The summit cairn.

Beacon Fell panoramic.

Beacon Fell top.

Down at Beacon Tarn, the water was difficult to resist...

...for us all!

Mono Beacon Tarn a little later, when dried!

Coniston from the return path.

Dow Crag and The Old Man.

Heading for home.

Boggy pool reflections.

The Old Man and Wetherlam.

Looking across Black Beck.

Brock Barrow

Walked on 22/08/2011

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: 11:25

Weather: Sunny and warm. 18°C

It wasn’t the walk we set off to do earlier today but we were glad to have changed to the sunny eastern side of Coniston Water and we enjoyed a walk up to Brock Barrow and along the ridge in beautiful weather amongst the sweet smelling Ling. I think the views of Coniston Water and the Coniston fells are amongst the best from here and are certainly the best for minimal effort.

Brock Barrow ahead with a promise of blue sky.

The climb through deep bracken.

Looking across Allan Tarn to Blawith Knott from the climb.

Scramble girl.

Sunlight on the fells.

From the top of the rake.

The summit cairn in amongst the Ling.

Casper and Dougal, the Lingy Lads.

Looking across to Low Light Haw.

The Coniston fells from Brock Barrow.

It was a lovely day to sit here and admire the views.

Caw and White Maiden.

The Crake Valley.

Bethecar Moor from the cairn.

Longer sunny spells as we head to the secondary summit.

The second summit and a great view of Coniston Water.

Coniston close up.

Black Sails and Wetherlam past the summit.

Coniston in mono.

Summit wall.

Connie on the cairn.

Casper enjoys the fabulous view.

A panoramic view of Coniston.

Dappled fells. Back down at Nibthwaite...

The sentinel and the Coniston fells.

Lovely down by the quay.

Beacon Fell.

Brock Barrow - you can just about make out the cairn.

Up by Parkamoor Jetty, we were going to have a swim but decided a paddle was enough after all!

Parkamoor Jetty.

Clough Head via Fisher’s Wife Rake

Walked on 17/08/2011

Start point: Wanthwaite (NY 316 232)

Wanthwaite – Fisher’s Wife’s Rake – Jim’s Fold – Clough Head – Red Screes – Threlkeld Knotts – Wanthwaite

Distance: 3.5 miles Total Ascent: 601 metres Time Taken: 2 hours 30 minutes Start Time: 12:25

Weather: Sunny and warm. 15ºC

It was a dogless walk today as I took the opportunity to get up to Clough Head in sunny weather with Robin. We ascended by the steep Fisher’s Wife’s Rake and descended by the even steeper Red Screes north face of Clough Head. Looking around, there were a few fells that were in and out of cloud and I think we caught best part of the day as well.

Clough Head route map.

First view of Skiddaw and Lonscale Fell from the Old Coach Road.

There were some big clouds to the south, here looking into St. John's in the Vale.

High Rigg.

Following the wall to Fisher's Wife's Rake beneath Wanthwaite Crags.

Skiddaw and Blencathra from the foot of Fisher's Wife's Rake.

Climbing the rake.

The key to finding the rake is the single Rowan tree at the bottom of these crags.

The view down Fisher's Wife's Rake - it's a steep climb but not as bad as it looks on this photo as the path crosses from right to left across this scree run.

A panoramic view from the rake.

The view from the top of the rake.

Skiddaw and Blencathra.

High Rigg and layers of fells beyond.

Standing on the edge.

That's one way to get down quick!

Thirlmere across Sandbed Gill with the distant Scafells in cloud.

Jim's Fold.

Sky.

Fells.

Skiddaw from Clough Head, back in sunshine now.

A mono view of the Vale of Keswick.

Robin does a Wainwright (Clough Head 7).

The Skiddaw massif.

Great Mell Fell.

Blencathra.

A glimpse of Derwent Water and Bassenthwaite Lake, Tewet Tarn in the centre.

At the top of the steep descent.

Looking back, it seems almost impossible to descend the north face of Clough Head but we came straight down the centre in this photo.

Threlkeld Knotts summit.

Hall's Fell Ridge.

The more substantial cairn further north of Threlkeld Knotts. Much later, on the way home...

...a beautiful sunset over Windermere.

Buttermere Reflections

Walked on 30/07/2011

Buttermere

Not a walk as such today but some photos taken on my way to work of near perfect conditions at Derwent Water and in Buttermere.

Skiddaw from Nichol End.

A panoramic view on a perfectly still day. When I got to Buttermere it was even more jaw dropping...

The water was like a polished mirror, here looking at High Crag.

Buttermere panorama.

Towards Haystacks.

Haystacks and The Pines.

The Buttermere Pines reflected.

High Crag.

Reflected green.

High Stile with Red Pike peeping out.

Looking to Mellbreak.

Hugill Fell and Reston Scar

Walked on 28/07/2011

Start point: Barley Bridge, Staveley (SD 470 987)

Hugill Fell (OF) and Reston Scar (OF) from Staveley

Distance: 2.2 miles Total Ascent: 192 metres Time Taken: 1 hour Start Time: 09:30

Weather: Dull but warm. 20ºC

Today I chased the weather really and headed east as a great sheet of grey cloud was working its way from the west over the Lake District. At least I managed to set off in the sunshine but that was soon obliterated as general dullness set in. It was warm work today though and the views from these fells are a little too distant at the best of times, so that wasn’t helped by the conditions.

Hugill Fell route map.

Brunt Knott across The Bungalow.

Casper hiding in the meadow.

The cloud rolling in from the west to obliterate the blue sky.

Nearly at the top looking to Brunt Knott and Potter Fell.

Casper checks out what is happening down in Kentmere.

The cairn that formerly stood at the Wainwright top has now disappeared - Casper and Dougal hunt in vain for it.

The Kentmere Valley. The good news is that you can now walk across to Reston Scar whereas before access was forbidden. On the way we found the remains of the cairn on the path - it is now a line of stones crossing the boggy ground.

Crinkle Crags and Bowfell catch some rain, the Langdale Pikes to the right from the highest central point.

Heading for Reston Scar, Dougal does a Casper!

The Coniston fells from Reston Scar, the main A591 through Ings below.

The length of Casper and Dougal's tongues tell how warm it is up here today.

Hugill Fell from Reston Scar.

Kemp Tarn.

Staveley from Reston Scar.

The weir at Barley Bridge in mono.

The colour version.

Tranquil River Kent apart from those two dogs having a dip.

Bowfell

Walked on 26/07/2011

Start point: Cockley Beck (NY 246 017)

Cockley Beck – Moasdale – Lingcove Beck – High Gait Crags – Yeastyrigg Crags – Pike de Bield – Esk Pike – Ore Gap – Bowfell – Three Tarns – Shelter Crags – Crinkle Crags – Adam-a-Cove – Moasdale – Cockley Beck

Distance: 9.3 miles Total Ascent: 1013 metres Time Taken: 5 hours 15 minutes Start Time: 06:40

Weather: Sunny spells, warm. 19ºC

Today’s weather promised much but ended up being a mixed bag with clouds swirling in and out throughout the walk. Despite this it was really still and warm and very clear making it a good day to explore this quiet and remote area at the head of Eskdale.

Bowfell route map.

Heading into Moasdale it looks like a promising morning.

Looking back to Grey Friar across Cockley Beck.

First sight of the Scafells. Mmm, they look quite tempting!

Gateway to heaven.

A great sheet of cloud was moving across from the east by the time I reached the head of Moasdale, Esk Pike and Bowfell ahead.

The route to Esk Pike is along the central ridge via High Gait Crags and Pike de Bield Moss.

Crossing Lingcove Beck.

Scafell Pike, Broad Crag and Ill Crag from Low Gait Crags.

Pike de Bield Moss, the route to Esk Pike via the south ridge.

The heads of state - Scafell and Scafell Pike.

Scafells panorama.

Long Green reflection.

Scafell in sunshine now.

Dougal and Casper on High Gait Crags.

Scafell Pike and Pen.

Scafell Pikes reflected.

On the summit of Pike de Bield. It was interesting to see how the clouds were forming around Scafell as I climbed.

The route to Esk Pike from Pike de Bield, clear for now but by the time I got there it was enveloped by clouds.

Looking through the mist to Bowfell, right.

Smoking fells in mono.

Langstrath from Esk Pike.

Skiddaw and Derwent Water across Glaramara.

The clouds swirling around Scafell Pike.

Angle Tarn and Rossett Pike from the descent to Ore Gap.

A panoramic view across Ore Gap to Esk Pike from the climb to Bowfell.

Looking northwards from Bowfell, that way looks to be the clearest today, from Grasmoor to Skiddaw.

The summit of Bowfell.

The Langdale Pikes beyond The Great Slab of Flat Crags.

Crinkle Crags through there somewhere.

Shelter Crags and Crinkle Crags from the descent to Three Tarns...and there are three tarns again too!

Bowfell Links.

Bowfell from the climb to Shelter Crags.

Shelter Crags and Bowfell from the fifth Crinkle, Gunson Knott.

Hell Gill, The Band and Great Langdale.

Clearing over the Scafells once more but Dougal is too busy planning our route to look. The central darker ridge is the one used to climb Esk Pike.

The first and second Crinkle from the third.

Crinkle Crags and Bowfell from Long Top, the summit of Crinkle Crags.

Dougal and Casper summit Crinkle Crags.

Crinkle Crags Tarn, at 854m it is the highest tarn in the Lake District and in England.

At the foot of the Bad Step.

Crinkle Crags.

Great Langdale and Pike o' Blisco, Windermere beyond.

Dougal slides down Adam-a-Cove.

Esk Pike and Yeastyrigg Gill.

Back into Moasdale looking at Bowfell and Crinkle Crags.

Gummer’s How

Walked on 19/07/2011

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: 10:55

Weather: Warm but overcast. 18ºC

School’s out for summer now and Connie was keen to get up to Gummer’s How once more, especially as we ended up inside most of the day yesterday in poor weather. It was warm enough but the views were poor in low lying mist – at least we missed the rain.

Gummer's How route map.

Who's idea was this? Just brill-i-ant in an area where many people walk with dogs and children - they will now have to skirt around herds of cattle and hopefully not get trampled in the process.

Stairway to Gummer's.

Looking down on Lakeside.

Heathery trig on the top of Gummer's How.

Gummer's How and lots of rain clouds.

At least it was warm though. Connie with Casper and Dougal at the summit.

Connie, aged 10 on Gummer's How.

Fell top cattle.

Windermere. That looks like rain heading our way down the lake.

Casper and Dougal hold hands in harmony.

Connie and the boys.

The steamer leaves lakeside, heading for Love the Lakes in Bowness!

The southern reaches of Windermere.

On the descent.

Casper sneaks a drink from the cow's bowl whilst they are not looking.

Pike o’ Blisco

Walked on 14/07/2011

Start point: Three Shire Stone (NY 277 027)

Three Shire Stone – Rough Crags – Cold Pike – Red Tarn – Pike o’ Blisco – Black Crag – Three Shire Stone

Distance: 3.5 miles Total Ascent: 500 metres Time Taken: 2 hours Start Time: 09:25

Weather: Warm and sunny. 19°C

Today was a perfect summer’s day, just the right temperature with a bit of a cooling breeze and not too much haze once up on high. I really enjoyed the walk today in such great conditions and the views were fabulous. I did set off with the intention of going to Wasdale but on the way thought…

Cold Pike route map.

...Harter Fell perhaps?

...or maybe Hardknott?

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

I ended up heading for the top of Wrynose Pass for a walk to Red Tarn and the accompanying fells, here ;looking along the path from the Three Shire Stone.

Harter Fell along Wrynose Pass.

The Coniston fells across Wrynose Pass.

Cold Pike and the first sight of Crinkle Crags from the path to Red Tarn.

Looking back to the Coniston fells - Swirl How, Great Carrs and Grey Friar.

Red Tarn.

The view to Bowfell along Red Tarn.

A great place to have a swim and a lie in the grass for Dougal and Casper.

Crossing the southern end of the tarn to take the direct route up to Cold Pike.

Pike o' Blisco and Red Tarn from the climb. Pike o' Stickle has put in appearance to the left but more interestingly that is Skiddaw in the distance.

Crinkle Crags and Bowfell from the summit of Cold Pike.

The Coniston fells from Cold Pike, Coniston Old Man peeping through in the background.

Pike o' Blisco and Red Tarn from the summit. The path to Pike o' Blisco is pretty clear from here.

Crinkle Crags and Bowfell panoramic.

Casper and Dougal check out the fine view.

Skiddaw beyond the summit cairn on Cold Pike.

Looking across to Harter Fell and Little Stand.

Mighty Bowfell.

Close up on the Crinkles and Bowfell.

Casper and Dougal basking in the sunshine on Cold Pike (which is not living up to its name today!).

On the descent to Red Tarn, Pike o' Blisco ahead.

Looking back the other way - Red Tarn and Cold Pike from the climb.

Crinkle Crags and Bowfell from Pike o' Blisco summit.

A 180 degree view from Pike o' Blisco.

Great Langdale.

The Langdale Pikes and High Raise.

Bowfell and the summit of Pike o' Blisco.

Pike o' Stickle.

The Coniston fells.

The Needle, Black Crag plus climber.

Birks Bridge, a great place for a dip for me and the boys.

The view to Bowfell and the Crinkles from Birks Bridge rapids.

Haystacks

Walked on 12/07/2011

Start point: Gatesgarth (NY 195 150)

Gatesgarth Farm, Buttermere – Fleetwith Pike – Haystacks – Scarth Gap – Scarth Gap Pass – Gatesgarth Farm, Buttermere

Distance: 4.6 miles Total Ascent: 717 metres Time Taken: 2 hours 35 minutes Start Time: 07:25

Weather: Warm and still but generally overcast. 15ºC

It was amazingly still in Buttermere this morning with hardly a ripple on the lake. This made the climb of Fleetwith Edge a warm one with no cooling breeze at all. It was nice to get up this way again after a seemingly long absence and rather oddly I never saw a soul during the whole walk.

Haystacks route map.

Haystacks across Buttermere.

The High Stile range.

The Buttermere Pines reflected.

Perfect reflections today.

The white cross on the climb to Fleetwith Pike.

The road to Honister Pass.

Looking back over early Buttermere to Mellbreak.

The High Stile ridge - High Crag, High Stile and Red Pike.

The first glimpse of Great Gable and Kirk Fell over Warnscale.

Ling in bloom.

A 180 degree view from Fleetwith Pike.

Looking down Fleetwith Edge.

Casper and Dougal on Fleetwith Pike summit...it reminded me of this photo which we have on our wall at home, Angus and Casper up here in 2006...

Nice new cairn on Fleetwith Pike, overlooking Buttermere and Crummock Water.

A great view over to Green Gable and Great Gable, Scafell through the gap of Beck Head and Kirk Fell.

A south and west panoramic view.

Pillar and Haystacks from Dubs Quarry.

High Crag from Warnscale Beck.

Buttermere from Green Crag.

The Gables across Blackbeck Tarn.

The crossing of Black Beck.

Pillar reflected on Innominate Tarn.

Innominate Tarn.

Kirk Fell from the pool higher up.

The cairn on the eastern side of Haystacks.

Two valleys - Ennerdale and Buttermere - from the summit of Haystacks.

Haystacks summit tarn.

The view from the south cairn, the main cairn up to the right in this photo.

Dougal and Casper on Haystacks.

Seat and High Crag at the top of the descent.

High Crag from Scarth Gap Pass.

Looking across to Fleetwith Pike.

The descent into Buttermere.

Light and shade across Gatesgarth.

Haystacks from Peggy's Bridge.

The route just walked.

High Stile looming large. Remember the purple house at Rigg Beck? The replacement...

...looks fantastic, much better than the old wooden thing that was there previously and what a view to have from the other side.

Blencathra via Sharp Edge

Walked on 01/07/2011

Start point: Scales (NY 349 272)

Scales – Sharp Edge – Blencathra (Atkinson Pike – Hallsfell Top) – Hall’s Fell Ridge – Scales

Distance: 5.5 miles Total Ascent: 824 metres Time Taken: 2 hours 45 minutes Start Time: 07:00

Weather: Sunny and warm. 15ºC

This morning’s walk was to Blencathra taking in the two most interesting ridges on there – Sharp Edge and Hall’s Fell Ridge. Both of these are excellent so it was a great walk all round, shame the cloud only cleared fully when I was almost back down.

Note: Just because I took my dogs over Sharp Edge, it doesn’t mean that every dog or indeed every person can do this one – it is a very exposed ridge and is treacherous in wet or icy conditions. Plenty of people have come a cropper crossing Sharp Edge. You have been warned!

When I was passing Newby Bridge early this morning, things were looking interesting so I had to stop and grab a couple of photos…

Blencathra, Sharp Edge, Hall's Fell Ridge

Blencathra route map.

New day rising, Windermere.

Perfect, tranquil reflections and the mist of the new day rising from Windermere.

Calm.

Newby Bridge. On to the walk...

Mousthwaite Comb.

Cloud capped Clough Head.

The view from the top of the path to Mousthwaite Comb with the cloud hanging over the Dodds.

A closer shot from further up.

Blencathra is not looking quite so good at the moment though, I'm hoping the sun will burn that cloud off.

A bit further along the path in the Glenderamackin Valley and Sharp Edge is clear of cloud.

Sharp Edge from Scales Tarn.

Scales Tarn from the foot of Sharp Edge and Dougal does a double take of the way up.

Sharp Edge - looks good to me.

Sharp Edge and Foule Crag.

You can make out a figure at the top in this shot which give some scale to Sharp Edge.

Dougal Doo goes for it - like Mr Magoo, he cares not a jot what is below and takes it all in his stride. I managed to drop my lens cap here of all the places to do it! I could see it lying temptingly below though so I dumped the bag and left Casper and Dougal in charge whilst I went down to retrieve it - loyal Casper did as instructed and sat with the bag. Dougal? He couldn't resist following me down of course!