Coniston Old Man

Walked on 16/03/2011

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: 3 miles Total Ascent: 573 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 50 minutes Start Time: 09:30

Weather: Mainly sunny. 8°C

The weather seemed much better than predicted early on this morning and the views along Coniston Water as I drove past were stunning enough to stop me in my tracks and make me turn around to grab a few photos at Lake Bank and Brown Howe. From there I could see The Old Man was clearing whilst further north in the Lakes looked a bit murkier. It did eventually cloud over but I think I caught the best of the weather today following the McMahon route to the summit.

At Lake Bank…

Coniston Old Man route map.

Misty Fairfield at the head of the lake.

Flat calm at Lake Bank.

Lake Bank jetty.

The cloud is lifting from The Old Man - that looks like a good place to go.

Nibthwaite reflected.

Jetty view to Oak Isle. Driving further I was stopped in my tracks once more by the calm waters at Brown Howe.

Selside reflections.

Brock Barrow in mono.

Peel Island and High Peel Near.

A glorious view along Coniston Water. Onwards and upwards...

Seems clear on the west side of The Old Man.

Looks clear across The Bell to Swirl How and Wetherlam too.

The Walna Scar Road.

The boys enjoy a paddle in Boo Tarn - a rare sight as you can actually see some water in it!

The Old Man from Limestone Haws.

The cloud is starting to drift in now across Walna Scar and Brown Pike.

Dougal enjoys the view from Little Arrow Moor.

Brown Pike and Buck Pike across The Cove, Cove Hut below.

Dougal and Casper - how on earth do they always end up so mucky?

Looking from Crag O' Stile to The Old Man, now with cloud on the summit.

Casper, the lone wolf, on the climb.

We are up in the cloud now and it is fleeting in and out.

Brown Pike and Blind Tarn.

As above, so below - looking at a dual cloud layer from The Old Man. I visited Angus whilst I was here but alas the plaque has disappeared. No doubt someone feels good about removing a hidden piece of Coniston slate from - well - another piece of Coniston slate! It obviously didn't fit the surroundings, at least I know where he is, plaque or no plaque.

It's a different world up on the summit; cold and cloudy with the final vestiges of winter snow remaining.

Caw, Buck Pike and Dow Crag revealed. Dougal has a quick look around for the plaque!

I made a direct and mainly pathless descent through the clouds. Here the boys head for a quick drink at this pool above Bursting Stone Quarry.

The Fell Dogs in silhouette.

Aira Force

Walked on 11/03/2011

Aira Force

It was chucking it down with rain this afternoon so I decided to have a walk around Aira Force as I was nearby. Even this proved difficult for photos with a camera that was almost impossible to keep dry. On the way home over Kirkstone Pass the rain turned to snow and there was plenty of fresh stuff on the fell tops.

The Old Man this morning.

Blencathra on the way past.

Aira Force in the miserable rain.

Falls below the force.

The Lion King.

Dougal picks a great place for a drink.

'Not quite' still dogs at the upper falls.

The upper falls - if you look closely you can see people trying to cross at the top of the falls!

Humphrey Head

Walked on 10/03/2011

Start point: Humphrey Head (SD 390 740)

Humphrey Head (OF)

I was down in Grange-Over-Sands on business this afternoon and decided to go for Humphrey Head when I saw the only glimmer of sunlight over it and out over Morecambe Bay. It is over 6 years since I have been up here – how time flies (gulp!).
Wainwright – “A fell it certainly is not, being a meagre 172 feet above the sea…Fellwalkers need an occasional change of scene. Here is one, on Humphrey Head”.

The wind has cleared away the cloud nicely, looking towards Rougholme Point.

Up on to the top of Humphrey Head and to the north the skies are leaden. Later, on the way home, they parted and revealed a fresh dusting of snow up on Coniston Old Man.

Overlooking Rougholme Point and Cark Airfield.

The prevailing westerly's do this to the trees up here.

Humphrey Head trig.

A bit windy up here today boys?

Mono tree.

Arnside Knott across the sands.

Limestone pavement.

Descending towards Morecambe Bay with Heysham Power Station on the horizon. Dougal is getting blown along the way!

These two trees frame the power station nicely!

Sun spot.

Looking back along the promontory.

The cliffs of Humphrey Head.

Humphrey Head Point.

Dougal gets blown away by the view from here.

No, not that way Dougal!

Yes, down the cliff.

Humphrey Head.

Lingmoor Fell

Walked on 07/03/2011

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

Blea Tarn – Bleatarn House – Lingmoor Fell – Lingmoor Tarn – Side Pike – Blea Tarn

Distance: 3.2 miles Total Ascent: 390 metres Time Taken: 2 hours Start Time: 09:40

Weather: Overcast. 2ºC

It was a grey old day in the south Lakes today even though the morning had promised much with bright sunshine everywhere. I had a walk to Lingmoor Fell with friend Ken and the views ended up being non-existent but it was really quite calm and pleasant despite the cool temperature.

Lingmoor Fell route map.

Bleatarn House.

Blake Rigg and Blea Tarn.

Side Pike through the gap in the wall, the Langdale Pikes beyond are lost in mist.

Casper and Dougal on Brown How, the summit of Lingmoor Fell.

Dougal checks out Lingmoor Tarn.

Time for a dip.

Lingmoor Tarn.

Heading for Side Pike. There is already a group of walkers up there.

Ken tries to push the rock out of the way but can't quite manage it.

Breathe in and form an orderly queue at the squeeze.

Looking back towards Blea Tarn and the Coniston fells.

Mickleden.

Back at Blea Tarn.

Blea Tarn reflections.

Coniston Inversion

Walked on 03/03/2011

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: 20 minutes Start Time: 08:40

Weather: Clear above the mist. -4ºC below cloud, much warmer above!

I had no plans for a walk today but saw the early morning dense fog and decided I would go for it! It is always nice to be able to get above the cloud like this and being out early gave me the chance to have two bites of the cherry as I firstly had a look from the east side of Coniston before a quick travel to Blawith Common for a look from the west side.

Underneath the cloud cover at Lowick these sheep and lambs must have thought they were in for a feed as they ran towards me, bleating loudly.

The Lambster.

Frozen ground heading for Brock Barrow. I went up the front face for a change - to the left in this photo and then up.

What do you think of this tree Casper?

Looking south along the Crake Valley.

...and north towards the Coniston fells.

Beacon Fell from the climb.

Flare on the summit cairn.

Beautiful in the sunshine up on Brock Barrow.

They're loving it.

Nibthwaite down below and Blawith Common. Looks interesting over there which has given me an idea.

The second summit on Brock Barrow.

The view from its cairn.

A profile - Casper, Dougal (and a distant Angus).

What's down there boys? My guess is they featured in the first two photos of this walk.

I think I will head over to the other side when I get down.

The frozen wall to Nibthwaite. Then a short drive to Blawith Common to check the inversion from the west side...

The view from the climb to Slatestone fell.

Looking south into the sun and the mist is burning off rapidly now. This is Bowder Knott, normally it wouldn't even be worth a visit or a mention but these smaller knotts and knolls are on the very edge of the inversion today.

The view along Coniston Water to Wetherlam from the descent.

Heading for Lake Bank above the Crake valley caravan park. It sounds like it's raining with the ice rapidly thawing from the trees and bushes.

Looking across to Nibthwaite and Brock Barrow, visited earlier.

A great profile of the Coniston fells.

Nearly clear down at Lake Bank with only a couple of swans to greet me.

A familiar view? Lake Bank Jetty features as the April photo on the Striding Edge 2011 calendar and appears on the Frosty Mornings Reed Diffuser box that we sell in Love the Lakes!

Oak Isle tranquillity.

Yewbarrow

Walked on 01/03/2011

Start point: Overbeck Bridge (NY 168 068)

Overbeck Bridge – Bell Rib – Great Door – Yewbarrow (South Top) – Yewbarrow (North Top) – Dore Head – Low Tarn – Overbeck – Overbeck Bridge

Distance: 5 miles Total Ascent: 725 metres Time Taken: 3 hours 15 minutes Start Time: 09:45

Weather: Some bright spells, generally overcast. 9C

I obviously didn’t get enough of the rough stuff yesterday on Great Gable and I was irresistibly drawn back to Wasdale and had a walk across Yewbarrow. I couldn’t help thinking back to Friday’s walk to High Pike – on the trig. column there is an inscription which says ‘Caldbeck fells are worth all England else’. Whoever thought of that one surely can’t have been to Wasdale…

Yewbarrow route map.

A profile of Bell Rib at the southern end of Yewbarrow. Earlier there were blue skies but once again a sheet of cloud had moved in to make the day largely grey over this side of the Lakes.

Wast Water reflections.

The Scafells from the climb and Wast Water is very calm this morning.

Scafell Pike and Scafell.

This photo is looking across to Bell Rib from later on in the walk - two paths can be seen; the one to the right in this photo leads directly to Great Door, the one to the left leads to the second cleft.

The view from Great Door.

To the right of Great Door is a short climb to Bell Rib (the top of the pointy bit in the first photo) which gives a great view of Wast Water and The Screes.

The way ahead to Yewbarrow from Bell Rib - first I have to climb down to Great Door which is where the central cleft of rock is in this photo.

The Scafells from the climb of the Yewbarrow ridge.

The second cleft on the Yewbarrow ridge, often mistaken for Great Door.

Looking back.

Strange light on Burnmoor Tarn and Eel Tarn, Harter Fell in the left distance.

Scafell.

Caspaaar!

The summit of Yewbarrow up to the left, Kirk Fell and Great Gable to the right.

Close up on Great Gable and Great Napes - where we were yesterday.

Robinson, Skiddaw and Hindscarth over the North Top of Yewbarrow from the summit - there are two little men in view!

Red Pike, Dore Head Tarn below right.

Pillar and Mosedale.

Kirk Fell and Great Gable.

Wasdale Head.

Little Dougal Doo contemplates the rough and steep descent of Stirrup Crag.

Red Pike and frozen Dore Head Tarn.

Good old Casper showed Dougal how a rocky scramble should be done.

Pillar.

Scrambling around Great Knott to climb to Low Tarn.

Frozen Low Tarn.

Red Pike reflected.

On the way back.

Over Beck. Back down in Wasdale...

Scafell reflections.

Great Gable.

Scafell.

Flat and calm Wast Water.

Signs of spring at Galesyke.

Gable Girdle

Walked on 28/02/2011

Start point: Wasdale Head (NY 186 084)

Wasdale Head – Moses Trod – Gavel Neese – Beck Head – Great Gable – Westmorland Cairn – Sty Head – South Traverse – Napes Needle – Sphinx Rock – Moses Trod – Wasdale Head

Distance: 5.8 miles Total Ascent: 1000 metres Time Taken: 4 hours 15 minutes Start Time: 09:50

Weather: Bright spells, misty high tops. 6°C

I fancied going west to Wasdale today and decided to climb Great Gable. I drove through sunshine and blue skies to get to a rather misty Wasdale Head but I had high hopes that things would improve as the day went on. I was sort of right as the summit itself was a bit gloomy and frozen but the walk along the south traverse was excellent and there were sunny intervals during this section.

It didn't look too great heading for Great Gable but I was hopeful it would clear as there was good weather behind me.

Crossing Lingmell Beck on Moses Trod.

Looking back to the good weather from the start of the climb.

The sunshine has caught me up but the Napes are still shrouded in mist.

Yewbarrow has caught the sun.

Getting higher - and sunnier!

Heading for a water stop at Beck Head. There was a really icy wind blowing across here now and it felt like winter once more.

Kirk Fell across Beckhead Tarn.

Someone has drawn a line under the cloud at 700m looking across Ennerdale to High Stile. Lower Haystacks remains cloud free.

Climbing the rocky northern face of Great Gable.

The frozen summit memorial on Great Gable.

Disinterested summiteers. I had a wander over to the Westmorland Cairn but there was nothing to be seen so descended towards Sty Head.

Dougal on the descent towards Styhead Tarn.

Seathwaite Fell across Styhead Tarn.

Skew Gill and Great End.

A panoramic view from the south traverse.

The Great Napes and the scree of Great Hell Gate from the South Traverse.

Looking up to a climber on Napes Needle.

The Cat Rock.

A climber tops out on Napes Needle, taken from the Dress Circle.

Rather them than me!

Dramatic skies over the Scafells. This view shows the airy location of Napes Needle.

There will be a good view from the top of there I think!

The Sphinx Rock - the same rock as The Cat Rock but from a different angle.

Wasdale from the South Traverse.

Looking up Little Hell Gate.

Dougal checks out Moses Finger.

Clear on the Scafells now.

All clear on Great Gable as well now, nearing the end of the walk.

Derwent Water Sunset

Walked on 27/02/2011

I took the opportunity after a day in Keswick Love the Lakes to have a look at the sunset over Derwent Water which looked as though it may be promising. In fact it turned out better than expected and ended up being quite spectacular and I could not stop taking photo after photo, so this collection is of broadly similar views with ever decreasing light. Oh, just another one…

It's looking promising as I make it down to Derwent Water.

Wow, what a fiery sky.

Calm in Calfclose Bay.

The Millennium Stone, Derwent Water.

Looking towards Borrowdale.

This sky really is something special tonight.

Derwent Water sunset.

The final glowing embers and the whole sky is aglow.

The Jaws of Borrowdale.

Heading back for the car now but I can't resist one or two more.

Derwent Water panoramic. Crocii from this week...

High Pike

Walked on 25/02/2011

Start point: Stone Ends (NY 354 338)

Stone Ends – Rake Trod – Carrock Fell – Round Knott – Miton Hill – High Pike – West Fell – Carrock Beck – Stone Ends

Distance: 6 miles Total Ascent: 530 metres Time Taken: 2 hours 50 minutes Start Time: 11:40

Weather: Clearing, windy. 11°C

Today I was joined by Robin for a walk up to Carrock Fell and High Pike and the weather wasn’t looking too clever early on this morning when it was absolutely bucketing down with rain. We held off the start for a little while and found the best of the weather anywhere in the Lakes I think for this good, if squelchy, round of the Caldbeck Fells.

Carrock Fell at the start of the walk - Rake Trod can be seen running diagonally right to left above Casper.

At the foot of Rake Trod.

...and looking back down.

'Rowan on crag'.

Climbing the gully from Rake Trod.

Living on the edge.

'A well made cairn...' looking towards a clearing Great Mell Fell.

Drama in the sky over Souther Fell.

At the top of the Further Gill Sike gully.

Ancient sheepfold on Carrock Fell.

Skiddaw and the valley of the Caldew from Carrock Fell.

High Pike from the west gate, Carrock Hill Fort.

Casper and Dougal, windswept on Carrock Fell summit.

Skiddaw and the remains of the old British Hill Fort.

Boggy on Round Knott.

Carrock Fell and Round Knott to the right from Miton Hill.

Onwards to High Pike from Miton Fell summit cairn.

The path to High Pike.

Carrock Fell and Dry Gill.

The summit of High Pike, Bowscale Tarn is visible to the distant right.

Room for one Beardie on this sofa on High Pike.

Bowscale Fell and Blencathra under cloud.

It was really windy up here now and the cloud was coming across. This stony area is the site of the beacon, reserved for special occasions and beyond are the ruins of a shepherd's cottage.

Carrock Beck and Carrock Fell, to the left is the route of return over West Fell.

Carrock Fell from the mega cairn on West Fell.

Back down on the Driggeth Mine track.

Blue sky and sunshine on the return leg, here at Apronful of Stones.

Beacon Fell and Blawith Common

Walked on 24/02/2011

Start point: Blawith Common (SD 286 903)

Blawith Common – Slatestone Fell – Beacon Fell (OF) – Beacon Tarn – Slatestone Fell – Blawith Common

Distance: 3.2 miles Total Ascent: 272 metres Time Taken: 1 hour Start Time: 12:20

Weather: Overcast. 10°C

Around the fringes of the Lake District there was blue sky and sunshine but, in the southern half at least, it was pretty murky today. It was also surprisingly warm for the time of year, almost ready for spring! I was going to head for the higher fells but stuck to lowly Beacon Fell when I realised just how closed in the weather was and had a bit of a wander around Blawith Common too for a change.

The path towards Slatestone Fell.

Looking back down the path towards Coniston Water and there is lots of low lying cloud around today. I've never noticed that little tarn just above the road before either, even though I must have passed it many times!

Coniston Water from Slatestone Fell.

Dougal the tracker finds a path to Beacon Fell ahead.

'Nutty Sheepfold'.

The top of Beacon Fell.

Coniston Water from the summit. The treasure tin and its contents have disappeared again.

Mucky pups on Beacon Fell.

Beacon Tarn and Wool Knott.

Beacon Fell to the right, across tranquil Beacon Tarn.

Tarn Beck.

Dougal - tracking again - leads the way to Slatestone Fell.

Looking back to Wool Knott.

Blawith Knott from Slatestone Fell.

The un-named tarn mentioned in the first photo above looking across to the path used in ascent. Although it doesn't look like it, the main road is between me and the path.

Buckbarrow

Walked on 16/02/2011

Start point: Greendale (NY 144 056)

Greendale – Greendale Gill – Jos Naylor’s cairn – Buckbarrow – Casper Gully – Greendale

Distance: 2 miles Total Ascent: 357 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 30 minutes Start Time: 09:40

Weather: Sunny spells, clearing. 6°C

It looked promising enough when I drove into Wasdale this morning but the cloud never completely lifted from the high fells whilst I was there. Buckbarrow though was mostly in the sunshine and there was fresh snow evident on the high fells from what I could see. I found a different and interesting route down from the top too…

Clearing skies over Wasdale and fresh snow on the high fells.

Majestic Yewbarrow.

Buckbarrow from Greendale.

Greendale Gill.

Middle Fell.

Middle Fell from the climb to Jos Naylor's Cairn.

...and here it is - the Jos Naylor Cairn.

Seat Dougal, Seat Casper and Seatallan.

Middle Fell.

The view from higher up giving the cairn some scale.

Seatallan in mist and a flock of advancing sheep.

Middle Fell from the top of Buckbarrow.

Sellafield out on the West Cumbrian coast from the summit of Buckbarrow.

Red Pike is just about visible through the gap between Seatallan and Middle Fell.

Dougal and Casper on the summit.

Red Pike.

In the sunshine on Bull Crag but heavy clouds still hang over Wasdale.

This gully between Bull Crag and Pike Crag looks like an interesting way down.

The view to the summit (up to the left) and Bull Crag (to the right) from Pike Crag. The gully we passed is directly below the edge in the centre of the photo.

Nether Wasdale.

Standing on the edge.

Come on Casper, lets go down that gully with no name. How about Casper Gully?

Half way down the steep scree slope.

It is clearing once more in Wasdale but the cloud is lingering on The Scafells.

Mono Wasdale.

Looking up from the bottom of Casper Gully.

Buckbarrow - Pike Crag, Casper Gully, Bull Crag and Broad Crag.

Casper Gully and the scree run from below.

A final view from Greendale.

Blencathra via Scales Fell

Walked on 08/02/2011

Start point: Mungrisdale (NY 361 303)

Mungrisdale – Souther Fell – Scales Fell – Blencathra – Bannerdale Crags – Bowscale Fell – The Tongue – Mungrisdale

Distance: 8.1 miles Total Ascent: 907 metres Time Taken: 4 hours Start Time: 08:40

Weather: An icy cold wind but clear. 5°C

There was a mighty cold and icy wind up on the top of Blencathra today and there was a fresh dusting of snow. The wind and ice were strong enough to keep me off Sharp Edge, that can wait until another day. To the south there was a big cloud build up and the way it lay right across the tops and kept changing made an intriguing backdrop throughout the walk.

The River Glenderamackin at Mungrisdale.

Sky over Great Mell Fell at the start of the climb to Souther Fell.

A bit leaden, but I wondered if it would brighten up?

Bowscale fell and The Tongue, the eventual route of descent.

Casper checks out Bannerdale and Bannerdale Crags. Blencathra is swathed in mist to the left.

The icy summit of Souther Fell. From here and right over Blencathra, the ice cold wind became quite strong.

The cairn at the south western end of Souther Fell.

Heading for Scales Fell.

Sharp Edge from Souther Fell.

The view of Sharp Edge and Foule Crag from Mousthwaite Comb.

Looking back to Souther Fell across Mousthwaite Comb.

Saddleback from Scales Fell.

A zoom shot showing the way the cloud was building to the south and that large layer pouring over the tops and into the valleys seemed to be creeping northwards.

Sharp Edge profile from Scales Fell.

Scales Tarn.

Doddick Fell Top and Scales Fell.

The icy summit of Blencathra, Hallsfell Top.

Hall's Fell Ridge.

Keswick and Derwent Water with that big cloud cap now on the high fells to the west.

Casper and Dougal on the summit of Blencathra.

Looks like playtime for the boys heading to Atkinson Pike.

The Back o' Skiddaw from the part frozen summit tarn.

A contrast in colours from Atkinson Pike.

Mono Blencathra.

The intriguing cloud cap to the south.

At the top of Sharp Edge.

Dougal Doo.

Descending Foule Crag, Bowscale Fell ahead.

Glenderamackin Valley.

Blencathra from Bannerdale Crags.

The main cairn to the north east.

Foule Crag on Blencathra from Bowscale Fell.

Skiddaw from Bowscale Fell summit.

Looks like that big cloud has overtaken Blencathra now as well.

Bowscale Fell from The Tongue.

Mungrisdale from the top of the steeper than steep descent.

Looking back to The Tongue from near Mungrisdale. By the time I got to the car and onto the A66, all the fells that I had been watching under cloud all morning were now clear with the exception of Blencathra which stood alone with its own cloud cap!

Uldale Fells

Walked on 03/02/2011

Start point: Longlands (NY 266 358)

Longlands – Brae Fell – Little Sca Fell – Great Sca Fell – Knott – Lowthwaite Fell – Longlands Fell – Longlands

Distance: 6.3 miles Total Ascent: 609 metres Time Taken: 2 hours 20 minutes Start Time: 10:45

Weather: Sunny spells with a cold wind. 6°C

The prediction was for rain and strong winds today but it looked clear further north so I headed to Longlands to walk some of the Uldale Fells. The high fells have a fresh dusting of snow and even these ‘Back o’ Skiddaw’ fells had some lying on the tops. The wind was biting though and the skies to the west looked threatening throughout the walk.

It was beautiful and sunny at the start of the walk following the track from Longlands but the sunshine belies the temperature as there was an icy wind.

Behind there was lots of cloud building up to the west and the prediction was for strong winds and rain.

Heading for Charlton Wath, Brae Fell on the horizon.

Sunshine on the climb to Brae Fell.

Longlands Fell and Binsey from the climb.

Brae Fell summit.

Sunshine and wind for Casper and Dougal.

Dougal heads for Little Sca Fell.

Typical 'Back o' Skiddaw' terrain.

Great Sca Fell.

It's a very similar view from the summit of Knott, looking to High Pike and Carrock Fell.

Great Calva and the Back o' Skiddaw.

Moody and broody through the Glenderaterra Valley.

Blencathra and Mungrisdale Common.

A glimpse of Bassenthwaite Lake.

Meal Fell and Great Cockup from Great Sca Fell - not today though Dougal, the wind has a real bite to it now and is becoming stronger.

The route to Little Sca Fell.

Skiddaw from Little Sca Fell with its sunken wind shelter.

Skiddaw, Bakestall and Dead Crags looking through the gap on the descent to Lowthwaite Fell.

Mega-cairn on Lowthwaite Fell.

Windswept Dougal following the track to Longlands Fell.

Panoramic view from Lowthwaite Fell.

Binsey and Over Water from Longlands Fell.

Too windy!

Black Hawk Down over Chapel House Farm.

Red Screes via Kilnshaw Chimney

Walked on 01/02/2011

Start point: Kirkstone Pass (NY 401 080)

Red Screes via Kilnshaw Chimney from Kirkstone Pass

Distance: 1.3 miles Total Ascent: 342 metres Time Taken: 1 hour Start Time: 10:50

Weather: Warmer with sunny spells. 8°C

After a dull start the day seemed to brighten for a while and I had a climb to Red Screes using the direct route via Kilnshaw Chimney. This is a great way to ascend quickly but care must be taken in winter conditions – the chimney was full of ice and snow today. The exit from it is very near to the summit and if you like a scramble it is well worth a go.

Red Screes from Kirkstone Pass.

The location of Kilnshaw Chimney.

Looking across to Caudale Moor from the climb.

At the foot of Kilnshaw Chimney.

The scree section is steep.

Looking back down the scree.

The Kirkstone Pass road far below from the opening to the chimney.

Casper leads the way up the icy climb.

The top section of Kilnshaw Chimney.

Almost at the top.

Kilnshaw Chimney, looking down from the top.

The exit from Kilnshaw Chimney is a stones throw from the summit. Those two are looking for a drink but they will find no joy in this frozen pool.

The approach to the summit. Dougal is ahead whilst Casper has found a patch of snow to roll around in to the left!

Red Screes.

Casper and Dougal on the icy summit.

Brothers Water and beyond.

Cloudy over Fairfield.

Place Fell beyond Brothers Water and Middle Dodd.

The beacon on Thornthwaite Crag.

Dougal checks out Middle Dodd.

Looking back to the summit.

Icy summit tarn reflections.

A sunny spell on Red Screes.

Caudale Moor.

Close up on Caudale.

Wansfell and Windermere from the descent with the Kirkstone Pass road to the left and The Struggle to the right.

Back at the foot of Red Screes.

Border End

Walked on 29/01/2011

Start point: Hardknott Pass summit (NY 230 014)

Border End from Hardknott Pass

Start Time: 16:20

Weather: Sunset. -1°C

There is something about watching a winter sunset from the fells that is very appealing and, I reckon, one of the finest things you can see from up on high. I did have the choice of going out in the beautiful clear sunshine of the day but decided to leave a walk until later and grab the sunset view. Of course I ended up leaving it all a little close for comfort and it ended up being a bit of a race to the top.

Once up there, all was silent and there wasn’t even a breath of wind, my fingers and face were numb with the cold and the beautiful final embers of sunlight made the icy ground glow. Magnificent.

The sun is low in the sky looking from the top of Wrynose Pass, Harter Fell and Hard Knott are the distant silhouettes. I am heading for Hard Knott but will I make it in time before the sunset?

Looking to Wrynose Pass where the first photo above was taken from the climb to Border End.

The sun has already gone in the hidden Duddon Valley, Caw and Stickle Pike in the distance.

Esk Pike, Bowfell and Crinkle Crags across the top of Hard Knott.

It's icy up here looking towards the Scafells.

Sunset on Border End.

Eskdale.

I opted to head for the western side of Border End rather than going for Hard Knott - Casper and Dougal seem to know the way.

A magnificent view of the Scafells and Esk Pike heading across frozen Border End.

Close up on Esk Pike and Bowfell.

What a lovely sunset this evening but it was getting pretty cold up here now.

Glowing dogs.

Harter Fell with Devoke Water shining just to the left of the sun.

Icy rocks.

The view to Bowfell, Crinkle Crags and Little Stand from the crossing to have a peek into Upper Eskdale.

The Scafells and Upper Eskdale.

Dougal-Doo seems impressed with one of the finest views in the Lake District.

Almost time to set off back before it gets too dark but I had to return to this spot three times looking for a dropped lens cap. It was worth it as found it in the end!

Esk Pike.

Bowfell.

Scafell and Slight Side.

Lowering sun.

Nearly gone.

The last one before the sprint back down to Hardknott Pass.

Loughrigg Fell

Walked on 28/01/2011

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: Sunny spells. 2°C

Today there was a mixed bag of weather and it was ever brightening on Loughrigg Fell but on the high fells there was a dusting of fresh snow and seemingly snow laden clouds on them. There is still a good bit of winter to go and I don’t think it will be so long before there are snowy walks once more.

Loughrigg Fell route map.

It was dull when I set off but there were some good sunny spells once I started the climb up to Loughrigg, here looking towards the Coniston fells.

Up on the summit ridge it is nice and sunny but beyond in Great Langdale there are ominous clouds.

Dougal looks towards the eastern fells. Wansfell and the Ill Bell ridge have a sprinkling of snow on them.

Sunny over Windermere.

Loughrigg Tarn, Coniston beyond.

Looking towards Fairfield en route to the summit.

Frozen Tarn.

Heron Pike and Nab Scar.

Loughrigg Fell.

Casper and Dougal on Loughrigg and not a soul about.

Helvellyn and Fairfield under cloud.

Seat Sandal, Stone Arthur and Great Rigg.

Elterwater nestled below Lingmoor Fell.

Grasmere and a view through to Lonscale Fell in the Dunmail Raise gap.

A mirror finish on Grasmere.

A close up on Lingmoor Fell with Pike o' Blisco beyond.

Pike o' Blisco.

The best - and only fleeting - view I had of the Langdales Pikes today.

Crinkle Crags.

"In Memory of John Stanley Skelton Drowned 4th June 1960 whilst on Holiday with Cowley Boys Grammar School."

Sunshine boys.

Loughrigg Tarn.

Loughrigg Tarn reflections.

Dougal and Casper have a quick dip in the tarn. On the way home...

Yew Tree Tarn.

Reflections.

Walla Crag

Walked on 24/01/2011

Start point: Love the Lakes, Keswick (NY 266 233)

Love the Lakes, Keswick – Springs Road – Springs Wood – Rakefoot – Walla Crag – Derwent Water – Love the Lakes, Keswick

Distance: 4.9 miles Total Ascent: 322 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 30 minutes Start Time: 11:15

Weather: Dull but clear. 6°C

Today I did a nice circular route from our Keswick shop up to Walla Crag before dropping back down to Derwent Water for a wander along the lake shore. The weather was ever brightening with a hint of blue sky once down to calm Derwent Water; this is a lovely shorter walk from Keswick and the climb to Walla Crag is relatively easy following this route.

Walla Crag route map.

A gaggle of geese on Springs Road.

Mossy wall, Springs Wood.

Catbells and Causey Pike across Derwent Water from Rakefoot.

All looks a bit gloomy over Blencathra this morning.

The view from Lady's Rake.

Casper checks out Love the Lakes Keswick branch from Walla Crag.

Derwent Water and Bassenthwaite Lake from Walla Crag.

A panoramic view of Derwent water.

Bleaberry Fell from Walla Crag.

Mucky pups.

Catbells, Knott Rigg and Causey Pike.

The descent of Cat Gill.

Calm Derwent Water and a hint of blue sky.

The Millennium Stone, Calfclose Bay, Derwent Water.

Big sky and Catbells from below Friar's Crag.

Derwent Water.

The seat on Friar's Crag.

Walking on water.

Causey Pike from the landings.

Back at base camp.

Stickle Pike

Walked on 21/01/2011

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: 45 minutes Start Time: 13:35

Weather: Cool and clear. 1°C

It was another beautiful day today and there was time for a short walk up to old favourite Stickle Pike. The views were once again glorious from up there with a haze layer lying over the Duddon Estuary to the south. Although the temperature was low it was really quite warm in the sunshine, especially when climbing the steep south face of the fell.

Caw from the climb.

Three long shadows looking down to the Duddon Valley.

The icy path to Stickle Pike - we are not going that way today though.

Frozen Stickle Tarn.

Caw across Stickle Tarn.

The Scafells and Harter Fell.

I came around Stickle Pike and climbed the rugged south face.

Wondering what we are doing?

Misty Black Combe.

Casper masquerades as one of the upright rocks.

Dougal is more interested in the sheep.

Made it to the top!

Shiny nose.

A superb view across the summit cairn - Harter Fell mid-distance with the Scafells to the left, Esk Pike and Bowfell to the right.

A layer of haze over the Duddon Estuary beyond Great Stickle.

Black Combe.

The view across Dunnerdale.

Great Stickle.

Looking for a way down.

Summit silhouette.

Scafell and Scafell Pike.

Pillar beyond Green Crag.

It was lovely and warm up here and I was in shirt sleeves.

He's spotted something.

Stickle Pike from the bottom - a real jewel.

Coniston Old Man

Walked on 20/01/2011

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: 15:30

Weather: Cool and clear. 1C

It was a beautiful day in the Lake District today but when a blanket of freezing fog descended over our house in the afternoon, I knew that conditions would be good higher up and that there would be a good sunset too. It was thanks to Louise that I went on this one as she persuaded me to make the effort and I am thankful that she did – the sunset across the inversion was simply stunning.

This was totally a ‘no frills’ walk so there is no route map – I ascended and descended using the route 1 method!

It was a lovely and clear day today but I was only here to see the end of it and catch the sunset from the top of Coniston Old Man.

What a great view of the already setting sun on the climb to The Old Man with the Duddon Estuary and the Irish Sea beyond Black Combe covered in a blanket of cloud.

All is golden.

Getting higher up, the full extent of the inversion was visible.

Beautiful silhouettes and sunset.

Approaching the summit we said hello to Angus.

I'm sure he would have approved of the walk and the weather today.

The view towards the Scafells from the summit of The Old Man.

Looking across Coniston Water to Morecambe Bay.

The eastern fells from the summit.

Old Man.

Young men. Dougal ably demonstrates just how breezy it is on the top.

Sellafield poking through the cloud beyond Harter Fell.

I spotted two lumps rising from the inversion in the distance which can only be in Wales, one on the left horizon (I think this is Arenig Fawr which is an incredible 104 miles away) and one on the right (Carnedd Lllewelyn, 91 miles away).

The sun setting over Dougal.

Fabulous colours in the sky this evening.

Burnished Casper.

It was getting pretty cold and was surprisingly breezy on the top as the sun set.

A close up on Carnedd Llewelyn and now Snowdon is visible too, 98 miles away.

Fat old sun.

Dougal has a last look before it is time to go.

The last one before it gets too dark. It only took twenty minutes to get down from here using my 'no frills' method.

Wansfell

Walked on 19/01/2011

Start point: Troutbeck (NY 409 032)

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

Distance: 4 miles Total Ascent: 345 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 30 minutes Start Time: 08:35

Weather: Cool and clear. 2°C

I think Wansfell was a good choice this morning as it was clear over there whereas some of the higher fells to the north and east seemed to be under a good bit of cloud. There was a great inversion over Windermere and Ambleside and there were good views of it from up there and a lovely sunrise to boot!

Wansfell route map.

Troutbeck.

The sun rising over Sour Howes, looking back along Nanny Lane.

All aglow from higher up.

The Ill Bell ridge across Troutbeck Park.

Casper and Dougal on a mission heading along Nanny Lane.

Looking back once more to a beautiful sunrise over mist filled valleys.

The Hundreds.

Dod Hill.

The climb to Wansfell.

Suddenly as we climbed to Wansfell the sun disappeared behind a heavy blanket of cloud and things became a lot duller for Dougal and Casper on the frozen (Wainwright) summit of Wansfell.