Wythop Round

Walked on 14/01/2011

Start point: Brumston Bridge (NY 185 293)

Brumston Bridge – Ling Fell – Old Scales – Chapel Wood – Lothwaite – Rivings – Sale Fell – Brumston Bridge

Distance: 4.4 miles Total Ascent: 460 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 45 minutes Start Time: 10:00

Weather: Windy and gloomy. 8°C

There was rain everywhere this morning, some of it quite strong. I managed to time this round of Wythop Valley to perfection though with the rain stopping as I set off and starting as I reached the car at the end. Those who follow the site regularly know this isn’t my favourite sort of terrain but it is a nice enough easier walk.

Wythop route map.

Sale Fell from the road at Eskin.

...and a similar view looking across from the climb to Ling Fell.

Sale Fell panoramic.

Dougal and Casper climb out from the hole below the trig. column on Ling Fell.

A glimpse of Bassenthwaite Lake.

"The Great Illusion" (Sale Fell 4).

Walking through the ancient wood to Wythop Church.

"Site of Wythop Old Church".

The remains of Wythop Old Church.

Looking across the Wythop Valley to Lord's Seat.

Skiddaw and a brief glimpse of blue sky.

Looking back along the track towards the old church.

Skiddaw, nearly out of the clouds from the zig-zag up to Lowthwaite, path not shown on the map.

Skiddaw and Bassenthwaite Lake from Lothwaite.

Heading for Rivings and Sale Fell.

Ling Fell from Rivings.

Ling Fell from the path to Sale Fell.

Dougal checks out Binsey and Bassenthwaite Lake from a very windy Sale Fell.

The windswept twosome.

Ling Fell from Dodd Crag.

Caw

Walked on 11/01/2011

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: 14:40

Weather: Sunny and clear. 2°C

It was lovely and sunny and clear this afternoon – I didn’t really have the time for a walk today but made it so to make the most of the good weather whilst it was there! A year has flown by and that is how long it is since I was last up on Caw and I’m glad I made the effort today, the sunset was just magical.

Caw route map.

What a beautiful mid afternoon start to the walk with pointed Caw ahead.

The Park Head Road wends its way between Brock Barrow and Fox Haw.

Snow clad Scafell and Harter Fell at the head of the Duddon Valley.

Golden Casperoo.

Brock Barrow and the rather wet Park Head Road.

Heading for Long Mire with Caw directly ahead - and look at those two having a chase!

The craggy south west face of Caw.

The sun is already getting low in the sky and dropping into a big bank of cloud, here looking across the pointed silhouette of Stickle Pike to cloud capped Black Combe from Broadslack, on Caw.

The view across Broughton Moor to the Kent Estuary.

The second I reached the summit it suddenly felt like the sun really was setting, yet this photo was taken only 40 minutes after the first one. It was icy cold up here and there was a lovely view of the Duddon Valley towards the Scafells with the Pillar group of fells to the left.

The Coniston fells from the now grey trig. column, previously it has always been painted white. Perhaps I should bring a tin of paint next time I come.

There was a beautiful view of the setting sun to the west, the icy summit pool giving the temperature up here away. It was just stunning up here with total silence and this fantastic view of the sunset.

A similar view, a little later and a little further back.

An annotated panorama from Caw.

Someone else popped up from nowhere to admire the sunset this afternoon (the time was 15:25).

A close up on the Scafells.

Esk Pike.

Morecambe Bay sunset.

Casper and Dougal on the top of Caw.

The Ormonde wind farm.

Black Combe sunset.

The cloud pouring over Black Combe.

Invading army.

An icy pool on the descent.

Black Combe looking other-worldly, Stickle Pike in the foreground.

More cloud pouring over Buck Barrow (the Whitfell one).

From the descent.

Heading for home.

Blea Rigg

Walked on 06/01/2011

Start point: Grasmere (NY 336 073)

Grasmere – Silver How – Blea Rigg – Easedale Tarn – Easedale – Grasmere

Distance: 6.3 miles Total Ascent: 562 metres Time Taken: 3 hours 15 minutes Start Time: 08:30

Weather: Rain at first then clearing. 3°C

This wasn’t where I intended to go today but in the northern half of the Lakes, over Dunmail Raise it was raining heavily and continued to do so all morning. Back at Grasmere it was also raining when I set off but it soon cleared with the clouds swirling on and off the high fells leaving behind a fresh carpet of snow on them. The backdrop to today’s walk was the sound of the hunt – the horn, the shouts and the dogs. I think Dougal and Casper quite fancied joining in!

Blea Rigg route map.

Early Silver How across Grasmere.

Misty Grasmere - taken from the opposite side to the first photo.

Looking back along the path from the climb to Kelbarrow.

Sunrise over Loughrigg Fell.

The mist is clinging over Rydal Water and to the side of Loughrigg.

Helm Crag from the Silver How ridge.

Casper and Dougal on Silver How.

Grasmere and Rydal Water.

Low lying mist in the valleys below.

The Langdale Pikes appear across Lang How Tarn from thick cloud with a fresh covering of snow

Dougally Doo.

Looking back to Silver How.

Looking down on Great Langdale.

Wetherlam and the Tilberthwaite Fells also have new snow, Lingmoor Fell between me and them.

Pike o' Blisco dwarfs Side Pike.

The weather is constantly changing, from sun to cloud.

A close up on the Langdales - that's the last I saw of them today.

Great Castle How.

Crinkle Crags at the head of Oxendale with rising cloud from Great Langdale.

Great Carrs in sunshine.

The icy climb.

Heading for Blea Rigg.

Wetherlam from the un named tarn below Blea Rigg.

All sorts going on here, looking down from Blea Rigg.

The frozen summit of Blea Rigg.

Looking the other way, the Langdales have disappeared in the cloud.

Which way Dougal? Heading down to Easedale Tarn.

Helvellyn revealed.

Easedale Tarn reflections.

Tarn Crag reflected.

Tarn Crag and Easedale Tarn panoramic.

Blue skies and sunshine - for now - descending into Easedale.

Gummer’s How

Walked on 31/12/2010

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: 16:00

Weather: Dull, warmer than of late. 6ºC

The thaw seems to have taken place very quickly and there was no snow around at all when we had a short walk to Gummer’s How this morning. It was overcast and dull with the mist hanging over the iciest waters but the temperature was pleasant enough and at least there was no slip-sliding around today.

Gummer's How route map.

Gummer's How from the foot of the walk.

Connie and the boys, each seems to be going in different directions!

Mono Lakeside.

The summit of Gummer's How.

Connie on the column, guarded by Casper.

Looking south west from the column.

Misty view towards Bowness.

Mist hanging over Esthwaite Water.

A panoramic view of Windermere.

Rawlinson Nab and Cunsey.

Lone yacht on Windermere.

Connie, Dougal and Casper on Gummer's How.

Lakeside at the foot of Windermere and the River Leven.

Puppet on a string - Connie realises that you can never hold a stick higher than a Beardie can jump! Much later at Bowness...

Looking through the gloom to the car ferry from Ferry Nab.

A band of mist was running along Windermere.

Misty marina.

The view from the car ferry on the crossing of Windermere.

More Lake District Winter Scenes

Walked on 26/12/2010

Today we had a walk down at Fell Foot at the south end of Windermere and later a walk along the shore of Derwent Water from Keswick. It was a bit of a grey day really, the sort of day that lends itself to mono photos rather than colour although really there wasn’t much difference!

A frozen winter's day at Fell Foot.

Fell Foot panorama.

The icy edge of Windermere.

Fell Foot jetty.

The charge of the Beardie Brigade! After visiting Fell Foot and of course Love the Lakes in Bowness, we went to Keswick and had a walk along the shore of busy Derwent Water. There were plenty of people on the ice - I resisted the temptation to go on it and my recommendation is not to go on it or any ice covered water as you can never tell how thick the ice is.

Down at Derwent Water launch and the setting sun over Catbells.

This is reminiscent of one of those Victorian photos with people on Derwent Water.

Ice.

A lone skater on Derwent Water from Friars Crag.

A seat with a view at Friars Crag.

Louise with the fidgety twosome at Friar's Crag.

Catbells.

A panoramic view from Friar's Crag.

John Ruskin said of Friar's Crag: 'the first thing I remember as an event in life was being taken by my nurse to the brow of Friar's Crag on Derwentwater'. That first view of Friar's Crag made a deep impression on the five year old boy, and years later he described the incident as 'the creation of the world for me'.

Down at the lakeshore.

Skiddaw and a boat going nowhere.

Lake District Winter Scenes

Walked on 22/12/2010

No fell walking photos today but there are some from familiar places around the Lake District under a full winter blanket. Last nights earthquake does not seem to have caused any damage or even cracked any ice on the frozen waters of the area!

Rydal Water.

Low winter sun on ice.

Silver How and frozen Grasmere.

A panoramic view of Grasmere.

Down at the lake bank.

A view in the opposite direction.

Thirlmere is completely frozen, photo taken from the dam wall.

Derwent Water.

The view into Borrowdale.

Sticks and Stones.

Icebreaker.

Catbells from The Headlands.

Winter trees. 'Bonus photos' from Saturday 18th December 2010

Sunrise on the Langdale Pikes.

Crinkle Crags and Bowfell.

Wetherlam.

The Coniston fells from Low Wood.

A panoramic view from Low Wood.

Drama over Bowfell and the Langdale Pikes.

Helm Crag across frozen Grasmere.

Silver How.

Skiddaw

Walked on 17/12/2010

Start point: Gale Road End (NY 281 253)

Gale Road End – Skiddaw Lesser Man – Skiddaw Little Man – Skiddaw – Jenkin Hill – Lonscale Fell – Lonscale Pike – Gale Road End

Distance: 7.6 miles Total Ascent: 775 metres Time Taken: 3 hours 15 minutes Start Time: 10:40

Weather: Freezing. -3ºC

The blue skies of the early morning gave way to a rather more leaden one and it was one of those ‘never above freezing’ days today. Skiddaw was quiet with hardly anyone around (although I did bump into the current second on the GtF leader board Jon and Hils) and although a different sort of day to the Blencathra one I enjoyed last week, the winter skies were a treat and there were some fantastic views from up there today

Skiddaw route map.

There were no other cars at the Gale Road car park when I set off and Skiddaw looked decidedly cold this morning.

Come on boys!

The Hawell Monument.

The zigzags to the top.

Coledale.

Catbells from the climb.

Little man heading for Little Man.

Lonscale fell and Blencathra from the climb to Lesser Man.

Little from Lesser.

Derwent Water and a clear view in a lovely winter orange sky from the frozen cairn on Little Man.

Dougal works out the route to Skiddaw. The wind really whipped up whilst I was on here and it was a real Arctic blast as you can imagine - lots of layers on now.

Looking back to Little Man.

A lovely sky but I think there is snow up there somewhere.

The icy path to Skiddaw.

A panoramic view.

Walkers on the south top.

The Ullock Pike ridge and Bassenthwaite Lake.

Skiddaw summit.

Looking south from the summit.

Sun reflected on the viewpoint indicator.

Braving the elements.

Heading back along the ridge.

Frozen shelter.

Icy!

The Coledale fells.

Catbells and beyond.

Derwent Water.

The Back o' Skiddaw.

Lonscale Fell from Jenkin Hill.

Sun reflected on Derwent Water.

Looking back to Skiddaw Little Man from the path to Lonscale Fell.

Skiddaw from Lonscale Fell and it was really starting to go dull now as the clouds became heavier.

Blencathra and the Glenderaterra Valley from Lonscale Pike.

The descent from Lonscale Pike looking across High Rigg to Helvellyn and Thirlmere.

High Rigg and Helvellyn.

On the Cumbria Way.

Whit Beck.

Black Crag

Walked on 13/12/2010

Start point: Knipe Fold (SD 391 994)

Black Crag from Knipe Fold

Distance: 3.4 miles Total Ascent: 215 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 15 minutes Start Time: 09:20

Weather: Overcast and cold. 2ºC

The rather glamorous weather from last week has gone for now; the snow has all but melted and the blue sky is just a memory and left behind is a more typical December day – a bit grey and dull. I had time for a short walk up to Black Fell and it felt warmer than the temperature gauge said thankfully.

Black Fell route map.

A blur of fur on the bridleway from Knipe Fold.

The Coniston fells and seasonal trees in Iron Keld Plantation.

There is a surprisingly good view from here - off the beaten track on the lumps and bumps in Iron Keld Plantation. This view is to the south over cold looking Hawkshead and Esthwaite Water.

Wetherlam and beyond across an icy puddle.

Heading across the deforested plantation, the south east cairn on Black Fell is visible to the right.

The Langdale Pikes through the trees..

Black Fell.

Dougal and Casper on the Black Crag, the summit of Black Fell.

Wetherlam from the summit, Coniston Old Man is lost in cloud.

Lingmoor Fell and the Langdales.

Windermere.

Hawkshead.

The Fairfield fells beyond Loughrigg.

The Helvellyn ridge and Seat Sandal.

Mono Langdales.

It looks as though it might be brightening up a little over there.

Big Wetherlam.

Esthwaite Water and Hawkshead across the south east cairn.

Frozen Tarn Hows and Coniston Water.

A panoramic view from the south east cairn (and two sniffing, snuffling dogs!).

There is even a hint of blue sky to the east but to the west remains dull.

Blencathra via Hall’s Fell Ridge

Walked on 08/12/2010

Start point: Threlkeld (NY 318 256)

Threlkeld – Hall’s Fell Ridge – Blencathra (Hallsfell Top – Gategill Top – Blease Fell) – Threlkeld

Distance: 4.8 miles Total Ascent: 734 metres Time Taken: 3 hours 10 minutes Start Time: 10:30

Weather: Very cold and very clear. See below ºC

The predicted Arctic temperatures certainly happened overnight and the morning looked very promising being amazingly crisp and clear. I had a climb to Blencathra up the Hall’s Fell Ridge, a brilliant way to climb up there in any conditions but it was even more special today. The weather certainly raised the feeling of exposure and heightened my awareness today.

Note: This is a serious winter climb, not a walk. Just because me and my dogs managed to climb it today, it doesn’t mean that everyone can. At the very least you need to carry the correct winter equipment (crampons and ice axe) and know how to use them.

Blencathra route map.

More than a bit chilly at Threlkeld this morning (actually it had warmed up from -14C a bit further down the road!).

Still, Dougal doesn't seem to mind the Arctic temperatures. According to him we should all run round and round in circles to keep warm.

Walking alongside Kilnhow Beck.

Hall's Fell ahead.

Hallsfell Top - the summit of Blencathra, from the crossing of Gate Gill.

Clough Head and it is beautiful and sunny. The climb to Hall's Fell Ridge was surprisingly warm given the ambient temperature and there wasn't a breath of wind at this level. That had me stripping layers and the hat and gloves were off in no time.

Views that go on forever today though - the clearest of clear days.

The Pennines look so close you could touch them today, Great Mell Fell to the right.

Gategill Fell from the climb.

At the bottom of Hall's Fell Ridge - time to get the crampons on as things get a little more serious now.

A beautiful view from the crampon stop.

There were a couple of other climbers ahead on the ridge.

We were all sensible chaps today - crampons and ice axe were definitely needed up here today so we could admire the fantastic views.

The view across Doddick Fell and Scales Fell.

Climbing higher, I couldn't resist having a look at this view often!

It was around here that the wind started picking up making it extremely cold and I soon had those layers back on. Of course coming to the narrow and tricky sections, a strong wind was the last thing I needed.

Looking down.

The curve in the ridge.

Bitterly cold nearing the top.

This is the final section Dougal. Come on lad, we can do it!

Wow, the view from the summit of Blencathra was indeed spectacular today.

The view to the east.

Too many fells to name - you can see them all today.

A panoramic view from the summit of Blencathra.

A snowboarder on the top of Blencathra...

...this is the cool way to get down, and the quickest.

The wind was quite fierce at times along the ridge, as Casper finds out.

Blencathra in winter.

Dougal and Casper top out on Blencathra.

The Blencathra summit ridge.

Looking towards Derwent Water.

Hallsfell Top from along the ridge.

Immaculate looking Skiddaw.

Great Calva and the back o' Skiddaw fells, Scotland beyond.

Lots of spindrift heading for Gategill Fell.

Thirlmere glimmering in the sunshine.

Gategill Fell Top.

Someone else is climbing the Hall's Fell Ridge.

The Helvellyn ridge (with Helvellyn being the highest point in this photo) amidst a burst of spindrift.

Heading for Blease Fell.

Blease Fell.

The Kings of the Fells.

Blencathra.

Descending Blease Fell looking across to frozen Derwent Water.

I think Dougal may have spotted the car!

Heading for Threlkeld below.

Gate Gill.

Back at Threlkeld and the end of a superb winter walk.

Lake District Winter

Walked on 07/12/2010

Lake District Winter

Today’s photos were taken on my journey to and from Love the Lakes in Keswick. There had been a big snowfall overnight in the South Lakes so I arrived at Keswick via the M6 rather than through the middle. Things started to clear out once I was past Shap and what a day it turned out to be.

When I was in Hope Park today looking at frozen Derwent Water, I felt lucky. When I was at Castlerigg for the sunset (all alone), I knew I was lucky. When I got to Grasmere and was stood in an inversion which was at chest height, I felt blessed. When I got home to my family, I truly knew I was blessed. It’s a wonderful life…

Gigantic and white Blencathra this morning from the A66.

Great Mell Fell.

Clough Head.

Hall's Fell Ridge and the clouds are clearing from the tops. Later, a walk to Hope Park and the shores of Derwent Water...

Winter trees and long shadows.

No sailings today, Derwent Water is frozen.

Looking out to Grisedale Pike.

Skiddaw from frozen Derwent Water (I am on a jetty, not the ice!).

Looking to the jaws of Borrowdale.

The sun is getting low behind Catbells.

A panoramic view of Skiddaw.

Skiddaw towering over the rooftops of Keswick.

Snowy Hope Park. Later, I was passing Castlerigg Stone Circle as the sun was setting...

Blencathra with a pink glow.

A beautiful sunset over Castlerigg Stone Circle.

The stones and a fiery sky.

Skiddaw and Lonscale Fell.

The sky's a beauty tonight.

Clough Head.

Sunset on Blencathra.

Helvellyn ridge panorama.

The end of the day.

Crimson Skiddaw.

Castlerigg panorama. On top of Dunmail Raise on the way home...

Helm Crag and The Howitzer.

The sky and Steel Fell. As I dropped into the Vale of Grasmere, the temperature was plummeting and the mist began to rise from the valley. At the water's edge, the inversion was at chest height giving a surreal feeling to the cold twilight.

Looking out across Grasmere across the mist. It is hard to see where the mist starts and the ice ends but the footprints in the foreground give the game away here.

Silver Howe and some monochrome looking trees.

Helm Crag.

After 5 minutes or so the mist began to rise.

A Christmas scene as the mist lifts. Just around the corner...

The mist over icy Rydal Water.

Twilight, Rydal Water.

Last light and a great winter scene over Rydal Water.

Roanhead Sunset

Walked on 05/12/2010

Winter Sunset at Sandscale Haws

It has been a lovely day in the Lake District today with sunshine and blue skies in abundance. I just about had time to have a look at the sunset from Roanhead (properly called Sandscale Haws) which has fabulous views along the Duddon Estuary to the south western fells.

The red dot shows where I was on the Furness peninsula.

And zoomed in.

Reflected sunset on Askam in Furness. It is hard to imagine the industrial past of this tranquil looking idyll, but where the houses are now is the site of the former steelworks and the coastline of the whole Duddon Estuary was peppered with iron ore mines (spoil heaps are visible to the right) and industry in the early 1900's. My grandfather worked underground in these mines not so long ago.

Black Combe in winter.

Duddon Channel reflections.

The Coniston fells across Duddon Sands. The central dark slab is Askam Pier - nothing more than a band of slag from the old steelworks, jutting out into the estuary.

Sandscale Haws.

Black Combe.

The setting sun gives a nice orangey glow to the estuary.

A beautiful panoramic view of the Scafells, Esk Pike and Bowfell.

Watching the sun go down from the top of the highest dune now, elevation about 10m!

The Duddon Estuary.

Southern fells vista.

Scafells sunset.

Esk Pike and Bowfell.

A panoramic view of the fells: Kirk Fell, Scafells, Esk Pike, Bowfell, the Coniston fells and the Fairfield fells.

The Coniston fells.

Black Combe panoramic.

They call the west Cumbrian coast 'The Energy Coast' and here is a view of the latest development out to sea, the Ormonde wind farm beneath a dramatic setting sun.

Looking south to the industrial part of Barrow in Furness in the fading light - plumes of steam from the paper mills (these are the ones you can often see from the Coniston fells and Scafells), the spire of St James Church and the giant Devonshire Dock Hall to the right where Britain's nuclear submarines are built.

Crimson snow capped Scafells as the sun sets.

The wind farm at Kirksanton across Duddon Channel.

The sun has virtually gone now but that sky and light - 'gloaming' - is a sight to behold.

The loneliness of the long distance walker.

Scafells - at the end of the day.

Easedale Circuit

Walked on 30/11/2010

Start point: Grasmere (NY 337 073)

Grasmere – Easedale Tarn – Tarn Crag – Codale Tarn – Belles Knott – Easedale Tarn – Grasmere

Distance: 6.7 miles Total Ascent: 535 metres Time Taken: 3 hours 15 minutes Start Time: 10:40

Weather: Cold and clear. 0°C

It was a different experience on the fells today than yesterday – the winter conditions were not as full on and it was a more sedate experience heading into Easedale in the sunshine. Out of the sun, though, it was bitterly cold with the wind on the Tarn Crag ridge making it feel even colder. Crampons were not required today but those micro spikes came in handy on the icy paths on the descent.

Easedale route map.

Helm Crag from Easedale.

Easedale.

The path to Easedale Tarn, Sourmilk Gill centre.

Looking back along Easedale from the climb towards Heron Pike and Nab Scar.

Sourmilk Gill.

The view in the opposite direction.

Tran Crag ahead.

Fairfield appears from the cloud.

The Sourmilk Gill crossing.

Part frozen Easedale Tarn.

Great Castle How across Easedale Tarn.

A quick snow flurry on Tarn Crag.

Casper the snow monster.

Looking down on Easedale Tarn from the climb to Tarn Crag.

Cloud topped Helvellyn.

Fairfield, back in cloud.

Dougal and Casper at the summit of Tarn Crag.

The Coniston fells from the summit.

Looking towards the Langdale Pikes. In the centre is frozen Codale Tarn with Belles Knott to the left - I made a bee-line for there.

Dougal does his usual mountain lion thing!

Big icicles on the way to Codale Tarn.

Codale Tarn.

Codale Tarn from Belles Knott.

Easedale Tarn from Belles Knott.

Looking back up to the Matterhorn-esque Belles Knott from the treacherous path back down to Easedale Tarn.

Mono Tarn Crag.

Setting sun and Casperoo.

Wetherlam

Walked on 29/11/2010

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: 3 hours 30 minutes Start Time: 10:35

Weather: Cold and clear. -2C

Most of the high fells appeared to be in cloud but Wetherlam seemed to stand out like a beacon of light today, so that’s where I went to get a taste of the winter conditions much of the country is experiencing at the moment. The snow was dry and powdery and the going was not too bad until the descent of Wetherlam Edge which required a bit more care to be taken. It was like the Antarctic on the northern slopes during that descent with a strong (and cold) easterly blowing across the face of The Edge.

Wetherlam route map.

High Tilberthwaite.

First of all you have to get here!

Looking to the east from the climb out of Tilberthwaite.

Wetherlam above a cold looking Tilberthwaite Gill.

Above Beck Fells from Crook Beck.

At the foot of Steel Edge.

Looking down Steel Edge.

The boys are going for it!

Looking down the Edge.

Casper comes to see where I am - faffing around with crampons probably.

Steel being worn on Steel Edge today.

Winter sky and Coniston Water.

The Howgills.

The Far Eastern Fells.

The Fairfield fells.

Dougal has a look at The Old Man.

The Coniston Fells (and Dougal) panoramic.

The Ill Bell ridge is lit by the sun.

It was cold along the ridge.

Golden Morecambe Bay.

Looking back along the trail blazed.

Cloudy Scafells from frozen Wetherlam summit.

Looking across to Helvellyn.

The snow-Beardies.

The Coniston fells.

Descending Wetherlam Edge - first of all we have to find it Dougal.

Come on, we can do it!

Pike o' Blisco.

Looking back up from the foot of Wetherlam Edge.

Crinkle Crags in cloud from Birk Fell Man.

Some bloke I met.

Winter Larch on the descent.

All is mono in Tilberthwaite Gill.

Windermere.

Wetherlam from Waterhead, Ambleside - late afternoon.

The Old Man of Coniston

Walked on 24/11/2010

Start point: Walna Scar road (SD 289 970)

Walna Scar car park – Boo Tarn – The Old Man of Coniston – Brim Fell – Brim Fell Rake – Low Water – Below Beck Fells – Walna Scar car park

Distance: 4.3 miles Total Ascent: 630 metres Time Taken: 2 hours 15 minutes Start Time: 09:20

Weather: Cold and clear. 2C

Everywhere looked to be covered in cloud when I set off from home this morning, especially further to the east. When I was driving towards the Coniston fells they had a big cloud cap on them too, but I thought it would clear when the sun rose a little and thankfully this turned out to be right. It was really clear up there today and it was superb walking the ridge to Brim Fell in those conditions, beautiful and crisp with virtually no one around.

Coniston Old Man route map.

All clear on top of The Old Man.

The summit of The Old Man from the Walna Scar Road.

Coniston and the head of Coniston Water.

The view to the south.

Dougal strikes a typical Beardie pose.

Buck Pike and Dow Crag from Little Arrow Moor.

Brown Pike and Blind Tarn.

The Cove panorama.

Little Dougal looks at the big fells.

Casper and Dougal.

The climb to The Old Man.

Panoramic Old Man.

Dow Crag.

Brown Pike and Buck Pike.

The sun shining on Morecambe Bay and Coniston Water - the Crake Valley is still frosty.

The view over Bursting Stone Quarry towards Windermere (Bursting Stone is a type of slate).

Black Combe beyond Walna Scar.

Of course, we had to visit our old pal up here.

The view from the top of The Old Man.

Windermere from the summit.

A Remembrance Day poppy on the column.

Wetherlam above Levers Water with the track below snaking down to Low Water.

The deserted summit of Coniston Old Man.

Dougal and Casper on the summit.

It was a beautiful day up here today but with a cold wind.

Brim Fell, Swirl How and Great Carrs from The Old Man. The person of Brim Fell was a Striding Edge fan - he recognised us from that distance! Nice to meet you up there.

Harter Fell.

The Scafells and Langdales in the distance are clouded over.

Looking back to the summit.

Walking the icy Brim Fell ridge.

Great Carrs, Swirl How and Great How Crags from Brim Fell.

An icy descent of Brim Fell Rake.

Brim Fell from Raven Tor.

Levers Water, Black Sails and Wetherlam.

Swirl How and Wetherlam across Levers Water.

Wetherlam and the Coppermines Valley from the descent.

I had a little wander off the beaten track across Below Beck Fells on the west face of The Old Man on the way back. Unfortunately two young ladies on their way to The Old Man summit decided to follow me as I must have looked as though I knew where I was going. I set them back on the right path when I realised they couldn't be going the same way as me - remember, if you see a bloke with a couple of dogs, don't follow him as you could end up anywhere!

The Old Man from the Walna Scar Road.

HIgh Rigg

Walked on 20/11/2010

Start point: The Church of St.John’s in the Vale (NY 306 225)

High Rigg from The Church of St.John’s in the Vale

Weather: Clear and cold. 0C

It looked as though we would be in for a lovely morning when I set off early for our Love the Lakes shop in Keswick and the first few photos show some of the views on the journey. It was looking so good, I may never have got there at all if I stopped at all the viewpoints along the way but there was time for a quick sprint up to the top of High Rigg. This must rank as one of the best commutes possible, a pleasure all the way!

Looking across Windermere to the snow topped Crinkle Crags and Bowfell - taken from the Millerground viewpoint above Bowness.

Down at Waterhead, Ambleside looking across to Wetherlam.

The mist is rising from the mere.

Grasmere.

Island in the mist.

Helm Crag reflected. At St. John's in the Vale...

Blencathra from the church.

The same view from the climb, the sun rising on Blencathra over frozen Threlkeld.

Skiddaw and Lonscale Fell.

A panoramic view from the climb.

Sunny Blencathra from frozen High Rigg.

Grisedale Pike and the north-western fells.

High Rigg summit ahead.

Oh wow! What a view this morning with all sorts going on in this photo - inversion in St John's in the Vale and over Thirlmere, a cloud cap on Helvellyn with it looking as though it was pouring over the top and a magnificent sunrise.

The summit of High Rigg.

High Rigg panorama.

The Skiddaw massif.

Blencathra.

Golden clouds.

The Vale of Keswick.

Blencathra from the summit cairn.

Blencathra panorama. I drove back past Castlerigg Stone Circle...

Sunrise over Castlerigg.

Castlerigg Stone Circle.

A gorgeous morning.

The Christmas lights are on in Keswick, come and see us at Love the Lakes...

Brock Barrow

Walked on 19/11/2010

Start point: High Nibthwaite (SD 294 897)

Brock Barrow (OF) from High Nibthwaite

Distance: 1.5 miles Total Ascent: 175 metres Time Taken: 20 minutes Start Time: 10:30

Weather: Sunny with clearing mist. 5C

I just about had time for a quick walk at the southern eastern end of Coniston Water today and I think it caught the best of the early weather as there was lots of low lying mist, but also the high fells were covered too. This is a good walk for the effort/view ratio and there is rarely anyone around here.

Misty morning in the Crake Valley.

Dougal and Casper lead the way.

Looking to the Blawith Fells (where I walked on Monday) across Allan Tarn.

The scramble to the top.

The mist is being burned away by the sun.

Coniston Water from Brock Barrow, the high fells are cloud covered for now.

Casper and Dougal.

He's like a coiled spring, that Dougal - look at him, ready to bounce away.

The southern end of Coniston Water.

Beacon Fell.

Misty trees.

The Crake Valley in mono.

Brock Barrow from Allan Tarn.

Allan Tarn is a widening of the River Crake as it flows from Coniston Water.

Looking into the sun at Allan Tarn, known as Octopus Lagoon in Ransome's 'Swallows and Amazons'.

'Noah's Ark' (so that's where it went!) hidden in the trees at Allan Tarn.

High Nibthwaite (properly) or more usually, locally - 'Nibthet'.

Blawith Fells

Walked on 15/11/2010

Start point: Woodland Fell road (SD 256 879)

Woodland Fell Road – Blawith Knott (OF) – Angus Tarn – Tottlebank Height (OF) -Round Haw – Wool Knott (OF) – Slatestone Fell – Tottlebank Height (OF) – Woodland Fell Road

Distance: 4.7 miles Total Ascent: 417 metres Time Taken: 2 hours Start Time: 09:25

Weather: Cold and changeable with showers. 2C

The weather was completely odd in the south west Lakes this morning – when I set off it was cold and clear with an inversion over Coniston Water but I was soon overtaken by higher level cloud which was constantly clearing then dropping down again. At one point it started raining as well and you couldn’t tell what it would be like from one minute to the next. It was good to get out on a walk today though – it is Casper’s 7th birthday today, so Happy Birthday to him!

Blawith route map.

All looks nice and sunny on Blawith Knott at the start of the walk...

...but, looking the other way - look what's coming right for us across Kirkby Moor!

On the summit of an eerie Blawith Knott.

I don't know what you have been licking (ugh!) but Happy Birthday Casper, 7 today!

A glimpse of the Coniston Fells.

Dougal heads for Tottlebank Height. Beyond, there is a temperature inversion over Coniston Water and the Crake Valley.

Beacon Fell left, Angus Tarn centre and Tottlebank Height on the right with the Coniston Water inversion visible along its length.

Angus Tarn is frozen today Dougal!

A frozen pool on the way to Tottlebank Height.

Wool Knott and Beacon Fell.

Inversion in the Crake Valley.

Casper and Dougal don't know what to make of the strange light.

Beacon Fell and Tarn from the summit of Wool Knott.

Sunlight over Morecambe Bay.

The light is giving the inversion an other worldly look.

The clouds above are thickening now.

Crake Valley panorama.

Dramatic sky, dramatic inversion from Slatestone Fell. Now there's an odd thing - it was absolutely chucking it down now and freezing cold but I didn't think you could get an inversion in those conditions.

Coniston Water in the rain from Slatestone Fell.

Walking the damp, walled highway on the way back - Tottlebank Height ahead.

It's all change over Wool Knott now!

Looking back to Slatestone Fell, the mist now clearing and the rain has gone.

A panoramic view from the same place.

The mist is constantly clearing and then reforming.

Dead tree on Tottlebank Height.

I climbed back to the top of Tottlebank Height to have another look around, here looking to Wool Knott and Beacon Fell.

Clearing Coniston Fells from Tottlebank Height.

Kirkby Moor.

Big sky looking towards Black Combe now under a thick blanket of cloud.

A final dip and a drink for the boys at the foot of Blawith Knott.

Mosedale Round

Walked on 10/11/2010

Start point: Wasdale Head (NY 187 088)

Wasdale Head – Looking Stead – Pillar – Wind Gap – Black Crag (Pillar) – Scoat Fell – Black Comb – Y Boulder – Wasdale Head

Distance: 7.5 miles Total Ascent: 1050 metres Time Taken: 4 hours 45 minutes Start Time: 07:20

Weather: Cold and clear. 6C

If anyone wondered whether it was winter yet, even after yesterday’s walk, I can confirm it is well and truly here. It felt more like a February day today with views to match – absolute clarity and stunning views is the only way to describe it – a magical day on the fells.

Mosedale Round route map.

First light at the head of Mosedale.

The fell tops are on fire.

Sunrise panoramic.

Red Pike looking...red.

New day rising over Kirk Fell. I followed the short cut path up towards Looking Stead to get here and missed out Black Sail Pass.

Pillar from Looking Stead.

Yewbarrow and beyond from the climb to Pillar.

Scoat Fell, Black Crag and Pillar.

The route to Pillar.

What a view looking back - Great Gable and the Scafells.

Looking across Ennerdale to distant Skiddaw and Blencathra.

It was an Arctic wind up here today and everything was frozen, including me! I stopped here to layer up.

Beautiful landscape on the way to Pillar.

Clear as anything looking across to the Helvellyn ridge.

Icing sugar coating on the summit of Pillar.

Clear as far as the eye can see.

Frozen trig. column.

Pillar Rock below and the High Stile ridge across Ennerdale.

A panoramic view from Pillar.

The desolate summit of Pillar. I never saw another soul nor even another footprint for the whole walk.

Looking north across the Solway Firth to Scotland.

Just beautiful on Pillar.

Casper and Dougal on Pillar - now where did we put that hair?

The descent to Wind Gap.

Mosedale - this was the route of descent later.

Steeple across Mirk Cove.

Looking back to Pillar from Scoat Fell.

Big snowdrift on the summit of Scoat Fell.

Haycock and Caw Fell, the Isle of Man visible on the horizon.

At the top of the ridge to Steeple - so near yet so far. The path looked treacherous and I didn't fancy putting crampons on for such a short section so gave it a miss today.

Red Pike from Scoat Fell.

The Scafells from Scoat Fell.

The boys are wondering where I am rather than lagging behind me - the route of descent is the scree run to the right.

It was an amazingly quick route of descent down this scree run.

Kirk Fell.

The Y Boulder in Mosedale...

...and the Abrahams photo of some early bouldering on the Y Boulder.

Looking back into Mosedale.

Mosedale Beck.

The Scafells across Wast Water.

The classic view.

Wetherlam

Walked on 09/11/2010

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 40 minutes Start Time: 9:20

Weather: Windy, snowy, sleety, coldy. 5C

The wet weather of last week has made way for much colder winter weather with snow lying on the high fells. The snow made it quite tough going, both on the climb up Steel Edge and the descent of Wetherlam Edge – the walk took 40 minutes longer than last time I did it in April. Once up on the Wetherlam ridge, all hell was let loose with the wind and driven sleet/snow making it easily the coldest and most extreme walk since last winter.

Wetherlam route map.

High Tilberthwaite.

First of all you have to get here!

Looking to the east from the climb out of Tilberthwaite.

Wetherlam above a cold looking Tilberthwaite Gill.

Above Beck Fells from Crook Beck.

At the foot of Steel Edge.

Looking down Steel Edge.

The boys are going for it!

Looking down the Edge.

Casper comes to see where I am - faffing around with crampons probably.

Steel being worn on Steel Edge today.

Winter sky and Coniston Water.

The Howgills.

The Far Eastern Fells.

The Fairfield fells.

Dougal has a look at The Old Man.

The Coniston Fells (and Dougal) panoramic.

The Ill Bell ridge is lit by the sun.

It was cold along the ridge.

Golden Morecambe Bay.

Looking back along the trail blazed.

Cloudy Scafells from frozen Wetherlam summit.

Looking across to Helvellyn.

The snow-Beardies.

The Coniston fells.

Descending Wetherlam Edge - first of all we have to find it Dougal.

Come on, we can do it!

Pike o' Blisco.

Looking back up from the foot of Wetherlam Edge.

Crinkle Crags in cloud from Birk Fell Man.

Some bloke I met.

Winter Larch on the descent.

All is mono in Tilberthwaite Gill.

Windermere.

Wetherlam from Waterhead, Ambleside - late afternoon.

Castle Crag

Walked on 05/11/2010

Start point: Grange (NY 252 175)

Grange – Allerdale Ramble – Castle Crag – High Hows Wood – Low Hows Wood – Grange

Distance: 3.1 miles Total Ascent: 270 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 10 minutes Start Time: 11:00

Weather: Light rain. 10C

The extreme wet weather made an unwelcome return again yesterday and many roads in the area were flooded with flood warnings also being given for many areas in Cumbria. I visited both Love the Lakes shops this morning and was good to see that all the roads were open and largely clear of water. There was some localised flooding and I took some photos of these areas on my journey. Eventually I ended up in Borrowdale for a short walk up to the lowest Wainwright of them all, Castle Crag.

A few photos taken on the way to Love the Lakes, Bowness…

Castle Crag route map.

The River Leven at Backbarrow, a raging torrent with spray everywhere.

The Swan Hotel at Newby Bridge and the water is lapping at the terrace.

Looking the other ay from the same place. The water has risen above the bank on the grassed area to the left and that boat on the right has broken its mooring.

The almost inevitable flooding at Fell Foot cafe. The water isn't as deep as it has been the last couple of years but I think the tea room is flooded.