Newlands Round

Walked on 01/11/2010

Start point: Hawes End (NY 247 212)

Hawes End – Skelgill Bank – Catbells – Maiden Moor – High Spy – Dale Head – Hindscarth – High Crags – Red Knott –Scope End – Little Town – Skelgill – Hawes End

Distance: 10 miles Total Ascent: 1066 metres Time Taken: 5 hours Start Time: 07:00

Weather: Sunny and clear. 10C

The weather turned out much better than I expected today. Driving through the Lake District early the early morning fog, I knew this was inversion weather – Coniston, Windermere, the Vale of Grasmere, St John’s in the Vale and the Vale of Keswick were all covered by a thick carpet of mist but I only made up my mind where to walk at the very last minute. It was a good decision too I think as the mist lifted as the sun rose and covered many of the fell tops. I never saw another soul today!

Newlands Round route map.

First sight of Skiddaw over the inversion and colourful trees.

Panoramic Derwent Water inversion.

Blencathra across the sea of fog.

The view from higher up and the Vale of Keswick is immersed under the fog.

Autumn view.

The cloud cap on Blencathra is beautifully lit up by the rising sun.

Looking across to the sun rising over Coledale.

Climbing higher.

Sunrise over Bleaberry Fell.

Beautiful colours in the sunshine.

Catbells ahead from Skelgill Bank.

On Skelgill Bank in the sunshine.

The whole of the Vale of Keswick is under cloud this morning.

Nearly there!

The summit of Catbells.

Dougal takes a look into Borrowdale, heading for Hause Gate.

Swinside and Dodd, Bassenthwaite Lake under mist.

Misty trees below.

Closing in.

Colours and Keswick.

Borrowdale sunrise.

Autumn.

Manesty Park.

Houses in the mist.

A view into Borrowdale from the climb to Maiden Moor, Castle Crag to the right.The sunrise has cleared the bulk of the mist from Derwent Water now.

Panoramic Derwent Water.

Blencathra reflections.

Looking back to Catbells from the climb to Maiden Moor.

The view across the Newlands Valley.

Hindscarth and Robinson from the summit of Maiden Moor.

High Spy.

Dougal and Casper on High Spy.

Looking towards Great Gable over Dale Head Tarn.

Dale Head.

Casper and the Newlands Valley.

Beyond the central ridge, Helvellyn is under a thick blanket of cloud.

On the summit of Dale Head and the wind was absolutely freezing up here. First time this season for the winter jacket and gloves.

The view towards Helvellyn from Dale Head.

Buttermere.

The High Stile ridge.

The summit of Hindscarth.

Hindscarth and Robinson from Scope End.

Dougal works out the homeward route.

Scope End.

Newlands Church.

Causey Pike and Rowling End.

Coniston Water Inversion

Walked on 25/10/2010

I just had time for a very quick walk with the dogs this morning whilst on with other things. I could see what it was going to be like on Coniston Water so we had a quick walk around Nibthwaite (where we were yesterday!) and just about managed to get above the clouds for a great view along Coniston Water to the Coniston fells…so these are more photos of a view rather than a walk! It was -3C beneath the fog, brrr!

The Coniston fells above the inversion on Coniston Water.I'm right on the edge of the inversion here looking across the dense fog.

I'm right on the edge of the inversion here looking across the dense fog.

Moon over Beacon Fell.

A panoramic view of the full length of Coniston Water.

The Coniston fells across the fields from Lowick.

Brock Barrow

Walked on 24/10/2010

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 Start Time: 13:50

Weather: Sunny and clear. 9C

What a fantastic and clear day it was today – too nice to stay in, so Connie and I took the dogs for a short walk somewhere. We didn’t end up where we intended, read on to find out why…

The River Leven at Backbarrow. Many will remember the flood photos from 20th November last year and at last the parapet on the bridge has been repaired and the road has re-opened.

The River Leven from the bridge.

Looking downstream. The intention was to go to High Dam today but when we drove through Finsthwaite, I could hardly believe how busy it was and I have never seen so many cars there. The car park was full and the roads were lined with cars for qyuite a distanbce. Hmm, we'll give that a miss then and find somewhere a bit quieter I think.

Back down at Newby Bridge, the weir on the River Leven.

We ended up at High Nibthwaite at the foot of Coniston Water - I know it's not that long since I was there but the views are quite stunning from this diminutive fell on a day such as this. This is the view across High Nibthwaite towards NBeacon Fell at the start of the walk.

Brock Barrow.

Connie and the Crake Valley on the climb towards High Bethecar.

Crake Valley sunshine.

The southern end of Coniston Water.

The Coniston fells from the top.

Allan Tarn and distant Black Combe.

Dow Crag and The Old Man.

Close up ion The Old Man of Coniston.

Brown Pike, Buck Pike and Dow Crag.

A riot of colour looking across to Beacon Fell, Caw on the skyline.

Casper, Connie and Dougal.

Rock the Casper.

The view from the cairn on Brock Barrow.

Crossing the wall at the start of the descent.

We descended the Wainwright way at Connie's behest - not recommended! Nice Holly tree on the way down though!

Connie on the way down.

The sentinel looks towards Coniston fells.

Connie and her new friend at the foot of Brock Barrow.

Beacon Fell from Coniston Water.

The view from the foot of Coniston Water.

Little Langdale, Slater’s Bridge and Cathedral Cove

Walked on 22/10/2010

It was a bit soggy this morning and Connie and her friend were eager to get out for a walk (or was it that the dogs were eager to get out for a walk and the two girls wanted to lounge around in front of the TV…I forget now!). I knew just the place for them and they weren’t disappointed with the visit to Cathedral Quarry – they thought it was amazing. The rain on the way back but a literal dampener on proceedings but nothing that a cafe stop in Coniston wouldn’t cure.

Gummer’s How

Walked on 20/10/2010

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: Cold and clear. 9C

It is half term this week (and next!) and the weather was glorious today, so Connie and I (and the boys of course) went up to Gummer’s How to take advantage of the late afternoon sunshine. The wind was cool and it certainly felt a lot colder than it has of late, no doubt soon bringing the predicted snow to the high ground.

Gummer's How route map.

Gummer's How from the foot of the walk.

Lots of colours walking through the wooded area.

Climbing the new stairway.

The foot of Windermere from the top of the climb.

The Angel of the North?

Casper and Dougal hold paws in the sunshine.

The traditional pose from Connie.

It was beautiful up here today - clear with a cool breeze.

Gummer's How.

The view along Windermere.

The Coniston fells.

Windermere.

Panoramic Windermere.

Connie.

The view to the south, Ingleborough on the left skyline.

Fell Foot from the descent and the sun is getting low.

A riot of colour.

Who switched the lights off?

Helm Crag

Walked on 18/10/2010

Start point: Roadside parking near to Helmside (NY 332 096)

Helmside – Greenburn – Pike of Carrs – Gibson Knott – Helm Crag – Bracken Hause – Greenburn – Helmside

Distance: 4 miles Total Ascent: 442 metres Time Taken: 2 hours Start Time: 09:30

Weather: Overcast with the odd shower. 13C

The weather was changeable today with showers blowing across Grasmere and the colours certainly look more autumnal now. The walk up Greenburn and up to the Helm Crag ridge was quite easy going if a bit boggy underfoot in places, but I think that’s par for the course around here. Today I was joined by Ken, an old friend.

Helm Crag route map.

Heading into a boggy looking Greenburn.

Helm Crag.

Green Burn and Greenburn.

Climbing higher into Greenburn.

Greenburn Bottom.

Wainwright: 'Sheepfold (with massive corners).'

Far Easedale from the Gibson Knott ridge, Tarn Crag opposite.

A view to Grasmere and Loughrigg Fell along Far Easedale.

Dougal and Casper (sporting their new winter haircut) on Gibson Knott.

Walking the ridge to Helm Crag.

Far Easedale one way...

...and Helm Crag the other.

Steel Fell with Helvellyn beyond, lost in cloud.

The Lion and The Lamb (or, more correctly in this photo - The Lamb and The Lion!).

Grasmere.

Looking back to The Howitzer.

The Howitzer - the top is the summit of Helm Crag. We didn't bother climbing it today as it was very greasy underfoot and the wind was blowing strongly on here.

Steel Fell from the descent back into Greenburn.

Autumn colours on the return.

Grisedale Horseshoe

Walked on 12/10/2010

Start point: Patterdale (NY 394 160)

Patterdale – Hole-in-the-Wall – Striding Edge – Helvellyn – Nethermost Pike – High Crag – Dollywaggon Pike – Seat Sandal – Deepdale Hause – Saint Sunday Crag – Birks – Patterdale

Distance: 11 miles Total Ascent: 1419 metres Time Taken: 6 hours Start Time: 06:45

Weather: Sunny and clear. 13C

I was up early this morning to make the most of the expected good weather to come for the day. I wasn’t disappointed and it turned into a fantastic and memorable day on the fells with incredible clarity and an inversion over the Lake District as well. When I set off from Patterdale this morning (in the dark!), the temperature gauge was showing -1C but once the sun rose it was really warm and I ended up completing the walk in shirt sleeves.

Grisedale route map.

It was below freezing when I left Patterdale and pretty chilly climbing to the Hole-in-the-Wall, here looking back towards Patterdale with Ullswater under the early morning mist.

Sun rising but not visible here yet. That mist is following me up the valley below.

The sun rising over High Street.

All a-glow heading for the Hole-in-the-Wall.

Beautiful sunrise and the inversion has flooded into Grisedale.

Climbing the steep section of the path.

Looking to Birkhouse Moor from the Hole. All the low lying ground to the east is covered with mist.

Helvellyn and Catstycam at dawn.

A panoramic view.

Looking back from the climb to High Spying How.

Even the normally dull as ditchwater Great Mell Fell looks good today, taking on a special interest in the inversion.

The Mell Fells and Gowbarrow Fell rise from the mist, Sheffield Pike in the foreground.

The mighty Striding Edge.

Flat calm Red Tarn.

The view from High Spying How.

Crossing The Edge.

Red Tarn and Catstycam.

Panoramic Red Tarn.

Looking down on Striding Edge.

There is a big inversion to the south too looking over the cross shelter. In fact the whole Lake District is surrounded by the inversion.

The view from the summit of Helvellyn.

Dougal and Casper on the summit.

The 'Isle of Skiddaw', the Vale of Keswick is beneath the cloud somewhere.

A panoramic view of the Vale of Keswick.

Swirral Edge and Catstycam, the Pennines beyond Ullswater.

Cross Fell beyond Ullswater.

Looking into the bright sunshine from Helvellyn.

Looking to the south west from the path to Nethermost Pike. That distant fell (Black Combe), in solitary peeping out in the clouds intrigued me - I wonder what it would be like to be stood on the top of it? Actually, I have had a similar experience on Hard Knott with Connie (here) and you never know whether you will actually ever get above the cloud.

All clear over Bowfell, Scafell and Great Gable.

Striding Edge.

Misty Grisedale.

The view from Nethermost Pike.

Casper takes it easy heading for Dollywaggon Pike.

The Solway Firth is also under inversion between Robinson and Grasmoor to the north.

Dollywaggon Pike from the steep climb to Seat Sandal.

Thirlmere under cloud and Skiddaw from Seat Sandal.

The Vale of Grasmere.

Thirlmere

Saint Sunday Crag and Fairfield from the descent of Seat Sandal.

Seat Sandal from the start of the climb to Fairfield.

I took the path to Deepdale Hause which turned out to be a good one to get to Saint Sunday, well worth a go. It was cold along here though in the shade looking down on Grisedale Tarn.

Seat Sandal and Grisedale Tarn.

Fairfield and Cofa Pike from Deepdale Hause.

Dollywaggon Pike across Grisedale.

Looking west from the climb to Saint Sunday Crag.

The Helvellyn ridge.

The summit of Saint Sunday Crag.

Heading for Birks below, Place Fell beyond.

Dougal and Casper on Birks.

Looking back to Saint Sunday from Birks.

On the edge of heaven?

Ullswater panoramic.

Place Fell.

Beacon Fell

Walked on 11/10/2010

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 Start Time: 13:15

Weather: Sunny and warm. 20C

It was a beautiful day once more, lovely and warm and clearer than it has been over the weekend. I managed a quick sprint on the fells with the dogs, a great day to snatch a walk like this.

Beacon fell route map.

As I was driving past Brown How, the view stopped me in my tracks. The lake was unbelievably calm and the sun lit up the golden foliage making a spectacular view.

Calm waters - looking south along Coniston Water.

The view northwards.

Golden Bethecar Moor.

A panoramic view of Coniston Water. Hmm, seemed little point in going any further and I now Beacon Fell is always a good walk...

Superb clarity today across to the Coniston fells.

Brown Pike, Buck Pike and Dow Crag - you can even see the Walna Scar Road if you look closely enough.

The Old Man. There is someone standing next to the summit cairn by the look of it as well!

A panoramic view of the Coniston fells.

Coniston Water.

The Coniston fells.

Warm tongues on the climb.

Fairfield and Red Screes at the head of Coniston Water.

Casper checks out what is happening down at Nibthwaite.

Lovely Coniston Water.

All is golden in the bright sunshine.

The Coniston fell from the summit of Beacon Fell.

Coniston Water from the top. The treasure tin is still in evidence and well populated, the StridingEdge band I left last time has gone though.

What a pair of mucky pups! Casper and Dougal at the top of Beacon Fell.

Next stop Beacon Tarn and a chance for those two to clean off.

Well, it was a lovely day and how could I resist joining them? The view from in Beacon Tarn.

Long shadows on Dow Crag.

Wetherlam.

On the way back.

Heading back to Brown Howe along the Cumbria Way.

A final view to the high fells.

Walney Island Sunset

Walked on 09/10/2010

Walney Island lies to the west of Barrow in Furness and has a superb aspect to the Irish Sea and the sunsets from here can often be pretty spectacular. I took Casper and Dougal over to Biggar Bank for a walk along the shore and I’m glad I had my camera with me tonight. Perhaps the photos are a bit samey but they are a little different than usual and I certainly enjoyed the sunset tonight.

It is 6pm, half an hour before the official sunset and the sky to the west is already glowing.

It is quite breezy here as you would expect in such an exposed place.

But it's still beautiful - and deserted - tonight.

Dougal and Casper - you are looking the wrong way lads!

The boys enjoy a spot of beachcombing...

...and bathing...

...and of course running free.

A paradise isle, Mars or the West Cumbrian coast?

Race on!

Dougal caught in mid flight.

Fireball XL5.

The sun is setting into the clouds now.

Just before disappearing completely for the night.

Troutbeck Tongue

Walked on 08/10/2010

Start point: Nr Town Head, Troutbeck (NY 414 037)

Town Head, Troutbeck – Ing Lane – Ing Bridge – Hagg Bridge – Troutbeck Tongue – Hagg Bridge – Ing Bridge – Ing Lane – Town Head, Troutbeck

Distance: 4.7 miles Total Ascent: 291 metres Time Taken: 2 hours Start Time: 10:10

Weather: Sunny and warm. 20C

Wow, what a difference today in the weather as it really was unseasonably warm and it was great to see the sunshine once more. All the paths around here still seemed very wet though after the recent heavy rains and the return leg past the old slate bridge was a rather squelchy affair to say the least.

Troutbeck Tongue route map.

The Tongue along Ing Lane with the Ill Bell ridge to the right. There is still a bit of cloud lingering over there.

Yoke.

Which way Casper?

White horses.

It's clearing out already over there.

The Tongue ahead.

Autumn colours.

Even more vivid Autumn berries.

Looking across to Wansfell.

The mountain lions on the climb.

Sunshine over Froswick, Ill Bell and Yoke.

Those two seem to know the way, or have they spotted something? It was absolutely boiling on this climb, just like the return of summer.

Casper in action.

Quarry workings below Yoke.

The Tongues on The Tongue.

Dougal leads the way to the summit.

As we reached the top, the sun disappeared and the wind seemed to pick up. This hazy view to Windermere is from the summit of Troutbeck Tongue.

The summit and Windermere from further along the ridge.

A panoramic view of Troutbeck Park.

Threshthwaite Mouth.

Red Screes beyond Woundale.

The old slate bridge crossing Trout Beck.

The bridge and Troutbeck Park.

The sun has returned and the waterfalls look spectacular in it.

Beatrix's old house.

Sunshine in Troutbeck Park.

Looking back to Troutbeck Tongue.

Now it really was beautiful in the bright sunshine.

Vibrant Tongue.

High Stile

Walked on 04/10/2010

Start point: Buttermere (NY 176 170)

Buttermere – Bleaberry Tarn – The Saddle – Red Pike (Buttermere) – High Stile – High Crag – Gamlin End – Scarth Gap – Burtness Wood – Buttermere

Distance: 6.8 miles Total Ascent: 867 metres Time Taken: 4 hours Start Time: 07:10

Weather: Rain, cloudy. 14C

It is ages since I have been to Buttermere so I got up at the crack of dawn to get an early start to a predicted nice day. However, that failed to materialise although it did look as though it could brighten up but once I was up on the ridge it worsened and it ended up raining heavily.

High Stile route map.

Out of the trees above Burtness Wood, looking across Buttermere to Robinson and Hindscarth.

Early morning in Buttermere with Grasmoor beyond.

A panoramic view of Buttermere.

Fleetwith Pike.

Robinson and Hindscarth from higher up.

A lovely tribute from some great friends laid on a cairn on the climb to Red Pike.

Crummock Water.

Sourmilk Gill - I've never seen Dougal stay so still!

...and looking the other way.

Chapel Crags across Bleaberry Tarn.

Bleaberry Tarn.

Dale Head and Bleaberry Tarn.

Mellbreak between Loweswater and Crummock Water.

The north western fells from The Saddle.

Made it, but we are in the clouds on Red Pike. From here on it was persistent clouds and rain - often very heavy rain.

Dougal leads the way to High Crag ahead from Comb Crags.

A quick break in the clouds gives a view across to Dale Head whilst Casper seems to have lost his head!

(Just about) a view into Ennerdale from High Crag.

Haystacks and Seat from the descent of Gamlin End. Time to throw the towel in here and escape via Scarth Gap as it's absolutely chucking it down.

Fleetwith Pike across Warnscale Bottom.

Haystacks.

A panoramic view of Warnscale.

The Wainwright memorial plaque in St James' Church, Buttermere.

The Shepherd's Gate at the entrance to the church.

Lingmell via the Corridor Route

Walked on 24/09/2010

Start point: Wasdale Head (NY 186 084)

Wasdale Head – Moses Trod – Corridor Route – Lambfoot Dub – Lingmell Col – Lingmell – Wasdale Head

Distance: 6.4 miles Total Ascent: 866 metres Time Taken: 3 hours 30 minutes Start Time: 07:30

Weather: Rain, strong wind. 10C

The forecast was looking good for this morning but when I pitched up at Wasdale Head at first light it looked anything but. The wind was fierce and the rain driving by the time I got to Sty Head. I made my first objective which was Lambfoot Dub, a small and remote tarn which nestles below Great End. The second objective was Scafell Pike but that went by the wayside in the end. Read on to see why…

Lingmell route map.

Early morning Illgill Head.

Red Pike over red bracken.

Great Gable towering above.

Crossing Lingmell Beck looking to Great End.

I'd almost had enough by the time I got here, this was the 'over trousers and fleece stop'. The wind had been very strong and constant and now it was lashing with rain which all added up to make me wish I had stayed in bed.

On the other hand, perhaps it is getting a little brighter over Wasdale below.

Lingmell and the chasm of Piers Gill.

Looking across to Great Gable from the Corridor Route.

Lingmell and Piers Gill again but it has stopped raining at last.

It is clearing to the north with a view to Styhead Tarn and Derwent Water beyond from the Lambfoot Dub shelf.

Lambfoot Dub and Broad Crag. I went 'off piste' to find this tarn and now have it earmarked as a place to bathe next summer!

Looking the other way across Lambfoot Dub to Great and Green Gable.

Great End from the climb to Lingmell Col.

Wet and windy on Lingmell. Having been head numbingly buffeted by an extremely cold and strong wind for the last couple of hours, I had really had enough of it by now - Scafell Pike can wait till next time!

Styhead Tarn from Lingmell.

A view into Mosedale and Pillar.

Wasdale from the descent.

Scafell in cloud and dogs going the wrong way.

Wasdale Head and Mosedale.

Mickledore.

Pillar and the sunshine over Wasdale Head.

Brock Barrow

Walked on 22/09/2010

Start point: High Nibthwaite (SD 294 897)

Brock Barrow (OF) from High Nibthwaite

Distance: 1.5 miles Total Ascent: 175 metres Time Taken: 25 minutes Start Time: 13:20

Weather: Started off dry, ended up rain. 17C

There was just time for a quick walk with the dogs at the south eastern side of Coniston Water this afternoon. I thought I would have escaped the rain but as soon as I made the top, the heavens opened. It is very rare to see anyone up on this side but I bumped into three people who just happened to be StridingEdge fans today – nice to meet you all.

Brock Barrow route map.

Beacon Fell across Coniston Water and Nibthwaite.

Brock Barrow and gorse.

The trees are certainly on the turn now.

Three people sat on the summit were rudely interrupted by boisterous Dougal - good job they were StridingEdge fans, otherwise they may not have been so keen to see him!

Dougal and Casper on the summit.

Beacon Fell, the rain falling now.

A panoramic view of the southern end of Coniston Water.

Dougal heading for the second summit.

In your face.

Watching the world (well, sheep actually) go by.

Heading back down to Nibthwaite.

Down at the lake shore in Nibthwaite, Coniston Water is looking full.

From the boathouse.

A panoramic view along Coniston Water.

Gormley statue and Brock Barrow.

Wansfell

Walked on 20/09/2010

Start point: Troutbeck (NY 409 032)

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

Distance: 3.7 miles Total Ascent: 350 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 20 minutes Start Time: 09:15

Weather: Showers. 14C

Once more everywhere looked pretty grim this morning but sheltered Wansfell looked a fair bet for a dry – if soggy underfoot – walk. Of course we were caught in the odd shower or two and there was no one around anywhere whilst we were up there. Great walk though, I like it up there.

Wansfell route map.

Damp over the Troutbeck rooftops.

Looking back along Nanny Lane from the climb towards Sour Howes and Applethwaite Common.

The boys (having gone ahead) return to see where I am.

Dougal checks out the route of return - we are continuing along the walled track.

The Hundreds looking to Thornthwaite Crag, Froswick and Ill Bell.

Sallows from the final climb to Wansfell.

The summit of Wansfell looking towards Caudale Moor and Park Fell Head.

Damp Dougal and Casper on Wansfell with Wansfell Pike beyond.

Rain, rain everywhere looking west.

Heading for Wansfell Pike.

Looking back to Wansfell along the ridge.

...and again...

...and the other way.

Red Screes.

It's raining on Wansfell Pike.

Windermere from the descent.

Casper didn't think he was quite wet enough after the walk so he had a lie down in this beck running through Troutbeck.

Grey Friar

Walked on 14/09/2010

Start point: Long House, Duddon Valley (SD 239 968)

Long House – Seathwaite Tarn – Troutal Fell – Grey Friar – Fairfield – Calf Cove – Seathwaite Tarn – Long House

Distance: 7 miles Total Ascent: 600 metres Time Taken: 2 hours 45 minutes Start Time: 09:30

Weather: Clearing. 17C

It was completely miserable this morning when I set off in full waterproofs and the rain was like stair rods. Still, how could I disappoint Dougal and Casper who were raring to go for this one? Once up at Seathwaite Tarn I could see it was clearing from the west, the rain clouds were blown away by the strong wind…as was I by the fact the day turned out so well after a wet start! The downside of the day was the Salomon ‘wonder boots’ let in after a prolonged walk through very boggy sections, especially on the return section. It’s back to the drawing board in search of the ultimate pair of boots I’m afraid!

Grey Friar route map.

Long House Gill and the rain was heavy at the start of the walk.

Harter fell across the Duddon Valley.

Wet looking Pikes and Caw.

The Duddon Valley.

Approaching Seathwaite Tarn dam, Troutal Fell to the left and Swirl How ahead.

Following the dam wall.

Tarn Beck outflow from Seathwaite Tarn.

Would you 'Adam and Eve' it? Blue skies coming from the south, the clouds have been blown away by the strong wind.

Seathwaite Tarn, Great Blake Rigg to the left.

All clear over Harter Fell across the Duddon Valley.

Dougal strikes a pose heading for Grey Friar.

Close up on Harter Fell.

Dow Crag.

Doing the Dougal dance - the wind was very strong on the top.

Looking to the west Cumbrian coast and Sellafield across Harter Fell.

The two summit cairns on Grey Friar.

Looking towards the Langdale Pikes from the south easterly and main summit of Grey Friar.

Casper does the honourable thing and hides behind Dougal for shelter on the windswept summit of Grey Friar.

The Scafell range, from the north west cairn.

Moasdale.

Looking across to Harter Fell and what a different day it is now to when I set off...apart from the wind of course, I could hardly stand up on here.

Little Stand and Gaitscale Gill.

Matterhorn Rock.

Brim Fell, The Old Man and Dow Crag.

Big perched boulder, Calf Cove.

Casper watches the world go by.

Dow Crag from falls on Tarn Head Beck.

Sunshine once more back at Brock How amongst the ruined Copper Mines.

Seathwaite Tarn again.

Windy across the tarn.

The view from the dam wall to Harter Fell across the pump house.

It looks cold in there today.

A last look back before heading to the Duddon Valley.

Beacon Fell

Walked on 07/09/2010

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 Start Time: 09:30

Weather: Clearing. 16C

I still have a bit of a holiday hangover and was feeling quite lethargic this morning but I had a quick walk up to Beacon Fell. The weather was pretty well overcast but seemed to be clearing and the temperature was pleasant enough. Those two bouncing beardies certainly enjoyed their walk up there today.

Beacon Fell route map.

Casper and Dougal make a break for it at the start of the walk.

Not much to see this morning looking towards the Coniston fells.

Sheep spotting on the way to Beacon Fell.

Climbing the gully.

Lingy Dougal.

Today, Casper is sporting matching heather, tongue, lips and Striding Edge band!

Coniston Water.

Sunburst over Nibthwaite.

The summit of Beacon Fell - I left my Striding Edge band in the treasure tin if anyone wants one.

Coniston Water from the summit.

A brief interlude of sunshine on Wool Knott.

Beacon Tarn.

More sun on the way back, I'm sure it will clear up later.

Dreamy reflections.

The boy is back in town.

Carl Side

Walked on 26/08/2010

Start point: Millbeck (NY 255 262)

Millbeck – Doups – White Stones – Carl Side – Long Side – Ullock Pike – Longside Wood – Long Doors – Dodd – Lyzzick Wood – Millbeck

Distance: 5.5 miles Total Ascent: 842 metres Time Taken: 3 hours Start Time: 08:15

Weather: Sunny. 18C

I didn’t really know where I was going to end up when I set off this morning and this was very much a dynamic walk. I intended going up to Skiddaw but I ended up going in the opposite direction and just making my mind up as I walked. The unusual descent is not really recommended unless you are in a rush and I could not resist squeezing Dodd in at the end of the walk. How I found my way through the woods below Dodd I’ll never know but as it turned out the navigation was spot on!

Carl Side route map.

An early start from Millbeck.

Not a bad morning but it was cool.

Derwent Water from Doups.

The north western fells.

A panoramic view from the climb.

A heathery climb to Carl Side, Skiddaw in cloud.

Dodd seems temptingly close from here.

White Stones.

Looking back along the ridge.

Carsleddam - I was thinking about descending back over there.

Carl Side summit - the wind was so cold now I needed my jacket on.

Carlside Tarn - I was going to climb Skiddaw on the path beyond but changed my mind and decided to head west instead.

Long Side from Carl Side.

Hair raising for Dougal on Long Side.

Ullock Pike from Long Side.

Longside Edge.

The view from Ullock Pike.

Looking across Bassenthwaite Lake to Barf, Grisedale Pike up to the left. From here I took the direct route back down into Longside Wood - the quick way down!

Long Side from the forest road.

Looking for Dodd.

Dodd summit.

The early morning mist is clearing nicely now.

Bassenthwaite Lake from Dodd. I descended back to Long Doors and then along the forest track. Miraculously, I managed to find the faint and hidden path that descended all the way through Lyzzick Wood back towards Millbeck.

Phew, made it out of the trees!

Catbells and Maiden Moor.

Millbeck.

Loughrigg Fell

Walked on 25/08/2010

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: 2 hours 30 minutes Start Time: 09:45

Weather: Long sunny spells. 18C

It was beautiful early on this morning and Connie and I managed a walk up to Loughrigg Fell. It is ever popular with families up there, especially at this time of year and today was no exception – it was great to see so many people out and about.

Loughrigg Fell

Wetherlam from the foot of Loughrigg Fell.

Sunshine and shadow - looking back along the path to the Langdale Pikes.

Connie with our printed map in hand as I was giving her a navigation lesson today. Ahem...actually Connie we are on the wrong path, we have to go back a bit to find it. It was hidden by the tall bracken, that's my story and I'm sticking to it! Anyway, lesson #1 is that you can't navigate properly until you have actually been lost.

Sunshine over on Bowfell and the Langdales now.

Close up on the Langdale Pikes.

Bowfell.

Windermere from Black Mire.

A 'wow' view of the Coniston fells across Loughrigg Tarn.

Connie confidently strides out across Loughrigg.

There were lots of families up here today - most were okay, passing the time of day etc but there were also some right miseries as well - you know the type, the ones that totally ignore you when you speak. Still, I'm sure they were having a great time!

Windermere from the summit.

The summit of Loughrigg Fell.

Connie and the boys enjoy the sunshine.

On top of the world.

Wetherlam across Elter Water.

We descended north west for a lunch stop overlooking Grasmere.

Seat Sandal, Stone Arthur, Great Rigg, Fairfield and Heron Pike.

What a great view it was from there too.

Dougal intently watched every mouthful.

Great Langdale from the descent towards Loughrigg Tarn.

Lilies on Loughrigg Tarn.

Reflections.

Panoramic Loughrigg Tarn.

Something tells me Connie is fed up with waiting around for me!

Rusland Show

Walked on 21/08/2010

Today was the 127th annual Rusland Show and the weather was gorgeous today. This is a great show, not as big as some of them but friendlier for it. We met up with a good few StridingEdge fans who recognised the dogs (of course!), lovely to meet everyone today. Connie was keen to get Dougal in the show ring and bring home a prize in the pets competition…

All smiles at a sunny Rusland Show, Dougal and Casper have been given a wash and brush up this morning.

The tension mounts as the children prepare for the pets show.

There is a big crowd enjoying the beautiful weather.

Come on Dougal, you can do it!

Looking good.

Dougal charms the judges.

A rosette - second place to Dougal, beaten by a stick insect lol!

Dougal and Connie get interviewed by the MC.

Me and my rosette...I wuz robbed!

Lingmoor Fell

Walked on 19/08/2010

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: 09:50

Weather: A mixed bag. 13C

I’ve been very busy of late and it’s been a little while since I was out on the fells but I managed to make it up onto Lingmoor Fell today. The weather was mixed and it felt a little fresh up there but it was good to be out in the fresh air with only my thoughts for company (plus Dougal and Casper of course!).