Middle Fell

Walked on 09/08/2010

Start point: Greendale (NY 144 056)

Greendale – Middle Fell – Greendale Tarn – Greendale Gill – Greendale

Distance: 2.8 miles Total Ascent: 525 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 20 minutes Start Time: 06:45

Weather: Wet. 15C

It was predicted to be wet today but at least it was still dry when I set of on an early walk up to Middle Fell this morning. It was very dull and overcast though and the rain came just as I dropped down to Greendale Tarn and that made the return leg a damp and squelchy affair to say the least.

Middle Fell route map.

Buckbarrow across the shoulder high Bracken.

Which way to Middle fell Casper?

Buckbarrow and a berry laden Rowan.

Looking back to the Screes - this was the best view I would get of them today!

Close up on the Screes.

Greendale.

Looking over Greendale towards the coast.

It looks a bit murky up there boys.

Casper and Dougal on the summit of Middle Fell.

Greendale Tarn from the direct descent to it - I could hardly make it out through the mist until I was right upon it.

Down at Greendale Tarn.

Dougal Athletic crosses Greendale Gill.

The descent alongside Greendale Gill and it is absolutely chucking it down now.

Cascades on the descent.

Brant Fell

Walked on 04/08/2010

Start point: Love the Lakes, Ash Street, Bowness on Windermere

Love the Lakes, Bowness-on-Windermere – Post Knott – Brant Fell (OF) – Love the Lakes, Bowness-on-Windermere

Distance: 1.5 miles Total Ascent: 135 metres Time Taken: 1 hour Start Time: 11:10

Weather: Showers. 16C

We had a short walk from bustling Bowness today up to the fell directly behind our back door, Brant Fell. Surprisingly there was no one else up there but this is really a great little walk with a fine view along Windermere even on a day like today when it didn’t look set to be clear.

A clue to where we are going heading along the street of the same name.

Hidden amongst the gardens is a footpath to Post Knott.

We've made it through the woods and it has stopped raining on Post Knott. Casper and Connie are both showing off their StridingEdge wristbands as well!

Windermere from Post Knott.

Coniston Old Man in the distance.

Over the stile on the way to Brant Fell.

The Far Eastern fells from the top of Brant Fell.

Stormy over Windermere.

Looking south along the mere.

Contemplation for the princess.

Belle Isle House on Belle Isle, Windermere.

The head of Windermere.

Back in Ash Street in Bowness, the sun has come out.

Back at Love the Lakes

Stickle Pike

Walked on 26/07/2010

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: 20 minutes Start Time: 09:45

Weather: Drizzle. 18C

Everywhere appeared to be shrouded in mist and the drizzle was constant this morning when we had a quick sprint up to Stickle Pike. There were no views to speak of today apart from Dougal and Casper and needless to say it was quiet up there too.

On the climb to Stickle Pike, looking across to Caw which is shrouded in mist.

Looking back along the bracken highway.

Casper contemplates getting a bit wetter in Stickle Tarn.

Irresistible for the lad.

Dougal has been in too but he needed a 'helping hand'!

Looking down to the tarn from the climb to the summit as the mist comes in.

Casper and Dougal on the south top.

Dougal frolics across to the north - and main - top.

A brief glimpse of the Duddon Valley.

The south top from the north.

Holy Innocents Church, Dunnerdale near Broughton Mills.

Dow Crag

Walked on 20/07/2010

Start point: Torver (SD 285 945)

Torver – Tranearth – The Cove – Goat’s Water – South Rake – Dow Crag – Buck Pike – Blind Tarn – Cove Bridge – Tranearth – Torver

Distance: 6.2 miles Total Ascent: 700 metres Time Taken: 3 hours Start Time: 08:55

Weather: Dull and damp. 18C

I didn’t really know where I was going to end up when I set off in the car as it was pretty damp and miserable. By the time I got to Torver, it was dry-ish so I headed from there up towards Dow Crag and decided to scramble up the South Rake. Miraculously the weather brightened for a spell as I climbed the Rake and the views from the top were quite good. The rain returned by the end though so I think I caught the best of the weather this morning.

Dow Crag route map.

Before I got to the walk, a bit of déjà vu at Lowick Bridge - the River Crake is flooded and it was still raining.

By the time I got to Torver, the rain had stopped but it was still a bit murky at Tranearth looking towards The Old Man under cloud.

Crossing a raging Torver Beck - Casper, get out of there!

Torver Beck further upstream.

The Big Hole, Banishead Quarry.

Dow Crag from The Cove.

In and out of the mist it was today.

Old Man (look at me now, I'm a lot like you were...song anyone?)

Brown Pike.

Twin peaks...and the way we are heading.

Yes Casper and Dougal, up there.

The mist was still shrouding round on the approach but it did seem to be getting brighter.

Having a dip at Goat's Water (them, not me).

Dougal the fell dog finds the path. Go on son!

Goat's Water.

At the start of the South Rake.

Sunshine! Looking down on Goat's Water.

Onwards and upwards boys. I did find out today that Dougal is not an elegant climber with rocks raining down on me from above, whilst fleet of foot Casper lightly strode the lot with no bother. There's time yet I suppose.

The view from the top of the South Rake.

Popping out onto the Dow Crag ridge, Dougal checks out the Duddon Valley below.

The Old Man from the Dow Crag ridge.

...and again from the summit.

Heading for Buck Pike.

The cloud is lifting from Coniston Water.

Looking back to Dow Crag summit.

Dow Crag, Swirl How, Brim Fell and the Coniston fells from Buck Pike.

Brown Pike, Blind Tarn below and we are heading straight down to it.

We found the outlet of Blind Tarn today (supposedly there is none, hence the name). Just where Dougal is standing, the tarn was overflowing.

Buck Pike across Blind Tarn.

The Old Man across The Cove.

Looking back to Brown Pike, Buck Pike and Dow Crag on the way back to Torver.

This photo is at the head of the waterfall in the 'Big Hole' photo near the start of the walk. From here on it was rain, rain, rain once more.

Later, the view along Windermere from the ferry to Bowness. The Bowness to Newby Bridge Road was pretty well flooded on the way home and The River Leven was swollen adjacent to The Swan Hotel.

I stopped at Backbarrow to see how high the river was there and it was pretty high! Will they repair the parapet damaged last time in time for winter?

Green Crag

Walked on 12/07/2010

Start point: Birker Fell road (SD 175 972)

Birker Fell Road – Little Crag – Great Crag on Birker Fell – Black Crag – Broad Crag – Green Crag – White How on Birker Fell – Far Hill – Great Worm Crag (OF) – Rough Crag – Birker Fell Road

Distance: 4.6 miles Total Ascent: 365 metres Time Taken: 2 hours Start Time: 09:55

Weather: Overcast. 17C

Well, after the long hours sorting out Love the Lakes in Keswick – some in the shop and lots at home as well – it was good to get out on the fells once more and Casper and Dougal were certainly wound up like coiled springs and when I let them out of the car there was no stopping them. This was a good little walk; it was dull and grey but at least it was fine. The rain over the weekend meant the ground was sodden once more and I did manage to get a good boot full crossing Highford Beck near the beginning of the walk!

Green Crag route map.

...and they're off! Freedom for the boys.

Heading for Little Crag in the dog vs sheep showdown.

Dougal and Casper on Little Crag sport their new Striding Edge silicon bands (see below). Want one? Details coming soon, they can be worn on your wrist or attached to your rucksack so you can identify fellow StridingEdge and Love the Lakes followers.

The Band.

Looking at Great Crag from Little Crag, we are going to climb that rake to the right.

Heading for the rake on Great Crag.

Climbing the steep rake - Angus Rake I will name it as it made me think of him and when we climbed that way...

Casper has found a lofty perch up there.

Looking back over Little Crag to Devoke Water.

The Scafells and Upper Eskdale from Great Crag.

Green Crag ahead, where we are heading for next.

Scafell and Slight Side, Low Birker Tarn in the foreground.

Green Crag from Broad Crag.

Haystacks or Crook Crag and Green Crag?

A wonderful panorama from Green Crag.

Harter Fell across Ulpha Fell from Green Crag.

Upper Eskdale to Bowfell and Crinkle Crags.

Dougal is a Friend of LovetheLakes.net.

The view from the southern summit.

Stickle Pike and the Duddon Estuary from White How.

Dow Crag and the Coniston Fells.

Green Crag and Harter Fell from the climb to Great Worm Crag.

Devoke Water from Great Worm Crag.

A 360 panoramic from Great Worm Crag.

Ancient Cairn and The Pike from Rough Crag.

Looking back to Great Worm Crag and Rough Crag.

Boundary Stone - Ulpha and Birker.

Blawith Knott

Walked on 06/07/2010

Start point: Woodland Fell road (SD 256 879)

Woodland Fell Road – Blawith Knott (OF) – Angus Tarn – Tottlebank Height (OF) – Woodland Fell Road

Distance: 2 miles Total Ascent: 156 metres Time Taken: 50 minutes Start Time: 08:30

Weather: Overcast. 16C

This must be about as far south and as far away in the Lake District as I could get from my last walk up to Binsey. The truth is I didn’t expect to get out anywhere at all this week but there is a lull in the shop preparations in Keswick as they are screeding the floor and we can’t get near today. That made today’s walk all the better and I always find Blawith Knott a good shorter walk.

The Keswick shop open this weekend so if you are in the area, please call in and see us – we will all be there including Dougal and Casper and it would be great to have a chat.

Blawith Knott route map.

Giant's Grave is almost completely obscured by the bracken (centre right) looking across to Black Combe.

A spring in their steps on the way to Blawith Knott.

Looking back down to the Duddon Estuary.

Stickle Pike, the Dunnerdale Fells and Caw from the western summit cairn.

Casper and Dougal on Blawith Knott.

The Coniston fells from Blawith Knott.

The two cairns and Whitfell.

The cloud is lifting from the Coniston fells.

Windmills and spoil heaps on Kirkby Moor.

Beacon Fell and Wool Knott.

Heading for dry Angus Tarn.

The boys have a swim!

No water here either Casper.

Tottlebank Height and the merest glimpse of Coniston Water to the right of Beacon Fell.

Tongue unfurled Casper.

Descending the mighty Tottlebank Height Edge.

Well, I guess they found some water at last - nice!

Those two are getting cleaned up in the beck at the base of Blawith Knott (bottom).

Binsey

Walked on 02/07/2010

Start point: Roadside verge, near Binsey Cottage. (NY 235 351)

Binsey from Binsey Cottage

Distance: 1.4 miles Total Ascent: 179 metres Time Taken: 20 minutes Start Time: 09:35

Weather: Sunny spells. 19C

Most of the Lake District was covered in cloud early on this morning but shining brightly alone, like a beacon was Binsey – which fortunately I was on my way to anyway. I’ve made no secret in the past that these grassy bumps do little for me as they do not feel like the rest of the fells, but on a day like this I concede that little Binsey does have some merit with some good, if a little distant, views. There is no technical equipment required to climb this fell and you would have to be trying to get lost here – I made the ascent in my old gardening shoes!

Sunshine and blue skies at the start of the walk up to Binsey.

The view from the foot of Binsey.

A panoramic view from the climb.

Over Water and the back o' Skiddaw fells from the south east cairn.

Hair raising on Binsey - there was a stiff breeze up here.

The northerly view to the Solway Firth from the north west cairn.

The sun has come out again on the summit of Binsey.

Skiddaw and Bassenthwaite Lake.

A closer view of the Coledale fells and beyond.

The full length of Bassenthwaite.

Gentle Casper waits patiently whilst Dougal is a dog on a mission, Over Water ahead.

Skiddaw.

Now there's a new luxury - the old ladder stile has disappeared and a new gate is in place.

Binsey from Fell End.

Walla Crag

Walked on 28/06/2010

Start point: Rakefoot Lane (NY 282 226)

Walla Crag from Rakefoot Lane

Distance: 2.3 miles Total Ascent: 327 metres Time Taken: 50 minutes Start Time: 08:50

Weather: Bright, sunny and warm. 21C

It was lovely and sunny once more over Keswick this morning and I managed to squeeze in a quick walk up to Walla Crag before heading into Keswick to see how the Love the Lakes shop fit was getting on. It was good to get out with a bit of sunshine on my back again and Dougal and Casper certainly enjoyed the walk. There weren’t many places to have a drink for them as it is so dry so they had to be content with the remaining puddles in Brockle Beck on the return.

An excerpt from the 1903 revision of the OS map clearly shows Walla Crag as 'Wallow Crag' - it must have ended up being spelt how it was said. Keswick looks a lot smaller in those days too! This map printed on linen backing belonged to Louise's grandfather and was the map he used up on the fells back then.

A good floral display at Castlerigg Hall Farm.

Foxgloves on the climb and peek-a-boo Casper.

Dougal leads the way on the path to Walla Crag.

The view to Bassenthwaite Lake.

Following the wall.

All alone on the summit of Walla Crag.

The Skiddaw massif and Keswick.

A fabulous view of Derwent Water and Bassenthwaite Lake.

Lady's Rake and Borrowdale.

Dougal and Casper on Walla Crag.

It is a lovely day over Keswick.

Looking across to Causey Pike and Crag Hill.

A panoramic view of Keswick and Skiddaw.

The Newlands Valley across Derwent water from the very edge of the crag.

Whinlatter and Barf across Derwent Water, Lord's Isle and Derwent Isle are the two islands.

Keswick - I think I can see the new Love the Lakes shop down there!

Last time I was here (in January) there was a bit of a blizzard...

Looking back to Walla Crag.

Bleaberry Fell.

Blencathra on the way down.

Dry Brockle Beck. A short drive later...

Ashness Bridge.

Surprise View.

A panoramic shot from Surprise View. Even later... The Love the Lakes shop in Bowness is being repainted and this 1970's looking sign was uncovered when the fascia was rubbed down...

'Ginnel Bazaar Gift Shop'.

High Rigg

Walked on 22/06/2010

Start point: Castlerigg Stone Circle (NY 291 237)

Castlerigg Stone Circle – Naddle Bridge – Low Rigg – Tewet Tarn – High Rigg – High Nest – Castlerigg Stone Circle

Distance: 5 miles Total Ascent: 327 metres Time Taken: 2 hours Start Time: 09:50

Weather: Bright sunny and warm. 21C

There was a definite north/south divide in the morning weather today and the sun shone brightly over Keswick as I crossed Dunmail Raise. This was a relatively easy walk on lower ground across lovely summer meadows and taking in the delightful Tewet Tarn and High Rigg on the route.

High Rigg route map.

This is Yew Tree Tarn between Coniston and Ambleside and it is pretty well empty.

I got talking to the chap on the dam - he is a surveyor and he told me it has a leak...at least it's not the drought!

The dry bed of Yew Tree Tarn. As often seems to happen, the crossing of Dunmail Raise brought different weather and it was much sunnier in the north than the south.

Blencathra from Castlerigg Stone Circle.

Today's target of High Rigg in the mid-distance and the Dodds and Helvellyn beyond.

Skiddaw and the Stone Circle.

Big Blencathra from the crossing to Naddle Bridge.

Looking across the fields to Castlerigg Fell.

Skiddaw and Blencathra panoramic view.

Naddle Beck.

Approaching Tewet Tarn. There were lots of cows to the left of this photo so I had to choose a route for me and the 'cow magnets' very carefully.

Skiddaw and Lonscale Fell from Tewet Tarn.

A dip in the tarn for the boys, High Rigg ahead.

Blencathra.

...and from higher up.

High Rigg from Low Rigg.

On the way to the youth centre and the church.

A peep over the wall to St John's in the Vale Church.

Looking across Low Rigg to the Vale of Keswick.

Skiddaw from the summit of High Rigg.

How warm is it today boys?

Descending towards Low Nest.

Bleaberry Fell behind Dodd Crag.

Buttercup field.

High Rigg across the buttercups.

A wabbit at High Nest.

Barrow

Walked on 18/06/2010

Start point: Braithwaite (NY 229 236)

Braithwaite – High Coledale – Stile End – Barrow Door – Barrow – Braithwaite

Distance: 3.2 miles Total Ascent: 428 metres Time Taken: 1 hour Start Time: 09:45

Weather: Overcast but warm. 18C

Today I had a shorter walk in the north, further afield than my usual shorter walks but as I was in the area on business, it seemed a shame not to combine the two. The weather was poor compared to the preceding two days, but needs must! This one is for Fred, he loved it up here and we talked about the area often.

Barrow route map.

Skiddaw under cloud and over the rooftops of Braithwaite.

The track to High Coledale, Barrow to the left, Causey Pike ahead and Stile End behind the tree.

Running for Stile End, Outerside on the right.

Stile End.

Time for a rest.

Dodd and the cloud on Skiddaw.

Skiddaw panoramic view.

Close up on Dodd.

Outerside from Stile End.

Casper and Dougal on Stile End.

Barrow across Barrow Door.

Outerside and Stile End from the climb to Barrow.

Newlands Valley panoramic, Derwent Water and Catbells in view.

The summit of Barrow.

Lonscale Fell and Derwent Water.

The southern end of Bassenthwaite Lake and a distant Binsey.

Looking back from the descent to Barrow, Causey Pike and Stile End.

Gummer’s How

Walked on 15/06/2010

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: 25 minutes Start Time: 09:50

Weather: Sunny and warm. 17C

I just had time for a quick sprint up to Gummer’s How this morning, well it seemed a shame to miss a bit of sunshine after yesterday. There were fine views as ever from there and not a soul around.

Gummer's How route map.

Someone is ruining the perfectly usable existing path by putting these horrible stones in.

Looking southwards over Lakeside towards Ulverston.

All a-blur to get to the summit.

Casper and Dougal at the summit of Gummer's How.

The northerly view from the trig. column.

The Coniston Fell and the Langdale Pikes.

Looking towards Furness.

Morecambe Bay.

Windermere.

Dougal has a comfortable sit down on Casper.

Distant windmills on Kirkby Moor, Black Combe central.

A panoramic view of Windermere - the shape is a bit distorted as really it is straight in the middle!

Close up on a busy Lakeside.

Fairfield and Red Screes at the head of Windermere.

Sunlit trees at the bottom of Gummer's How.

Gummer's How. Later, at Bowness Bay...

Riggindale Round

Walked on 14/06/2010

Start point: Mardale Head (NY 469 107)

Mardale Head – Blea Water – Caspel Gate – Long Stile – High Street – Straits of Riggindale – Rampsgill Head – Kidsty Pike – Kidsty Howes – The Rigg – Mardale Head

Distance: 6.2 miles Total Ascent: 735 metres Time Taken: 3 hours Start Time: 07:00

Weather: Overcast and cold. 11C

The sunshine and optimism of an early start soon disappeared this morning with the bulk of fells being covered in cloud. I walked a round of Riggindale waiting for the summer to make a reappearance but was disappointed that it never happened, I was ready for it too with my shorts on…and of course my hat and gloves! No sign of the Golden Eagle today either although I did have a good look.

Riggindale route map.

Looking towards Mardale Waters at the start of the walk.

Harter Fell beyond Mardale Beck.

Mardale beck falls.

It was murky and claggy on all the tops today.

Piot Crag with an old sheepfold in the foreground.

This is shown as a footbridge on the map although I wouldn't fancy chancing it when the beck is in spate!

Blea Water panoramic looking across to Long Stile.

Dougal seems to know where we are climbing to, up to Long Stile which has just appeared from the mist.

Blea Water and Blea Water Crag.

Rough Crag and Caspel Gate, Haweswater in view with the cloud lifting and then coming back again instantly.

Blea Water.

Looking across Riggindale to Head of Riggindale Beck and Kidsty Pike.

The view from Long Stile.

More Blea Water.

Dougal has spotted something to take his interest but there wasn't much else to se on the summit of High Street today.

Looking down on Hayeswater.

Following the Roman Road on High Street.

Twopenny Crag from the Straits of Riggindale.

A brief glimpse of Ramps Gill from Rampsgill Head.

Casper leading the way to Kidsty Pike.

High Street out of the clouds - for now - from Kidsty Pike.

Riggindale from Kidsty Pike.

Doogs and 'roonals on Kidsty Pike.

A lone deer (cheap?) from the descent (because it is not two dear!).

Looking back to Kidsty Pike from Kidsty Howes.

Haweswater from the descent.

Haweswater.

Selside Pike and Haweswater.

The ruins of Riggindale Farm.

Riggindale.

I crossed the normally submerged southern end of Haweswater.

Old and normally submerged dry stone walls leading to the disappeared village of Mardale.

Harter Fell

Walked on 04/06/2010

Start point: Birks Bridge, Duddon Valley (SD 235 992)

Harter Fell from Birks Bridge

Distance: 3.25 miles Total Ascent: 538 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 30 minutes Start Time: 09:50

Weather: Sunny. 16C

It was another cracking morning so I headed up to Harter Fell at the head of the fantastic Duddon Valley. I think Harter Fell has the best view of all of the Scafells and especially on a day like today. It was really warm on the climb and that had the dogs looking for any scrap of moisture they could find. We did manage to find plenty for all of us at the end of the walk though, pure heaven.

Harter Fell route map.

Birks Bridge Rapids.

Birks Bridge always brings back lots of happy memories of swimming here with family and friends. Hmm, that cool clear water looks inviting - maybe later.

Bowfell, Crinkle Crags and Little Stand from Birks.

Birks.

Grey Friar from the climb, Birks is centre right.

Caw, Stickle Pike and the Duddon Estuary.

The head of the Duddon Valley.

The summit of Harter Fell - I'm not sure what those two are up to. Rolling around in...something!

There is a great view of the Scafells from here.

Devoke Water beyond Green Crag and the West Cumbrian coast in the distance.

Harter Fell - the true summit from the official.

Upper Eskdale from the summit of Harter Fell.

Eel Tarn and Burnmoor Tarn in view and looking further to Illgill Head, Seatallan and Haycock.

Eskdale, the scene of some of this weeks tragic events and the West Cumbrian coast with Sellafield on the skyline.

The Scafells with Hardknott Roman Fort towards the bottom of the photo.

Casper and Dougal say it's hot at the top!

Scafell and Scafell Pike.

Hardknott Castle Roman Fort.

Esk Pike and Bowfell.

Bowfell and Crinkle Crags.

Looking across the Duddon Valley to Seathwaite Tarn.

Casper and the sky.

Following the ancient lane from Birks.

The River Duddon above Birks Bridge. I told you that water looked inviting and doubly so seeing as it was so hot after the walk, so the three of us had a swim down at Birks Bridge.

Drying off in the sunshine looking back along a low level River Duddon towards Birks Bridge.

Harter Fell from the Duddon Valley.

Coniston Old Man

Walked on 03/06/2010

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 40 minutes Start Time: 06:15

Weather: Sunny. 16C

I was up early this morning for a walk to The Old Man – it was quite novel that there were no cars in the car park when I set off and none there when I returned! It was beautiful up there this morning with the sun shining and only the sound of silence and that, thinking of yesterday’s events at Whitehaven, is the way it should be.

Coniston Old Man route map.

The Old Man is turning green (with envy?) as the bracken grows through.

The Bell and Wetherlam.

It was a beautiful morning as we walked along the Walna Scar Road.

Early morning mist covers the foot of Coniston Water from the start of the climb, Beacon Fell is to the right and the windmills on Kirkby Moor beyond.

Dougal can hear sheep in The Cove below looking across to Buck Pike and Dow Crag.

A panoramic view across The Cove.

Dougal and Casper show off their long tongues.

Heading for the summit following the superbly graded McMahon Route.

Brown Pike and Blind Tarn, Black Combe beyond.

Angus, King of the Fells 09.03.96 - 03.06.09. At the Angus memorial I couldn't help but think of the tragic events not so far away yesterday when the lives of so many were shattered by the actions of a lone man. Condolences and heartfelt sympathy to all those involved.

He's got a decent view from here, that Angus.

The summit of The Old Man.

Dougal and Casper at the summit.

The benchmark points to 'The Man'.

Deserted Old Man.

Looking down on Low Water.

The Scafells and the Coniston range.

Spot Dougal on the 'no frills' descent by the quarry.

The Monument(s).

Boo Tarn - no reflections in this one though, it is the patch of reeds across the road. On the way home...

Brown Howe.

Coniston Water reflections.

Nice day for a row in a boat.

Time for a drink and a bathe.

Greendale Round

Walked on 26/05/2010

Start point: Greendale (NY 144 056)

Greendale – Middle Fell – Greendale Tarn – Seatallan – Cat Bields – Glade How – Buckbarrow – Joss Naylor Cairn – Greendale

Distance: 6 miles Total Ascent: 785 metres Time Taken: 5 hours 30 minutes Start Time: 10:15

Weather: Generally overcast, some sunny spell and showers. 13C

Today was the day of the StridingEdge.net summer 2010 walk around Greendale. I chose a date earlier than usual to try and capture some ‘guaranteed’ decent weather for it, however that didn’t quite materialise! That aside, it was an enjoyable walk with great company and it was good to be able to chat to followers of the site. Up on Buckbarrow, the icing on the cake was bumping into the legendary Joss Naylor who was taking his dogs for a stroll!

Greendale route map.

Wasdale.

Reflected giants.

Buckbarrow from the start of the climb to Middle Fell.

Onward and upward for the group.

Buckbarrow from Middle Fell.

The summit of Middle Fell.

The massed ranks of the StridingEdge walking party on Middle Fell. There are at least one and a half dogs missing in this photo!

The weather rapidly closed in whilst we were on Middle Fell with Seatallan up to the left now covered by cloud. Here, Casper leads the way.

Greendale Tarn...

...a suitable place for a lunch stop.

After lunch, it was onwards once more to Seatallan.

Yewbarrow and The Scafells from the climb.

No, it's definitely not that way.

The only glimpse of Great Gable and Kirk Fell today.

It is a steep climb to Seatallan.

Haycock and Scoat Fell from the northern end of Seatallan.

Casper and Dougal have a rest. Who are all those people? wonders Dougal.

The Scafells were in and out of the clouds.

Heading to the cairn on Cat Bields from Seatallan.

Cat Bields. It was around this time we had a shower and heard the thunder rumbling. Later it was reported that four walkers had been struck by lightning further north in Buttermere and in Borrowdale.

Sunshine on Glade How looking back to Cat Bields.

On the summit of Buckbarrow we bumped into the legendary fell runner Joss Naylor who stopped for a chat. I asked him about the nearby cairn that has become known as the 'Joss Naylor Cairn' and he told me that it was on the site of an ancient cairn and there was reputedly a body beneath!

Portrait of a legend.

The Joss Naylor Cairn looking to Middle Fell.

Looking the other way to Wast Water.

Heading back to Greendale.

Wast Water and The Screes.

A panoramic view of Wast Water and the Screes.

Greendale Gill. The path used to climb Middle Fell earlier is clear to see from here.

Greendale Gill from further down.

Casper and Dougal get a well earned drink in Greendale Gill, Middle Fell behind. We got a well earned drink in The Screes (the pub not the rock formation!).

Helvellyn via Striding Edge and Swirral Edge

Walked on 24/05/2010

Start point: Patterdale (NY 394 160)

Patterdale – Hole-in-the Wall – Striding Edge – Helvellyn – Swirral Edge – Catstycam – Patterdale

Distance: 7.6 miles Total Ascent: 900 metres Time Taken: 3 hours 30 minutes Start Time: 07:00

Weather: Mostly sunny. 19C

It has been sweltering over the weekend so I fancied getting out early today to ‘beat the heat’. I certainly managed that as it was pretty cold crossing Striding Edge this morning when the clouds swirled in. By the time I reached the summit of Helvellyn, the clouds had disappeared and the summer weather returned once more. On the way down to Patterdale I bumped into a gang of Striding Edge fans from Hull – nice to meet you all Martin and friends!

Helvellyn route map.

Early morning in Grisedale.

Climbing the path to the Hole in the Wall. The bracken is coming on quickly!

St Sunday Crag.

The head of Grisedale from the climb. It is sunny here but looks a bit murkier up on Helvellyn.

Birkhouse Moor from The Hole in the Wall and the sun has gone.

It's sunny down there, but not here now.

Striding Edge.

Red Tarn and Swirral Edge, Helvellyn lost in mist.

High Spying How.

Dougal leads the way across Striding Edge.

The mist is swirling in and out and the temperature has plummeted.

Catstycam across Red Tarn.

Continuing along Striding Edge.

I wonder if it will clear up?

At least you can just about see the top now.

Looking back.

Striding Edge from the climb to Helvellyn.

Another view of Red Tarn and it seems to be clearing now.

Striding Edge from the top.

Blue skies now on the deserted summit.

Nethermost Pike and Dollywaggon Pike across the cross shelter.

Striding Edge and Red Tarn from the summit.

A panoramic view from the top.

All is still under cloud to the west, the Coniston fells are over there somewhere.

Dougal and Casper take a breather at the summit - there is a bit more of the column on show than the last time they were here, a whole 10 weeks ago...

The path to Catstycam.

White Side.

Swirral Edge.

Dougal chooses his route carefully.

Looking back up Swirral Edge.

Brown Cove.

Swirral Edge and Helvellyn with two stubborn bits of snow visible.

Ullswater from Catstycam.

There is no water to drink on Catstycam either.

Looking across to Raise and we are not going that way either Dougal!

Striding Edge across a doggy bathing/drinking opportunity.

Helvellyn and Swirral Edge.

At last! There was no stopping these two today.

Red Tarn.

A panoramic view of Red Tarn and Helvellyn.

The path to Swirral Edge.

Catstycam.

Back at Grisedale Beck all is lovely now.

Loughrigg Fell

Walked on 21/05/2010

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: 1 hour 20 minutes Start Time: 07:15

Weather: Overcast, humid. 16C

The big area of high pressure over Cumbria promised warm weather this morning and indeed it was delivered, just without any sun! It was good to get out earlier than everyone else though, and it really was lovely and peaceful up on Loughrigg Fell and around Loughrigg Tarn.

Loughrigg Fell route map.

All was calm down at Lake Bank, Coniston Water this morning.

Brock Barrow reflected.

Coniston Water reflections looking to Park Nab.

Oak Isle.

At Brown Howe.

A panoramic view of Coniston Water from Brown Howe - look how low the water level is, normally that gravel would be completely covered.

On the climb to Ivy Crag from Tarn Foot all is a bit murky, but it was really warm and humid.

Loughrigg Bluebells.

Windermere from Ivy Crag.

Casper and Dougal are fancying a dip in Loughrigg Tarn already!

Heading for the summit.

Loughrigg Fell overlooking the Vale of Grasmere.

The length of Casper and Dougal's tongues tells us how warm it is!

Daffodils overlooking Grasmere.

Guess who?

Dougal has spotted something on the descent - it was a Lakeland fox just over the wall. It was too quick for me to get a photo but it certainly made Dougal and Casper stop in their tracks. The only sound at this early hour was the Cuckoo call and it was just heavenly up there despite the murky weather.

Loughrigg Tarn.

All was calm on Loughrigg Tarn, so plenty of reflection shots.

The Langdales should be over there somewhere!

A panoramic view of Loughrigg Tarn.

Loughrigg Fell reflected in Loughrigg Tarn.

Blencathra via Sharp Edge

Walked on 17/05/2010

Start point: Scales (NY 349 272)

Scales – Sharp Edge – Blencathra (Atkinson Pike – Hallsfell Top – Scales Fell) – Scales

Distance: 4.5 miles Total Ascent: 642 metres Time Taken: 2 hours Start Time: 07:25

Weather: Clearing, sunny spells, 12C

At last I was able to make it back on the fells – but where to go? Somewhere not too long but with a bit of excitement I thought and Sharp Edge fitted the bill perfectly. I enjoyed getting up at the crack of doom and getting out before most other people, the dogs managed it fine up there too and young Dougal took this big step in his stride as I knew he would.
Note: Just because I took my dogs over Sharp Edge, it doesn’t mean that every dog or indeed every person can do this one – it is a very exposed ridge and is treacherous in wet or icy conditions. Plenty of people have come a cropper crossing Sharp Edge. You have been warned!

Sharp Edge route map.

Early morning Great Mell Fell.

Looking across to the cloud capped Dodds - all the fells including Blencathra were shrouded this morning but things were looking promising.

First glimpse of Sharp Edge from Mousthwaite Comb.

It all looks a bit gloomy at the moment.

Looking along the valley of the River Glenderamackin.

Time for a drink for Dougal and Casper.

Sharp Edge with a lone figure on it across Scales Tarn.

Scales Tarn from the foot of Sharp Edge.

Yes Dougal, we are going that way.

At the foot of Sharp Edge.

Scales Tarn from Sharp Edge.

Looking back along the route of ascent.

Sharp Edge.

In portrait if you prefer.

Climbing higher.

Looking back along the polished rocks.

Looking down from higher up.

Scales Fell across Scales Tarn.

Sharp Edge from Foule Crag.

A panoramic view from Foule Crag.

Lonscale Pike and Mungrisdale Common from Atkinson Pike.

The white cross on Blencathra.

A view of Derwent Water from the summit of Blencathra.

Hall's Fell Ridge.

Scales Fell, the route of descent.

Threlkeld and a view of Thirlmere.

Dougal and Casper at the summit.

Hall's Fell Ridge with a lone climber on it.

Descending Scales Fell.

Sharp Edge.

Souther Fell.

A clear Blencathra by the time I drove to Castlerigg Stone Circle.

Orrest Head

Walked on 14/05/2010

Start point: Windermere (SD 414 987)

Orrest Head (OF) from Windermere

Distance: 1.3 miles Total Ascent: 105 metres Time Taken: 30 minutes Start Time: 08:50

Weather: Drizzle throughout, 7C

The weather changed overnight from beautiful sunshine to general damp and dreariness this morning. I had a short walk up to Orrest Head and at least the rain gave me a chance to try out my new Haglofs jacket!

Orrest Head route map.

Come on in, everyone's welcome.

This is it - today's best view of Windermere.

Looking back along the track from Windermere to Common Wood.

Looks like you have bitten off more than you can chew there Dougal.

Heading through Common Wood.

Primroses, Bluebells and the start of the dreaded bracken.

Orrest Head Bluebells.

A gloomy Orrest Head summit.

Casper and Dougal emerge from a large hole on the top of Orrest Head!

Fun and frolics for the boys on the way down.

Damp Casper.

Little Langdale

Walked on 12/05/2010

Another clear morning followed an unseasonably cold night, so I headed up to Blea Tarn for a gentle stroll as it was a good bet it would be lovely up there today – and I was pleased that I was right! I’m glad I got there relatively early though as the cloud quickly began to build in a similar way to yesterday and brought the rather flat sky with it. Apologies for the amount of similar looking views, I didn’t wander very far!

The Langdale Pikes and Side Pike.

I waited around for the sun to come out, the Langdales to come out of shade and the ripples to cease on the tarn before taking this shot - the Langdale Pikes across Blea Tarn.

Blake Rigg.

More reflection shots.

A panoramic view of Blea Tarn. Select on the image to see a larger version. Of course I had to keep the dogs in the car at Blea Tarn otherwise there would be no reflections, so next it was down the road to Slaters Bridge to give them a bit of a run.