The Langdale Pikes

Walked on 17/01/2024

New Dungeon Ghyll – Stickle Tarn – North Rake – Pavey Ark – Thunacar Knott – Harrison Stickle – Dungeon Ghyll – New Dungeon Ghyll

Distance: 5.4 miles Total Ascent: 725 metres Time Taken: 3 hours 50 minutes Start Time: 10:25

Winter has certainly hit with a vengeance – what a morning. In Great Langdale the roads were treacherous and icy with the temperature down at -5C. The sky was blue and there were no clouds, just snow and lots of it. It turned out to be quite strenuous at times with knee deep snow on much of the route. I carried crampons and ice axe but wore micro-spikes throughout and didn’t resort to full crampons. This was a fantastic winter day on the fells and ones like this don’t come along very often, that’s for sure.

Fletcher is checking out the route up to Stickle Tarn.

Looking to Lingmoor Fell from the top of the waterfalls on Stickle Ghyll. Time for a breather here as it was boiling hot on this section of the walk, with the full sun reflected on the snow and not a breath of wind to cool me.

The view after crossing the Ghyll - I opted to cross lower down than usual as it is easier, although the climb was not necessarily so as the snow was knee deep for much of it.

As soon as we reached Stickle Tarn the wind picked up and of course it was biting and icy. Time to layer up before continuing, this photo is Harrison Stickle looking sugar coated.

Pavey Ark with Jacks Rake running Bottonm right to top left of the craggy face. I didn't fancy that today, conditions were hard enough as it was.

Harrison Stickle across Stickle Tarn...

...and Pavey Ark again, from further round the tarn.

Fletcher blazes a trail towards the North Rake.

Fantastic conditions, looking from the foot of the rake.

Looking across to Blea Rigg..

The snow in the North Rake was knee deep and it made for tough going. Can you spot 2 people halfway up in this photo? They give it some scale.

Made it! On Pavey Ark looking to Harrison Stickle and the Coniston fells beyond.

It is clear for miles and miles looking towards Windermere.

A panorama of the fells to the east,

No need to look at me like that Fletcher my lad!

Thunacar Knott.

Heading for Harrison Stickle.

Bowfell and Esk Pike.

Bowfell and the Band.

A biscuit please.

Pike o' Stickle and Rosett Pike overshadowed by Bowfell and Esk Pike.

Harrison Stickle.

All the fells to the west - Great Gable central.

What a great view to Bowfell, Scafell Pike and Esk Pike across Mickleden with Pike o'Stickle and Rossett Pike in the foreground.

Great Langdale.

On the descent from Harrison Stickle.

Found someone else on the Dungeon Ghyll descent.

New cairn - looking back to Loft Crag and Thorn Crag on the descent.

A Herdwick welcome.

The sun is setting already but we are nearly down now.

The Langdale Pikes.

Helvellyn sunrise – 20th Anniversary Edition!

Walked on 12/01/2024

Wythburn – Helvellyn – Nethermost Pike – High Crag – Dollywaggon Pike – Wythburn

Distance: 6.5 miles Total Ascent: 880 metres Time Taken: 4 hours Start Time: 06:55

Firstly, today is a celebration as it is 20 years today that the first walk was published on this website – 20 years! The first walks were actually in 2003 when I started recording summits on camera to keep a record of Wainwrights I had walked, as previously they were walked randomly and without any record. In January 2004 I got my act together, got a suitable domain name and published a few walks on 12th January 2004 (mainly looked at by me, it has to be said).The memory card on that camera could hold 6 photos hence the reason why there are so few photos on the early walk plus of course they took hours to upload via dial up!

Anyway, it has been a great journey, thanks for all the support over the years (including the lean years when the rest of life got in the way of fell walking) I have made some great friendships far and wide and I hope that plenty of you – the viewer – have too.

On with today’s walk – conditions appeared to look favourable for an inversion today but as you all know, you never can tell…

When I set off from Wythburn it was snowing. The snow got progressively worse as I climbed in the dark with a head torch on. I must admit, I did wonder whether it was worth carrying on as it didn't look very likely to get above the cloud today and perhaps I should turn back. Anyway, I persevered and plodded on...until suddenly the sky was lit up as in this photo!

A little bit further on and I knew it was going to be okay today...

...in fact more than okay.

The highest fells were indeed above the clouds - this is looking across to Bowfell and the Scafells, Great Gable on the right.

The path to Helvellyn, I think we have timed this right to get to the summit just before sunrise (08:30 sunrise time today).

First glimpse of dawn to the east.

Striding Edge.

Helvellyn sunrise.

I was surprised at how many people were up there today, I am more used to it being one man and his dog! Clearly everyone had heard how spectacular it was going to be today.

What a fantastic view to the north - this is my personal favourite of the day, I think the colours are fabulous. Can you spot the climber on Swirral Edge?

Catstycam.

Striding Edge sunrise.

There are 'wow' views every way.

Just stunning.

Striding Edge again.

Although it all looks frozen, it was surprisingly warm up here today and I ended up in shirt sleeves.

The sun has risen now, looking to the 'isle' of Blencathra

The Helvellyn ridge.

Helvellyn summit plateau and you can just make out Helvellyn's own Brocken Spectre in the distance. Two lads were sat at the trig column throughout the morning and never moved - call me old fashioned but I thought it was fell etiquette not to sit at the summit and to allow others their moment of topping out and to take photos etc - any thoughts?

Swirral Edge and Catstycam.

Some great morning colours today.

The shadow of Helvellyn and its Brocken Spectre.

Heading back along the summit plateau.

Great Gable to Pillar across the sea of cloud.

Bowfell and the Scafells.

Fletcher - a star!

The sun has fully risen now and it is a beautiful day.

You can just see someone on the highest point of Striding Edge.

Clouds below in Grisedale Valley.

What is he thinking?

Down below.

Heading for Nethermost Pike.

Helvellyn from the climb to Nethermost.

Nethermost Pike.

High Crag and Dollywaggon Pike next.

Frozen cairn.

High Crag.

Runners descending into the mist.

Dollywaggon Pike.

We had a coffee stop on Dollywaggon - I think we could have sat there all day it was so utterly beautiful.

Just one little biscuit?

A fog bow on the descent.

Hard Knott

Walked on 07/01/2024

Start point: Hardknott Pass summit (NY 230 014)

Hardknott Pass – Border End – Eskdale Needle – Hard Knott – Hardknott Pass

Distance: 2 miles Total Ascent: 267 metres Time Taken: 1 hour Start Time: 15:15

Weather: Sunny. 3°C

After wet weather for much of the beginning of 2024, this year’s first fell walk was at the end of a fantastic cold and clear day. It is always a lovely view from Hard Knott but a sunset walk up there is a bit special. It is hard to beat that felling of solitude and peace as the sun sets in such magnificent surroundings.

The sun was already low in the sky as I set off from the top of Hardknott Pass, here looking across Wrynose Bottom to Grey Friar and the Coniston Fells.

Heading for the top of Border End, the sight of England's finest comes into view.

The Eskdale Valley is still covered in frost, no sun down there today!

A frozen pool looking across to the Scafells and Elk Pike.

Border End.

The plan was to drop down to Eskdale Needle before climbing back up to Hard Knott...but I need to be quick!

Fletcher sunset.

Time to get going.

Looking across Hard Knott to Esk Pike, Bowfell and the Crinkle Crags.

What a magnificent view into Upper Eskdale.

Come on, let's go - Fletcher can spot Eskdale Needle down there, can you?

The wonder of Eskdale and what a view across the needle to Scar Lathing and beyond.

Zoomed in version - incredible golden light tonight.

Scafells sunset.

Not much daylight left now, it will take a bit of effort to get to the top of Hard Knott before the sun is gone.

But I can't resist stopping for another shot of these two giants.

Hard Knott summit - just made it before the lights go out.

...and look at Upper Eskdale now in the twilight.

Looking eastwards to Wrynose Pass, now to get down before full darkness.

Blawith Knott

Walked on 19/12/2023

Start point: Woodland Fell road (SD 256 879)

Blawith Knott (OF) from the Woodland Fell road

Start Time: 15:00 Weather: Windy. 4C

The sun actually shone this afternoon in good enough time for a quick walk up to Blawith Knott with Fletcher to catch the sunset. It was surprisingly windy and of course the biting cold that went with it. Glad we made the effort though, it never disappoints up there.

The Giant's Grave.

Go for it Fletcher!

Interesting sky tonight with lots of low lying cloud diffusing the light.

Stickle Pike and Caw from the first cairn. It was really windy up here, much more than I was expecting.

Hmmm - if looks could kill!

The Coniston fells - over there somewhere.

Spectacular Duddon Estuary sunset.

Beacon Fell lit up like...a beacon!

Angus Tarn.

The summit cairn.

Panorama from Blawith Knott.

Fletcher chooses the way - to Coniston?

No, to Lang Tarn which just happens to be the smallest named tarn in the Lake District.

Pike o’ Blisco

Walked on 28/11/2023

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

Distance: 6.6 km Total Ascent: 490 metres Time Taken: 2 hours 45 minutes Start Time: 07:10 (sunrise 08:00)

I must be a sucker for getting up early but once again it was well worth the effort to get up and witness this spectacular sunrise from Pike o’ Blisco. What a fantastic morning it was, freezing hanging around at the top but the advancing red sky was a sight to witness. It is a long time since I have been up this way but nice to be back and it was as good as I remember.
(Spoiler alert and apology – there are lots of ‘sky’ photos in this post!)

Dawn on the climb from Wrynose Pass - it was looking promising with clearer skies to the east.

Just before sunrise.

...and a panoramic view.

The secondary southern summit cairn.

Wow! Under a blood red sky!

Sunrise panorama.

Pike o' Blisco sunrise.

Crinkle Crags and Bowfell lit up by the rising sun.

Like a martian scene in the early morning light, looking across to the Langdales with Skiddaw in the distance.

Diffused light as the sun rises.

Moon, Bowfell and Pike o' Blisco summit.

Langdale zoom.

Even Fletcher gets the sunrise treatment.

Daylight now.

After the sunrise, there was oddly diffused light with the cloud cover. This is Pike o'Blisco main summit.

Hell Gill and Bowfell.

Fletcher takes it all in on the descent to Red Tarn. The light hadn't made it this far yet with Red Tarn being surrounded by fells and neither had any warmth. Two pairs of gloves required for this section, especially with all the 'gloves off, gloves on' going on with the camera.

There it is! First light makes it to Red Tarn as we reach the bottom of the path.

Looking across to The Langdale Pikes as we climb towards Cold Pike; Helvellyn has a dusting of snow.

Fletcher.

It its still the Golden Hour as we are on Cold Pike.

Crinkle Crags and Bowfell from Cold Pike.

looking towards the Duddon Valley with distant Black Combe in view and nearer Harter Fell.

Harter Fell - Devoke Water to the right.

Pike o' Blisco across Red Tarn. We did a direct descent from here which was steep but mainly grassy.

Bowfell across Red Tarn - I love this view.

A fantastic view of Red Tarn, a great vista when climbing this way (the opposite way to me!) and the path rounds the corner.

Harter Fell from the approach to Wrynose Pass.

The Three Shire Stone.

The stone about the stone.

Blencathra

Walked on 25/11/2023

Scales – Blencathra (Scales Fell – Doddick Fell – Hallsfell Top – Gategill Fell – Known Crags – Blease Fell – Atkinson Pike) – Foul Crag – Bannerdale Crags – White Horse Bent – Mousthwaite Comb – Scales

Distance: 12.3 km Total Ascent: 815 metres Time Taken: 3 hours 10 minutes (moving time) Start Time: 07:00

It was potentially going to be a beautiful day so I fancied a walk up Blencathra to catch the sunrise – thankfully the forecast turned out to be correct and it was indeed a fantastic morning. I loved every minute of this one…

Climbing Scales Fell at dawn and it was surprisingly light, no need for a headtorch.

Following Fletcher on Scales Fell.

First glimpse of the sun.

I wasn't quite at the top but not far off on Doddick Fell. Oddly enough, as I climbed after this there were a lot of people descending immediately after the sunrise.

looking towards Atkinson Pike from Hallsfell top.

Blencathra summit - the trig. 'O' is now a trig. 'C'!

What a beautiful morning.

The sun hasn't made it to the Vale of Keswick yet.

The Back o' Skiddaw.

Fletcher, patiently waiting for me. Jacket on now as the cold wind picked up on the top plus gloves off, gloves on, gloves off....(for camera operation!).

Looking back to the summit from Gategill Fell.

Know Crags, Blease Fell and beyond.

A panoramic from Blease Fell.

Any treats in there Dad?

A view into Coledale.

Retracing our steps.

Now it's all ours Fletcher, everyone has disappeared.

A view across the Solway Firth to Scotland.

The sun is higher on our return...

...and now turning into a properly gorgeous morning.

Vale of Keswick panoramic.

Skiddaw from the summit.

The White Cross.

Bannerdale Crags, our next target. We are at the top of Sharp Edge (bottom right).

The descent of Foule Crag and it is still icy in the shadows.

Sharp Edge profile.

Phew, warm now and down to shirt sleeves on Bannerdale Crags.

The East Ridge.

A Currick, Bannerdale Fell.

Blencathra.

The Sharpest of Edges from White Horse Bent.

Sharp Edge, Blencathra.

Nearly back to the car - Mousthwaite Combe.

Middle Fell & Seatallan

Walked on 17/11/2023

Start point: Greendale (NY 144 056)

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

Distance: 8 km Total Ascent: 726 metres Time Taken: 2 hours 30 minutes Start Time: 10:25

Well, 2 walks in 2 years – not bad eh! What fantastic weather this morning as well, much better than I was expecting. When I got to Wasdale the skies were clear and sunny but the cloud was building up over the high fells for the duration of the walk and it eventually caught us up on Seatallan. I can’t grumble at all with that though as it was really quite warm in the glorious sunshine. As ever, the Western side of the Lake District was very quiet and there was hardly a soul around.
Unbelievably, the last time I walked Middle Fell was 2015 and Seatallan 2014!

Wow, what a surprise in Wasdale this morning! I thought conditions would be okay but always a treat top see it this clear.

Just follow the path from Greendale.

A light dusting of snow on Scafell.

It was really quite warm in the sun as indicated by Fletcher's tongue.

The cloud was starting to build throughout the walk, at least it was clear when I made it to the top of Middle Fell, here looking across Wast Water to the Scafells from the summit cairn.

Yewbarrow and Great Gable are still clear but look at the cloud building to the right of this photo.

Kirk Fell and Great Gable beyond Yewbarrow.

It was gorgeous up here today and no-one about.

Strike a pose Fletcher.

You can never tire of this view....

...fabulous.

Looking towards the West Cumbrian coast.

Heading along the Middle Fell summit plateau.

Haycock.

Fletcher is trying to find the best route down and then which way to climb Seatallan.

The Scafells - gone!

This is a steep climb to Seatallan, Fletcher my lad.

Looking down on Middle Fell and Greendale Tarn.

Seatallan summit - we are being enveloped in cloud now.

The head of Blengdale.

We made a direct descent today rather than following the (probably) more usual route to Glade How and Buckbarrow. When I looked at the map I was close to a named, marked stone on the map (Carling Stone). I never noticed anything and have not noticed it before - I wish I had looked at the map and seen it but will make a note for next time.

Perhaps Fletcher knows which one the Carling Stone is!

Greendale Gill.

A gathering.

Coniston Old Man

Walked on 11/11/2023

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: 7.7 km Total Ascent: 577 metres Time Taken: 2 hours 25 minutes Start Time: 06:40

Clear.
Temperature 2 ℃ Feels like 0 ℃
Wind Speed 3.9 mi/h Wind Direction NNW

It’s been a while…

Sunrise.

It's going to be a fantastic morning.

Fletcher, the golden boy. Poppy Collar - tick, poppy tag - tick!

Sunrise over Coniston Water.

Black Combe beyond Brown Pike.

It's gone thermonuclear!

Today I took Dougal to join up with Casper, his old sparring partner and of course dear old Angus. Silent thoughts - and a tear I admit - for him and for good friend Sean who passed away yesterday. I spent a lot of time with both of them and they will be missed.

A sprinkling of the white stuff as we reach the summit.

The view across Low Water.

The Scafells to the north also have a smattering of snow on the tops...

...a closer view.

Coniston Old Man summit.

Dow Crag and beyond.

The only two people I bumped into on the summit ridge - they were up early too!

Harter Fell in the Duddon Valley.

Looking back to The Old Man.

A penny for them Fletcher. Is he surveying his kingdom?

Icy on the way to Brim Fell.

Fletcher seems to know the way.

The Scafells from Brim Fell.

Looking across to Swirl How, beyond is Skiddaw to the left and Blencathra to the right.

Snowy Helvellyn in the distance from snowy Brim Fell. From here we descended Brim Fell Rake to Raven Tor.

looking back at the Rake from Raven Tor.

Old Man - Brim Fell panoramic.

Warm in the sunshine.

The Old Man from Raven Tor.

Give the lad a drink!

Wetherlam from the mine workings.

These are new - trees planted on the slopes of The Bell.

The Mosedale Horseshoe

Walked on 01/03/2022

Start point: Wasdale Head (NY 187 088)

Wasdale Head – Black Sails Pass –Pillar – Wind Gap – Black Crag (Pillar) – Scoat Fell – Steeple – Red Pike – Dore Head Screes – Wasdale Head

Distance: 9.4 miles Total Ascent: 1009 metres Time Taken: 4 hours 30 minutes

Clear               
Temperature      4 ℃ 
Felt like        2 ℃
Wind Speed       4.1 mi/h
Wind Direction   NE

What a fantastic day for being out on the fells. February was pretty much a wash out/blow out after a number of named storms and a day of settled and fine weather came as a blessed relief! It’s a good while since I have done this route (12 years!) but I picked the perfect day to visit my favourite fell and area. There was perfect clarity and hardly a breath of wind throughout and I even caught the sun a little too.

Great Gable from Wasdale Head.

The long and winding road into Mosedale.

Crossing Gatherstone Beck looking down to Mosedale and across to Dore Head, the route of descent later (gulp!).

The view towards Looking Stead and Pillar from Black Sail pass.

Climbing high above Mosedale now.

High Stile and High Crag across Ennerdale.

Wasdale Head from the climb to Pillar.

The ridge walk to the top.

The eastern crags of Red Pike.

The approach to Pillar.

Pillar summit (my personal favourite) looking to the Scafells.

...and to the north.

I can see for miles and miles...across Ennerdale...across Buttermere...across the Vale of Keswick to Skiddaw and Blencathra.

Looking down on Pillar Rock.

Ennerdale Water.

Patches of snow remain on the highest areas.

Pillar.

The route descends to Wind Gap and then up to Black Crag before the climb to Scoat Fell.

On Black Crag.

Steeple and shadows.

The summit of Scoat Fell, the cairn is atop the wall.

A new haircut for Fletcher. We sat on Steeple for a while, a great place for lunch in the relatively warm conditions.

Looking across to Pillar and Black Crag from Steeple.

Today's lunch spot view.

We crossed the wall on Scoat Fell and headed directly for Red Pike.

Great Gable above Kirk Fell.

Middle Fell and Seatallan across Scoat Tarn.

Approaching the summit of Red Pike.

On the edge - the summit cairn of Red Pike.

Wasdale Head.

Fletcher on his throne - The Chair on Red Pike.

Wast Water and Low Tarn from The Chair.

Stirrup Crag and Dore Head from the descent of Red Pike.

Pillar from Dore Head.

The way down! This is steep to say the least - handy hint: there is a path to the left go the actual scree run which makes the going slightly easier.

Back down to earth in Mosedale.

The head of Wasdale resplendent in sunshine.

The classic view on the road out of Wasdale.

Caw

Walked on 18/01/2022

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 15 minutes Start Time: 10:45

Dougal said he fancied a walk today so we chose somewhere that he could manage plus found somewhere away from the grey sky and general dullness of the valleys.

We were still under cloud when we set off but there were glimpses of blue sky appearing as we followed the Park Head Road.

Suddenly we were in the sunshine. Below, towards the coast, there was a dense blanket of fog over the lower ground. Here there were more clouds but they were wispy - a semi-inversion!

Looking to the Woodland fells (Blawith Knott, Great Burney and Kirkby Moor) appearing above the dense, lower clouds.

Closer up.

Made it to the summit with blue skies but it didn't look like this would last for long as there was a strong, cold breeze blowing in with some heavier cloud coming.

Fletcher and Dougal.

Looking to the Coniston fells.

From the cold descent.

Coniston sunset

Walked on 17/01/2022

Start point: Walna Scar road (SD 289 970)

Walna Scar car park – Boo Tarn – The Old Man of Coniston – Boo Tarn – Walna Scar car park

Distance: 3.8 miles Total Ascent: 518 metres Time Taken: 2 hours Start Time: 14:30

Clear above cloud                 
Temperature      5 ℃ 
Felt like        5 ℃
Wind Speed       1.7 mi/h
Wind Direction   SSW

At home we were under dull cloud but perhaps, just perhaps things would be better up on high…

When I set off from home, it was dull and grey but an inversion looked a possibility. As I approached Coniston, I could see the Old Man summit was covered in cloud - around the top 300 feet. I almost thought it would be pointless after the disappointment of the previous walk to Blencathra but I stuck with it. By the time I got to Walna Scar car park the summit was clear and the sky was bright blue and that was good enough for me!

As I climbed in the sunshine, the cloud lingered to the south west and I wasn't quite sure what would happen as the sun lowered.

As I looked directly behind I could see the cloud creeping towards Coniston.

...and there it was, the higher I climbed the better the view and the inversion.

Harter Fell to the left and the cloud is starting to creep along Dunnerdale. The Scafells are distant right above the trig. column.

Close up on Harter Fell and beyond.

Continued cloud creep along the lake and to Coniston village.

Wow, this is fantastic!

All alone on the summit now.

Dazzling!

The lowering sun lights up the summit.

A view to Blencathra.

Whitfell, all alone.

Strange undulations in the clouds below. On the horizon the dome of Whernside and the flat top of Ingleborough over 30 miles away.

Dunnerdale is full of cloud now.

An island in the sea.

Scafells sunset.

Fletcher is not bothered about sunsets or inversions - only biscuits and treats!

The setting sun over Black Combe.

Dunnerdale inversion complete.

A clear sky to the east.

Sunset panoramic.

There is a view to Snowdonia on the horizon.

Can you see it?

I could sit here all day.

Time to start the descent before full darkness, there were interesting clouds swirling around from Goat's water.

Moon rise to the east.

The Wolf Moon.

Last view as I descend below the clouds and the sun finally sets on the day.

A clear view for almost 100 miles!

Blencathra

Walked on 15/01/2022

Start point: Scales (NY 349 272)

Scales – Scales Fell – Blencathra – Scales Fell – Scales

Distance: 5.3 miles Total Ascent: 660 metres Time Taken: 2 hours 25 minutes Start Time: 07:00

Following on from yesterday’s fabulous walk up to Scafell Pike, conditions looked as though they may be the same today so I really fancied witnessing the conditions from a different perspective so it was up to Scales early to head for Blencathra summit for the sunrise. Unfortunately there is no one that can predict the weather or conditions with 100% accuracy and on this occasion the weather did not play as predicted! Ho-hum, you can’t win them all…

Well I did make it for sunrise in plenty of time but the expected conditions were not there. The cloud was low but above the fell tops. Helvellyn was covered in cloud but there was cloud dropping into St John's in the Vale and Threlkeld making it look like an inversion may be on the cards...but alas, no!

Low sun into low cloud gave a strange sunrise - linear light to the east with virtually nothing to the west.

Looking to the south west it is dull, Derwent Water cloaked in cloud.

Diminutive Binsey shows through the mist.

Lenticualr clouds, strange sky and conditions.

Sharp Edge from the descent - someone is already crossing.

Scales Fell and a brief clearing of the sky...now I am on the way down!

Scafell Pike

Walked on 14/01/2022

Start point: Brackenclose (NY 182 074)

Brackenclose – Brown Tongue – Scafell Pike – Mickledore – Lord’s Rake – Scafell – Green How – Brackenclose

Distance: 7.5 miles Total Ascent: 1140 metres Time Taken: 4 hours 30 minutes Start Time: 06:45

Clear above cloud                 
Temperature      2 ℃ 
Felt like        2 ℃
Wind Speed       0.9 mi/h
Wind Direction   SSE

Conditions looked favourable for an inversion again today so I took the leap of faith and set off in the dark heading for Scafell Pike to get the best chance of seeing a sunrise over the inversion. Of course you never quite know – will it, won’t it? Climbing higher and through the clouds is a magical moment; witnessing the sunrise in such a place is a truly jaw dropping and inspiring moment; a great day to be on the fells.

When I reached the Lingmell ColI came through the mist and into a fantastic dawn. On the climb to the summit it was already dawn and it was a fabulous sight, here looking to Lingmell and Great Gable appearing through the cloud in the early light.

Frozen rocks on the summit made the going slippery, here with Fletcher camouflaged against them. I hit the summit dead on sunrise at 08:25, phew!

Scafell Pike sunrise - fantastic!

It was beautiful the way the rising sun lit up the rocks - and Scafell - like a martian landscape.

Great Gable and Green Gable through the mist, beyond is Grasmoor.

looking along the Scafells to a distant Blencathra left and the Helvellyn ridge above the cloud.

Skiddaw...just appearing.

Sunrise panoramic.

I was joined by runner Dan on the summit to witness the sunrise.

The Coniston fells and sun pillar.

Scafell and beyond an ocean of clouds.

As the sun rises, Scafell Pike casts a shadow with a Brocken Spectre visible .

All looking good now the sun has risen. I talked to one other person (the 'Wasdale Womble'!) but apart from that the roof of england was all mine for a good half hour this morning.

We headed over to the southern cairn for a closer look at the sea of cloud and sat with a coffee for a while to contemplate life. Looking back to the main summit there is still no one around.

Coniston.

Fletcher looking down on Pen, Crinkle Crags beyond.

Any biscuits?

Bowfell and Crinkle Crags panoramic.

Blencathra all alone.

Time to move on much as I wanted to stay. The next stop would be Scafell via Lord's Rake so first of all we need to head down to Mickledore over more treacherous icy rocks.

The sun beating down on Mickledore.

Closer up on the edge of the inversion.

Looking across Mickledore to Broad Stand. The cloud was pouring over the ridge as we crossed.

Fletcher wondering which way we are going.

At the top of Lord's Rake looking back to Scafell Pike. The chock stone has fallen since the last time I was here (admittedly it was a while ago!) and the way round the top was a bit of a squeeze.

Pillar and the Mosedale fells.

Lingmell and Great Gable.

The Scafells from the summit.

Looking across Scafell to Symonds Knott - only the highest fells are through the clouds now as it has lifted - Lingmell has disappeared.

The view to the south.

Great Gable and Skiddaw (which looks so close!).

Fairfield beyond Esk Pike, the gentle rise of High Street to the right.

Time to head down (steeper than I remember!) from Scafell and into the clouds. As we headed down the sun was directly shining behind us projecting Brocken Spectres.

Once you se one you can't stop seeing them.

Brocken Spectre and 270 degree fogbow.

I don't recall having seen a fogbow before.

Down below the clouds was this - a different world to the one I have just spent the morning in!

Me with Fletcher.

Stickle Pike sunset

Walked on 05/01/2022

It was a fantastically clear day in the Lake District today and the evening was looking as though there would be a great sunset. Come on Dougal & Fletcher, let’s get up to Stickle Pike to witness it!

The shadows are already lengthening at the start of the climb, there is no time to hang around!

The sun is disappearing behind Black Combe as we make it to the top.

Looking over Great Stickle to the udon Estuary with Barrow and Furness beyond.

Wow, it is a beautiful sunset tonight and well worth the effort to get up here.

The Golden Boys.

Looking to the head of Dunnerdale, L-R: Scafell, Scafell Pike, Harter Fell (mid ground), Esk Pike, Bowfell, Little Stand, Crinkle Crags, Grey Friar, Coniston fells and Caw.

The sun has quickly all but gone now.

Time to go - for the sun and us!

Blawith Knott

Walked on 19/12/2021

Start point: Woodland Fell road (SD 256 879)

Blawith Knott (OF) from the Woodland Fell road

Start Time: 11:25 Weather: Sunny 4C

Wow, what a fantastic day again today! A walk wasn’t really on the cards but sitting under a blanket of fog I knew that conditions would be a continuation of the previous few days when it wasn’t that hard to get above the inversion layer and witness some fantastic views – and that is exactly what I got from lowly Blawith Knott. It was really quite warm above the cloud layer and the views today were forever with really clear air, it was well worth making the effort to walk along this ridge.

Misty sunset.

The Hoad monument across a sea of cloud.

The Coniston fells.

Moon rising.

Roman candle trig column.

It didn't take too long to get above the inversion layer, here looking across to Black Combe.

Great burner and Heathwaite fell.

Stickle Pike.

Wow, what a fabulous view to the south west.

...and to the south east looking to the Crake Valley.

On the edge of heaven - at the summit.

Looking across to Kirkby Moor.

It was quite warm up there too - below the fog 2C, above 7C.

Lots of low lying clouds.

Fletcher checks out the way ahead to Angus Tarn then Tottlebank. Coniston Water is still under a layer of fog.

Water, water everywhere...frozen Angus Tarn.

Stunning clarity and views today.

Beacon Fell.

Tottlebank Height looking to Coniston Water and beyond.

Misty trees.

Just beautiful.

Coniston Water.

3-in-1. Black Combe, Blawith Knott and Tottlebank Height.

Fletcher is joined by Dougal today - there is still life in the old dog yet!

The Coniston fells.

Duddon Estuary panorama.

Clouds and hills.

Even Fletcher likes to take it all in.

Sinking back beneath the inversion. Down there it is like the blue skies never existed. Some from last evening when we had an even easier and lower walk to Birkrigg Common, Ulverston...

Helvellyn Sunrise

Walked on 17/12/2021

Start point: Wythburn (NY 324 136)

Wythburn – Birk Side – Nethermost Pike – High Crag – Dollywaggon Pike – Seat Sandal – Wythburn

Distance: 8 miles Total Ascent: 1042 metres Time Taken: 5 hours 30 minutes Start Time: 06:30

Clear                 
Temperature      5 ℃ 
Felt like        5 ℃
Wind Speed       1.3 mi/h
Wind Direction   ENE

Regular followers of this site over the years will know I like a sunrise walk and particularly at this time of year up to Helvellyn. All the conditions looked to be good for a decent sunrise today so I felt compelled to go for it, and I am mighty glad I did as it was absolutely fantastic up there. Previously all my December walks up there have been memorably cold but this time it was not so bad. Of course you never know what the conditions are really going to be like walking up in the dark but the view of the inversion to the east when nearing the top was fabulous and I knew I was in for a treat from that moment.

Pre-sunrise and it is shaping up to be a fantastic day ahead.

Ghostly Striding Edge is completely enveloped in cloud.

I had time for a walk along the summit plateau before the sunrise proper - there were another couple of people there to witness the spectacle as well.

Here we go, the first glimpse of sunrise - it is, of course, relatively late at this time of year at around 08:30.

Catstycam looking solitary.

Well worth the wait...

...and well worth a photo or two.

Helvellyn sunrise.

It is absolutely superb this morning.

The clouds look like you could jump from the edge into them. Perhaps you could swim to Catstycam?

Striding Edge looking fantastic, like some sort of prehistoric beast emerging from the clouds.

No man is an island.

Fletcher leads the way from Helvellyn.

Striding Edge is constantly changing with more - or less - being revealed by the clouds as they ebb and flow.

Acres of fluffy clouds as far as the eye can see to the east.

Looking great from every angle.

Fletcher is oblivious to the magnificence behind him.

I did hang around on Helvellyn for a good while (for me anyway) and walked along the ridge a couple of time before heading south to Nethermost Pike, here looking to the west with Bowfell to Great Gable in view through the inversion.

The inversion clouds are sinking away from Striding Edge and Catstycam now.

A penny for them Fletcher.

Heading for High Crag.

A panorama to the west. The central part if the lakes along Thirlmere was clear of cloud.

Fairfield and the Ill Bell ridge beyond.

Seat Sandal under a cloud cap. I stopped on Dollywaggon Pike and had a coffee and watched the fascinating cloud movements unfold. The cloud was pouring from Grisedale Tarn and down Raise Beck and began to fill up the Thirlmere valley.

Looking along The Tongue from Dollywaggon Pike summit, a good place to sit for a while. Amazingly I never saw anyone along this ridge after I left Helvellyn.

...and looking back the other way.

At the old gatepost that marks the start of the steep descent to Grisedale Tarn, Seat Sandal summit is out of the clouds now so let's go for it!

More thoughts for Fletcher on the way down. Oh my, I had forgotten how steep this was!

We're going in!

Then, as if by magic, the cloud has all but gone looking to Fairfield and St Sunday Crag from the steep climb to Seat Sandal.

Grasmere, Windermere and Coniston from Seat Sandal summit.

A brocken spectre? Nearly....sort of...not quite. If the clouds were a bit thicker it would have been a cert from that position but not to worry.

The view from Low Wood on the way home - rarely is Winderemere this calm.

Holme Fell

Walked on 02/12/2021

Start Point: Hodge Close (NY 315 016)

Holme Fell from Hodge Close

Distance: 2.6 miles Total Ascent: 165 metres Time Taken: 1 hour Start Time: 09:50

Weather:

Clear                 
Temperature      -1 ℃ 
Felt like        -4 ℃
Wind Speed       6.4 mi/h
Wind Direction   NNW

It was looking like it would be another fantastic day today so I made time to get to seek out some fresh air and climb the diminutive Holme Fell. It is always enjoyable up here and one I have visited a fair few times over the years. One thing I did notice since I last climbed is how clear the paths up there are now compared to how they were, which I guess proves how popular this fell has become recently. Another observation was that around the summit there was evidence of a fair few camp fires, something I have not seen there before.

Out of the shadows and into the light - up at the first reservoir on the climb to Holme Fell (on the right behind the tree). Ivy Crag is the prominence in the centre.

Looking back down over the reservoir and what a stunning day it is. Helvellyn has a dusting of snow in the distance.

Looking across to Wetherlam it is just so clear. Steel Edge is in the centre running diagonally right to left - it looks like an easy climb from here!

The familiar silhouette of the Langdale Pikes.

A panorama to the north and east looking at Helvellyn and Fairfield. Once up on the summit ridge the wind really picked up and it had a raw, biting edge to it.

A fantastic view along the length of Coniston Water.

Barking Dougal and ready to pounce Fletcher on Holme Fell.

Holme Fell summit looking to the far eastern fells.

A panoramic shot of Wetherlam.

A short walk away from the summit is Ivy Crag, arguably a better viewpoint than the true summit and certainly an airier perch with a large cairn. This view is looking across the main summit ridge in the middle distance to Wetherlam which dominates.

The view from Ivy Crag across Tilberthwaite and Lingmoor Fell to the Langdale Pikes.

Looking north-east to the Ill Bell ridge from the descent. The trees look a bit bare now after Storm Arwen.

Back down at the reservoir which is partially frozen still.

The second (hidden) reservoir - Dougal and Fletcher have seen something!

Footnote #1: If you look closely in this 'quick on the draw' photo you might be able to see what Dougal and Fletcher had spotted in the last photo. It was a fantastic sight - a magnificent stag descended the crag in front of us no more than 10m away, stared at us for a couple of seconds then bolted. That was a sight to remember for sure, it was the biggest stag I have seen for a long time in the Lake District. Of course those two nearly went through themselves and didn't know what to make of it!

Footnote #2: There are signs of Storm Arwen all over the Lake District with fallen trees etc everywhere and there are unfortunately still (at the time of typing) people without power. When I parked at Hodge Close and set off this morning, mine was the only car there. When I came back it looked like the whole of Electricity North West had descended upon the area with lots of vans and equipment down there. Great too see them at work and chasing down the issues, I hope they get everyone re-connected soon.

Harter Fell

Walked on 25/11/2021

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

Harter Fell from Birks Bridge

Distance: 4.9 miles Total Ascent: 477 metres Time Taken: 2 hours Start Time: 09:30

Clear                 
Temperature      3 ℃ 
Felt like        0 ℃
Wind Speed       8.6 mi/h
Wind Direction   NNW

It was the calm before the storm weather-wise today with it being cold, crisp and settled for one day only. I managed to get out for a walk to Harter Fell in the Duddon Valley, I know this offers some of the finest views of the Scafells and today did not disappoint. I felt sure I would be alone today in this remote fell at the head of a hidden valley – it didn’t quite turn out that way in the end but the day was enjoyable nevertheless.

On the top the conditions were baltic with a cold northerly wind blowing which meant we didn’t hang around for too long but I did manage to shelter from the wind and enjoy lunch looking across to the Scafells. Today I was with both furry companions as Dougal had an outing alongside Fletcher.

The south-west descent from Harter Fell. This was the steep way and I followed the wall - my recommendation for anyone thinking of it is...don't bother! It is too steep and rough to be enjoyable.

A room with a view - Grey Friar from Birks.

Autumn turning to winter.

Hardknott Forest is being returned to native woodland.

This is the steep way up!

Fletcher heading for the summit.

Cockley Beck and Wrynose Bottom from Maiden Castle.

I was thinking on the way up, you hardly see a soul up here. In fact I was thinking I don't think I have ever seen anyone up here apart from Chris Jesty who I bumped into one time. That thought was shattered when we reached the top - there was easy a dozen people up there, not sure where they all came from but I guess the day was too good to miss, like this fantastic view of the Scafells from the top.

A panoramic view - Scafell, Scafell Pike, Esk Pike and Bowfell.

The summit of Harter Fell.

Looking across to the rocks that are the true summit of Harter Fell.

The daring duo back together - Dougal and Fletcher. I think this is about the limit for Dougal now as he was flagging a bit towards the end.

Looking to the west coast from the summit along the Eskdale valley, Devoke Water visible.

Sun over the Duddon Estuary.

Looking across Eskdale with Eel Tarn and Burnmoor Tarn visible.

The forest road on the return to Birks. This soon changed into a boggy mess of a path.

Little Stand and the River Duddon .

The River Duddon below Birks Bridge, the perfect place for Dougal and Fletcher to have a dip at the end of the walk.

Gummer’s How

Walked on 21/11/2021

Start Point: Gummer’s How Car Park (SD 390 877)Gummer’s How Car Park – Gummer’s How (OF) – Gummer’s How Car Park

Start Time: 10:35

Weather: Clear
Temperature     4 ℃
Feels like        0℃
Wind Speed      10.3 mi/h
Wind Direction N
Humidity          87%

It was a lot colder today than it has been during the rest of November, a real shock to the system but with the cold weather came clear skies.

Connie came home this weekend as a surprise visit from Manchester and really wanted to get out for a walk to her favourite fell, Gummer’s How, so how could I resist that one? It really was fantastic conditions up there today with a biting wind on the top. There was a long procession of people going that way as well such is its popularity and of course it is a relatively easy walk. Great to get the old team together once more!

Connie on Gummer's How 2005 vintage.

Looking down on Lakeside from the end of the steep section.

The Coniston fells from the trig. column on Gummer's How.

The nearest Connie got to sitting on the column today over 16 years later!

The view along Windermere to the Fairfield Horseshoe and Red Screes.

Connie with Dougal and Fletcher at the same place - almost impossible to get all three to look in the right direction at once/smile/open eyes etc!

Steamer steaming below and the Coniston fells looking magnificent beyond.

The length of Windermere.

Connie and Angus on Gummer's How 2005.

The Dunnerdale Fells

Walked on 19/11/2021

Start Point: Kiln Bank Cross (SD 215 933)

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

Start Time: 09:50

Partly Cloudy

Temperature     11 ℃
Feels like        11 ℃
Wind Speed       11.7 mi/h
Wind Direction   WSW
Humidity          83%

It was sunny at home this morning but further inland over the Lakeland fells there was lots of low lying cloud. The only place with any light it seemed was the south-western corner and even that was looking a bit hit and miss. It is always an enjoyable and relatively easy round at Dunnerdale. The clouds were scooting through all the time and it was pretty breezy up on the tops. At least it was a chance for Dougal to get out again!

Up at Stickle Tarn - spot the Dougal? (and Fletcher!)

Stickle Pike - this would be the last time the top was fully out of the clouds.

Fletcher on the path to Great Stickle.

looking back to Stickle Pike.

On the Great Stickle ridge with the prominent trig.column ahead.

Show me the light. Drama over Broughton.

Looking down to the Duddon Estuary.

Sing Dougal, let them all know you are here!

The cloud has moved in from Tarn Hill summit.

Fletcher looking distinctly unimpressed with the windy conditions!

Back to Stickle Pike.

If anything there is even more cloud now climbing to Stickle Pike. I bumped into one of Connie's old teachers here, the only person I met all day so we stopped and chewed the fat about the good old days (when we used to work for a living!). The path to Stickle Pike is a great groove up the fellside but in my memory it was always a thing path in the grass.

Nothing to see here - Stickle Pike.