Caw

Walked on 02/01/2025

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: 5.6 km Total Ascent: 300 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 40 minutes Start Time: 14:30

Happy New Year for 2025 and after endless days of rain and cloud, suddenly there was sunshine and a gorgeous day so we headed out for a late (relatively – the sun was already setting when we set off at 14:30!) afternoon walk. Caw is a lovely fell, mid-Duddon valley with glorious views all around and easy navigation.

Long mid-winter shadows following the Park Head Road.

Looking to the head of the Duddon Valley from the top of Long Mire.

Esk Pike has a sprinkling of snow with the cloud hanging over Bowfell.

We made a direct ascent to the top - what a view!

A paraglider took off from the top just as we made it. Fletcher didn't know what to make of that and was completely spooked.

Looking out towards the Duddon Estuary.

The Coniston fells.

A magnificent view of the fells at the head of the Duddon Valley.

A view to Wasdale, Pillar being the highest in view.

Across the Duddon Valley to the west Cumbrian coast, Devoke Water top left.

Unimpressed Fletcher!

What a lovely evening.

Close up on the Duddon Estuary.

Let the light in. The setting sun with Black Combe and Stickle Pike silhouetted.

Deepening colours, lengthening shadows.

Take in the view Fletcher, it is magnificent.

Helvellyn via Striding Edge

Walked on 11/11/2024

Walking Diary 2024

Start Point: Patterdale (NY 394 160)

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

Distance: 14.2 km Total Ascent: 898 metres Time Taken: 5 hours 10 minutes Start Time: 06:40

Weather: Some cloud, clearing. 4°C

After seemingly endless days of gloom and overcast skies over the last week or two, today was forecast to be a lot clearer and that was a good enough excuse to head out on the fells, today it was up to Helvellyn via Striding Edge then returning via Swirral Edge. As it was the 11th November, Fletcher wore his poppy and we had an Armistice Day silence on the descent of Birkhouse Moor – we were on The Nab at 11. There was also a thought for Jeff today as we crossed Striding Edge…

A blood red sky at dawn.

The view along Grisedale Valley.

The sunrise was...

...spectacular!

After the initial sunrise, the clouds rolled in. By the time we reached the Hole in the Wall, it was windy and cold - time to layer up!

Flecther contemplates the crossing of Striding Edge.

Striding Edge - there were brief glimpses of sunshine and blue sky but they never held for long. Walking along Striding Edge there was time for more than a thought for Jeff, a friend from across the pond who sadly passed away earlier this year and his partner Cindy. As Cindy said about Jeff, his heart was always in the Lake District - RIP Jeff.

Looking back along Striding Edge.

The Chimney.

Climbing higher, up to Helvellyn looking back along Striding Edge.

A thought and a memory from someone to their beloved Mum on the top of Helvellyn.

No need to look quite so glum Fletcher, there's only me and you up here today!

I can't believe how eroded Swirral Edge has become, it seemed in a much worse state today than I have seen before. As we descended, the clouds began to part heading towards Catstycam.

Red Tarn appears through the mist.

Then suddenly the clouds parted ahead and Catstycam appears looking fabulous in the sunshine.

Climbing to the top.

...and where we came from.

Fletcher wears his poppy with pride.

A Brocken Spectre from Catstycam.

Looking back to Swirral Edge after the descent from Catstycam.

The view from Birdhouse Moor, the clouds have still not yet departed from the top of Helvellyn.

Ullswater from The Nab on Birdhouse Moor.

Back to the valley and it looks a whole lot better up on high now.

The sun lights up the trees in all their Autumn glory.

Coniston Fells

Walked on 14/10/2024

Walking Diary 2024

Start Point: Walna Scar road (SD 289 970)

Walna Scar Car Park – Coniston Old Man – Brim Fell – Little How Crags – Fairfield col – Grey Friar – Great Carrs – Top of Broad Slack – Swirl How – Prison Band – Swirl Hawse – Levers Water – Boulder Valley – Walna Scar Car Park

Distance: 14.4 km Total Ascent: 876 metres Time Taken: 4 hours 30 minutes Start Time: 06:45

Weather: Beautiful and clear. 2°C

Time to dust off the hiking boots now that summer has gone and the crowds have largely receded. It was great to get out again on such a day, there was absolute clarity and views for miles. There was no one around at all today until I got to Boulder Valley, so I had the fells to myself for a while. I know these fells well and have walked them many times but they are still great walk; it felt a bit like coming home.

There was a bank of low lying cloud on the horizon this morning so it took 10 minutes or so for the sun to actually appear - it was shaping up to be a beautiful day.

Golden Hour looking to the west.

Climbing higher now, there was no one around only me, Fletcher and the sheep.

Made it! It was clear everywhere looking to the Scafells.

Coniston Old Man. Fletcher is there somewhere.

looking down to Coniston - village and water.

Fletcher basking in the early morning sun.

What a beautiful morning.

Looking to the south-west across Brown Pike, Walna Scar, Caw and Black Combe.

...and in the opposite direction to the north-east across Low Water.

The Old Man (men?!) and the Scafells.

We visited Angus, Casper and Dougal whilst at the top.

Dow Crag.

Looking back to The Old Man from the path to Brim Fell.

On the way to Brim Fell.

The pool is frozen this morning.

The Old man from Brim Fell summit.

Great How Crags and Swirl How ahead. Distant Skiddaw and Blencathra are visible.

The next target is Grey Friar, the central lump in this photo with the Scafells beyond.

Following Fletcher.

Seathwaite Tarn and Harter Fell. Sellafield is in view up to the right.

Brim Fell and Dow Crag.

A lovely view over Levers Water from Little How Crags.

Climbing to Grey Friar from Fairfield col.

Dow Crag looks magnificent from this angle.

Matterhorn Rock.

The summit of Grey Friar looking to the north-west cairn and the magnificent Scafells beyond.

It\'s a fine view Fletcher.

A peep into the Langdale Valley with Skiddaw and blencathra beyond.

Which path? We came across on the right hand path in this photo and climbed to Great Carrs on the second left.

Looking back to Grey Friar from the climb to Great Carrs.

Greenburn and little Langdale from Great Carrs.

The Halifax Bomber crash memorial on Great Carrs. The Halifax bomber crashed on 22 October 1944 and all 8 crew members (7 Canadian and 1 British) were killed in the crash. In 2005 2005-new slate plaque was installed, dedicated 11/11/2005 by Rev Mark East.

Serial Number: LL505 \"S for Sugar\"

Swirl How.

Looking down Prison Band to Black Sails and Wetherlam.

Prison Band from below Swirl Hawse.

Levers Water - a place for a drink and a paddle Fletcher?

There has been some fin cairn building going oil since last time I came along here - brilliant effort whoever is building them! This should make the way clearer in poor weather.

At Levers Water dam.

Coniston Coppermines Valley.

Far Easedale Round

Walked on 26/04/2024

Walking Diary 2024

Start Point: Lancrigg Car Park, Easedale (NY 331 083)

Lancrigg Car Park, Easedale – Stythwaite Steps – Tarn Crag East Ridge – Tarn Crag – Codale Head – Sergeant Man – High Raise – Low White Stones – Greenup Edge – Brownrigg Moss – Calf Crag – Gibson Knott – Helm Crag – Lancrigg Car Park, Easedale

Distance: 17.3 km Total Ascent: 805 metres Time Taken: 4 hours 45 minutes Start Time: 07:45

Weather: Cold wind, clear spells, 5°C

I have had this walk lined up for a little while but was waiting for a suitable weather window to do it. I was rewarded for that wait today, the weather being absolutely fantastic and coupled with the surroundings made this walk very enjoyable from start to finish – I can well recommend it. When I looked back through my walks, the last time I was up on Tarn Crag was in 2010 – an unbelievable 14 years ago!

Easedale at the start of the walk and what a beautiful start to the day. The birds were singing and there wasn't a breath of wind.

Looking across Easedale to Sour Milk Gill with Tarn Crag beyond, the pointed summit is where we are heading, climbing along the east ridge.

Heading into Far Easedale towards Stythwaite Steps.

The crossing of Far Easedale Gill at Stythwaite Steps (which is now a footbridge).

Looking into Far Easedale with Calf Crag at the head, the way we will be returning later.

Just at the top of the wall on the climb from the footbridge, these rocks mentioned by Wainwright can be seen. He calls it 'Interesting boulder' and the drawing is shown on The Central Fells, Tarn Crag 6. "The two boulders illustrated above still have foliage (heather and tree) and are a destination popular enough to have encouraged the creation of a path".

Hey, ewe! I wonder what has caught this Herdy's attention?! (Clue: he has 4 legs, a waggy tail and is my walking companion!).

The prominent Rock Tor on the east ridge, a good marker to let you know you are going the right way.

Looks like Fletcher was just in time with his new haircut, he is loving the weather above Easedale Tarn.

Blea Rigg across Easedale Tarn, the conditions were perfect up here.

Tarn Crag ahead with Deer Bield Crag to the right. The summit is the pointed peak in the centre.

Tarn Crag summit. There is not much of a cairn left now.

Water, water everywhere...the pools are frozen still on the tops when we crossed Tarn Crag southwards to have a look over Easedale Tarn.

Back to Tarn Crag summit - this is the rock plinth that marks the summit.

Beautiful shifting light on Codale Tarn, beyond is Harrison Stickle and Pavey Ark.

Fletcher leads the way on the climb to Codale Head.

Sergeant Fletcher checks out Sergeant Man .

The clouds seemed to be building now as we summited Sergeant Man, here looking down on the back of the Langdale Pikes, Pavey Ark to the right with Stickle Tarn visible, Lingmoor Fell and Side Pike central and the Coniston fells beyond.

A magnificent view of Bowfell and the Scafells from Sergeant Man.

Great Gable and High Stile over Glaramara.

Once we reached the summit of High Raise (the centre of the Lake District and the highest point on today's walk) I stopped for a while and had a brew taking in the fantastic views in near perfect conditions. It is one of my favourites fells and it never fails to disappoint. This is looking into Langstrath from the coffee stop.

Look at this view to Skiddaw and Blencathra, it is magnificent. When I first sat down there wasn't a breath of wind and it was silent apart from the chirruping of the Skylarks. 10 minutes later when I stood up to carry on, the wind had picked up noticeably so its looked like I hit the sweet spot with timing there!

I headed down to Low White Stones following the path.

Descending Greenup Edge, even normally dull Ullscarf is looking good today.

It always strikes me that everything seems within easy reach from here, Sergeant's Crag and Eagle Crag especially as they are so near yet for me it is a long drive round to Borrowdale to climb them from that side.

There is a new pavement under construction across Wythburn, I must say these large slabs make the going a lot easier than trying to get across the previously boggy area.

Fletcher crosses the gateway through the invisible fence.

Heading for Calf Crag and the start of the return leg.

looking along Far Easedale to Grasmere from Calf Crag.

Fletcher in a thoughtful pose.

Looking across Far Easedale to Tarn Crag from Gibson Knott.

...and looking along to Helm Crag from the same place.

A Birds Eye view of the path walked earlier. At the bottom is the bridge at Stythwaite Steps. Follow the wall up and round and Wainwright's 'interesting boulder' is also visible.

Helm Crag ahead looking across Bracken Hause.

Looking back to Gibson Knott from the climb to Helm Crag.

The Howitzer, the summit rocks that mark the top of Helm Crag - also known as the Lion and the Lamb.

A little further on and these are the rocks that give the fells the local name of The Lion and the Lamb (although from this side it should be The Lamb and the Lion!).

Grasmere - town and lake.

I spotted this plaque hidden away in Lancrigg Gardens on a small rock. It is in Latin, the inscription reads "Hoc in supercilic sedebat Dorothea Wordsworth dum ex ore fratis prope inambulantis carmina describit" translated as "Dorothy Wordsworth used to sit at this spot, writing down the poems that her brother dictated as he walked nearby".

Beacon Fell

Walked on 14/04/2024

Walking Diary 2024

Start Point: At the end of the minor road from Brown Howe (SD 281 916)

Beacon Fell (OF) from Tottle Bank

Distance: 3.7 km Total Ascent: 155 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 15. Start Time: 10:40

Weather: Breezy with sunny spells. 11°C

The weather seems to have been incessantly wet over the last couple of weeks and there hasn’t been much chance of getting out for me. Hopefully we are heading towards sunnier and warmer weather but fine will do just…er, fine for now! Brightness wasn’t really expected today so I took the opportunity when I saw it with some lovely sunny spells on this short but enjoyable walk. The wind was quite strong on the top with a biting edge to it. It’ll soon be summer!

Beacon fell Route Map

The Coniston fells dominate the scene to the north throughout this walk, but what a magnificent view looking at Dow Crag and The Old Man.

Fletcher enjoying the fleeting moments of sunshine.

Beacon Fell ahead.

High and mighty - The Old Man of Coniston.

Getting closer now, we climbed from left to right up the slope.

Wetherlam beyond Torver Common and Torver.

The route to the top is the climb up this gully.

Looking back down the gully with a view to Coniston Water.

You can see virtually the full length of Coniston Water from here.

Having a summit drink!

The summit of Beacon Fell. I couldn't see the treasure tin again...sometimes it's there, sometimes not. Perhaps I'll renew it one day.

Descending to the south-west, overlooking Beacon Tarn.

Down at the tarn.

From here we followed the Cumbria way path back to the road.

This section is a bit boggy but yet again but the views are excellent.

Lingmoor Fell & Side Pike

Walked on 22/03/2024

Walking Diary 2024

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

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

Distance: 5.7 km Total Ascent: 365 metres Time Taken: 2 hours Start Time: 10:10

Weather: Cold wind, clear spells, 5°C

This is a great little walk, the scenery is fabulous throughout with the Langdale Pikes dominating the scene for most of the time. The view from Side Pike is possible the best view you can get of the Langdales and well worth squeezing through ‘The Squeeze’ to get to it. Blea Tarn is ever popular and offers great views with an easy path around it.

Lingmoor Fell and Side Pike route map.

Straight from the car park above Blea Tarn, there is a great view of the Langdales from the Side Gates road.

Heading a little further down the road towards Bleatarn House, there is a large stone next to the road known as the echo stone.

Looking across Blea Tarn to Blake Rigg on the eastern side of Pike o' Blisco.

Bowfell and The Band.

A fabulous view to Mickleden and the Langdale Pikes from the larches looking over Bleatarn House. Blea Tarn and Bleatarn House are described in Wordsworth's 1814 poem 'The Solitary' (which itself is part of a longer poem 'The Excursion': ...to the south Was one small opening, where a heath-clad ridge Supplied a boundary less abrupt and close; A quiet treeless nook, with two green fields, A liquid pool that glittered in the sun, and one bare Dwelling; one Abode, no more ! It seemed the home of poverty and toil Though not of want: the little fields, made green By husbandry of many thrifty years, Paid cheerful tribute to the moorland House.

Side Pike with the Langdales beyond.

Fletcher basking in the sunshine.

Blake Rigg and Pike o' Blisco across Blea Tarn. Crinkle Crags are silhouetted beyond.

Looking south to the Coniston fells with Wetherlam dominating and the long ridge of Wet Side Edge leading to Great Carrs.

Looking directly along Mickleden - what a view!

It doesn't look as though I am alone of this fell today! I passed this large group on the final part of the ascent,

Lingmoor Fell summit.

The Langdale Pikes and Lingmoor Tarn, the next target.

Down at Lingmoor Tarn.

The Langdlae pIkes are looking larger as I descend.

The 'Great Wall of Lingmoor' leads to Side Pike. It looks impenetrable from here but there is a way to get through.

Getting closer.

Looking back to Lingmoor Fell.

This is the key to climbing Side Pike - known as The Squeeze for obvious reasons. This is taken from the far side of it; it required bag removal and a deep breath to get through here!

A great view of Blea Tarn from the path skirting the foot of Side Pike.

Pike o' Blisco seems close from here.

There is probably the best view of the Langdale Pikes from Side Pike.

From Bowfell to Esk Pike.

A wide view of Oxendale and Mickleden.

A beautiful panorama from the top of the Blea Tarn Pass.

The Langdale Pikes across Blea Tarn.

Footnote: A then and now photo - Fletcher sitting on the very same stone that Mr A.Wainwright himself sat on in 1990!

Wainwright photo © Chris Butterfield/Estate of Kenneth Shepherd.
Check out Chris Butterfield’s fantastic Alfred Wainwright Books & Memorabilia website, it is a mine of useful information about all things Wainwright related!

Brim Fell Rake & Coniston Old Man

Walked on 04/03/2024

Walking Diary 2024

Start Point: Walna Scar road (SD 289 970)

Walna Scar car park – Low Water – Brim Fell Rake – Brim Fell – Coniston Old Man – Bursting Stone – Walna Scar car park

Distance: 7.8 km Total Ascent: 580 metres Time Taken: 2 hours 25 minutes Start Time: 15:35

Monday was a fabulous day, lots of blue sky with the sun beating down from above and the fells looking resplendent with a covering of snow. That, however, changed almost as soon as I set off for a late walk when I was hoping to catch a great sunset. The cloud soon came over the fells and the wind was ever increasing as I climbed – so no sunset to speak of and not an evening for hanging around on the top. It was a great walk nevertheless, just different to the one I had envisaged and showed how quickly conditions can change on the fells. Thankfully I was prepared for all conditions and had a great walk in the most wintry conditions.

At least there was a bit of sunshine at the start of the walk!

Snow capped Black Sails and Wetherlam.

Black Sails ridge above Levers Water (just visible).

Above the snow line now at Low Water.

In the bleak mid winter - Low Water and Coniston Old Man from Brim Fell Rake. The path to the summit is picked out well in the snow.

Swirl How left and Wetherlam right, seen from Brim Fell Rake. The icy wind was really picking up now and I was still jacket less. When should I stop to layer up?

Coniston Water and a glimpse of sunshine contrasting with the wintry world up on high.

Climbing above Levers Water.

Coniston Old Man - the trig column and cairn are visible clearly now.

Great How Crags and Swirl How, their Western slopes getting a last glimmer of sunshine.

Onto the top of Brim Fell now looking towards the Scafells.

From higher up looking northwards, Great Carrs is now visible along the ridge and distant Blencathra looks like it is in the sunshine.

Close up on Blencathra which looks very Alpine.

Brim Fell. Here I hid behind the cairn to get appropriately attired for the conditions on the ridge (which was very cold and very windy!).

Fletcher strikes an Angus pose (Angus was our previous fell-dog who rather enjoyed this type of pose in the wind!).

I wonder what the wind direction is?

Fletcher leads the way to The Old Man.

Dow Crag.

Looking back to Brim Fell.

Walking the snowy ridge.

Lots of snow up here this evening..

Trig column, remains of a snowman and cairn.

Coniston Old Man.

A quick hello to old friends - Angus, Casper and Dougal.

The weather was too severe to hang around for very long so it was straight over the summit and directly down with this final view to Coniston Water to the south.

Coniston Old Man and Dow Crag

Walked on 26/02/2024

Walking Diary 2024

Start Point: Walna Scar road (SD 289 970)

Walna Scar car park – Coniston Old Man – Goat’s Hawse – Dow Crag – Buck Pike – Brown Pike – Walna Scar car park

Distance: 10.4 km Total Ascent: 700 metres Time Taken: 3 hours 50 minutes Start Time: 06:40

It was a case of getting a walk in on a decent weather day again between not so decent weather day! The days are drawing longer with sunrise now at 07:10 so at least I managed to get halfway up The Old Man before that time and even then the low cloud blocked it out for a short while. There was a reminder that we are still in winter with snow on the tops and a bitingly cold wind.

Note: Route map is for indication purposes of general direction only.

The setting moon.

There was lots of low cloud around blocking the light from the sunrise.

Fletcher watches as the light hits Walna Scar.

Gradually the sun started to break through during the climb up The Old Man.

Crepuscular rays...

...light up Coniston.

A sky of two halves.

Blue sky on the approach to The Old Man summit.

Fletcher. We sat with Angus, Casper and Dougal for a short while (they were our older fell walking Bearded Collie companions, their ashes were scattered here) before moving on. The wind was strong and icy now brrr.

Looking across Levers Water, there is a lot of cloud over the eastern fells and it looked as though there were snow showers fleeting through too.

It looked very similar to the north too and the Scafells were nowhere to be seen. Perhaps I struck lucky with this little south western corner of sunshine.

I was all allone on the frozen summit of Coniston Old Man.

The view over Brown Pike, Walna Scar and Black Combe.

Brim Fell and beyond.

Dow Crag.

Barrow Offshore Windfarm visible today beyond Brown Pike.

Buck Pike and Black Combe.

Dow Crag above Goat's Water.

Goat's Water from Goat's Hawse.

Swirl How and Great Carrs, looking back from the path to Dow Crag from Goat's Hawse.

A rare burst of sunlight;ight on Grey Friar.

Dow Crag's rocky summit.

The south rake.

Looking back along the summit ridge.

...and again, further along.

Buck Pike summit cairn.

Brown Pike above Blind Tarn.

Patiently waiting (for a biscuit I expect!).

A view right through to the west Cumbrian coast, but I think Fletcher is sheep spotting.

Brown Pike summit.

'A shelter alongside the Walna Scar road, east of the pass , just big enough for one person or a honeymoon couple' A. Wainwright 'The Southern Fells' Dow Crag 4

Cove Bridge across Torver Beck.

Boo Tarn.

The animals went across one by one. There were lots of shepherd calls and whistles today with the sheep obediently obeying their masters commands.

Holme Fell

Walked on 13/02/2024

Walking Diary 2024

Start Point: Hodge Close (NY 315 016)

Holme Fell from Hodge Close

Distance: 3.7 km Total Ascent: 145 metres Time Taken: 1 hour Start Time: 09:55

The weather has been (and predicted to continue to be) poor this week with lots of rain and grey days. Today was the only one with any sign of promise so I went to Holme Fell to take advantage of a hopefully dry morning. It wasn’t too bad but the clouds did close in when I got to the top.

Looking across the larger reservoir, Ivy Crag to the left and Holme Fell summit ridge to the right. I had a near miss here - as I pulled my gloves from my pocket, my phone came with it and bounced 3 times on the (thankfully) soft grass before neatly plopping in the reservoir. I fished it out straight away and checked to see it was working - phew, I didn't know they were that water resistant!

Looking back across the reservoir in the opposite direction.

The Langdale Pikes under leaden skies.

...and a wider view.

The higher fells (Helvellyn & co) are hidden in the clouds today.

A fleeting glimpse of Wetherlam. As I reached the summit the cloud cover closed in with only occasional breaks in it.

Looking from the northern edge of the summit ridge.

Fletcher!

Holme Fell summit.

There is a fantastic view of Coniston Water from the southern end of the summit ridge, although I had to wait around to see it through the clouds today.

You are looking the wrong way Fletcher!

The cairn on Ivy Crag.

Down at the second, smaller reservoir.

Loughrigg Fell

Walked on 30/01/2024

Start Point: Tarn Foot, Skelwith Bridge (NY 345 039)

Tarn Foot – Ivy Crag – Loughrigg Fell – The How – Loughrigg Tarn – Tarn Foot

Distance: 5.1 km Total Ascent: 242 metres Time Taken: 2 hours Start Time: 11:00

Weather: Sunny & Bright. 4°C

The weather looked as though it would be good today, almost too good to be true given the recent bad weather and more bad weather forecast for the rest of the week. It wasn’t a difficult dcsision to take the opportunity to get out, on the climb the sun was beating down and it felt really warm but once up onto the ridge there was a gentle breeze and a reminder that it is still only January. Fantastic conditions and fantastic views all round today.

Wetherlam and the Coniston fells from the start of the climb at the foot of Ivy Crag.

What a view into Great Langdale from Ivy Crag, clear skies and I can see for miles and miles today.

A fresh dusting of snow over on the Fairfield ridge.

Walkers blazing a trail across Loughrigg ahead.

Red Screes with a slight dusting, Froswick - Ill Bell - Yoke beyond.

Close up on the Langdale Pikes. Hard to believe that it was full snow conditions less than two weeks ago

Windermere and sunshine.

Loughrigg Tarn and Elter Water

You don't get many views of the fells better than this.

Grasmere below looking through Dunmail Raise. In the distance, through the gap is Lonscale Fell.

A colour contrasting summit view.

It is a stunning day.

Loughrigg Fell summit. Looks like the trig. column has lost a bit off the top and been repaired since the last time I was here.

Bowfell and The Band.

This is a great spot for lunch Fletcher, I could sit here all day.

What a view!

Looking down on Elter Water, Coniston beyond.

Fletcher - he's loving it.

There were lots of jets around today making me jump every few minutes.

Loughrigg Tarn.

Loughrigg Tarn from the path, there is a gentle breeze blowing across it now and the clouds are closing in.

Great Gable

Walked on 26/01/2024

Start point: Wasdale Head (NY 186 084)

Wasdale Head – Moses Trod – Gavel Neese – Beck Head – Great Gable – Westmorland Cairn – Sty Head – Wasdale Head

Distance: 10km Total Ascent: 850 metres Time Taken: 3 hours 40 minutes Start Time: 09:50

Weather: Wild and windy. 2°C

The summit of Great Gable was cloud covered when I arrived at Wasdale Head but I was hopeful that it would clear out a little – certainly towards the coast there was sunshine and blue skies. That never quite materialised but it was still a great walk. Originally I planned to visit Napes Needle but the weather conditions at the top made me change my mind about that one; it was simply too windy to attempt the south traverse. Instead I dropped down to Sty Head on the main path as it was the safer and more straightforward option.

Great Gable from the track to Burnthwaite Farm.

The long and winding road.

Looking to Sty Head across Lingmell Beck from Moses Trod.

Looking back down to Wasdale from the Gavel Neese climb - I was ever hopeful that the blue sky and sunshine would come through the clouds.

Climbing higher - phew this is steep!

Kirk Fell from Beck Head and time to layer up as the weather conditions changed from pleasant to less than pleasant as soon as I reached the col.

Climbing a little higher, there is a view of the tarns and a better view of Kirk Fell.

A peep into Ennerdale and a view of High Stile.

A better view of the Ennerdale Valley as we climb and now we can see over into Buttermere.

Fletcher at the snow line - he always manages not to look impressed. From here the summit of Great Gable was mainly in the cloud and the wind was icy and fierce!

Great Gable summit plaque looks like it has been cleaned up.

Heading for the Westmorland Cairn there were fleeting glimpses of Wasdale through the rapidly parting clouds.

Made it and even just standing up here was quite tricky in the wind, so there was no time for hanging around.

Torchlight.

Fletcher checks out Styhead Tarn and Sprinkling Tarn.

I am only interested in biscuits.

Styhead Tarn and Seathwaite Fell.

A new Stretcher Box at Sty Head, Great End beyond.

Skew Gill.

Piers Gill and Lingmell.

The way back to Wasdale.

The Great Napes.Napes Needle (originally today's plan) is visible bottom left of the Napes.

Cat Rock silhouette.

Gable Beck from the bridge.

The Wasdale Head Inn.

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.