Coniston

Walked on 11/05/2010

I just went for a short and easy saunter around Tarn Hows today but couldn’t resist the views from the east side of Coniston Water on the way there in the car. The lake was completely flat and calm this morning and offered some quite glamorous looking views. When we got to Tarn Hows the place was completely deserted so we had that all to ourselves as well.

A flat and calm Coniston Water this morning at Low Peel Near.

A beautiful view of the sunlit Coniston fells.

Beacon Fell.

The western bank of Coniston Water.

Beacon Fell from further round the cove.

...and a bit further.

...and even further round.

Coniston jetty.

The cloud is starting to build quite heavily now.

But there are still lovely reflections.

Casper and Dougal up at a deserted Tarn Hows.

Dougal finds one or two playmates in The Tarns.

B&W Tarn Hows.

Tom Gill falls are reduced to a trickle.

The outlet of Tarn Hows is reduced to nothing.

A bit of sunshine once more.

Spoiling the reflections or enhancing the view?

Beacon Fell

Walked on 07/05/2010

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

Beacon Fell (OF) from Tottle Bank

Distance: 2 miles Total Ascent: 200 metres Time Taken: 1 hour Start Time: 09:50

Weather: Overcast, 10C

I’m still taking it easy at the moment but the doctor ordered fresh air, so who was I to argue? The dogs and I are, of course, going up the wall but an easy walk up to Beacon Fell was good enough to escape confinement today. The weather was really changeable and was coupled with a strong breeze…but we were out!

Beacon Fell route map.

It looks quite pleasant and sunny at the start of the walk.

Hmm, it's a bit more ominous looking over the other way though.

A gloomy view to the east over Stable Harvey Moss.

Casper crosses his paws and wishes that we can get out on more walks soon.

The rain blowing in from the eastern fells.

Climbing the gully.

These two dogs are happy to be out.

Coniston Water from the gully.

The summit of Beacon Fell. It was pleasing to see the treasure tin has made a welcome return here, Dougal found it by sniffing out the goodies inside!

Dow Crag and The Old Man.

Coniston Water now with blue sky.

Dougal is one year old tomorrow.

All change on the Coniston fells as the blue sky appears once more.

Beacon Tarn.

Dougal and Casper were straight in.

He's in deep water now!

The boys seem to know the way back okay.

Down at Brown Howe, the level of Coniston Water seems really low.

High Dam

Walked on 27/04/2010

High Dam

I have had a week of illness and am still nowhere near fighting fit but being virtually housebound for a week has sent me stir crazy, so a slow and easy walk was required today to get me out in the fresh air. High Dam fit the bill perfectly and this walk can be made as long or as short as required – today it was short but it was still good to be out and about.

Like StridingEdge.net? Have a look at the new StridingEdge fan page on Facebook where there are discussions and photos about all things Lake District.

A relief map of Finsthwaite and High Dam which fed the Stott Park Bobbin Mill.

Walking through the woods to Low Dam.

High Dam.

Reflections.

A panoramic view from High Dam.

Which one is which? at Low Dam.

Low Dam reflections.

The beck that fed Stott Park Bobbin Mill.

Daffodils at Finsthwaite.

The weir at Newby Bridge.

Newby Bridge.

Calm at Newby Bridge, but remember this similar shot from November?...

Work is ongoing at The Swan which has still not opened after the floods in November...

A couple of videos...watch them in HD...

Kentmere Horseshoe

Walked on 19/04/2010

Start point: Kentmere (NY 456 041)

Kentmere – Garburn Pass – Yoke – Ill Bell – Froswick – Thornthwaite Beacon – High Street – Mardale Ill Bell – Nan Bield Pass – Harter Fell –Kentmere Pike – Shipman Knotts – Kentmere

Distance: 13 miles Total Ascent: 1161 metres Time Taken: 5 hours Start Time: 07:00

Weather: Overcast, 10C

The good weather certainly deserted me this morning and the walk from Kentmere to the top of the Garburn Pass was completed in pouring rain. The weather improved by drying up but the tops were shrouded in mist throughout the walk, although the sun did have a good attempt at trying to burn through but never quite made it. There were no views and no other people around today.

Kentmere Horseshoe route map.

Badger Rock in the rain.

Looking back to Kentmere.

A bit brighter now but still raining climbing the Garburn Road.

Heading for Yoke - what's that over there boys?

A glimpse of Windermere from the 'motorway'.

Yoke.

Ill Bell - there are only two cairns standing now...

...although there are three 'monuments' in this photo. Cheer up Dougal, it might never happen.

Casper checks out Kentmere Reservoir below.

Froswick.

Lingmell End on Mardale Ill Bell across Upper Kentmere.

Thornthwaite Beacon.

The summit of High Street.

Looks a bit clearer over on The Knott and Rest Dodd from the Roman Road.

Hayeswater.

In the absence of any views whatsoever, here is another dog/summit photo of Dougal on Mardale Ill Bell!

This is how to grade a path so that packhorses can get up them - the ancient track across Nan Bield Pass from Kentmere.

Kentmere Pike.

Shipman Knotts across the stile.

Kentmere Pike from Shipman Knotts.

Longsleddale from Shipman Knotts.

It looks a bit brighter now looking towards the Ill Bell ridge from Stile End.

Kentmere Pike and Shipman Knotts from Low Lane.

Crossing a sunny River Kent.

Sunshine over Green Quarter.

Kentmere Church.

Holme Fell

Walked on 16/04/2010

Start point: Hodge Close (NY 315 016)

Holme Fell from Hodge Close

Distance: 1.7 miles Total Ascent: 165 metres Time Taken: 45 minutes Start Time: 13:20

Weather: Sunny, 15C

It seemed to nice to miss the good weather so I found time for a quick walk up to Holme Fell this afternoon. It was lovely and warm once more and there were a few people around enjoying the good weather. There are no planes in the sky today due to the Icelandic volcano eruption and therefore no contrails either. There was, however, evidence of cows at this particular summit so it was a pretty odd day all in all!

Holme Fell route map.

Coniston Water, from the east side of the lake.

Looking across to The Old Man.

Looking to the head of Coniston Water and Holme Fell, where we are heading today.

Big Wall in Hodge Close Quarry.

Reflections in the smaller reservoir. We skirted around this way to try and avoid a large herd of cows!

Looking across the larger reservoir and those are the cows in the foreground, not Casper and Dougal as it appears at first glance! Me and the two 'cow magnets' ended up walking through the middle of the herd anyway. Sorry boys, you are on your own on this section - I don't think we have ever walked so quickly!

Lingmoor Fell and the Langdale Pikes.

The view to the far eastern fells.

Looking to Helvellyn and Fairfield.

Wetherlam from Holme Fell.

Casper and Dougal making sure the mud gets nicely baked on at the top of Holme Fell. Watch it boys, I can definitely hear the scissors being sharpened now.

There is a great view of Wetherlam, where I was on my last walk on Wednesday, from here.

Coniston Water.

The Langdale Pikes from Ivy Crag.

A closer view with plenty of mining evidence in the foreground.

More bovine avoidance tactics were required as we skirted the eastern side of the reservoir on the return section.

Wetherlam across the reservoir.

Wetherlam

Walked on 14/04/2010

Start point: Tilberthwaite car park (NY 306 010)

Tilberthwaite – Steel Edge – Wetherlam – Wetherlam Edge – Birk Fell Man on Birk Fell – Tilberthwaite Gill – Tilberthwaite

Distance: 4.2 miles Total Ascent: 648 metres Time Taken: 2 hours Start Time: 08:25

Weather: Sunny, 12C

It‘s seems like a while since I have been on the high fells due to Easter holidays and other commitments but what a glorious day for a return; the weather really was fantastic. The light was just gorgeous on the fells and it felt good to be alive up there today. The sunshine in the photos probably gives a false impression though as it was not as warm as it looks higher up and on the Wetherlam ridge the wind was pretty icy.

Wetherlam route map.

Early at Tilberthwaite, the cloud is shrouding the eastern fells.

Heading for Wetherlam above Yewdale Beck.

The view across Tilberthwaite from higher up.

Crossing Crook Beck.

Yes Dougal, we are going up there.

Steel Edge, Wetherlam.

The bookends contemplate Steel Edge.

Looking back down Steel Edge.

Dougal, all a blur.

'If you have never climbed Wetherlam by Steel Edge, then you have never lived'...Dougal, 2010.

Getting higher.

Getting the hurry up call from the two four leg drive dogs.

Coniston Water from Red Gill Head.

The view across to The Old Man.

The Wetherlam ridge.

A panoramic view from Red Gil Head.

Coniston Old Man with Low Water and Levers Water in view.

The Old Man and Brim Fell from Wetherlam Tarn.

Wetherlam Edge and beyond from the Wetherlam ridge.

Swirl How.

The Langdale Pikes and Helvellyn from the summit of Wetherlam.

Casper and Dougal with lengthening tongues. although the sun was shining the walk along the ridge was accompanied by a cold wind and it was touch and go whether gloves and hat were needed.

The Coniston fells from Wetherlam - from The Old Man to Swirl How.

The Scafells and Bowfell are cloud covered for now.

Wetherlam Edge and Little Langdale Tarn.

The Langdale Pikes and Blea Tarn.

The last few patches of snow on the descent of Wetherlam Edge.

This descent gave those new Salomon's a good workout.

Wetherlam Edge from the bottom.

The summit of Birk Fell.

Wetherlam Edge from Birk Fell.

Wetherlam and Larches.

Panoramic Wetherlam.

Passing below Steel Edge, the route used in ascent.

Looking back from the path to Tilberthwaite.

Crossing Yewdale Beck.

Back to Tilberthwaite.

Blawith Knott

Walked on 07/04/2010

Start point: Woodland Fell road (SD 256 879)

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

Distance: 2 miles Total Ascent: 156 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 30 minutes Start Time: 14:30

Weather: Sunny, 12C

It was really quite warm and sunny today, perhaps this is the real start of Spring? Everything seems to be beginning to bud and all the daffodils around are in full flower – anyway, it was good to get some fresh air and not have to bother about keeping dry for a change.

Blawith Knott route map.

The Giant's Grave.

Connie and her friend Abbie looking forward to enjoying the Spring weather.

The blue skies and sunshine seemed to be coming in from the south west, here looking across to the Dunnerdale fells from the climb.

The Coniston fells with the distant Scafell and Scafell Pike visible in the centre.

The view from the first summit cairn on Blawith Knott.

Looking in the opposite direction to Black Combe.

Dougal and Casper on the summit.

A smiling group shot.

The two cairns on Blawith Knott looking towards Buckbarrow (the Black Combe one).

Only remnants of snow on the southern face of Scafell and Scafell Pike now.

Following the looping path past Angus Tarn to Tottlebank Height.

The Coniston fells from above Angus Tarn.

Try keeping Casper and Dougal out of there!

A dip in Angus Tarn for the boys.

The scissors are being warmed up for you Casper!

Beacon Fell.

On Tottlebank Height.

The eastern fells beyond Beacon Fell and the merest glimpse of Coniston Water.

Pretty in pink these two are.

Caw and the Dunnerdale fells.

The sky over Morecambe Bay.

Blawith Knott.

Stickle Pike

Walked on 01/04/2010

Start point: Kiln Bank Cross (SD 215 933)

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

Distance: 1 mile Total Ascent: 105 metres Time Taken: 45 minutes Start Time: 09:40

Weather: Ever brightening with a cold wind, 5C

It looked decidedly wintry as we reached the foot of Stickle Pike today, the showers were of snow and hail and the clouds over the high fells looked to be snow too. Amazingly it started to brighten up almost as soon as we set off with the sunshine lighting up the fells by the time we got to the top. Always a favourite with Connie this one but it was very cold today.

It was looking a bit grim to the north looking across to Caw, the sky was snow laden with frequent showers passing over us. What a fiercely cold wind it was too that heralded a return to wintry conditions with the snow line being down to 300m.

Stickle Pike from Stickle Tarn and things are certainly brightening up from the south. Dougal is making a sharp exit for the nearest watering hole!

Bright and breezy Stickle Tarn.

Caw and the Dunnerdale fells pock marked with old mine workings.

The climb to Stickle Pike. Casper and Dougal are covering twice as much ground as us this morning.

Caw from the climb.

Whitfell across the Duddon Valley.

The fell hound surveys his kingdom of the Duddon Valley.

Connie, Dougal and Casper on a windswept Stickle Pike summit.

The south top from the north...

...and the north from the south, Connie in the foreground and Harter Fell beyond.

Great Stickle and the Duddon Estuary.

Black Combe and sunshine.

Caw and Stickle Tarn from the south top.

The Pike and Hesk Pike across the Duddon Valley.

The boys get in a tangle on the descent.

A final look back to Stickle Pike in completely different weather now.

Great Burney

Walked on 30/03/2010

Start point: Woodland Fell road (SD 258 852)

Burney (OF) from the Woodland Fell Road

Distance: 1.2 miles Total Ascent: 122 metres Time Taken: 30 minutes Start Time: 10:20

Weather: Cats and dogs, 9C

It was absolutely chucking it down today but those dogs still need to be walked whatever the weather, so it was a local short walk up to Wainwright Outlying fell Great Burney. They don’t seem to mind the rain so much and neither do I really but it makes for an interesting ‘quick on the draw’ style of photography! Today, I was mostly wearing Paramo…

At the start of the track on Kirkby Moor and look at those stair rods!

That looks like a hurry up call from Casper as we head towards Combs.

This may look like just a pile of embedded old stones but is the site of an ancient stone circle.

It feels like you are on ancient tracks around here and the area is well known for its bronze age artefacts. This ancient cairn lies on the track to the Crake Valley and Coniston Water is lost in the mist beyond.

Casper and Dougal at the top of Great Burney.

Damp and muddy Casper.

Not much to see from lowly Burney today.

I'm not sure what that look from Casper means - 'it's a bit wet Dad?'

Skiddaw

Walked on 23/03/2010

Start point: Gale Road End (NY 281 253)

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

Distance: 7 miles Total Ascent: 800 metres Time Taken: 2 hours 45 minutes Start Time: 08:45

Weather: Hazy, in and out of cloud, 9C

Today the weather was a lot better than yesterday and the sun was trying to burn through the haze and cloud most of the morning. My original intention was to go to Blencathra but I soon changed my mind when I saw the stubborn cloud on the top and Skiddaw looked a better bet with its wispy cloud which looked as though it would disappear at some point. It was noticeable how busy all the walking areas seemed to be today too, perhaps it is an indication that winter truly is over and the promise of better weather has brought people back to the area. We were recognised on Lonscale Fell today by a couple of Striding Edge fans and it was good to stop and have a chat for a while.

Skiddaw route map.

At the Hawell Monument. Skiddaw is covered in cloud but I was hopeful it would clear by the time I made it to the top.

Looking to misty Thirlmere from the climb and there is only my car glinting in the car park to the right.

The north western fells are pretty much snowless now.

Keswick and Derwent Water.

The view from further up the path as we headed into the cloud.

Skiddaw Lesser Man (and Casper) ahead.

Skiddaw Lesser Man summit.

A hat and glove stop was required at Skiddaw Little Man as it was a chilly wind and the clouds briefly parted to reveal a heavy cloak of cloud over the Helvellyn ridge.

Skiddaw ahead.

Carl Side and Ullock Pike - Dougal, you're going the wrong way!

Walking the cloud covered Skiddaw summit plateau and there is a another brief break for a quick view to the Back o' Skiddaw fells.

Bassenthwaite Lake below.

The summit of Skiddaw.

Dougal and Casper on the summit.

Looking back along the plateau from the trig column. This photo reminds me of an old one I have with Angus similarly sniffing around like Dougal...

Angus on Skiddaw, 2005.

Cloud capped Blencathra.

Lonscale Pike and Little Man.

Lonscale Fell revealed.

Lesser and Little from a frozen pool on the way to Jenkin Hill.

The Helvellyn ridge from Jenkin Hill.

Heading for Lonscale Fell - hurry up says Dougal!

All the Skiddaw's from Lonscale Fell.

...and the view from the cairn.

The boys have a look to Great Calva from Lonscale Pike.

Catbells and the rest beyond Derwent Water and Latrigg. The car park has filled up since I left!

Solitary post on the descent.

Crossing Whit Beck.

School Knott

Walked on 22/03/2010

Start point: Cleabarrow (SD 423 961)

School Knott (OF) from Cleabarrow

Distance: 2.7 miles Total Ascent: 110 metres Time Taken: 1 hour Start Time: 10:20

Weather: Heavy rain throughout, 8C

It was completely miserable this morning with incessant rain which meant I didn’t fancy the high fells at all. I had a local walk up to School Knott from Cleabarrow which is an easy and gentle amble across rolling, grassy paths. I walked part of the route with a lady who recognised Casper and Dougal not from this site, but from Lancashire Life magazine. Little Dougal showed an impressive turn of speed racing her dog around – like Usain Bolt cruising he was today.

School Knott route map.

On the way from Cleabarrow, a new tarn or a flooded field?

At School Knott Tarn and it is absolutely chucking it down now.

School Knott across the tarn.

Damp Casper with Grandsire across School Knott Tarn.

Windermere from School Knott.

The damp duo - Casper and Dougal.

This tree might come in useful for Dougal, it's the only one around - Orrest Head up to the right.

Old Droomer.

Fording the beck on the way back to Cleabarrow.

Snowdrops.

New boots in action - they needed to be waterproof today and thankfully they coped admirably..

Brock Barrow

Walked on 21/03/2010

Start point: High Nibthwaite (SD 294 897)

Brock Barrow (OF) from High Nibthwaite

Distance: 1.5 miles Total Ascent: 175 metres Time Taken: 45 minutes Start Time: 10:00

Weather: Sunny and warm, 12C

Underneath the dense cloud it was chilly but the sun soon burned it away this morning leaving conditions sunny and warm for a short walk at the southern end of Coniston Water. I had my first outing with some new boots on and will give a full review of them soon. What I can say is that they were fantastic and will be well worth checking out…

Brock Barrow route map.

Our old friend, the Antony Gormley statue at High Nibthwaite.

It was lovely and calm this morning. Further north the lake was shrouded in mist but was clearing from the southern end.

Reeds and Beacon Fell.

Beacon Fell across the rooftops of High Nibthwaite.

Allan Tarn and clearing cloud.

Spring springing at Brock Barrow.

The route of ascent, definitely not the Wainwright one which he got completely wrong.

Looking down on Allan Tarn.

The cloud is lifting from the Coniston fells and Coniston Water is clear now from the summit of Brock Barrow,.

Dougal and Casper enjoying the sunshine.

Beacon Fell and the southern end of Coniston Water.

The Coniston fells.

The 'castle' of the second summit on Brock Barrow.

Two's company.

The view from the second summit.

Big cloud over Black Combe.

How to get two mucky pups clean at Low Peel Near. On the way home...

A host of golden Daffodils outside Ulverston.

A carpet of purple Croci at Urswick.

Helvellyn via Striding Edge and Swirral Edge

Walked on 11/03/2010

Start point: Patterdale (NY 394 160)

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

Distance: 7.6 miles Total Ascent: 900 metres Time Taken: 3 hours 30 minutes Start Time: 08:15

Weather: Half beautiful, half dull! 7oC

I couldn’t resist a walk over Striding Edge today in winter conditions and at the start of the walk, it looked very promising indeed. I was glad later that I had set off relatively early for this walk as a sheet of cloud caught us and covered the fells whilst I was on the summit of Helvellyn. I cannot complain though as it was a superb walk in brilliant conditions. On the way back down to Grisedale it was nice to bump into a couple of Striding Edge followers and have a chat.

Helvellyn route map.

Amazing sky over Birks first thing this morning, taken from the main road in Patterdale.

An enticing prospect from the bridge over Grisedale Beck..

Grisedale.

Grisedale again from higher up, on the path to the Hole-in-the-Wall.

The view to Dollywaggon Pike whilst Casper and Dougal make a break for it.

Looking back to Place Fell.

Helvellyn and Catstycam from above the Hole-in-the-Wall.

A lone figure ahead on the climb towards Striding Edge. I stopped here to put crampons on and by the time I caught him at Low Spying How, he was admitting defeat and turning back as he was not equipped for the conditions - a wise move I think.

Looking across to Fairfield and Dollywaggon Pike.

Ullswater beyond Birkhouse Moor. Look at that great sheet of cloud creeping towards us from the north and east.

Striding Edge and Helvellyn.

Snowy Helvellyn.

Beautiful conditions here today.

Striding Edge from High Spying How.

Crossing Striding Edge.

There's that cloud again looking over Red Tarn to Catstycam.

Nethermost Cove and Nethermost Pike.

Onwards across Striding Edge.

Looking back along Striding Edge.

There is no side path visible today so the only option is to walk the narrow arête.

Looking back before the drop down to round The Chimney.

Dougal searches for the best way to tackle the steep climb up to the summit.

Striding Edge from the climb.

That was steep Casper!

Striding Edge from the summit plateau of Helvellyn.

Looking southwards across the cross shelter with the remains of an igloo to the left.

The view to the west.

The big cornice on Helvellyn - it's looking a bit dark over that way.

Dougal and Casper on Helvellyn - there isn't much of the trig. column sticking out of the snow, these two are almost level with it!

Looking across to Bowfell and the Scafells.

Catstycam and Ullswater with The Pennines beyond.

Crinkle Crags and Bowfell.

A lone figure crosses Lower Man looking to Bassenthwaite Lake and beyond.

Skiddaw.

The cornice from the start of the descent of Swirral Edge.

Dougal leading the way down Swirral Edge.

Looking back up Swirral Edge. The deep packed snow has smoothed out the normally rough and rocky path making the going more straightforward than usual.

Swirral Edge from the bottom.

Catstycam from Swirral Edge.

The sun has been completely obscured by that great sheet of cloud now. Casper checks out Glenridding from the top of Catstycam.

Swirral Edge from Red Tarn.

Frozen Red Tarn and Helvellyn.

Helvellyn and Catstycam from the approach to the Hole-in-the-Wall.

Birkhouse Moor from the wall crossing. I followed the old path from here - it has a much better gradient than the modern one and it is grassy, making it easier on the knees.

King of the Fells

Walked on 08/03/2010

Start point: Walna Scar road (SD 289 970)

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

Distance: 4.3 miles Total Ascent: 613 metres Time Taken: 2 hours 15 minutes Start Time: 09:30

Weather: Clear above the haze layer, 8C

It was a beautiful morning once more after a cold and frosty start; at low level there was a haze layer but I managed to get above this on the climb to The Old Man. There was a reason for climbing up there today other than it being a great walk…

Coniston Old Man

A frosty morning at Lake Bank, Coniston Water.

It was cold but beautiful in the sunshine.

Oak Isle.

Lake Bank jetty.

The Old Man, today's target.

Coniston Yacht Club moorings.

looking across to Brock Barrow. On with the walk...

Coniston Old Man from the Walna Scar Road.

There was a heavy layer of haze at lower levels today, here looking over the quarry to the east.

Finally! Completely through the haze now looking across to Brown Pike and Blind Tarn.

Casper checks out Buck Pike and Dow Crag. There was a reason why I came to Coniston today - Angus' birthday was 9th March so I managed to haul up a piece of slate (back to where it started from!) complete with a simple tribute where his ashes are scattered...

It is out of view unless you are looking for it - 100m to the south of the summit, in line with Beacon Tarn and facing south.

A clear view from Coniston Old Man today.

The Howgills and Ingleborough peep through the haze layer to the south east.

Looking down on Low Water and Levers Water.

The ridge to Brim Fell with non-snowy Harter Fell to the left and the Scafells up to the right.

Dow Crag with Black Combe beyond through the haze.

Heading for Brim Fell.

Ripples all the way to Ingleborough, 33 miles as the crow flies.

Helvellyn and Fairfield across Wetherlam.

Looking back to The Old Man.

The summit of Brim Fell.

There is a distinct line of haze beyond The Old Man.

Dougal and Casper on Brim Fell.

A 360 panorama from Brim Fell.

The Scafells across Grey Friar.

The start of Brim Fell Rake.

Great Carrs, Skiddaw beyond (19 miles as the crow flies).

Dougal blazes a trail onto Brim Fell Rake - I don't think anyone's been this way for a while.

Low Water beneath The Old Man.

Levers Water from Raven Tor.

Brim Fell Rake.

Heading for Low Water.

Casper and Dougal on Low Water.

Well, I had to didn't I? The view of the Old Man from the middle of Low Water.

Descending through the ruined mine workings.

The Coniston fell from Torver. At Brown Howe, some reflection shots.

Reflected Arnsbarrow Hill.

Reflected Fairfield Horseshoe.

A flat calm view along the lake.

Scafell Pike

Walked on 04/03/2010

Start point: Brackenclose (NY 182 074)

Brackenclose – Lingmell – Lingmell Col – Scafell Pike – Mickledore – Hollow Stones – Brown Tongue – Brackenclose

Distance: 5.8 miles Total Ascent: 1061 metres Time Taken: 4 hours

Weather: Clear, 7oC

I was drawn back to Wasdale today by the almost irresistible force of the high fells and more great winter walking weather. The views from the top of Scafell Pike were stunning this morning and yet again there wasn’t a soul about. We took a slightly unusual route of descent as explained later…

Scafell Pike route map.

In the shade at the start of the climb to Lingmell, I needed to get to the wall a third of the way up to get into the warm sunshine. Dougal doo proved himself a world class long jumper by vaulting the cattle grid on the way here from the car park not once but three times (one way, then back and then back again!). He has an odd style, all four legs tucked under and a huge leap like a lamb or a deer. I thought he looked quite motorcross-y as he was sideways on as well!

Looking to Wasdale Head, shaded by Scafell with Pillar and Kirk Fell dominating the background.

Pillar from further up and into the sunshine now.

Early morning Wast Water and Illgill Head.

Up onto Goat Crags looking across Lingmell Col to Broad Crag and Scafell Pike.

Mosedale from the column on the western end of Lingmell.

Great Gable.

Casper has a look over the edge - what a day, what a view.

Dougal looks guilty at this act of sheer vandalism in the snow - the second 'i' has a paw print for a dot, giving the game away!

Great End from the summit of Lingmell.

Piers Gill below Lingmell.

Descending to Lingmell Col before the climb to Scafell Pike. There were no paths and no footprints visible so we would have to blaze our own trail up there today.

Looking back to Lingmell - you can follow our trail all the way back to the top.

With snow on, the climb to Scafell Pike looks almost impossibly steep. Here Dougal tries to get up hopping on two legs only.

Frozen cairns on the climb.

Raised footprints and the view to Skiddaw.

Approaching the summit.

The summit of Scafell Pike.

Broad Crag, Ill Crag and Great End in the foreground with the Helvellyn ridge, Fairfield and a view to High Street beyond.

A 360 panorama from the summit of Scafell Pike.

I'm not sure where Dougal thinks he is off to but I guess he is checking out the view to Esk Pike, Bowfell and Crinkle Crags.

Scafell from Scafell Pike.

Across Ullscarf to Helvellyn, where some lucky person is in a hot air balloon.

Blencathra.

Skiddaw.

Pillar.

Crinkle Crags and a ghostly, distant Ingleborough.

Top dogs on the roof of England.

The summit was all ours today, in fact we never saw a soul for the whole walk.

Scafell from the cairn on Pulpit Rock.

The view towards the Coniston fells over Great Moss.

Scafell from the approach to Mickledore, Lord's Rake to the right.

Once at Mickledore it would have been a steep and icy descent into Hollow Stones - I donned crampons and had my ice axe at the ready but when I was about a third of the way down the steep section, I looked up to see Casper (and by default, Dougal) issuing a refusal. No way were they coming down that way, so there was nothing for it but to climb back up and then back up across Pulpit Rock to drop back down via Lingmell Col. Thanks Casper! (Actually it wasn't so bad, it took half an hour to get to where I would have been descending this way).

Scafell Crag from the Hollow Stones path.

Looking down on Wast Water with a snow capped Seatallan to the right.

Mickledore.

Following the path to the north of Brown Tongue.

The view back up to Scafell Pike from Lingmell Gill.

Lingmell and the Scafells across Wast Water.

Steeple

Walked on 02/03/2010

Start point: Overbeck Bridge (NY 168 068)

Overbeck Bridge – Over Beck – Dore Head – Red Pike – Scoat Fell – Steeple – Scoat Tarn – Nether Beck – Overbeck Bridge

Distance: 8.2 miles Total Ascent: 930 metres Time Taken: 4 hours 45 minutes

Weather: Absolute clarity, 7C

Wow, what a day it was – the clarity was superb with views for miles and miles today. There was a fresh covering of snow on the fells overnight but even so it was really warm in the sunshine – I ended up with a decent tan!

Steeple route map.

Bell Rib on Yewbarrow - we're not going that way today but we are going round to the left along Over Beck.

Red Pike and Yewbarrow.

Middle Fell.

Once into the sunshine it was really quite warm.

There is a fresh dusting of snow on this side of Red Pike.

Wainwright's 'buttresses of a vanished bridge, Brimfull Beck' which has now been rebuilt.

Dore Head from Gosforth Crag Moss.

Looking back across the Moss to the route just ascended with a glimpse of Wast Water.

Pillar from frozen Dore Head Tarn.

The route to Red Pike.

Looking to Wasdale Head.

Stirrup Crag, Yewbarrow.

Kirk Fell and Great Gable with Great End to the right.

What a view today from the climb to Red Pike, absolutely superb clarity.

The Chair on Red Pike, Middle Fell and Seatallan in view.

A rite of passage for Dougal as he is crowned the new 'Prince of the Fells' on The Chair.

Looking down on frozen Low Tarn.

The Scafells.

Heading for the top of Red Pike.

Looking back to The Chair.

A wonderful view of the eastern fells from Red Pike.

Looking the other way to the Scafells.

Dougal and Casper on the summit.

A panoramic view from Red Pike.

Walking the Red Pike ridge.

Looking back to Red Pike from the climb to Scoat Fell, the lone figure to the right was the first of two people I saw today.

The top of Scoat Fell with deep snow drifts.

Scoat Fell summit.

Pillar from Scoat Fell.

Heading for Steeple but someone has beaten me there this morning - he gave a cheery wave before heading down into Ennerdale.

Pillar and Black Crag across Mirk Cove.

The view from Steeple. I did think here that if I only could do one more walk, it would include all the fells walked today and probably in the same conditions.

Ennerdale Water and a clear view across the Solway Firth to Scotland. There seems to be a lot less snow to the north.

Casper on Steeple - 'I like it here too'.

The ridge to and from Steeple was a little tricky in places - not for these two mountain goats though.

The view over Caw Fell to the Isle of Man and snow topped Snaefell.

Great Gable.

Lots of snow, lots of fells.

Blencathra.

Back to Scoat Fell.

No need to climb over the wall with snow this deep, here looking to Haycock, the Isle of Man top right.

The descent to Scoat Tarn and the clouds are building up over Black Combe now.

Seatallan from Scoat Tarn.

Scoat Tarn - the route of descent was the prominent band left of centre.

Wainwright's 'split boulder, Scoat Tarn'.

Nether Beck and Seatallan.

A solitary wind blown tree in Nether Beck.

A glorious view of the Scafells at the end of the Nether Beck path.

Scafell reflections.

Red Screes

Walked on 23/02/2010

Start point: Kirkstone Pass (NY 401 080)

Red Screes from Kirkstone Pass

Distance: 1.4 miles Total Ascent: 330 metres Time Taken: 1 hour

Weather: High cloud but clear, 0°C

Today was different from yesterday as there was no sunshine although it was trying to burn through the high cloud. It was cold up there with strong gusts of wind and the path was icily treacherous in places.

Red Screes from Kirkstone Pass.

Winter sun over the Kirkstone Pass.

On the path to Red Screes Dougal and Casper have a play in the snow.

Some sections were quite tricky and a climb over ice covered snow.

'Well, I can make it' says Dougal. Unfortunately I couldn't, so I had to stop here to put crampons on.

Looking back at the line of approach through the deep snow.

The summit of Red Screes.

Casper and Dougal look northwards over Middle Dodd to Brothers Water and Place Fell with Ullswater beyond.

Another snowy mountain day for these two.

Comparing footwear.

It looks a bit clearer to the north and there seems to be a lot less snow about.

Looking back to the summit.

Born Free. Dougal has a romp in the snow, I don't think he realises he is on the summit tarn!

A touch of blue sky looking back to the summit from the middle of the tarn.

Wansfell and Windermere.

Looking over to Caudale Moor and the far eastern fells.

Up close and personal on Caudale Moor with Thornthwaite Beacon on the skyline to the right and High Street beyond.

A panoramic view from Red Screes. select on the image to see a larger version.

The Kentmere fells.

Keep your hair on Dougal! There was a mighty cold wind up here today.

Windermere and spindrift.

Casper looks for our car.

Ill Bell and Kentmere Pike.

The sky over the south Lakes.

The Langdale Pikes

Walked on 22/02/2010

Start point: New Dungeon Ghyll Car Park (NY 295 064)

New Dungeon Ghyll – Stickle Tarn – Pavey Ark – Thunacar Knott – Harrison Stickle – Pike O’Stickle – Loft Crag – Thorn Crag – New Dungeon Ghyll

Distance: 5 miles Total Ascent: 770 metres Time Taken: 4 hours 30 minutes

Weather: Cold out of the sun, clear. 3°C

What a day after the heavy snow in the south Lakes yesterday, the sun was shining for most of the time and the snow was powder perfect. I had a walk with StridingEdge stalwart Andy Lang around the Langdale Pikes and it was quiet up there – we only saw a few fellow walkers from afar today. Over on St Sunday, the big news is that there was an avalanche at the top of Pinnacle Ridge which required a rescue.

All looks clear over Pike How at the start of the walk.

Heading up the Stickle Ghyll path.

Lingmoor Fell from Stickle Ghyll.

It was icy up here.

Almost at Stickle Tarn.

Pavey Ark across frozen Stickle Tarn.

Harrison Stickle along the dam wall.

Pavey Ark reflection.

Rounding Stickle Tarn.

Pavey Ark.

Sunshine and snow.

Jack's Rake to the left, Easy Gully to the right on the face of Pavey Ark. We are climbing the North Rake, round to the right of this photo.

A final view of Harrison Stickle across Stickle Tarn before heading up the rake.

North Rake.

Looking towards Fairfield from the top of the North Rake.

Casper and Dougal in the deep snow approaching the summit of Pavey Ark.

Harrison Stickle from Pavey Ark.

Looking south from Pavey Ark.

Bowfell and Thunacar Knott from Pavey Ark.

Looking back to Pavey Ark on the way to Thunacar Knott.

Looking across to the Scafells from Thunacar Knott.

Casperrrr.

Dooog-al.

Andy checks out the view - that's Great Gable up to the right - whilst Dougal checks out - well, me!

Looking across to last weeks walks - Bowfell and Esk Pike with Rossett Pike in the foreground.

Pike o' Stickle and the Coniston fells.

Andy hangs onto Dougal whilst Casper can't believe his eyes.

It started clouding over on the way to Harrison Stickle and to the north the weather was really closing in.

Dougal shows Andy the way down from Harrison Stickle heading across to Pike o' Stickle.

Clouds coming in.

It's all looking a bit ominous over there.

The climb to Pike o' Stickle was a slippery affair, here looking down to Mickleden and Oxendale, split by The Band. Crampons were required for the descent which made things a bit easier.

A panoramic view of Mickleden from Pike o' Stickle. Select on the image to see a larger version.

Yours truly and the two dogs (photo by Andy Lang).

The skies are clearing again heading across to Loft Crag.

Pike o' Stickle.

Loft Crag and Pike o' Stickle from Thorn Crag.

Great Langdale and Windermere in view.

Looking back at the route of descent.

Beautiful sunshine once more over the Coniston fells and Pike o' Blisco.

Harrison Stickle and Pavey Ark.

Looking at Stickle Ghyll and our route of ascent this morning.

Dungeon Ghyll.

Great Langdale finally gets some sunshine.

Latterbarrow

Walked on 20/02/2010

Start point: Colthouse (SD 360 988)

Latterbarrow (OF) from Colthouse

Distance: 1.5 miles Total Ascent: 143 metres Time Taken: 1 hour

Weather: Cold out of the sun, clear. 1°C

It was another superb morning this morning so Connie and I had a walk to Latterbarrow above Hawkshead. We stopped at a few places on the journey and all the waters were frozen including Windermere which had a good covering of ice. The smaller waters, Esthwaite and Tarn Hows are still completely frozen and the high fells look to have a fresh covering of snow.

It was beautiful and calm at Monk Coniston Jetty this morning.

Great reflections, including the fishing rod!

The Old Man and the jetty.

Monk Coniston Jetty.

A panoramic view of Coniston Water from Monk Coniston Jetty. Select on the image to see a larger version.

A Lake District winter scene.

Reflections.

Coniston Old Man.

Frozen Tarn Hows.

The Coniston fells from the start of the climb to Latterbarrow.

Bounding towards the top.

A lovely view from the top across Windermere to the far eastern fells.

Ambleside, High Pike and Red Screes.

Contemplation of the Fairfield Horseshoe from Connie. She shows her allegiance to Ulverston Amateur Swimming Club, AKA Ulverston Otters.

A panoramic view from the top of Latterbarrow. Select on the image to see a larger version.

High and mighty Bowfell, Scafell Pike to the left through the gap.

Dougal, CLM and Casper on the summit of Latterbarrow.

It was busy up there today and great to see this group of youngsters and teachers enjoying themselves in the sunshine.

The cloud is starting to build over Coniston now.

Working out the route of descent.

Crinkle Crags and Bowfell over Outgate.

'Where's Dougal?' on the descent.

Big clouds now on Coniston.

Spring around the corner?

Frozen Esthwaite Water.

Unimpressed ducks.

The ferry was playing icebreaker on Windermere today.

Looking towards Bowness across the ice floes.

Reflected yachts.

Reflected Crow Holme.

Will the car ferry make it?

The route carved through the ice by the passenger ferry.

Heading for beautiful Bowness on the ferry.

The view along the lake from the ferry.

Gummer’s How

Walked on 17/02/2010

Start point: Gummer’s How Car Park (SD 390 877)

Gummer’s How Car Park – Gummer’s How (OF) – Gummer’s How Car Park

Distance: 1.2 miles Total Ascent: 150 metres Time Taken: 1 hour

Weather: Cold out of the sun, clear. 1°C

It is almost becoming a family tradition for us to get up to Gummer’s How during February half term and today it was a good choice as the weather was superb. It was well worth getting out early too, to be first at the top and witness a spectacular inversion over Windermere. Any later and we would have missed it as it was all but gone by 10.

All was shrouded in mist at Newby Bridge and I knew we would get above the cloud on Gummer's How this morning. It was very cold in the shade though, here looking from a frosty start of the walk over Windermere to a sunnier Summer House Knott.