Bowfell

Walked on 11/02/2010

Start point: The Old Dungeon Ghyll car park (NY 286 062)

Old Dungeon Ghyll – Rossett Gill – Rossett Pike – Angle Tarn – Esk Hause – Esk Pike – Ore Gap – Bowfell – Three Tarns – Buscoe – Oxendale – Old Dungeon Ghyll

Distance: 9.1 miles Total Ascent: 1016 metres Time Taken: 4 hours 45 minutes

Weather: Cool and clear. 4°C

It started off really dull and it clouded over almost as soon as I set off from Great Langdale – but lo and behold, the sun came out and the skies soon became glorious blue. It really was great day on the fells, most of the walk was completed in shirt sleeves and even though it was icily cold, the sun really warmed it up. It was really quiet up there too and I only saw two other people – on the descent to Three Tarns.

It was decidedly grey at the start of the walk along Mickleden - I didn't hold out much hope for the weather today, but pressed on regardless.

Mind you, it looks a bit brighter over Pike o' Stickle now.

Looking back along Mickleden to Great Langdale.

Bowfell from the bridge across Stake Gill.

The start of the Rossett Gill path, Bowfell ahead and Rossett Pike to the right.

Rossett Pike looking resplendent in the sunshine and what a difference in the weather in less than an hour.

Bowfell from the Rossett Gill path, Bowfell Buttress is the lofty pinnacle.

Mickleden and the Langdale Pikes from the zig-zags.

Casper comes back to see where I am in this snow filled gully.

Rossett Pike from the top of Rossett Pass.

The view to the east from the summit of Rossett Pike.

Mickleden from the Mickleden Cairn.

Casper and Dougal are enjoying their walk in the sunshine today.

Esk Pike and Great End from Rossett Pike.

The same view over frozen Angle Tarn.

Looking back over Angle Tarn to Hanging Knotts.

Little Dougal Doo blazing a trail for Esk Hause - he's born to it, that lad.

Having a look at Great End from Esk Hause.

Esk Pike from the cross shelter.

The climb to Esk Pike from Esk Hause.

The Scafell Pikes from the climb.

Derwent Water and Skiddaw from the summit of Esk Pike.

Hard Knott and the Duddon Estuary.

The Helvellyn ridge and Langstrath.

The view across to Windermere from the top of Bowfell.

The Scafells.

Crinkle Crags and beyond.

Scafell Pike from Bowfell.

Two black shiny noses.

The Great Slab of Flat Crags.

Looking back to Bowfell's summit.

The descent to Three Tarns, Crinkle Crags ahead.

The Scafells from one of the tarns.

Bowfell Links from on one of the tarns!

That looks more tarn-like, however it is frozen solid too.

Pike o' Blisco and Buscoe - that descent was interesting in places, the usual bogginess replaced with great sheets of ice.

Bowfell and Buscoe Sike.

Hell Gill falls.

Oxendale.

Late sunshine on Side Pike.

The Langdale Pikes, with full sunshine on them now.

Beacon Fell

Walked on 08/02/2010

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

Tottle Bank – Beacon Fell (OF) – Beacon Tarn – Wool Knott (OF) – Tottle Bank

Distance: 3 miles Total Ascent: 245 metres Time Taken: 1 hour

Weather: Cool, clouding over. 5°C

This morning was lovely and clear with wall to wall blue sky…by the time I eventually made it out all that was gone and had been replaced by quite thick, grey cloud. There was the odd sunny spell but nothing like earlier conditions and I managed a quick walk up to Beacon Fell which turned out to be a muddy and squelchy one too.

The Coniston fells and the holly tree at the start of the climb to Beacon Fell.

Blue sky over towards Caw and Dunnerdale.

Moody skies over Wetherlam and beyond in complete contrast to earlier this morning.

Casper and Dougal patiently wait for me at the gully.

Coniston Water.

High Nibthwaite and the southern end of Coniston Water.

Beacon summit.

The Coniston fells from Beacon - there is no treasure tin here now.

There is, however, a muddy pool and these two have just found it again!

Almost a full length view of Coniston Watrer.

Beacon Tarn and Wool Knott above it, to the left.

A brief iinterlude of bright sunshine looking back to Beacon Fell.

The Coniston fells across Beacon Tarn. This end of the tarn is still frozen.

Beacon Tarn and Beacon Fell from Wool Knott.

Looking southwards along the Crake Valley.

Down at the tarn - time to get cleaned up a bit in here for Casper and Dougal.

Coniston in winter.

Great Gable

Walked on 03/02/2010

Start point: Wasdale Head (NY 187 087)

Wasdale Head – Moses Trod – Gavel Neese – Beck Head – Great Gable – Windy Gap – Green Gable – Aaron Slack – Sty Head – Moses Trod – Wasdale Head

Distance: 6 miles Total Ascent: 900 metres Time Taken: 4 hours 15 minutes

Weather: Cold and clear. 2°C

It was a clear night last night and very cold this morning in Wasdale. Once up above 600m, the wind added an extra chill factor and the snow was iced over which meant crampons and ice axe were definitely required. It all made the going quite slow but it was a really enjoyable winter walk and it was very quiet up there today – I didn’t see a single person or indeed a footprint!

Pillar dominates Wasdale head.

Looking into Mosedale.

Great Gable.

Wasdale from the start of the climb to Great Gable.

High Stile and High Crag across the frozen Beck Head Tarns.

Kirk Fell across Beck Head.

Ennerdale and the High Stile ridge with Grasmoor to the right. The Solway Firth and Scotland are clearly visible today through the gap.

Mono Green Gable across Stone Cove.

The climb from Beck Head.

A panoramic view from Beck Head. Select on the image to see a larger version.

Pillar and Scoat Fell across Kirk Fell.

The climb from Beck Head was up iced over snow, so crampons were certainly required today.

Approaching Great Gable summit.

Great Gable summit with the FRCC memorial plaque central.

The sky to the south was quite eerie with the sun trying to burn through, here looking across to the Scafells.

Looking to the south east, there is a big inversion over towards Windermere with Ingleborough visible across the low cloud.

Casper has seen it all before and has 40 winks whilst Dougal seems to be enjoying the view.

The Langdale Pikes.

Wasdale from The Westmorland Cairn.

Casper living on the edge.

Great Hell Gate.

Ingleborough over Allen Crags.

Green Gable from the treacherous descent to Windy Gap.

Looking northwards from Windy Gap.

Great Gable from Green Gable.

A glimpse of Buttermere and Crummock Water from Green Gable.

Great End and the Scafells from Green Gable.

Styhead Tarn from Aaron Slack.

Great End reflected.

Styhead Tarn.

Frozen Styhead Tarn.

Casper on his throne.

Lingmell and Piers Gill.

The way back to Wasdale, looks like Casper and Dougal have spotted something down there.

Miller Ground

Walked on 02/02/2010

I was headed for the fells this morning but the rain was very heavy (and I mean bouncing!) so I decided to stick to lower ground and have a walk along the banks of Windermere. This walk on the outskirts of Bowness is a walk we have done many times over the years, in fact it brought back memories of Angus as he loved to swim here.

Heading down to Miller Ground.

Cascades on the way down to the mere.

Fun and frolics at Low Millerground. In the olden days, a rowing boat foot ferry crossed Windermere from here over to Belle Grange.

On this early 17th century cottage you can see the bell tower - without a bell now - that was used to summon the ferryman.

The view to Meregarth looking north along Windermere.

Boathouses and jetties at Low Miller Ground.

Have a stretch Casper! The Langdale Pikes are just about visible through the rain and mist.

Further along towards Rayrigg Hall, there is this plaque set upon a large rock - one which can easily be missed. In 1840 Bowness had a royal visitor when Queen Adelaide, the widow of William IV, arrived here by boat at the spot now known as Queen Adelaide's Hill which is a scenic viewpoint. Several establishments changed their name in honour of the visit including The Ship public house which became known as The Royal. This was recently demolished though still called 'The Royal' but it now houses Costa Coffee and Tesco amongst others in the centre of Bowness!

It is hard to see where Queen Adelaide landed - I presume there must have been a jetty here. The large rock in the foreground houses the plaque.

Caw

Walked on 29/01/2010

Start point: Kiln Bank Cross (SD 215 933)

Kiln Bank Cross – Park Head Road – Brock Barrow – Long Mire – Caw (OF) – Park Head Road – Kiln Bank Cross

Distance: 3.5 miles Total Ascent: 300 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 30 minutes

Weather: Cold and clear. 2°C

It was almost unexpected today for the weather to turn so good so suddenly. The sun came out when I was booting up (footwear, not PC!) and stayed throughout the walk. The wind though was a really cold northerly – an icy blast. We bumped into Oscar the Beardie at the start, a regular on these fells and one we have seen a good few times before. As you can imagine, there was fur and wagging tails everywhere! By the end of the walk it was snowing really heavily and the high fells certainly had a good fall of new snow on them. Is this the resurgence of winter?

"...look at the mighty Caw, this pyramid, this mountain, this fell of fells. From the vale of the Duddon the Bearded fellows will unite with the fell-ninja, rise to the top and cast asunder all ye below..." extract from The Legend of Beenson Toste

As soon as I arrived at Kiln Bank Cross, the sun came out and the sky was blue. This is looking up to Stickle Pike from the road, but we headed the other way towards Caw this morning.

Harter Fell flanked by Scafell and Esk Pike.

Stickle Pike and Black Combe from a frozen pool on Brock Barrow.

Caw - our path is along Long Mire, up to the right.

The Duddon Valley from Brock Barrow - those poles are aerials for the valley below.

A bit windy up here Dougal?

Fox Haw and the track just followed from Brock Barrow over to the right.

Caw and the route up - the McMahon direct route.

Looking across to Black Combe from the climb. to the right is Brock Barrow (a different one to the one I have just been on!) with Stickle Pike the nearer fell.

Hurry up dad! They are much quicker than me up here with 4 leg drive.

Caw summit.

Looking across to the Coniston fells.

Fresh snow on the high fells at the head of the Duddon Valley.

Looking into the sun to the south.

The Duddon Estuary.

The Duddon Valley from the descent.

Esk Pike and Bowfell.

Dow Crag and the Seathwaite Fells surrounding The Cove.

Snowy Scafell and Scafell Pike, Harter Fell in the foreground.

A greener looking Whitfell and The Pike across the Duddon Valley.

A final view of the Duddon Valley before heading back to Kiln Bank Cross.

Some of the famous Lake District Herdwick sheep.

Silver How

Walked on 26/01/2010

Start point: Grasmere Church (NY 336 073)

Grasmere – Allan Bank – Silver How – Kelbarrow – Grasmere

Distance: 2.75 miles Total Ascent: 325 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 15 minutes

Weather: Overcast. 3°C

It was another grey day today though not nearly so cold as there was little wind. We had a quick jaunt up to Silver How from Grasmere and even this normally popular fell was quiet today – there was no one around up there.

Seat Sandal above Grasmere.

Stone Arthur.

Helm Crag and Seat Sandal.

Dougal licks his lips at the prospect of this walk on the climb from Allan Bank.

Looking back along the path.

Jennifer Juniper.

Wray Gill.

Heading for Silver How.

These two have found a solitary patch of snow to play on - Dougal watches as his piece of snow gets away from him!

The Langdale Pikes from Silver How.

Casper and Dougal at the summit.

Casper checks out Wetherlam and the Coniston fells (and the sheep in the foreground, no doubt).

A view through to Fairfield, lost in the murk.

Grasmere and Rydal Water.

Loughrigg Fell from the descent.

Loughrigg again, from the bottom of Silver How.

Mucky pups on the way back to Grasmere.

Starling Dodd

Walked on 25/01/2010

Start point: Bowness Knott Car Park (NY 109 153)

Bowness Knott Car Park – Herdus – Great Borne – Starling Dodd – Little Dodd (Ennerdale) – Bowness Knott Car Park

Distance: 7.2 miles Total Ascent: 735 metres Time Taken: 3 hours 30 minutes

Weather: Cold wind, snow. 2°C

Today was a typical January day – cold and windy with snow and a grey, dull and flat light. There was fresh snow above 500m and the wind was raw yet the walk was still enjoyable. I can scarcely believe it is 3 years since I walked over these fells – where does the time go?

Crag Fell over Bowness.

Following the road towards Herdus - I followed the wall beyond the far trees directly ahead before climbing the path through the bracken to the left of the photo. From there the climb was a steep one.

Crossing Rake Beck.

Crag Fell and Anglers' Crag across Ennerdale Water.

There was a lot of forestry work going on around the car park at Bowness and Bowness Knott looks a bit more accessible now than it was with all the trees gone.

Up above the snowline at the top of Herdus. The snow was constantly falling now and throughout the walk.

Heading for Great Borne across an icing sugar topped Herdus, Casper and Dougal try to blend in with the background.

The frozen summit of Great Borne with the pointed Red Pike in view.

Mellbreak and Grasmoor from Great Borne. Dougal has the bit between his teeth now and leads the way.

Looking back to Great Borne from the climb to Starling Dodd.

Red Pike and High Stile from the familiar twisted ironwork cairn on Starling Dodd.

Any old iron? Casper and Dougal on Starling Dodd.

Starling Dodd cairn.

A photo of contrasts - Grasmoor and Crummock Water from Starling Dodd.

Monochromatic Red Pike.

Moonscape at the top of the descent.

Gillinter Beck.

Pillar across Ennerdale.

A closer view of Pillar with Pillar Rock prominent.

A view into Windgap Cove across Ennerdale to Scoat Fell and Pillar.

Pillar dominated this view along Ennerdale with Green Gable and Great Gable in view.

Ennerdale reflections.

Crag Fell.

Green Quarter Fell

Walked on 20/01/2010

Start point: Verge parking at Green Quarter, Kentmere (NY 461 040)

Green Quarter – Skeggles Water – Hollow Moor on Green Quarter Fell (OF) – a nameless summit 1370′ – Green Quarter

Distance: 4 miles Total Ascent: 266 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 30 minutes

Weather: A raw, cold wind. 4°C

This morning was a big contrast with my walk to Orrest Head less than a week ago which was completed in heavy falling and deep snow – now the snow has almost completely disappeared at valley level, although of course it is still sticking stubbornly up on high. It was a bit of a grey day and it was as cold as it looks in some of the photos, especially in the strong wind.

Green Quarter Fell Route Map.

Kentmere from Green Quarter with Kentmere Church in the centre.

Kentmere Tarn.

The higher fells still have snow on them but these sheep seem quite happy that they can graze once more.

Kentmere from the climb to Skeggles Water.

Frozen Kentmere Tarn and Sour Howes and Sallows beyond.

Looking back along the bridleway to Kentmere.

Passing the ruined barn on the bridleway, Skeggles Water in view over the snow lined wall.

Skeggles Water from the climb to Hollow Moor with the fells of the Bannisdale Horseshoe beyond.

Hollow Moor, the summit of Green Quarter Fell, marked with an old gatepost.

Skeggles Water from Hollow Moor.

Casper and Dougal on Hollow Moor.

Upper Kentmere from the descent.

Shipman Knotts.

There are half a dozen wild fell ponies on the lower slopes of Shipman Knotts.

Back to Green Quarter, Sallows and Yoke on the skyline.

Orrest Head

Walked on 14/01/2010

Start point: Windermere (SD 414 987)

Orrest Head (OF) from Windermere

Distance: 1 mile Total Ascent: 120 metres Time Taken: 30 minutes

Weather: Snowing. 1°C

The snow was heavy and constant for our walk up to Orrest Head this morning and this meant that all views from this renowned viewpoint were obliterated. I find that walking through snow clad trees on snowy paths has its own merits though, and coupled with the muffled and muted sounds it still makes it a different but nevertheless enjoyable experience.

Snowy Windermere at the start of the walk.

The footpath to Orrest Head - views to the Lake District fells it says, but not today.

Looking over the rooftops towards the lake.

Walking through the trees (spot Casper?).

Casperoonals.

The Doogster.

The top of Orrest Head; there's no one around today to sit and admire the views.

The summit indicator is snowed over, at least it is showing exactly what you can see.

Orrest Head trees and the snow is coming down thick and fast now

Casper shows Dougal how to tackle a wall stile.

Alpine looking trees. Later, on the way home (after we had an agreeable lunch of course!)...

Skelwith Force.

Looking upstream along the River Brathay from the falls, the Millennium Bridge can just be seen.

The view in the opposite direction.

Skelwith Bridge.

Walla Crag

Walked on 12/01/2010

Start point: Rakefoot Lane (NY 282 226)

Rakefoot Lane – Castlerigg Farm – Rakefoot – Walla Crag – Nest Brow – High Nest – Castlerigg Stone Circle – Rakefoot Lane

Distance: 4.7 miles Total Ascent: 246 metres Time Taken: 2 hours

Weather: Cold and windy. 3°C

The temperature has warmed since last week and there has been some thaw over the last couple of days. We had a short walk from Rakefoot Lane up to Walla Crag – it was supposed to be an easier walk to give Dougal a taste of winter conditions but as it turned out, the weather up there was quite severe so it was a good job we were only going a short way! We returned via Castlerigg Stone Circle and en route we were recognised by a couple of StridingEdge fans from Leicester – it’s always nice to stop for a chat with website viewers.

Walla Crag Route Map.

Casper waits for us at Castlerigg Farm.

Icy Brockle Beck.

Fun and frolics in the snow.

Casper and Dougal are amazed - it's the sun! This was certainly the calm before the storm and by the time we reached the top of the wall in this photo, the wind became really strong making walking quite difficult at times, especially in the knee depth drifts.

Looking back to Blencathra.

Wind blown snow at the kissing gate makes a wintry scene. It certainly stung the eyes, that snow.

The view in the opposite direction towards Blencathra.

Frosted Dougal and Casper.

The view over a cold looking Keswick.

I could hardly stand up here as the wind was so strong and the snow was deep on this section. I retraced my steps to the gate to get on the other side of the wall which seemed a much safer option than trying to walk the narrow path along the wall here as there is a steep drop off to the right.

Castlerigg Fell - Bleaberry Fell to the right.

The view from Walla Crag summit, Derwent Water below is frozen. Select on the image to see a larger version.

Snowy old Dougal. He loves nothing better than foraging in the deep snow, hence the covering on his nose.

The snow dogs at the top of Walla Crag.

Spindrift from the top of Walla Crag.

Looking across to the north western fells.

The view towards Borrowdale.

Mono Blencathra from the descent.

Blencathra from Castlerigg Stone Circle. Select on the image to see a larger version.

The view from the stones.

The north western fells under a heavy sky.

The Coniston Fells

Walked on 07/01/2010

Start point: The Sun Inn, Coniston (SD 300 975)

Coniston – Walna Scar road – Brown Pike – Buck Pike – Dow Crag – Goat’s Hawse – Coniston Old Man – Brim Fell – Levers Hawse – Great How – Swirl How – Prison Band – Swirl Hawse – Levers Water – Boulder Valley – Coppermines Valley – Coniston

Distance: 10.2 miles Total Ascent: 1085 metres Time Taken: 5 hours 30 minutes

Weather: Cold and clear. -4°C

I actually came to Coniston yesterday (Wednesday 6th January) to walk theses fells but decided against it due to the heavy snow when I arrived there – I knew the fells would still be there another day and surely enough, this morning turned out lovely and clear. This would be fantastic and memorable day for a walk on the fells. According to Radio Cumbria, last night was the coldest ever recorded in Cumbria with a temperature of -14.5C recorded at Carlisle. When I got to Coniston it was -9C, so I knew it would be pretty cold today. As it turned out, it was quite warm in the sunshine but when in the wind or shade, then it was particularly noticeable how cold it really was.

The Coniston fells route map.

Sunrise on The Old Man.

This snow filled lane is the approach to the Walna Scar Road, the gate is directly ahead.

Looking back along the Walna Scar Road.

Brown Pike above Cove Bridge.

The Old Man across The Cove.

Sunshine on Morecambe Bay to the south.

Casper at the Angus Shelter, Walna Scar beyond.

Snow cornice on Walna Scar.

Buck Pike from Brown Pike. Time to get the crampons on now for virtually the rest of the walk.

Looking back across Walna Scar and Caw to Black Combe.

The approach to Buck Pike.

Brown Pike from Buck Pike.

Dow Crag ahead from Buck Pike.

Easy Gully, Dow Crag.

The Scafell range from Dow Crag.

Close up on Scafell and Scafell Pike.

A frozen Goat's Water and Dow Crag from Goat's Hawse.

Looking across to Dow Crag from the slog up to The Old Man.

I found these skis conveniently placed on the trig. column on The Old Man summit.

When I found the owner, it was an old friend of mine Nathan Pike. Now that's what I call travelling in style!

Setting off for Brim Fell.

The view from the summit, clear as clear can be.

Heading for Brim Fell as Nathan realises it is harder to ski uphill than down! I caught him up again before he disappeared down Brim Fell Rake.

Looking back to The Old Man summit from the Brim Fell ridge.

A clear view of all the fells today.

Looking back once more from Brim Fell.

The eastern fells across Levers Water.

Swirl How and Great How Crags from the descent to Levers Hawse, to the left is Great Carrs.

Part frozen Seathwaite Tarn and Harter fell from Levers Hawse.

Grey Friar.

A clear view to the Howgills across Levers Water.

Brim Fell across Levers Hawse from the climb to Great How Crags, Dow Crag and Black Combe to the left.

The Howgills from Swirl How, to the right is Ingleborough.

Swirl How.

The Scafells to Bowfell across Great Carrs.

Skiddaw and Blencathra across the Langdales.

Prison Band.

Descending Prison Band, Wetherlam ahead. The snow was often knee deep down here making the going hard.

The view from Swirl Hawse.

Blazing a trail from Swirl Hawse following Swirl Hawse Beck. The more usual path is further up to the right but this seemed as good a way as any today...but watch out for the big holes like the one at the bottom left of the photo! At least I only went waist deep and didn't disappear altogether.

In the shade at Levers Water and the sun is already setting, Great How Crags in the sunshine.

Pink tinged Wetherlam from Boulder Valley.

Looking to the YHA across Coppermines Valley.

The walking huts with the Yewdale Fells tinged with the sunset.

Coppermines Valley. On the way home...

The fells recently walked from Torver.

Lake District sunset.

Frozen Coniston Water at Brown How.

Bethecar Moor from Brown How.

Stickle Pike

Walked on 01/01/2010

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: 1 hour

Weather: Cold and clear. 2°C

We had a short walk today up to Stickle Pike to help blow away some of the Christmas cobwebs. It was a lovely morning, very still with no one around and we had great fun walking in the crisp snow and ‘daring’ to walk across the frozen Stickle Tarn.

A brief moment of blue sky from Kiln Bank Cross looking over the road to Stickle Pike.

Looking back along the road we came up which was treacherous sheet ice. To the south the cloud was building up and the sun was trying to break through it.

Connie the mountaineer.

Climbing higher with a strange, silhouetted figure in the background!

Heading for Stickle Tarn.

Winter sky across frozen Stickle Tarn.

Winter at the edge of the tarn. Hmm, that ice looks quite thick...

Me and Casper are on the ice but Dougally Doo is not quite so sure...

...a quick look before a much quicker exit!

Me and Connie practiced our ice skating on here.

Climbing to Stickle Pike whilst Dougal eats the snow.

The Duddon Valley remains frozen below whilst Wasdale looks as though it is getting some sunshine.

Looking south to the Duddon Estuary across the south summit.

Scafell and Slight Side.

Winter sun over the Duddon Estuary, Barrow-in-Furness and Walney Island. On the horizon is the Barrow Offshore Wind farm (BOW).

Casper, Dougal and Connie on the summit, Great Stickle behind. Looks like a snow shower passing over the estuary too.

Looking to Caw from the descent and now the sun has come through once more.

Stickle Pike.

Back to Stickle Tarn.

Reflected sun on the tarn now, Connie gives scale to the right.

Caw and snowy Dunnerdale.

Clearing to the south-east.

A fish-eye view from the ice on Stickle Tarn.

Caw from the middle of Stickle Tarn!

Stickle Pike from the middle of Stickle Tarn.

Four amigos with long shadows, even at midday - L-R me, Dougal, Connie and Casper.

Hesk Fell across the Duddon Valley. Now for the hardest bit - driving back down the road...gulp!

Snowy Bowness

Walked on 20/12/2009

Snowy Bowness

Yesterday we had the most memorable day at Hawkshead when the snow was falling heavily and it was the perfect Christmas scene. I don’t think Connie can remember anything like it before so it was quite special. The snow continued throughout yesterday afternoon and overnight so when it came to getting to Bowness, predictably the world came to a bit of a standstill today. The main A590 beyond Ulverston was bad and traffic was at a crawl. The A592 to Bowness was also had lots of snow on it but there weren’t so many cars around. When we got to Bowness it was like a different world for half and hour or so…

Heavy snow on the A592 approaching Fell Foot.

It all looks and feels very alpine along here on the other side of Fell Foot.

It is clearer to the north from Beech Hill.

Pretty as a picture - St. Martin's church in Bowness - the sun is out and the sky is blue.

Snowy Love the Lakes.

Walking down to Bowness Bay.

It all looks lovely in the sunshine.

No boats for hire today.

Bowness promenade.

Empty seats.

Bowness jetty.

The gulls are huddled on this one.

The Belsfield looking wintry.

Bowness Pier.

Walking along the prom to The Glebe.

The Fairfield fells get some sunshine from The Glebe but those heavy clouds were moving in once more and it would soon be snowing again.

The Glebe, Bowness.

A snatched action shot - the real reason why we were down on The Glebe!

Winter at the half-round seat.

Connie was delighted to meet Father Christmas down here too!

Helvellyn

Walked on 18/12/2009

Start point: Wythburn (NY 324 136)

Wythburn – Birk Side – Nethermost Pike – Helvellyn – Birk Side – Wythburn

Distance: 4.7 miles Total Ascent: 813 metres Time Taken: 2 hours 30 minutes

Weather: F-f-f-freezing. -2ºC

I have wanted to get up to Helvellyn for a decent sunrise for a good while so today seemed a good day for it with it being nearly the shortest day and the sunrise being relatively late. It was cold and clear (and dark) when I set off from Wythburn and conditions were pretty extreme when I made it to the top…

Helvellyn route map.

Climbing to Helvellyn in the dark.

First light over the Coniston fells from Birk Side.

There was a red sunrise to the south and I was cursing at this point, wishing I had gone to Coniston where it looked lovely and clear yet here on the side of Nethermost Pike there were clouds - lots of them.

Heading for Nethermost Pike and perhaps it's not so bad after all.

The Coniston fells and a red sky but it was bitterly cold and the wind was really picking up now.

Looking across Nethermost Cove to Helvellyn, Catstycam and Striding Edge.

Casper attempts to show how windy it is looking into Grisedale.

The sky over Saint Sunday Crag.

A superb red sky but Fairfield is lost under cloud.

The summit of Nethermost Pike.

Coldy old Nethermost.

The Coniston fells from bitterly cold Nethermost Pike.

Nethermost Crag and Helvellyn ahead.

Clearing skies to the south.

Striding Edge.

The Gough Memorial.

It looks like there is fire in the sky over there.

It was incredibly windy along the Helvellyn ridge and I had to really plant my feet firmly to keep still enough to get a photo.

Swirral Edge and Catstycam.

Striding Edge from further along the ridge.

Looking to Ullswater over Birkhouse Moor and Red Tarn.

Wow!

Windermere and Coniston Water with Morecambe Bay beyond under a wonderful sky.

The cross shelter is frozen.

The sun appears through the clouds.

The Helvellyn summit ridge. As the sun was rising it became achingly gorgeous and absolutely wonderful to be here for this - well worth the effort of getting up early.

A cloud capped Raise.

Pink snow along Helvellyn summit with Skiddaw visible.

Looking back towards the cross shelter.

Casper braving the elements - you know he loves it.

Skiddaw and Blencathra beyond Raise.

The sun was starting to shine through now and it was turning into a fabulous sunrise with conditions constantly changing as the clouds were quickly blown through by the wind.

Skiddaw and Blencathra beyond White Side.

Simply beautiful.

Looking back along the summit.

Looks pretty cold to the east.

At the top of Swirral Edge.

Keppel Cove.

Pink cairn.

Sunshine and spindrift.

Helvellyn glory.

The summit. I stopped back at the cross shelter for more layers, another hat (yes, I wore two hats plus a fleece Buff!) and my 'big' gloves as my fingers were numb wearing ordinary gloves by this time. A look at the thermometer strapped to my bag showed the air temperature was -6C but with the wind chill it was even colder than that.

Departing Helvellyn (quickly!) and looking back to the shelter, the snow looks more like a desert in the morning sunshine.

The north western fells.

The route of return, Nethermost Pike up to the left.

Casper likes to live on the edge.

Pink Striding Edge.

Striding Edge from further along - gold and pink now.

Steel Fell in the foreground, the Coniston fells beyond.

Thirlmere from the descent.

Ullscarf across Thirlmere.

Stone Arthur

Walked on 14/12/2009

Start point: Grasmere (NY 339 082)

Grasmere – Alcock Tarn – Greenhead Gill – Stone Arthur – Grasmere

Distance: 3.2 miles Total Ascent: 525 metres Time Taken: 2 hours

Weather: Light drizzle at first, clearing. 3ºC

In complete contrast to the end of last week and the weekend, it was a drizzly start this morning for a walk up to Alcock Tarn and Stone Arthur. There is nothing we can do about the weather though and we have to accept whatever is thrown at us…but it would have been nice for the cold, calm and clear days to continue for a little while. The forecast shows a significant snow ‘event’ this week so hopefully it will all change for the good once more.

Stone Arthur route map.

First view of snowy Wetherlam through the trees.

Helm Crag and the snow capped central fells.

The cold climb to Alcock Tarn.

The Vale of Grasmere.

Sepia Stone Arthur and Great Rigg along Greenhead Gill.

Great Rigg across the boggy small tarn adjacent to Alcock Tarn.

Alcock Tarn.

The Langdale Pikes across the tarn.

Dougal tests the water.

I didn't expect to see this today - the sun!

Bright sunshine at the base of Helm Crag.

Descending to Greenhead Gill with the steep line of ascent up the fell side to the right.

Greenhead Gill.

Grasmere and the Coniston fells.

Grasmere from the top.

Casper and Dougal on Stone Arthur, Seat Sandal beyond.

Steel Fell.

The Langdale Pikes and Easedale Tarn.

Heron Pike and Alcock Tarn.

The ruin on Stone Arthur.

The summit of Stone Arthur.

The path back down to Grasmere.

Greenhead Gill.

Wansfell

Walked on 10/12/2009

Start point: Troutbeck (NY 409 032)

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

Distance: 4 miles Total Ascent: 345 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 30 minutes

Weather: Cool and clear. 4ºC

As I headed towards Bowness alongside Windermere I could see the mist was hanging over the lake as so often happens on these cooler mornings and Coniston was similarly attired under mist too when I passed it earlier. I headed up to Wansfell under glorious sunshine for a great view of the lake and wasn’t disappointed – it was beautiful up there this morning, very quiet and tranquil.

Wansfell route map.

Troutbeck sunrise.

Nanny Lane has a lovely golden hue in the rising sun this morning.

The Hundreds - I turned off here to head up to Wansfell Pike but the route of return was along this lane.

Looking back along a gloriously sunny Nanny Lane.

This is the way for us today.

First glimpse of Windermere under the mist.

These two seem to be in a hurry to make it to the top.

Windermere inversion.

Bowness is under there somewhere, to the distant right is Gummer's How.

The western banks of Windermere.

Trees float in a sea of fog.

All was quiet, tranquil and calm this morning.

Looking along Little Langdale, also has low lying mist along the River Brathay and there is a big plug of cloud over Wrynose Pass.

The stunning view from Wansfell Pike.

A magnificent panorama across to the Coniston fells to the Langdale Pikes.

Red Screes and Caudale Moor.

I could sit here all day if it would last.

'What are you doing?' wonders Dougal.

Wansfell Pike summit.

The wall heading to Wansfell.

Looking back to Wansfell Pike from the walk along the ridge.

Following the great wall of Wansfell...

...and back again.

The path to Wansfell, the cairn visible towards the top left.

Wansfell Pike from Wansfell.

Casper and Dougal looking golden in the early sunshine.

The far eastern fells from Wansfell.

Thornthwaite Crag, Froswick and Ill Bell from Baystones - over the wall from Wansfell.

Belle Isle puts in an appearance through the mist.

A plaque on the wall from Wansfell - a good job done too.

Yoke, Ill Bell and Froswick from Nanny Lane.

Troutbeck. Meanwhile, the mist was still hanging over Windermere back down in Bowness...

Bowness from Queen Adelaide's Hill.

Looking across Windermere to Claife Heights.

Beautiful across Meregarth to the Fairfield fells.

Crinkle Crags, Bowfell and the Langdale Pikes reflected in Windermere.

Queen Adelaide's Hill.

Windermere from Biskey Howe.

Glenamara Park

Walked on 08/12/2009

Start point: Patterdale (NY 394 160)

Patterdale – Thornhow End – Black Crag – Birks – Trough Head – Arnison Crag – Patterdale Hotel – Patterdale

Distance: 3.7 miles Total Ascent: 515 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 30 minutes

Weather: Changeable but dry. 7ºC

Today was another ‘Dougal length’ walk as I am mindful that he is still only a pup and we can’t go too far just yet, eager though he may be! We had a walk around Glenamara Park taking in Birks and Arnison Crag and the weather started off clear enough but there were soon ominous looking clouds around blown in by the strong wind which proved to be a real cold blast.

Glenamara Park route map.

Thornhow End from the foot of the climb.

The first view of Ullswater from the climb through the trees.

Place Fell is on fire.

The view to Glenridding and Ullswater from the climb.

Ullswater with Great Mell Fell and Gowbarrow Park beyond.

Place Fell across Patterdale.

High Spying How - the start of Striding Edge - and Birkhouse Moor across Grisedale.

The sun is trying to burn through the clouds looking across to Arnison Crag.

The boys take an alternative path on this steep section.

Bleaberry Crags and the wall of 'Hole-in-the-Wall' fame with the pointed Catstycam in view.

Ullswater and Place Fell from the start of the Birks summit plateau.

I think Dougal and Casper are playing 'catch one kiss one' on the way to Birks summit!

Birks with Saint Sunday Crag covered in ominous looking clouds behind.

Nethermost Pike and Helvellyn are under there somewhere.

There is an arctic blast and heavy clouds now at the start of the descent towards Arnison Crag, here looking across to Hartsop.

Arnison Crag from the steep descent alongside the wall. I left it at the bottom right corner to follow the top of the ridge.

Ullswater from Trough Head.

Looking back to Gavel Pike and Saint Sunday Crag.

Birks and the wall.

Arnison Crag ahead, Place Fell beyond.

A bit of sunshine again over Hartsop Dodd.

Birks from Arnison Crag.

'Tonight Matthew I'm going to be Angus'. Dougal does a good impression of the old boy in the strong wind.

Dougal and Casper on Arnison Crag.

You can see how strong the wind is now by the ripples on Ullswater.

Hartsop from Arnison Crag.

Descending alongside the wall.

Glenridding and Glenridding Dodd.

Red Screes

Walked on 04/12/2009

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: Cold and overcast. 2ºC

The brighter weather seemed to be to the east today though I never managed to quite catch it. Down in Bowness it was lovely and sunny but on the higher ground it was a different story, all frozen and cold. I had a look at Kilnshaw Chimney but knew it would be too much for Dougal at the moment – we did manage to catch it a bit higher up and crossed over it. These ‘in between’ sort of conditions are quite treacherous with the bare rock being very slippery with lots of ice. On the way down someone gave me a five minute lecture about the dangers of fell walking in winter and how treacherous it was, so thanks for that – I must have looked like a newcomer to the fells!

Red Screes route map.

Red Screes from the top of Kirkstone Pass. Kilnshaw Chimney is the white band running down the centre - I had a look but it would be too much for Dougal at the moment.

Sunrise over the Kirkstone Pass Inn.

Casper sorts out a route for us!

Crossing one of the scree gullys.

Kilnshaw Chimney.

Red scree on Red Screes.

Cloud and sun.

The cold looking summit of Red Screes.

Casper sets up camp in the wind shelter on the summit, the frozen tarn and Windermere in view.

Middle Dodd and Brothers Water from the summit.

Casper and Dougal hang on for dear life.

The view thought the low cloud to Place Fell. Looks like Dougal is taking shelter over there.

The frozen Red Screes Tarn and summit.

Windermere glowing in the distance.

Froswick and Ill Bell.

A ray of sunshine over Wansfell.

Raven Crag...brr!

Dougal and Casper check the route back.

Hard Knott

Walked on 01/12/2009

Start point: Cockley Beck (NY 246 017)

Cockley Beck – Moasdale – Hard Knott – Cockley Beck

Distance: 3.9 miles Total Ascent: 319 metres Time Taken: 2 hours

Weather: Cold and overcast. 0ºC

It was even colder today than yesterday, mainly because the sun never came out at all so temperatures struggled to get above freezing. Up on the top of Hard Knott there was a strong icy blast and definitely more than a hint of more snow to come.

Hard Knott route map.

Moasdale Beck and Little Stand.

Looking in the opposite direction towards Grey Friar.

Grey Friar from further along Moasdale with the weak winter sun trying to burn through.

The frozen path to the Scafells.

A panoramic view of the Scafells.

Scafell Pike, Broad Crag and Ill Crag.

Bowfell.

Long Top, Crinkle Crags.

Scafell Pike with the darker subsidiary summit of Pen in the right centre.

Winter on Scafell.

Esk Pike and Bowfell.

'What are we doing dad?'. I don't know about you Dougal, but I'm putting my jacket on - it's flipping freezing that wind.

Bowfell and Crinkle Crags from the climb to Hard Knott.

Frozen Scafells.

Dougal and Casper on Hard Knott.

This cap of cloud was building up from the south over the Coniston fells but that sun is still failing to get through.

Brrr!

Harter Fell from the summit of Hard Knott.

A portrait of Dougal.

In the blink of an eye, the cloud was building over the Scafells too.

The Duddon valley from the descent, crossing a river of boulders.

Harter Fell and the road to Hard Knott Pass, the steepest in England.

Wrynose Pass.

Yewbarrow

Walked on 30/11/2009

Start point: Overbeck Bridge (NY 168 068)

Overbeck Bridge – Bell Rib – Great Door – Yewbarrow (South Top) – Yewbarrow (North Top) – Dore Head – Over Beck – Overbeck Bridge

Distance: 3.9 miles Total Ascent: 580 metres Time Taken: 2 hours 30 minutes

Weather: Clear with long sunny spells. 3oC

Firstly, an apology to regular viewers about the length of time taken for the site to load over the last week or so. This has been caused by the number of hits received from people looking at the flood photos. Hopefully things have calmed down a bit now and the site should be back to normal.

Things have turned decidedly colder over the weekend with many of the fells having a snow cap on them now. I headed to Wasdale for a walk over Yewbarrow but there wasn’t much snow around up there, just a sprinkling really. It was mighty cold though and temperatures are set to plummet further overnight so perhaps winter has finally arrived.