Keswick Christmas Lights

Walked on 27/11/2009

Keswick Christmas Lights

We had planned to go to Keswick tonight to see the Christmas lights being switched on by Julia Bradbury and during the afternoon there was news of another famous visitor lending his support to the area and telling all that ‘the Lake District is open’…

Prince Charles gives Keswick the thumbs up.

Connie waits her turn to see him.

Connie with Julia Bradbury.

Louise with Julia.

The Moot Hall complete with countdown to the New Year.

Well, these photos on the Keswick Flood Action Group stall look familiar and indeed they are - they are by Gill Bulch as used on this site. The credit can be made out on the top one though it is not 100% correct but at least they tried! Of course there is no problem for them to use the photos and we made a decent donation to the cause.

Connie has a try at being the town crier.

A Christmas climber on Moot Hall.

Sour Howes and Sallows

Walked on 27/11/2009

Start point: Troutbeck (NY 413 028)

Troutbeck – Garburn Road – Sour Howes – Moor Head – Sallows – Garburn Road – Troutbeck

Distance: 4.7 miles Total Ascent: 434 metres Time Taken: 2 hours

Weather: Showers, clearing. 8oC

Hopefully, everything is returning to normal for most in the Lake District whilst further north at Cockermouth and Workington, things will take a little longer to straighten out. We walked a couple of the smaller Far Eastern fells today, Sour Howes and Sallows. We started the walk in the rain but surprisingly it brightened up towards the end of it and there was even a sprinkling of snow visible across on the western fells.

Sallows route map.

First we had to scale this new Lake District summit at the foot of the Garburn Road! This pile of shale was washed down from the track across the road last week. The Garburn Road was deeply rutted making going (especially in descent) a bit tricky at times.

Troutbeck Park from the Garburn Road.

The Tongue.

Looking across Troutbeck to a misty Wansfell.

Wansfell from Applethwaite Common.

The head of Troutbeck Park from the climb to Sour Howes.

Sour Howes ahead.

It is all a bit drizzly at the moment.

Windermere.

I think that shower is heading straight for me.

A panoramic view of Windermere.

Damp Dougal on Sour Howes.

Miraculously, Troutbeck is bathed in sunshine below while beyond the ominous clouds are hanging over the western fells.

Dougal takes the lead on Moor Head.

Following the wall to Sallows and it is raining heavily now.

Over to the west though, there is sunshine with a fresh sprinkling of snow on Bowfell with the Langdale Pikes to the right.

The cloud drifting across Yoke. Perhaps that sunshine will come this way.

Dougal and Casper on Sallows.

Looking towards Coniston from the summit mound of Sallows.

Red Screes and the ribbon of the Kirkstone Pass road below it.

The skies are clearing over Sour Howes to the south now.

Sunshine and a clear view.

The Coniston fells.

Sour Howes.

Casper takes in the view from the descent back to the Garburn Road.

Red Screes, Caudale Moor and Dougal.

Thornthwaite Crag, Froswick, Ill Bell and Yoke.

Water spout on the way down.

Sunshine through the trees in the old quarry.

Troutbeck Park, a clearer view than at the start of the walk.

Back to Troutbeck.

Windermere after the flood

Walked on 26/11/2009

Bowness

The question on everyone’s lips seems to be ‘Have the floods gone?’. Well, in the South Lakes the answer is ‘almost’ and Bowness and Windermere and indeed most of the Lake District is open for business as usual. The roads are clear, the shops are open and the walks are still there. Today’s photos were taken by Louise…

The jetties are coming back into view.

The Windermere steamers are now running again to Ambleside and Lakeside.

Hard to believe that only a few days ago the pier and ticket office were half submerged.

Bowness Bay.

Almost back to pre-flood level now.

You will struggle to get a ticket at Pier 3 though!

More Lake District floods

Walked on 21/11/2009

More Lake District floods

A lot of the roads that were impassable yesterday were open today and passable with care so I went to our Love the Lakes shop in Bowness via Coniston and Ambleside to see what impact the floods have had around those parts. The bad thing about today was that it rained pretty much for the whole day and when I was at Ambleside it absolutely bucketed it down, which is certainly not a good sign.

The River Crake at Penny Bridge, the river bank is to the left of the fence line.

Looking downstream from the bridge.

The River Crake. A similar view under more normal conditions...

Full to the gunwales.

The River Crake across the fields at Lowick, normally it flows beyond the tree line but now it is sweeping across the fields in a great arc.

The bottom of Lake Road in Coniston, the public conveniences and shop are under water.

Looks like rescue boats are the only things available to hire today.

The jetty for the Gondola is completely submerged.

A seat with a wet view.

Drying out time at the Bluebird Cafe. The journey to Skelwith Bridge was clear and at Skelwith Bridge itself the water levels appeared normal but the destructive power of the water was evident along the roads with fences and walls simply swept away by the sheer volume.

A discussion with the Langdale and Ambleside Mountain Rescue Team at Rothay Bridge. The road was blocked here, could we get through?

The road ahead (Rothay Bridge is around the corner) and a car that didn't make it.

Stuck fast. We all made it through and I think the level must have been a lot higher when this car ended up here.

Borrans Park and just look at the rain now in this and the following photos, it is absolutely chucking it down.

Borrans Field in Ambleside is completely deluged. I have released a dove (top) to find dry land.

Oh my goodness...flood debris at Waterhead. Follow the line along the pavement, that is a dead sheep still lying in the street.

The Wateredge Inn is now a bit closer to the water's edge than intended.

The main road at Waterhead and absolutely no chance of making it across here in a vehicle.

Looking across the road (see the bollards in the centre of the photo?) to Windermere. A picture of last years flood at the same place and the depth is noticeably less...

There was no way across so I went round. Here is the view to the Wateredge Inn from the other side.

Wet wet Windermere.

At Bowness the level of the lake has dropped noticeably compared to yesterday's similar view...

The raised platform with the fountain (and Louise) on is submerged here.

The grass has reappeared on the promenade.

The swans are still feeding and still happy.

The view from the other side.

Remember yesterday's photos showed the River Leven over the wall and the Stop sign.

A bird's eye view of the bridge at Backbarrow. Ulverston also had areas of flood yesterday which has now thankfully drained away. The signs of readiness are still the in the streets around here though...

Lake District flood

Walked on 20/11/2009

The Lake District floods

Today was more than just an ordinary journey to our Love the Lakes shop in Bowness, it was quite difficult just getting there after all the rain over the last day or two which made some of the roads only passable with care and some large tailbacks. The south Lakes certainly didn’t get as much rain as seen in Cockermouth and Keswick but it certainly got a lot more than usual. Last year during the floods in October it was said that it was the highest Windermere has been in living memory and that we would never see it like that again. This year, however, it was even worse. The following photos were simply taken at stops during our journey today.

The ruins of Furness Abbey under water.

Sunshine and floods at Furness Abbey. The roads around Ulverston were blocked this morning so we had to take a circuitous route to get to our Love the Lakes shop in Bowness.

This is the road up the east side of Coniston Water from Lowick Bridge, now it is a river.

The swollen River Crake.

Looking downstream from Lowick Bridge, the trees on the left show the normal line of the river.

Further downstream at Spark Bridge, the houses with river frontage are under water and people are being rescued by the coastguard and police.

Flooded houses at Spark Bridge.

The River Crake downstream of Spark Bridge. Further on our journey at Newby Bridge there were big tailbacks on the main A590.

The River Leven has burst its banks and is overflowing Newby Bridge.

The Swan Hotel - normally this is a nice place to sit out alongside the river. The centre part is a road and the tables and chairs are normally between the line of trees and the line of bollards to the right.

Newby Bridge and the extremely fast flowing River Leven.

The usual line of the river bank is where the bollards are and some tables and chairs have survived.

A house on the banks of the River Leven next to Newby Bridge. It was an interesting journey along from Newby Bridge to Bowness but we made it okay in the end. The level of the lake was, unbelievably, higher than last year.

Boats for hire at Bowness.

The jetties and ticket offices are all submerged.

I think this jetty is broken!

That's one way to beat the floods - on a bicycle.

Tackling the floods by car.

No sailings today.

Holding back the tide.

The swans have a bit more lake to swim in today.

They are happily feeding on newly submerged grass and plants.

This photo was taken last year for comparison - a good 3 foot deeper this year I think.

The newly refurbished Tourist Information Centre, sadly it will require another refit now.

Keep Clear, swans about.

Someone was braving it today...and a Land Rover went through the flood as well!

Seeing how far out wellie level is.

A glimmer of blue sky seems promising and a much better prospect than more rain.

A birds eye view of the flood looking down to The Glebe from Biskey Howe. Later, on the journey home...

This is the road to the car ferry across Windermere but today you need a boat to get to it.

Boats at the marina at a bit of an angle.

The marina is under water.

The Marina Centre.

Flooded cottages.

The main A592 road to Newby Bridge.

This car is going nowhere.

Down at Fell Foot, the cafe was refurbished after last years flood but will also need doing again now.

The National Trust shop, 2009 flood...

...and the same shop, 2008 flood. It is about 2 foot deeper here this year I think.

Fell Foot sunset.

Wading out to the NT shop.

Across Windermere, the Lakeside Hotel is flooded too and the ferry looks like it has smashed into that tree. Backbarrow on the way home...

The River Leven has breached the bridge and road at Backbarrow.

The bridge wall collapse can be seen in this photo.

Flooded gardens in Backbarrow.

The roads are impassable here.

The footbridge across the River Leven...

...last year it was more visible.

Through the trees you can just make out the line of the patio at the Whitewater Hotel, today with water gushing over it.

The River Leven through Backbarrow. To see how full the River Leven is, compare the following photos and note the prominent 'Stop' sign:

The normal level...

...the level during last years flood...

...blimey, the level today. © www.stridingedge.net

The water is right over the bridge and across the road the water is flowing from the Whitewater Hotel. © www.stridingedge.net

There is no way through here now. © www.stridingedge.net Please credit www.stridingedge.net if you use any photos on this site or contact me for hi-res versions.

Brant Fell

Walked on 16/11/2009

Start point: Bowness on Windermere

Bowness on Windermere – Biskey Howe – Post Knott – Brant Fell (OF) – Bowness on Windermere

Distance: 1.8 miles Total Ascent: 145 metres Time Taken: 45 minutes

Weather: Absolutely chucking it down. 8oC

‘It would take a brave person to be on the fells today’ it said on the weather report on Radio Cumbria this morning and I had to agree, the rain was relentless and the wind strong at times. I opted for a smaller walk around Bowness taking in the viewpoints of Biskey Howe and Post Knott (neither of which are named on the map) and a short climb to Brant Fell. The photos today are the polar opposite of the last walk I did and I used the standby camera today as it was too wet to take the main one. It took a while to remember how it worked…

Brant Fell route map.

Ash Street, Bowness and our Love the Lakes shop - it's too early for anywhere to be open yet.

It's more than a bit gloomy and the rain is bucketing it down in Bowness this morning.

Up onto the viewpoint of Biskey Howe.

Casper (through a misted up lens) has a wet birthday walk, he was 6 yesterday.

Plenty of seats up here to enjoy the spectacular views over Windermere.

The viewpoint indicator tells us what we can see...if it was clear anyway!

Looking across to Claife Heights from the top.

Biskey Howe view.

Following the colourful path to Post Knott, at least these two are happy to be having a run.

Windermere from Post Knott.

Wet Casper and Dougal.

Windermere from Brant Fell.

Looking directly over Bowness to Belle Isle and Claife Heights.

The view through the old posts.

Summit rocks in a heavy shower.

Dougal looks over to Wansfell and Orrest Head.

Weather for ducks back down at the lake shore.

I don't think I want to access there anyway.

Loughrigg Fell

Walked on 11/11/2009

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

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

Distance: 2.7 miles Total Ascent: 270 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 30 minutes

Weather: Sunny and clear. When will I see you again C!

When I set off from home this morning it was distinctly dull and didn’t look at all promising, however once at Lowick it was like entering another world as the sun shone through and it got much colder, just like a proper autumn morning! The frost clung to the shaded slopes throughout the walk but it was pleasantly warm in the sun and the views were forever today, a great day to be on the fells.

Loughrigg Fell route map.

The clarity was amazing on the drive from Coniston to Skelwith this morning so I just had to stop at Yew Tree Tarn with the mist still rising off the water.

Elter Water, the River Brathay and Windermere were all cloaked under a blanket of mist and the parking place near Tarn Foot was just about at the top of the blanket, here with the sun shining through it and the trees.

Lovely colours in the early morning sun at Tarn Foot.

The mist is still clinging to the water below at Skelwith Bridge with Wetherlam over to the right.

Looking south east towards Windermere.

Windermere from higher up, in full sunshine with the mist clinging to the lake.

Lingmoor Fell and The Langdale Pikes across Loughrigg Tarn from the climb to Black Mire.

The Coniston fells.

Looking into Great Langdale.

Seat Sandal, Heron Pike and Nab Scar across one of the tarns on Loughrigg.

Beautiful tarn reflections.

Looking along the great divide at Dunmail Raise to Lonscale Fell flanked by Steel Fell and Seat Sandal.

Dougal has a sit on Casper at the summit of Loughrigg Fell.

All alone on a morning to die for.

The Coniston fells from the top.

Windermere into the sun.

Seat Sandal, Stone Arthur, Fairfield and Heron Pike amongst others.

The Langdale Pikes.

Crinkle Crags and Bowfell (under cloud). Scafell is peeping through the gap between the two.

The summit of Loughrigg Fell.

A view over to Grasmere.

Directly ahead is Silver How, Blea Rigg and the prominent but small spur of Sergeant Man on the horizon.

Casper can hear the farm dogs barking below.

Colourful Larch on the descent.

Tree silhouette at Loughrigg Tarn.

This is the same tree looking in the opposite direction - full of sunshine and lovely Autumn colour. Sorry, I couldn't help myself with the following photographic indulgence of the fantastic views around Loughrigg Tarn...

Loughrigg Tarn.

Lovely Autumn reflections.

Loughrigg Fold across the tarn.

The calendar shot - the Langdale Pikes across Loughrigg Tarn.

A wider view.

A couple of ducks must think I have some food with me!

A lovely Lake District view, typical of the area with sheep and a riot of colour. Loughrigg Fell is up to the left. On the way home, a couple of stop offs for a photo or two...

The Scott Memorial, Tarn Hows.

Wetherlam across Tarn Hows.

The Old Man and Wetherlam.

Coniston Old Man and village across Coniston Water from Low Bank Ground.

Further south, there was a great sheet of cloud moving in and this shot was near monochromatic anyway, so I made it so! Swallows and Amazons at the jetty.

Cloud reflections, Coniston Water.

Coniston Old Man

Walked on 09/11/2009

Start point: Walna Scar road (SD 289 970)

Walna Scar car park – Goat’s Hawse – Goat’s Water – Brim Fell – The Old Man of Coniston – Walna Scar car park

Distance: 4.5 miles Total Ascent: 620 metres Time Taken: 2 hours

Weather: Sunny and clear, cooling. <8oC.

It was so clear and sunny today you would hardly think it was the same time of year as the rest of the previous week when it has been raining almost incessantly. I found time for a late afternoon walk and with those blue skies I was confident of seeing a decent sunset so tried to time my walk accordingly. I must admit I thought I had left it too late when I was walking beneath Dow Crag, it was so dark and cold there. Dougal joined us today for his first ‘bigger’ walk at 7 months old and of course we were recognised (along with Casper, the two of them together are unmistakable!) and then he was fussed over at every opportunity by passing walkers. He took the whole thing in his stride of course and he is turning out to be a great pretender to the fell masters throne.

Coniston Old Man route map.

The Coniston fells from Torver.

The Old Man from the car park.

The view north across The Bell.

Heading along the Walna Scar Road.

Dougal blazes a trail he looks as though he knows where he is going!

Looking across the reedy Boo Tarn, it was clear as an (Ill) Bell!

Long shadows already looking back along the track.

The Cove and Dow Crag ahead.

The western flank of Coniston Old Man.

A big shadow from Buck Pike as the sun starts to set.

The sun bursts over Brown Pike.

Sunny Dougal.

Once into the shadows it was like entering a very different world, chilly and grey.

Dow Crag across Goat's Water.

Goat's Water reflection.

Walking along the edge of Goat's Water.

Grey Friar and the Scafells from Goat's Hawse.

The setting sun over Dow Crag.

The view from the Brim Fell ridge, Black Combe in the distance. It was getting colder with every footstep now.

The Old Man summit ahead but first I was off in the opposite direction to Brim Fell.

The sky is on fire over the Duddon Estuary.

The summit of Brim Fell. To those who read in the Love the Lakes blog about the latest jacket, all I can say is wow! Instant warmth.

Grey Friar and the Scafells from Brim Fell. Looks like there is a sprinkling of snow up there too.

Scafell - and yes, a dusting of snow indeed.

The Duddon Estuary, Walney Island and Barrow-in-Furness.

A closer view.

As I was walking the frost was forming on the high ground and the puddles were freezing over. This is a frosty view down to Low Water from the walk back towards The Old Man.

Brim Fell and the Scafells from The Old Man summit.

Coniston Old Man sunset.

Column and cairn.

The view to the south west.

Coniston Water.

Dougal and Casper on The Old Man - Dougal's first (hopefully of many) time up here.

Looking to Wetherlam across Low Water and Levers Water.

I hung around for a little while alone watching the sunset, it was just beautiful.

Column and sky.

The Kent Estuary and Morecambe Bay, Heysham Power Station is in view across the bay.

Dougal looks on as darkness falls - let's go! We descended using a 'no frills' route to get down as quick as we could before dark.

Lingmoor Fell

Walked on 02/11/2009

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

Blea Tarn – Bleatarn House – Lingmoor Fell – Lingmoor Tarn – Blea Tarn

Distance: 3 miles Total Ascent: 330 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 40 minutes

Weather: Wet and windy. 8oC.

It was certainly wet and windy when I set off for Lingmoor Fell this morning; I had thought of going higher but gave that a miss when the weather was so bad. It did eventually clear up a little and the wind died down but the temperature had noticeably dropped since last week. I always enjoy this fell and this direct route from Bleatarn House certainly seems to be the quickest way of getting up there.

Lingmoor Fell route map.

There has been lots of rain around this weekend and today was no exception; there are plenty of flooded roads around and I set off for Lingmoor Fell in waterproofs today following this beck directly from Bleatarn House.

Looking the other way across Bleatarn House to Bowfell in cloud.

Blea Tarn and colourful woods beyond.

The Langdale Pikes and Side Pike come into view from the climb.

Wetherlam.

Blake Rigg and Pike o' Blisco over Blea Tarn.

The view through the gap in the wall...and the rain.

That blurry tail tells me Dougal is enjoying this walk. Look how he is turning slate now on his face and back.

Go on lads!

The view over colourful Larches.

Blea Tarn from higher up.

Sun rays over the recently completed Greenburn Round.

There is a lovely view of Pike o' Blisco from up here.

Casper and Dougal on Brown How, the summit of Lingmoor Fell.

The view in the opposite direction towards Windermere and it all looks very wet up here.

Descending to Lingmoor Tarn.

The Langdale Pikes and the white ribbon of Stickle Ghyll.

Casper and Dougal demonstrate how strong the wind is amongst the Ling.

Descending towards Side Pike with Mickleden beyond and the Langdales getting a fleeting window of sun.

Side Pike.

Pike o' Blisco.

The steep descent.

It's all looking a bit dull over on Crinkle Crags and Bowfell.

Looking across to Bleatarn House, the route of ascent to Lingmoor Fell can be seen to the right of the tree line.

Harrison Stickle through the gap from the Blea Tarn path.

What's up little Dougal? He issued a refusal at this footbridge and was off in the opposite direction, so a little gentle coaxing was required to get him to cross.

The Langdale Pikes across Blea Tarn.

Final view from near the car park.

High Dam

Walked on 29/10/2009

Regular viewers will have seen High Dam on here a few times before; it is ever tranquil up there and enjoyed by many families. We had a late afternoon walk today and it was an unseasonably warm 17C when we set off, almost warm enough for tee shirt and shorts!

Stop! in the name of love.

The River Leven at Backbarrow.

Long exposure on the beck from High Dam.

Colourful woodland.

Low Dam reflections.

Family reflections.

High Dam.

A glimmer of blue sky.

Connie, Dougal and Casper are enjoying the walk today.

Connie and Dougal are crossing the bridge to the left.

On High Dam - look at little Dougal, paws on the wall peeping over!

Wet Dougally Doo.

Three different ways to get across!

Mossy wall.

Walla Crag

Walked on 21/10/2009

Start point: Surprise View (NY 268 189)

Surprise View – Ashness Bridge – Falcon Crag – Walla Crag – Cat Gill – Calfclose Bay – Barrow Bay – Ashness Bridge – Surprise View

Distance: 4.3 miles Total Ascent: 392 metres Time Taken: 2 hours

Weather: Sunny spells. 14C.

Today’s quest was to get Dougal out on the fells for a bit longer, not do a walk that was too tough and begin to get his stamina up a little. The walk to Walla Crag from Surprise View offered this plus plenty of different options depending on how we got on. I had intended going up onto High Seat but it seemed further than I remembered so I decided to drop down to Derwent Water and walk along the shore for a change.

Walla Crag route map.

Sunrise over Derwent Water from Surprise View.

Ashness Bridge.

An alternative view.

Barrow Beck and Ashness Bridge from below the road.

Derwent Water and Bassenthwaite Lake from the climb towards Falcon Crag.

Looking back towards Borrowdale.

Autumn at Manesty Park beneath Maiden Moor, Robinson in the distance.

A zoom into Borrowdale looking at King's How and Castle Crag.

The islands of Derwent Water - St Herbert's Island, Lord's Island and Derwent Isle. Beyond Portinscale is Bassenthwaite Lake.

Walla Crag gets some sunshine ahead.

The view down Cat Gill.

Bleaberry Fell in a sunburst from the summit of Walla Crag.

Keswick and the Skiddaw massif.

It looks like the 'lake' on the top of Walla Crag is joined to Derwent Water here!

The Newlands Valley and the north western fells.

Dougal looks a bit lost on Walla Crag.

That's better - Dougal and Casper on Walla Crag. What a good lad that Doogs is.

Derwent Bay - Eel Crag and Grisedale Pike are the two highest fells in view.

Sunshine over Catbells.

The descent into autumn at Cat Gill.

There is a steep descent through the woods, not that Dougal seems bothered.

Catbells reflections from Calfclose Bay.

Looking along Derwent Water.

Roots.

Looking into Borrowdale.

Landing stage, Barrow Bay.

Skiddaw.

More reflections.

Skiddaw in the opposite direction.

Last one before the climb back up past Ashness Bridge.

Blawith Knott

Walked on 20/10/2009

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

Weather: Sunny spells. 14C.

It was a pleasant autumn afternoon for a stroll along to Blawith Knott and Tottlebank Height with the showing itself at intervals. These fells seemed to be on the line between the sunny and bright weather to the south and west and darker, more ominous looking weather to the north and east. It was to see that Angus Tarn was full again, you may remember that when we visited in July it was completely dry. I also managed to visit a ‘Great Slab’ and ‘Sharp Edge’ today, amazing what you can find on these smaller fells!

Blawith Knott route map.

Tottlebank Height over a tarn on Heathwaite Fell.

The welcoming party - she could be an honorary Beardie with a haircut like that! I like the way the tag goes right through her ears - come in number 4 billion and one, your time is up...

Sunshine over me and a dark sky over Blawith Knott.

Black Combe from Giant's Grave.

Making a dash for it.

The sunshine glinting on the beautiful Duddon Estuary.

The Dunnerdale fells from the first cairn on the summit.

Dougal and Casper on Blawith Knott.

The fell dog surveys all he commands on the summit of Blawith Knott.

The [path to Tottlebank Height leads straight past Angus Tarn.

Angus Tarn is full again today.

Casper has a dip whilst Dougal decides to stay with his dad.

Casper in Angus Tarn.

The Great Slab of Tottlebank Height?

Beacon Fell from Tottlebank Height with the smallest glimpse of Coniston Water to the right of it.

Windswept on Tottlebank Height.

Descending the mini Sharp Edge from Tottlebank Height!

Autumn track.

Hugill Fell

Walked on 15/10/2009

Start point: Barley Bridge, Staveley (SD 470 987)

Hugill Fell (OF) from Staveley

Distance: 1.6 miles Total Ascent: 160 metres Time Taken: 30 minutes

Weather: Damp and dreary. 15C.

It was a claggy old day today with the mist and drizzle clinging to the fell sides. I opted for a shorter – and lower – walk up to Hugill Fell, the perfect training ground for Dougal. He needs to practice those descents though, it was amusing watching him trying to keep up with Casper and running at full pelt down the hill only to bowl over when his legs could go no faster!

Hugill Fell route map.

Heron reflection on the weir at Barley Bridge.

He had a good perch and was quite content to sit around. Better here than at my garden pond!

The weir.

Tommy Haircut.

Looking back towards Staveley from the climb. Damp and dreary it was, but also very warm.

Running for Hugill Fell, the cairn visible on the skyline.

Kentmere from Hugill Fell.

The cairn on Hugill Fell seems to change shape every time I visit. Nice to see it still there though.

Casper and Dougal at the cairn. Look at all the flying ants buzzing around the cairn, there were thousands of them today.

Looks like a couple of people have reached the top of Reston Scar across the way.

'What are you doing up there?'.

Reflections on a calm River Kent.

Greenburn Round

Walked on 13/10/2009

Start point: Fell Foot, Little Langdale (NY 296 032)

Fell Foot – Rough Crags – High End – Wet Side Edge – Hell Gill Pike – Little Carrs – Great Carrs – Top of Broad Slack – Swirl How – Prison Band – Swirl Hawse – Wetherlam – Birk Fell Hawse – Greenburn – Fell Foot

Distance: 5.9 miles Total Ascent: 883 metres Time Taken: 3 hours 45 minutes

Weather: Changeable, cool. 13C.

Today I had a walk around Greenburn from Little Langdale, the weather didn’t seem to hold much promise when I set off but it was fascinating to watch the rapidly changing conditions as I walked, with it seemingly changing by the minute. It was very wintry and cold on the top of Great Carrs, I even had to put my winter jacket on – good job Casper was wearing his!

Greenburn route map.

Early morning, Coniston Water.

Brown Howe, Coniston Water.

Autumn reflections.

The mist rising from the lake.

Who knew what the weather would throw up today? It was cold and hazy when I set off from Fell Foot, here with Rough Crags ahead and Wetherlam beyond Wet Side Edge.

Rough Crags from one of the many shepherd's cairns along the path.

A magnificent Rowan tree on the banks of the River Brathay.

Wetherlam from the ridge.

The head of Greenburn with cloud on the top of Great Carrs.

To the east was a layer of cloud covering Little Langdale and beyond.

Little Langdale from High End, Little Langdale Tarn in view.

Pike o' Blisco from High End.

Looking across Greenburn, there is a bit of mist around there too as the sun tries to burn through.

Wet Side Edge.

The view across Wrynose Pass to Cold Pike, Crinkle Crags, Bowfell and Pike o' Blisco with mist forming below.

The inversion to the east was slowly but surely creeping towards me. Ooh, I was getting all excited now!

The view from the top of Wet Side Edge.

A glimpse of the Scafells beyond Wrynose Fell from Hell Gill Pike. From here it was up into the mist, pretty cold it was too.

The memorial to the Canadian Air Crew on Great Cars.

Heading for Swirl How.

Casper in eerie light on the summit of Swirl How. It was freezing up here, time to put the gloves on.

Descending Prison Band towards Wetherlam as the mist clears.

Levers Water.

Prison Band.

Looking back to Prison Band across Swirl Hawse.

The path to Wetherlam - all sunshine and blue sky now.

Cold Pike, Pike o' Blisco and the Crinkles have disappeared under cloud now from the summit of Wetherlam.

The inversion to the east.

The cloud beginning to break over Little Langdale.

Descending Wetherlam Edge, a rougher path than you might think.

I took the path down into Greenburn from Birk Fell Hawse and almost in the blink of an eye the valley filled with cloud. With the sun shining from directly behind there was a Brocken Spectre constantly there for a while, seen here looking across to the Langdale Pikes. What a fantastically graded path this old miners track was too, a real joy to walk.

Brocken Spectre.

Pike o' Blisco from the very edge of the inversion.

Can't get enough of this one!

Almost as quickly as it settled in the valley, the mist rapidly began to rise as it warmed. This photo was as I was descending and the mist was racing up to meet me.

Descending to the ruins of Greenburn Copper Works.

Greenburn Copper Works. It is hard to imagine what this tranquil place would have been like during the heyday of these works, but I bet it was a bit different to now!

There were some magnificent cascades and pools on Greenburn Beck, I must remember this place for next summer as a likely swimming spot.

Rowan Tree alongside Greenburn Beck, now in bright sunshine.

Casper walks the plank to get across Greenburn Beck.

Martindale Round

Walked on 05/10/2009

Start point: Martindale Old Church (NY 434 184)

Martindale Old Church – Beda Fell – Angletarn Pikes – Angle Tarn – Brock Crags – Satura Crag – Rest Dodd – The Knott – Rampsgill Head – Kidsty Pike – High Raise – Red Crag – Martindale Old Church

Distance: 10.6 miles Total Ascent: 1048 metres Time Taken: 5 hours 40 minutes

Weather: Long sunny spells. 13C.

Today I was joined by StridingEdge stalwarts Andy Lang and Gary Jones for a circuit of Martindale. The occasion was to take in my final two Wainwrights to complete my third time round them, namely Beda Fell and High Raise. After the early mist lifted, the sun shone making it a great end to the walk and of course to completion of the 642!

Martindale Round route map.

Dawn at Martindale Old Church.

Beda Fell beyond Christy Bridge.

Howe Grain from the climb to Beda Fell. There was a definite nip in the air this morning.

The view to Ullswater along Boredale from the ridge to Beda head.

The mist is forming over Ullswater and creeping up the valleys.

As we climb higher the mist completely circles Hallin Fell, here with Winter Crag in the foreground.

The view from higher up the ridge.

Place Fell and St. Sunday Crag from the first cairn on the summit ridge.

Beda Head, the summit of Beda Fell with Hallin Fell, Bonscale Pike and Steel Knotts in view.

A bit of sunshine on Place Fell.

Looking back to Beda Head now drenched in early morning sun.

Walking the ridge to Angletarn Pikes.

Bannerdale just before the mist started pouring over the tops from the south and obliterated everything for a while.

Looking towards Glenridding and Ullswater from Angletarn Pikes.

The mist starting to clear at Angle Tarn.

Angletarn Pikes from the climb to Brock Crags - all clear now!

Angle Tarn in sunshine but Angletarn Pikes in mist again, showing how quickly conditions were changing.

Brothers Water from Brock Crags.

Gray Crag and Hayeswater with some dramatic clouds pouring over High Street and Caudale Moor.

Martindale from Satura Crag.

Today's walk was to a background chorus of rutting stags bellowing around Martindale. We saw many smaller herds of deer but were fortunate to see this stag on the horizon.

Brock Crags from the climb to Rest Dodd.

Casper on the summit of Rest Dodd.

Rest Dodd from the start of the climb to the Knott.

High Street from The Knott.

Hayeswater Gill and Hayeswater from The Knott.

Looking across to The Knott from the crossing to Rampsgill Head.

High Street from the summit of Rampsgill Head.

High Raise and blue skies ahead.

Andy, Gary and Casper crossing to Kidsty Pike.

Riggindale and a glimpse of Haweswater from Kidsty Pike.

No sign of the Golden Eagle but the Casper has landed.

Still tarn below High Raise.

Golden sunshine once more on the summit of High Raise.

Me with Casper on High Raise, my third completion of the 214 Wainwrights.

Following the High Street ridge to Red Crag.

Redcrag Tarn.

Looking over to Helvellyn from Red Crag.

The descent back into Martindale.

Ullswater along Fusedale Beck.

Steel Knotts ahead but we descended the path to the left of the summit.

Beda Fell across Martindale.

All is lovely now on Steel Knotts.

Beda Fell from Martindale Old Church.

Ullswater on the way home.

School Knott

Walked on 30/09/2009

Start point: Droomer Road, Heathwaite (SD 419 977)

Heathwaite – School Knott (OF) – Grandsire (OF) – Heathwaite

Distance: 2.2 miles Total Ascent: 150 metres Time Taken: 1 hour

Weather: Long sunny spells. 16C.

It is ages since I have been up to School Knott, 5 years in fact which I can hardly believe. I guess when they are right on your doorstep you tend to pass them by. There are lovely views from here and it was worth a visit today as Bowness and Windermere seemed to be the only places with any sunshine or views, the rest of the lakes was covered in low lying cloud and there were lots of showers around. Young Dougal had another outing, I love to see him running free – it’s how a dog should be.

School Knott route map.

An old bridge over Mill Beck. I suspect that this was originally in the middle of open fields but now a modern housing estate surrounds it.

Sunny and Autumnal on the climb to School Knott but the weather further north looks a bit ominous.

Orrest Head.

Running free - the boys make a break for it, the top of School Knott is to the right.

Autumn at Windermere.

Two peas in a pod - Casper and Dougal.

Windermere - town and lake - from School Knott.

Loughrigg Fell at the head of Windermere. The town gets the sunshine whilst the Langdale Pikes are obliterated by showers.

Heading for Grandsire across School Knott Tarn.

You may have heard of the latest sightings of 'Bownessie', our very own Lake District monster in Windermere. Here he is in School Knott Tarn!

School Knott Tarn reflections.

Little Dougally Doo summits Grandsire.

School Knott is still sunlit to the left and even the Langdales look like they are brightening now but we were soon caught by the drizzle.

The summit outcrop of Grandsire. I tried to match the Wainwright sketch of this as closely as possible and it is interesting to find the exact place where he took his photos from. Someone who has done this for all the Wainwright sketches from the Pictorial Guides is Andy Beck, who's meticulous work to transform the Wainwright sketches to colour is to form an exhibition at Rheged from 10th October to 20th November. Check here for more details and to view some of his fabulous work.

The view to the south east from Grandsire.

Heading back towards Windermere on the Dales Way.

Old Droomer, a real old fashioned Lake District farmhouse. The shame of it is that the farm has now gone and it is surrounded by the Droomer housing estate that took its name from the farm.

High Dam

Walked on 26/09/2009

I took the boys for a gentle walk around High Dam at Finsthwaite today and it was lovely in the sunshine with the autumn colours showing through. There was a chance for Casper and Dougal to have a run and a swim here – Tarn Hows for the cognoscenti!

High Dam.

A beautiful, sunny, sparkling day.

The dam on High Dam.

Islands and trees.

Caspaaaarrrrrrr!

Dougstaaarrrr!

Low Dam.

Autumn at Low Dam.

Coniston Old Man

Walked on 24/09/2009

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: 3 hours 45 minutes

Weather: Overcast, cold wind. 15C.

Today was the third StridingEdge group walk which was up to The Old Man of Coniston via the now officially named (well, it is in our house!) McMahon Route, a brilliantly graded walk across Little Arrow Moor and then up the south ridge of the Old Man. Joining me on the walk were StridingEdge viewers who expressed an interest in coming for a walk with me and Casper and it was great to meet everyone – some new faces and some old stalwarts of our walks. It was a good walk in great company, pity the weather wasn’t kinder to us today…maybe next time.

Coniston Old Man route map.

The Old Man from the car park.

Setting off along the Walna Scar Road.

The start of the climb to The Old Man.

Torver Common with Beacon Fell prominent on the right.

Coniston Water.

Casper has a look across The Cove to Brown Pike.

He's struggling to keep all that tongue in!

Coniston across Bursting Stone Quarry, Windermere top left.

Climbing the south ridge.

A bit of sunshine over Morecambe Bay and the Kent Estuary and you can just about make out the outline of Heysham Power Station across the bay. We said hello to Angus on the way up here.

A group shot of the StridingEdge striders on a misty Old Man summit - you can see by their attire that it wasn't the warmest (or clearest) of days up here! Back row L-R: Martin, Carl, Karl, David, Rod, Rob, Andy, Andrew, Gary, Michael. Front row L-R Chris, Linda, Lesley, Rachael, Angela, Mike and Shelley.

Heading for Brim Fell.

Beneath the clouds on Brim fell Rake looking across to Levers Water.

Low Water appears through the mist.

Mountain man and dog. That's too clean to be Casper at this stage of a walk!

Levers Water.

A glimpse of Windermere.

The descent to Low Water after our lunch stop.

Low Water and the tourist path up to The Old Man.

Heading through the old mine workings.

Black Fell

Walked on 21/09/2009

Start point: Knipe Fold (SD 391 994)

Black Fell from Knipe Fold

Distance: 3.4 miles Total Ascent: 215 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 15 minutes

Weather: Very dull with showers. 15C.

Today was a complete contrast to last week with the weather being really dull and threatening throughout the walk. It was a big day for young Dougal though as he completed a walk to his first Wainwright summit, something he managed with aplomb and he got a taste of the changeable Lake District weather for good measure!

Black Fell route map.

Approaching Iron Keld, the felled plantation.

It was so dull this morning here heading through Iron Keld. In fact it was almost dark, which made it really difficult to get any photos of anything.

Windermere from Black Fell.

Casper and Dougal on Black Fell, Dougal's first Wainwright summit.

Ambleside and Windermere during a passing shower.

'No one told me it would be this windy!'. There are all sorts of colours going on with Dougal now - slate around the eyes and a browny red mixed in with the black.

Windermere from the large cairn to the south-east of the summit.

Looking back to the summit.

We found this 'throne' cut from the stump of a felled tree complete with initials. 'CD'? - it must stand for Casper and Dougal of course!

Haycock

Walked on 15/09/2009

Start point: Greendale (NY 144 056)

Greendale – Seatallan – Scoat Tarn – Scoat Fell – Haycock – Pots of Ashness – Greendale Tarn – Greendale

Distance: 8.9 miles Total Ascent: 1130 metres Time Taken: 4 hours 30 minutes

Weather: Sunny and warm.19C.

The glorious weather continued today and it ended up being really warm once the breeze died down a bit. This was a walk made up as I went along – I knew I wanted to go to Scoat Tarn as I have walked around it but never been down to it, and to Haycock as I haven’t been there for a while. It ended up as a sort of skinny figure of eight on the map and there seemed to be a lot of ups and downs on this walk and there were certainly no paths to follow for the traverse around to Scoat Tarn.

Haycock route map.

The path into Greendale. The climb to Seatallan is adjacent to Tongues Gills, the zig-zags across the gill can be seen directly ahead climbing the fell side.

Crossing Greendale Gill.

Looking back to Greendale from the climb.

Buckbarrow

Cloud on Great Gable.

The Ravenglass Estuary and the River Irt. The cairn in the foreground is on Glade How.

That made me jump!

Kirk Fell and Great Gable.

The Scafells from Seatallan.

Making a decision on the route before the descent from Haycock. I decided to contour around to Scoat Tarn nestling below Red Pike, directly above Caper in this photo.

Haycock. The grassy rake running diagonally left is the one I used in descent, the path I followed is the faint one form the 'Y' junction to the right.

Looking back to Seatallan.

Heading towards Red Pike.

Passing beneath Haycock.

Seatallan from Little Lad Crag.

Scoat Tarn.

There was a cool breeze blowing here today so I didn't fancy a swim.

Seatallan from Scoat Tarn.

Red Pike - the summit is tantalisingly close but I must press on.

Pillar from Scoat Fell.

Steeple.

Close up on Steeple.

Scoat Fell, the summit cairn along the wall.

Steeple is tantalisingly close from here too, but time is against me today.

Ennerdale and Ennerdale Water. You are going the wrong way Casper!

Heading for Haycock and the deceptive dip between the break in the walls in this photo is much worse than it looks from here. I met the first people I had seen all day on the descent and it was great to meet a couple of StridingEdge fans enjoying the sunshine.