Beacon Fell

Walked on 12/09/2009

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 30 minutes

Weather: Sunny and warm.22C.

It was a gorgeous day today, too good to miss out on a walk when the opportunity arose. I really fancied having a swim somewhere and Beacon Fell ticked all the right boxes for that along with the views of course. Although it was sunny and warm, autumn is quickly catching us now and the fells are turning a beautiful golden colour which was enhanced by the sunshine today.

Beacon Fell route map.

First sight of the Coniston fells.

Top o' Selside and the tiniest glimpse of Coniston Water from the climb to Beacon.

More of Coniston Water comes into view as we climb higher. Lost something Casper?

Ah, there you are Dougal Doo! Beacon Fell is the other way, behind you. What a good lad he was today - no, make that a very good lad. This was his first taste of the freedom of the fells as he was off the lead throughout the walk. No problems responding to command, no problems with sheep, in fact no problems at all.

Casper and Dougal show their family similarity.

Together in the heather.

Coniston Water.

The head of the lake from the climb with the Fairfield fells beyond.

The Coniston range.

Beacon Fell summit. The 'treasure' tin we placed here in April has gone as has everything we left inside including the fable of the box. It has been replaced with a rather less elegant plastic box, suitably enhanced earlier the same day with Spiderman badges kindly left by a young StridingEdge fan, Alfie.

Brock Barrow above High Nibthwaite at the southern end of Coniston Water.

That's a nice look Casper, glad I groomed you this morning.

Dougal has managed to keep clean for his summit shot.

A portrait of Dougal on Beacon Fell.

What a day. What a place.

Dow Crag and The Old Man.

Brown Pike, Buck Pike and Dow Crag.

The mighty Wetherlam beyond Torver.

Beacon Tarn, known forever in our house as 'Sparkly Tarn' due to the moniker Connie gave it a couple of years ago.

Casper was first in, closely followed by...

...well, me! In this reversal of roles, Dougal is guarding our things whilst we have a swim. I wonder if he can find a stick for me to fetch?

At great risk to life, limb and camera, BeaconTarnCam brings you the view from the middle of the tarn looking to Wool Knott. It was wonderful in here today and I spent a good while having a swim in the warm sunshine. Absolute heaven. I couldn't help thinking, though, that this was probably the final curtain call for summer and the last outdoor swim of 2009.

Casper doesn't look like he will give Dougal any swimming lessons, so I did.

I don't think he will be the next Angus as far as swimming goes but Dougal does bear more than a passing resemblance to him in this shot.

Damp dogs drying off in the sunshine.

The Old Man and Wetherlam from an un-named tarn on the return.

There is a magnificent display of bright red berries on this Rowan Tree.

Dodd

Walked on 11/09/2009

Start point: The Old Sawmill tearooms. (NY 234 281)

Dodd from The Old Sawmill tearooms

Distance: 2.4 miles Total Ascent: 382 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 15 minutes

Weather: Hazy sunrise. 9C.

I was out and about early this morning for a quick climb to Dodd from The Old Sawmill tearooms. Prior to climbing the fell, I had a look down at Derwent Water for a calm lake shot (2011 calendar?!) and managed to elbow my way in with all the other photographers down there! It was a lovely morning but I was a bit too early for those blue skies today.

Dodd route map.

Early morning, Derwent Isle.

Looking along Derwent Water.

Crossing Skill Beck.

A small pool on the way to Dodd.

A view of Bassenthwaite Lake from the climb.

Hmm, which way do you think Casper?

Catbells with mist over Derwent Water.

Barrow and Causey Pike, Dale Head and Hindscarth beyond.

Casper on Dodd.

Catbells and Maiden Moor beyond Swinside, little Castle Crag is to the left of them - the jaws of Borrowdale.

Crag Hill and Grisedale Pike amongst others.

Bassenthwaite Lake.

Zooming in, Criffel can be seen across the Solway Firth.

Looking the other way - daybreak on Dodd.

There is a wonderful view over the Vale of Keswick from here.

The golden glow of sunrise over the Coledale Fells from the descent. It was such a nice morning and the paths had such an easy gradient and surface that I ran all the way down. I had some time to kill before some business in Keswick, so it was back to Derwent Water to se if I could nail a decent shot of the calm lake.

Dodd is the fell to the left of the Skiddaw massif. Later...

Ashness Bridge.

Catbells from Surprise View.

Derwent Water and Skiddaw from Surprise View.

Clough Head

Walked on 07/09/2009

Start point: Wanthwaite (NY 316 232)

Wanthwaite – Fisher’s Wife’s Rake – Jim’s Fold – Clough Head – Red Screes – Wanthwaite

Distance: 3.7 miles Total Ascent: 592 metres Time Taken: 2 hours

Weather: Showers and sunny spells. 17C.

Fisher’s Wife’s Rake is one of those walks I have had on the agenda for a while and it certainly is the direct route to Clough Head, although it wasn’t as severe as I was expecting. There were showers at the start of the climb up the rake but the clouds miraculously cleared towards the end of the walk, reminding me that it is still late summer yet.

Clough Head route map.

Skiddaw and Lonscale Fell from the Old Coach Road.

Wanthwaite Crags across the disused quarries. Fisher's Wife's Rake is the grassy gully to the right of the crags.

Crossing the wall at the ladder stile.

The Skiddaw massif from the path following the wall beneath Wanthwaite Crags.

High Rigg and the central fells from the foot of Fisher's Wife's Rake.

Climbing the rake in the rain.

Casper does a double take - yes, up there!

Blencathra through the Rowan Tree.

Looking down Fisher's Wife's Rake.

A sunny interlude on High Rigg.

Looking down Fisher's Wife's Rake from the top.

The north-western fells.

A rainbow over St John's in the Vale.

A glimpse of Thirlmere from Sandbed Gill.

Jim's Fold.

Great How and Thirlmere, Ullscarf beyond.

Blencathra from Clough Head.

Striking a familiar pose...

The Vale of Keswick.

Cloud lifting from Skiddaw.

The start of the shelf path on Red Screes.

Suddenly it is summer again!

Sunshine over Keswick.

Blencathra from the wall crossing.

Casper has a dip in a small beck on the Old Coach Road.

Stickle Pike

Walked on 27/08/2009

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: Sunny spells. 18C.

It was Connie’s choice for a walk this morning and Stickle Pike was the chosen one. Eager Dougal was keen to get out again, he shows boundless energy but we have to keep it in check for now. We seemed to find the best of the weather too as it turned overcast not long afetr we left. As ever the views from this diminutive fell are simply stunning.

Stickle Pike from Kiln Bank Cross.

Caw over the bracken. There is a hint of autumnal brown in the bracken now.

Stickle Tarn - looks like Casper couldn't wait to get in there!

Stickle Pike from the tarn.

Connie and Dougal try to keep up with Casper.

Tarn reflections. Casper is about to have another swim by the look of it.

Caw across a reedy Stickle Tarn.

The view from further up.

Which way?

Great Stickle with the Furness peninsula and Barrow-in-Furness beyond.

Today we climbed to the southern summit by way of the scree gully ahead.

The Scafells in cloud, Harter Fell, Esk Pike and Bowfell beyond the main summit cairn of Stickle Pike.

Caw and the Coniston fells, Stickle Tarn below.

Contemplation.

The happy trio on Stickle Pike.

The cloud is lifting from the Scafells now and Harter Fell has the sunshine. What a great view from here.

Black Combe. The ribbon of the Corney Fell road is visible in the centre.

The Duddon Valley.

The view to the north-east from the main summit.

Mountain girl pose on Stickle Pike.

Whitfell, The Pike and Hesk Fell across the southern end of the Duddon Valley.

Devoke Water

Walked on 24/08/2009

Start point: Birker Fell road (SD 171 977)

Birker Fell Road – Rough Crag (Birker Moor) (OF) – Water Crag (OF) – Devoke Water – Birker Fell Road

Distance: 2.5 miles Total Ascent: 140 metres Time Taken: 2 hours

Weather: Sunny spells. 17C.

It was oddly sunny-but-not today as there seemed there was a lot of high level cloud giving shade cover a lot of the time. There has been plenty of rain over the weekend too, so this normally boggy walk was even worse today. It was a good little taster of fell life for Dougal, though, and Connie loves it up here too. Today was the first time I have had a chance to play with my new camera – of course when you upgrade you end up getting more buttons and more menus to learn – I’m sure I’ll get the hang of it all in the end. The camera was purchased with the proceeds from the 2010 calendar, so thanks to all who have bought one.

Devoke Water route map.

Casper's off, heading for Rough Crag.

The lovely view across Birker Fell.

The Scafells, Esk Pike, Bowfell, Crinkle Crags and Harter Fell all in view from here.

Woodend height across Devoke Water.

The cairn at the top of Rough Crag.

Connie, Dougal and a rather mucky Casper on Rough Crag.

Harter Fell from Rough Crag, the Coniston fells beyond.

Connie points out the old boathouse on Devoke Water below whilst Casper decides to head for Water Crag!

Scafell and Slight Side. Great Gable is just peeping through to the left.

Best pals.

Kirk Fell and Great Gable, Boat How central.

Harter Fell, Crook Crag and Green Crag, Grey Friar beyond.

Heading for Water Crag.

Looking back along the path from Rough Crag.

The West Cumbrian coast from Water Crag.

Dougal tries to break Casper's world record for the longest tongue.

The mermaid of Water Crag, Woodend Height looming behind.

Rough Crag, Harter fell and Green Crag from Water Crag with Grey Friar in the distance.

Casper works out the best route down to Devoke Water.

The Scafells and Rough Crag from one of the many ancient cairns in the area.

Looking back up to Water Crag.

Go on Dougal, you know you want to...

...and of course he did! Wet little Dougal-Doo.

Devoke Water.

Hesk Fell and the old boathouse.

Seat How.

The return along the track.

Torver Common

Walked on 17/08/2009

After a drab morning, the sun eventually broke through and it was warm, if a little breezy. We took Dougal for a short walk to continue his off road training after a hard weekend in the show ring (Rusland Show, Lakeland Country Fair). Dougal-oog even managed a little splash in a tarn…

The Coniston fells from Kelly Hall Tarn.

Rounding the tarn.

Adventure girl tries a bit of scrambling.

Casper and Dougal look across to check Angus is alright on the top of The Old Man.

Red Screes across Long Moss.

The view to the south along Coniston Water.

They're quite a handful these Beardies.

Looking north along Coniston Water.

Walking along Torver back Common. Can you see Casper? Can you see what he has spotted on the horizon?

It was a bit breezy up here but warm enough when the sun decided to shine.

Back to Kelly Hall Tarn.

Dow Crag.

Good lad Dougal, I knew you could do it!

Lakeland Country Fair

Walked on 16/08/2009

Connie and Dougal were on a roll after yesterday’s 2nd place so we went to Torver for the Lakeland Country Fair, a much bigger show than the Rusland one with many more people – and dogs – there, with lots competing in the Novelty Dog Show. There were 6 classes to compete for today.

In the show ring, all sorts and sizes of dogs were there today.

Lots of tense moments.

Sit!

Today's prize - second in the 'Dog the Judge would most like to take home!' competition....no chance of that, even if he was first! p.s even Casper had a go at the 'Most Obedient Dog' competition. He was perfect for this as is he is really obedient. The competition was for him to wait at one side of the ring until he was called then run over and sit on a marker. 10 out of 10 to him for doing it so well, it was a faultless performance...but no prize for him today.

Casper lines up for the obedience test...before I had to step in and do it with him. It seems our latest article in Lancashire Life about Angus caused a few tears to be shed, here is the letters page from the latest edition...

Rusland Show

Walked on 15/08/2009

We are well into the local agricultural show season now and today we paid a visit to the local Rusland Show. Dougal and Casper naturally accompanied us and of course Connie was keen to show Dougal in the hotly contested Pets Competition…

It's a tense wait in the show ring for Connie and Dougal.

...and they're off. Connie heads the show procession, following 'the voice' of all these local shows.

The massed ranks watch with bated breath.

There's a lot of contenders in the line up - dogs a-plenty plus guinea pigs and rabbits.

Connie and Dougal get quizzed by the judge. I'm not sure muddy paws on his jacket and chewing his tie will help much Dougal!

Waiting for the judges announcement (I think that is a guinea pig in the box in the background!).

A rosette - second in show. Well done Dougal, a great first effort! Unfortunately he didn't win the 'Waggiest Tail' competition (there was one, honestly!) but I think on his day, Dougal would win that one hands down.

Dougal proudly sports his rosette back at home. (I'm not sure what Connie is doing!).

The prize!

Crinkle Crags

Walked on 11/08/2009

Start point: Cockley Beck (NY 246 017)

Cockley Beck – Moasdale – Lingcove Beck – Three Tarns – Shelter Crags – Crinkle Crags – Little Stand – Ulpha Fell – Cockley Beck

Distance: 6.9 miles Total Ascent: 758 metres Time Taken: 4 hours

Weather: Low cloud and rain. 15C.

The weather looked promising early on, but alas it was not to be. You have to accept that you cannot always get clear days on the fells and today was one of those days. I had an early start from Cockley Beck and it was probably too early as everywhere seemed to be a lot brighter by lunchtime. No views to take photos of today…

Crinkle Crags route map.

Sunrise and early morning mist covers the Duddon Estuary, taken from Kirkby Moor.

Whitfell and the Duddon Estuary.

Black Combe. Who knew what the day would bring, it certainly looked promising if the low level mist would rise - enventually it did, but it was just not far enough!

(False?) Dawn - the sun blazes through Wrynose Pass from Cockley Beck.

Little Stand, the route of descent later.

Moasdale Beck.

Lingcove Beck. The walk through Moasdale had been a boggy affair and this view was about the best of the day since the start of Moasdale. Once up the steep section to Three Tarns there were still no views and the wind and rain really whipped up so I decided to miss out my intended traget of Bowfell and carry on across Crinkle Crags. That was a good navigational exercise, as ever!

Casper on Long Top, the summit of Crinkle Crags.

A wet looking Bad Step from below. I was completely sodden now.

As if by magic...the clouds parted on the descent from Little Stand.

Hard Knott across Moasdale.

Harter Fell and the Hardknott Pass road snaking beneath it.

The Duddon Valley, Caw and Stickle Pike prominent.

Crossing Moasdale Beck.

As if you aren't wet enough already Casper. I think I'll come and lie down in there with you and see if I can dry off a bit!

Brock Barrow

Walked on 07/08/2009

Start point: High Nibthwaite (SD 294 897)

Brock Barrow (OF) from High Nibthwaite

Weather: Sunny. 20C.

Dougal came of age today being exactly 13 weeks old – what that means in young puppy terms is that you are allowed out into the big wide world, confident that you will not pick up any strange illnesses. For a short and easy walk to tire the young chap out, I decided to climb Brock Barrow at the foot of Coniston Water. It is funny how certain fells bring back memories and this holds more than its fair share for me. It was the fell that Angus got lost on one time and also the last fell he climbed before he hung up his boots (barring the Lance Armstrong style comeback for a crack at climbing Gummer’s How), so it was fitting that this should be Dougal’s first. Unsurprisingly, he carried the walk off with aplomb – he’s going to be a good ‘un that lad, I can tell that for sure.

Brock Barrow route map.

Looking back to Beacon Fell over High Nibthwaite. It was a jungle up there.

Allan Tarn, Blawith beyond. Tottlebank Height is the highest point to the right.

Heading for Brock Barrow. The climb to it is not as bad as it looks and I think Wainwright gave a poor route to get up to it in his Top o' Selside walk in The Outlying Fells. In those days, it was a nameless summit 748' and the route he describes is a steep scree climb straight up this face of it along the visible groove. However, if you carry on along the path to the east (to the right of this photo), the climb is much gentler before it cuts back to the north west to reach the top. The main obstacle on this route at the moment is the bracken.

Hurry up Uncle Casper.

Heathery Casper.

Made it! Well done Dougal, the first of many I think and he was such a good lad.

The Coniston fells from the cairn on Brock Barrow. The views were superb today with a light breeze blowing on the top making it a classic English summer day.

Little Dougal looks impressed.

Where are you skulking off to?

The dogless view.

Looking across Allan Tarn to Blawith Knott and Black Combe, below is High Nibthwaite.

The foot of Coniston Water.

We stayed here for a good while, having a lie in the grass and enjoying the sun giving Dougal plenty of recovery time.

There were lots of new things to see for him.

Looks like he has inherited the Casper tongue as well.

The Coniston fells across the blooming heather.

Heading for the second cairn.

Low Light Haw from the second cairn.

Coniston Water.

Dow Crag and The Old Man.

Wetherlam and the Yewdale Fells.

Beacon Fell.

What a day.

I descended directly to the track running across the centre of this photo. The path was often lost in the head height bracken and old Dougally Doo required a bit of a carry here, after all some of you may remember what happened to Angus a couple of years ago when the bracken was a similar height - he disappeared!

The Gormley Sentinel keeps an eye on Beacon Fell back down at High Nibthwaite.

It was tempting for a swim here.

Tranquillity in Swallows and Amazons country.

Holme Fell

Walked on 05/08/2009

Start point: Hodge Close (NY 315 016)

Holme Fell from Hodge Close

Distance: 1.7 miles Total Ascent: 165 metres Time Taken: 1 hour

Weather: Sunny gradually brightening. 20C.

I had time for another short walk this morning and things didn’t look too promising at the start but at least it was fine. Lo and behold, the sun came out giving ever better views shortly after the start of the walk. I ended up visiting Ivy Crag twice, for one reason and another…

Holme Fell route map.

It was a bit dull at the start of the walk, here looking into Hodge Close quarry.

Ivy Crag, left, and Holme Fell on the right from the first disused reservoir.

Reflections on the second reservoir.

Looking in the opposite direction on the first reservoir once more.

Things are starting to brighten up a little now.

The climb to Holme Fell through a sea of bracken.

The Old Man of Coniston with Holme Fell cairn visible to the right of the central ridge from Ivy Crag.

The summit ridge of Holme Fell.

Casper on the summit...

...and overlooking Coniston Water.

Coniston Old Man and Wetherlam.

The Langdale Pikes from Holme Fell.

Coniston Water.

A close up of The Old Man.

Holme Fell summit. Hmm, now where did I put that lens cap? After a bit of a search around I came to the conclusion I must have dropped it over on Ivy Crag - so back over there it was, retracing my steps.

The cairn on Ivy Crag. Actually, I'm glad I did come back because it was all in sunshine now - but frustratingly I still can't find the lens cap!

The Old Man and Wetherlam from Ivy Crag, the Holme Fell ridge is across the boggy area.

Sunny Langdale Pikes from Ivy Crag.

Yachts on Coniston Water. Found it! In the camera bag where it was all the time - of course.

Autumn berries...already?

Descending back past the reservoir.

Troutbeck Tongue

Walked on 31/07/2009

Start point: Kirkstone Pass road (NY 412 063)

Kirkstone Pass road – Troutbeck Park – Troutbeck Tongue – Troutbeck Park – Kirkstone Pass road

Distance: 2.25 miles Total Ascent: 240 metres Time Taken: 1 hour

Weather: Sunny gradually clouding over. 18C.

It is not often you start the climb to a fell with a big descent but I did today for a walk to Troutbeck Tongue, starting from the Kirkstone Pass road. It was an interesting descent and pretty boggy underfoot until the climb of The Tongue itself. Once on the summit, there was cause for a little celebration as you will see…

Troutbeck Tongue route map.

Froswick and Ill Bell from the start of the descent into Troutbeck Park from the Kirkstone Pass road.

Heading into Troutbeck Park.

Yoke beyond The Tongue.

Trout Beck.

Cascades on Trout Beck.

The old slate bridge crossing Trout Beck.

It is a simple construction of stone slabs lying across the pillars and looks as though it has been there forever - and probably has.

The view to Park Fell Head from the climb to Troutbeck Tongue.

Wansfell Pike and Wansfell, the Kirkstone Pass road running below it through the centre of the photo.

Caudale Moor and Thornthwaite Crag either side of Threshthwaite Mouth. Gray Crag can just be seen through the gap.

Thornthwaite Crag, Froswick and Ill Bell from the Troutbeck Tongue ridge.

A close up on Threshthwaite Mouth.

Windermere beyond the summit of Troutbeck Tongue.

The summit view to Windermere.

The Tongue on The Tongue - congratulations to Casper who completed his 214th and final Wainwright fell here today.

For his efforts, the reward of a meaty bone - a doggy equivalent to a bottle of champagne.

The Troutbeck Valley and Windermere.

I can see this may take some time to devour!

Wansfell from the descent.

Climbing back to the Kirkstone Pass road after crossing the slate bridge once more.

Troutbeck Tongue from the Kirkstone Pass road.

Binsey

Walked on 30/07/2009

Start point: Roadside verge, near Binsey Cottage. (NY 235 351)

Binsey from Binsey Cottage

Distance: 1.4 miles Total Ascent: 179 metres Time Taken: 20 minutes

Binsey has never been a particular favourite of mine due mainly I suppose to the distance involved in me getting there coupled with the fact that I have to pass all the good stuff to get to it! Seeing as I was in the area today it seemed a shame to miss it so it was a quick sprint from the bottom, straight up and down – a real ‘no frills’ route.

The start of the walk to Binsey.

Looking across to the Uldale Fells - where I had just been.

The Skiddaw massif across a sea of bracken.

Casper doesn't seem too bothered about Binsey either.

Bassenthwaite Lake from Binsey.

The Uldale Fells

Walked on 30/07/2009

Start point: Longlands (NY 266 358)

Longlands – Brae Fell – Little Sca Fell – Great Sca Fell – Lowthwaite Fell – Longlands Fell – Longlands

Distance: 5.1 miles Total Ascent: 520 metres Time Taken: 2 hours

Weather: Mixed, in the mist above 500m. 12C.

I had a trip to the north of the Lakes for a walk around some of the Uldale Fells this morning. There were some sunny spells but it was generally dull with low lying mist on the tops. The going was very wet too after recent heavy rain so it turned into a bit of a squelch around the fells. After the Uldale Fells I had a short drive over to Binsey as part of a ‘Wainwright 3rd time round’ mopping up exercise.

Uldale Fells route map.

Longlands Fell from the bridleway.

Over Water, (the other) Latrigg and Binsey complete with a hint of blue sky and sunshine.

Descending to Charlton Wath and it is all looking a bit murky up on Brae Fell to the right.

Casper tests out the bathing properties of Charlton Wath - but he is definitely on his own in there today!

I walked alongside Charlton Gill for a short way rather than directly ascend the fell side.

The area has been planted with indigenous trees and it has also been fenced off. Free access is allowed though and the fence will be removed in 15 years time according to the sign.

Climbing from the gill now looking at Longlands Fell across the distinctive Saddleback in Charlton Gill.

Little Sca Fell and Lowthwaite Fell from the climb to Brae Fell and here comes the all enveloping mist.

Brae Fell summit.

There were no views at all on the walk to Great Sca Fell and Casper sticks his tongue out to that.

Descending below the mist on the walk from Little Sca Fell. Ahead are Lowthwaite Fell and Longlands Fell with Binsey in the distance.

Over Water and Binsey from Lowthwaite Fell.

Over Water and Binsey from Longlands Fell.

Hard Knott

Walked on 28/07/2009

Start point: Hardknott Pass summit (NY 230 014)

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

Distance: 1.6 miles Total Ascent: 188 metres Time Taken: 1 hour

Weather: Overcast with showers. 12C.

I had an early walk this morning to clear the cobwebs after a break in sunnier climes; I think Casper was desperate to get out on the fells after his enforced holiday so we were going out whatever the weather. Unfortunately it wasn’t so great with rain and cold blowing in but would I rather be abroad in 20C warmer sunshine, sipping a glass of red wine and having a thoroughly relaxing time with my family? Er…yes, of course I would – pass me another glass!

Hard Knott route map.

An early morning view of Hard Knott beyond Castle How in the Duddon Valley and the River Duddon.

Approaching the summit cairn on Border End. Devoke Water is in view on the distant left.

Eskdale from Border End.

Free at last! The rapidly greying Casper.

Casper has a look over to Hardknott Castle Roman Fort (directly above his head in this photo)...

...and a look the other way into Upper Eskdale, the Scafells obscured by the low cloud this morning.

Heading across to Eskdale Needle.

Casper gives the Needle a bit of scale though it doesn't look quite so impressive from this angle.

Eskdale Needle.

The River Esk with Great Moss lying above, just below the clouds today.

Stickle Pike and Harter Fell from Hard Knott.

Looking in the opposite direction into Mosedale - Esk Pike, Bowfell and Crinkle Crags not in view today.

Casper on Hard Knott.

Looking at Wrynose Pass...

...and along the Duddon Valley.

Little Stand caught before the heavy downpour started.

The top of Hardknott Pass. I mentioned we had been in sunnier parts of the world and we did make a couple of mountain visits...

Too many 'verres de rouge', hence the eyes on Mont Ventoux!

The top of the Col de L'Escrinet climb, 787m. Of course, we were here to watch the Tour de France...

Grimpeurs in action.

Blawith Knott

Walked on 15/07/2009

Start point: Woodland Fell road (SD 256 879)

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

Distance: 2 miles Total Ascent: 156 metres Time Taken: 2 hours

Weather: Frequent showers. 21C.

Today we had a short walk up to Blawith Knott which lies above the Woodland valley and we were joined by our friends Roger and Ann Hiley along with their dogs Harry and Bethan. The weather was none too promising when we set off as the rain was quite heavy, but thankfully it cleared and the walk was completed in a mixture of bright sunshine and frequent showers.

Blawith Knott route map.

Giant's Grave is just about visible over the tall bracken today.

It was a bit of a damp start to the walk on the path to Blawith Knott but we were hopeful of brighter weather to come.

By the time we reached the first summit cairn things had started to clear a little.

To the west, blue sky over the Duddon Estuary and heading for Black Combe.

A group shot on the summit - Connie, Roger and Ann accompanied by the three dogs - Harry, Bethan and Casper.

Me and Connie swapped places for this one.

The Coniston fells from the summit.

Beacon Fell and Wool Knott.

The Duddon Estuary and Black Combe.

The Dunnerdale fells and the two cairns on the summit of Blawith Knott. Ann and Connie take a short detour to the north from the summit which leads down to Lang Tarn.

Lang Tarn (towards the bottom of the photo) which along with Foxes Tarn is reputed to be the smallest named tarn in the Lake District.

Just big enough to fit three dogs in, so that's alright then!

Another of the frequent showers and it is hoods up for Connie and Ann heading across to Angus Tarn.

Blue sky behind once more looking back to Blawith Knott after rejoining the main path.

Connie and the dogs wonder what on earth has happened to all the water in Angus Tarn.

Doggy photo call on Tottlebank Height.

Blawith Knott from the descent of Tottlebank Height.

Great Burney to the left from the now warm descent through the bracken.

Blawith Knott from the Woodland Fell road.

Stickle Pike

Walked on 13/07/2009

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: 40 minutes

Weather: Sunny spell, breezy on top. 20C.

The schools have now finished and Connie only has eight weeks left to occupy herself! We decided to walk up Stickle Pike on this first day of the holidays and it was really sunny and warm when we set off in the car. All that had changed though by the time we made it to Kiln Bank Cross and all thoughts of a swim or a paddle went out of the window with the strong breeze that was blowing across the fells. It’s always a good one, though, is Stickle Pike with fab views all around.

Caw catches the sun but has an ominously black sky over it.

Clouds gathering over the Coniston fells.

Sunshine over the Duddon Valley - for now.

There are some big clouds forming to the south too, the way we are going.

The sentinel of Stickle Pike.

Caw blimey, it's all looking very green!

First one in.

One up, one down on the steep bit.

School's out for summer - Connie and Casper have a giggle at the summit.

Great Stickle and the Duddon Estuary.

A magnificent view to England's finest fells from the south cairn. By the time we got down they were completely covered in cloud and it was raining, so pretty good timing really.

Caw

Walked on 08/07/2009

Start point: Kiln Bank Cross (SD 215 933)

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

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

Weather: Clear but cool. 15C.

All who walk up this pyramid shall see the finest land this corner of England has to offer. The view along the Vale of Duddon to the Pikes of Scafell is wondrous and the sight of The Old Man where the old, grey Bearded one lies is enough to lift thine heart, so it is written…extract from The Legend of Pyun Mash

Caw route map.

Looking back to Stickle Pike from Park head Road.

Brock Barrow and Casper.

The view along the Duddon Valley before the turn to Long Mire.

Black Combe and Stickle Pike from Long Mire.

The McMahon route to Caw.

The view to the south east.

The Duddon Estuary from the climb.

Black Combe and Stickle Pike across Fox Haw.

The beautiful Duddon Valley - Wallowbarrow Crag and Seathwaite in the foreground with Harter Fell beyond with Pillar, the Scafells, Bowfell and Esk Pike in view.

The back of the Coniston fells.

Esk Pike, Bowfell, Crinkles Crags and Grey Friar from the summit. The Walna Scar Road can be seen snaking down to the Duddon Valley, centre right.

The summit of Caw.

Nice place for a bathe according to Casper.

Not too sure about the result though, you mucky pup!

What a fantastic view.

A close up on Esk Pike and Bowfell.

The Scafells.

Haycock, left, and the head of Mosedale with Pillar on the far right.

Black Combe and Stickle Pike with the path to the summit clearly in view.

Stickle Pike from the return to Kiln Bank Cross.

Robinson

Walked on 30/06/2009

Start point: Rigg Beck (disused quarry) (NY 229 201)

Rigg Beck quarry – Gillbrow – Little Dale – Robinson – High Snockrigg – Newlands Hause – Knott Rigg – Ill Crag – Ard Crags – Rigg Beck quarry

Distance: 8.1 miles Total Ascent: 953 metres Time Taken: 4 hours

Weather: Hot, humid and hazy. 25C.

The recent humid weather continued today and the views were very hazy until the sun managed to burn through towards the end of the walk. I think Casper was feeling the heat today, so much so that he was nearly tripping over that tongue of his. Mind you, I was nearly tripping over mine too – phew, it was too hot to walk!

Robinson route map.

Hazy Robinson and High Snab Bank from Birkrigg. All today's early views were very hazy until the sun managed to burn through. It was, though, very muggy and close and it made the climb to Robinson hard going.

A view across the Newlands Valley to Catbells.

Scope Beck along the valley. The way to High Snab Bank is straight up to the right adjacent to the wall but I fancied a change today so headed straight along the valley towards the reservoir at its head.

Walking alongside Scope Beck.

Looking back towards Catbells.

Falls on Scope Beck.

Scope Beck.

Robinson (and Crusoe!).

Deep Gill and the reservoir. The path zig zags up to the right of the gill.

Reservoir reflections.

Climbing toward Little Dale, looking back over the reservoir.

Hindscarth from the plateau of Little Dale.

Newlands view, back up on the main path from High Snab Bank now.

The summit of Robinson.

It was tough work that Casper, I thought I had a steam train following me today with all that panting going on. You can see that Casper is starting to turn slate now around the eyes. Don't worry Casper, that happened to me years ago.

The descent to High Snockrigg, High Stile and Red Pike across Buttermere. It was spotting with rain now and there were rumbles of thunder around.

Oddly enough the skies were starting to clear a bit too.

Sunlight on Rannerdale Knotts, Crummock Water and Mellbreak beyond from High Snockrigg.

A silhouetted fell view from High Snockrigg.

Haystacks, High Crag and High Stile across Buttermere.

He's heard something...

...it's the sound of the families below at Newlands Hause. We are crossing straight over to climb Knott Rigg.

Knott Rigg and Ard Crags this way.

High Snockrigg over Newlands Hause from the climb to Knott Rigg. They breed their horse flies big over here and the place was completely infested with them - time to try out the secret insect repellent available from Love the Lakes!

Oh, this was a long section without any water - eh, Casper?

Heading for Ard Crags from Knott Rigg.

Following the ridge.

Behind, the weather was clearing looking back to Knott Rigg with Keskadale Edge to the left.

Casper enjoys the sun on Ard Crags with Wandope, Eel Crags and Sail in view.

A beautiful day now looking back to Aiken Knott.

The view from the crossing of Rigg Beck. It was so warm now, I joined Casper in here - first I had a paddle as it was not so deep before lying down fully clothed. Heaven.

Scafell Pike

Walked on 25/06/2009

Start point: Brotherilkeld, car park at the bottom of Hardknott Pass (NY 214 011)

Brotherilkeld Farm – Lingcove Bridge – Great Moss – Little Narrowcove – Broad Crag col – Scafell Pike – Mickledore – Lord’s Rake – West Wall Traverse – Deep Gill – Symonds Knott – Scafell – Slight Side – Catcove Beck – Brotherilkeld Farm

Distance: 10.4 miles Total Ascent: 1140 metres Time Taken: 5 hours 45 minutes

Weather: Sunny, breezy on the tops. 21C.

I fancied a bit of a scramble today so I headed for the Scafells from Eskdale in beautiful weather to do just that. The Little Narrowcove route is a steep one but straightforward and Lord’s Rake and Deep Gill were as good as ever. I was out early today so there were not so many people around; Casper did manage to get spotted on the descent from Slight Side though, and it is always a pleasure to bump into StridingEdge followers up on the fells.

Scafell Pike route map.

Early morning start at Brotherilkeld.

Looking back to the sunshine over Brotherilkeld Farm.

The River Esk and Bowfell.

Lingcove Bridge, still in the shade.

Into the sunshine climbing alongside The Esk and first sight of the Scafells.

The Scafells from the gorge of the Esk.

Scafell Pike and Scar Lathing from the bend in the River Esk.

Scafell Pike.

A fine morning over Great Moss.

Slight Side and Scafell.

Slight Side where I will descend later.

Looking back to Harter Fell through the gap of the gorge.

Scafell Pike and Ill Crag.

The beautiful River Esk.

Great Moss.

Scafell Pike reflection.

Sky over Scafell Pike.

Onward and upward Casper.

The subsidiary summit of Pen is to the right overlooking Esk Buttress.

Scafell and Cam Spout.

Looking back along Great Moss.

Heading for Little Narrowcove which is around the base of Esk Buttress and then steeply up to the left.

Esk Buttress.

Little Narrowcove - for masochists only!

Little Narrowcove.

Almost at the top of Little Narrowcove.

In the hollow of Little Narrowcove.

Climbing to the Broad Crag col.

No need to ask what he thinks of this one!

The view from the Broad Crag col.

Looking north from the col, Lingmell, Kirk Fell and Great Gable amongst others in view.

Top dog - on Scafell Pike.

Looking towards Styhead Tarn and Derwent Water.

The summit of Scafell Pike.

Scafell and Mickledore.

Pulpit Rock from the descent to Lord's Rake.

Lord's Rake from the bottom...

...and from the top.

Mosedale from the West Wall Traverse. The chock stone at the head of Lord's Rake is centre left.

Climbing Deep Gill.

The head of Deep Gill (the top of the descent to the West Wall Traverse with the Pinnacle (left-centre) and the Oracle (bottom right)...like the man himself...