Beacon Fell

Walked on 15/04/2009

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

Distance: 2 miles Total Ascent: 200 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 15 minutes

Weather: Warm but windy. 15°C.

Connie and I have had this one on the agenda for a good while – a visit to Beacon Fell with the intention of replacing the ever popular ‘Treasure Tin’, which we duly did. This is a great way to entice youngsters up onto the fell with the promise of hidden treasure at the top. If you do visit, please leave a comment in the book and tell us about your walk but please leave it all there for others to seek out. The weather was a bit odd today with it being quite warm in sheltered places and very hazy but with a really strong wind on the top.

Beacon Fell route map.

Heading for Beacon Fell with Connie and Casper at the start of the walk. Connie managed to keep her rucksack (containing the tin) on all the way to the holly tree in this photo until ownership was promptly transferred to me!

A hazy view to the Coniston fells across Torver Low Common.

Beacon Fell.

Looking north east from the climb with Coniston Water now in view.

Climbing the gully to the summit.

The southern end of Coniston Water and High Nibthwaite.

Coniston Water.

Little Miss Sunshine it says on the t-shirt (and that is about right I think) summits Beacon Fell.

The Coniston fells from Beacon Fell. The 'treasure' is now safely back in situ, so perhaps if you make it up there you will be able to find it and make a comment in the book. Please don't destroy the cairn looking for it, if it is still there it will be easy to spot.

Caw and White Pike.

Connie and Casper at the top.

Connie is trying to reach the highest point by the look of it whilst Casper waits patiently.

A panoramic view from Beacon Fell.

Casper decides to demonstrate just how windy it is up here this lunchtime.

First one to Beacon Tarn!

Surprise surprise, look who won.

The return path back from the tarn.

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

Lake District Views

Walked on 12/04/2009

Around the Lake District

It was another fantastic day today, very warm and very busy here in the Lakes. We were out and about early so took the opportunity to get some beautiful views on a small tour of the southern Lakes.

The Coniston fells from Tarn Hows.

Tarn Hows from the Scott Memorial.

A panoramic view of Tarn Hows.

The Langdale Pikes.

Tarn Hows Daffodils. After Tarn Hows we went to Grasmere...

Silver How from Grasmere. Then it was down to Fell Foot at the southern end of Windermere where Connie took part in an Easter Egg treasure hunt...along with lots and lots of other people out enjoying the beautiful sunshine.

The landings at Fell Foot.

Gummer's How.

The River Leven.

Looking across to Lakeside.

A beautiful day enjoyed by all the visitors. Later update...the evening was too nice to miss out on a walk with the dogs up to Birkrigg Common near Ulverston...

The Coniston fells from the top of Birkrigg Common.

Casper, Connie and Angus enjoy the evening sunshine.

Poor old Angus has congestive heart condition so he tires really easily these days.

Limestone pavement.

The Fairfield Horseshoe towers above The Hoad Monument which towers above Ulverston.

The Coniston fells.

A panoramic view from Birkrigg Common.

Ulverston.

Around Windermere

Walked on 11/04/2009

Around Windermere

The weather has been beautiful this Easter weekend and Bowness has been thronging with tourists, which is all good for business. Me and Connie have been busy eater egg hunting for the famous Beatrix Potter museum Easter Eggs hidden all around the Lake District. We managed to find one yesterday on The Hoad at Ulverston but today we decided to look around Windermere for a couple more…

Loughrigg Fell from Grasmere.

The jetties at Low Wood - one of the clues led us here.

Windermere at Low Wood.

Sparkling sunshine on Windermere today.

Someone is out for a row and still no egg to be found!

Looking south along Windermere.

Let's go for the next one then, down to Millerground Landing.

The plaque commemorating a Bowness royal visitor, Queen Adelaide who was widow of William IV. That was the eggy clue, but still no egg here either!

A familiar view of the Yoke ridge from Queen Adelaide's Hill, Bowness.

Looking south across Bowness, a couple of hot air balloons are enjoying the views today.

Ling Fell

Walked on 08/04/2009

Start point: Brumston Bridge (NY 185 293)

Brumston Bridge – Ling Fell – Old Scales – Kelswick – Sale Fell – Brumston Bridge

Distance: 3.5 miles Total Ascent: 420 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 15 minutes

Weather: Frequent heavy showers and a strong wind. 7oC.

Perhaps I spoke too soon about sun cream and shorts as it was back to winter conditions today with a howling wind and lots of heavy rain showers. This is one of those areas that I don’t manage to frequent too often, probably due to the travelling distance involved from the South Lakes. I remember quite vividly walking this route with James a while back as we saw a newborn lamb and various other things that made it stand out in my memory – when I looked later that was 5 years ago to the day…and now that suddenly makes me feel very old, he was 13 then. Gulp.

Ling Fell route map.

Sale Fell over Burthwaite from the climb to Ling fell.

Sale Fell from the summit of Ling Fell. The wind really picked up on the top of here and the rain was advancing rapidly behind me.

Lord's Seat and Broom Fell from Ling Fell.

Binsey across the northern tip of Bassenthwaite Lake. Skiddaw is completely obscured by clouds to the right of Sale Fell.

Sale Fell from Eskin.

Heading for Sale Fell from Old Scales. The road walk to here had been relatively dry but the wind and rain was catching me up once more from the west.

That meant that the rest of the photos in this set were certainly 'quick draw' shots as it was bucketing down with rain now. This is looking back to Ling Fell from Kelswick.

Rivings and Skiddaw somewhere in the distance.

What do you reckon Casper? Two more Wainwrights for you if nothing else - only 12 to go!

A hint of blue sky looking east from the summit of Sale Fell.

Lord's Seat across the Wythop Valley.

Ling Fell from the descent to Brumston Bridge.

Middle Fell

Walked on 02/04/2009

Start point: Greendale (NY 144 056)

Greendale – Middle Fell – Greendale Tarn – Greendale Gill – Greendale

Distance: 3.5 miles Total Ascent: 525 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 45 minutes

Weather: Sunny and warm. 16°C.

Wow, what a lovely day today! I was irresistibly drawn back to Wasdale and I’m glad I was, the views were absolutely fantastic. When it is sunny and warm, I must remember to wear a t-shirt. I must remember to wear shorts. I must remember to take sun cream. I must…

Middle Fell route map.

The Wast Water classic view.

Wast Water.

Today's target Middle Fell.

Oh go on then, I couldn't resist another one!

Contrail over Buckbarrow.

Greendale from the climb to Middle Fell.

Buckbarrow Moss and Greendale Gill.

Casper leads the way in the glorious sunshine.

Looking back to Buckbarrow.

Scoat Fell and Red Pike from the summit of Middle Fell.

Kirk Fell and Great Gable beyond Yewbarrow with the Scafells and Wast Water to the right.

Clear as far as the eye can see today.

Lingmell, Scafell Pike - the scene of yesterday's walk - with Scafell to the right.

'Any chance of a haircut yet?'.

Looking across to the coast, Sellafield visible.

Casper living on the edge - he has spotted a place for a drink and a swim down below.

Greendale Tarn and Seatallan (and Casper!).

Haycock.

Red Pike from Middle Fell, Low Tarn visible nestling beneath Gosforth Crag.

All is tranquil down at Greendale Tarn with Haycock peeping above the col.

Greendale Tarn.

Descending alongside Greendale Gill.

Greendale Gill cascades.

The Scafells from Greendale. As it was such a beautiful day, I stopped off at a few places on the way to Bowness - coming soon to a postcard near you...

Blea Tarn.

Slaters Bridge.

Great Cars and Little Langdale Tarn.

Bowness on Windermere - 20C when I was here!

Great End via Skew Gill

Walked on 01/04/2009

Start point: Wasdale Head (NY 186 084)

Wasdale Head – Moses Trod – Skew Gill – The Band – Great End – Ill Crag – Broad Crag – Scafell Pike – Lingmell Col – Lingmell – Wasdale Head

Distance: 7.8 miles Total Ascent: 1115 metres Time Taken: 5 hours 15 minutes

Weather: Sunny spells, warm. 12oC.

Some walks are pretty and some are easier than others but today’s walk is best described as a gnarled and hard going. I climbed Skew Gill to reach Great End and that was a hard scramble (Note: to repeat, Skew Gill is a hard scramble and in no way is it a ‘walk’) and had a look at Cust’s Gully before climbing Great End and walking the Scafell Pikes. It was really quite pleasant at times too, warm and spring like and not too many people about either.

Great End via Skew Gill route map.

Wast Water dawn reflections.

Reflected Great Gable, Lingmell, Scafell Pike and Scafell.

St Olaf's Church surrounded by Yew Trees, Kirk Fell behind.

Great Gable.

Yewbarrow and Wasdale Head along Lingmell Beck.

Great End ahead. Skew Gill, the route of ascent can be seen as the dark diagonal line to the left of the highest part of the fell.

Crossing Lingmell Beck.

Looking back to Wasdale from Spouthead Gill.

Lingmell and Piers Gill.

Great Gable and Kirk Fell from the entrance to Skew Gill.

Yes Casper, that way!

Casper leads the way in Skew Gill. It is best to stay in the middle with the gill rather than climb the sides, which become very steep.

Great Gable from Skew Gill.

It was certainly more than a bit rough and damp in Skew Gill today.

Suddenly you pop out from the top of the ravine, blinking into the light. The top part of the gill almost looks as though there is now way out when you turn the right angle corner and a bit of a climb is required to escape the steep sided ravine. Here's a bit of sunshine on Great Gable and Kirk Fell from the head of Skew Gill.

The view to the northern fells across Sprinkling Tarn and Seathwaite Fell from the top of The Band.

Sprinkling Tarn looks tranquil today.

Great and Green Gable across Styhead Tarn.

Great End. Cust's Gully is the snow filled one on the right.

The low lying valleys beyond Esk Hause are filled with morning mist.

Cust's Gully. I had a look and made it as far as the black rock sticking through the snow about a third the way up. The snow was part frozen and treacherous so there was no way I would risk going any further today, similarly the branch gully to the right was snow filled too so it was the pedestrian route further round to the right for me. When I reached the top and looked down Cust's Gully, there was a big cornice of icy snow there so that would certainly have been tricky to surmount. I think I will have another look in the summer.

Nice and clear across to the north western fells today.

...and the Gables.

Ill Crag, Broad Crag and Scafell Pike from Great End.

The Langdale Pikes, Lingmoor Fell and Windermere from Great End.

Scafell Pike.

Casper says he is fed up with scrambling now.

Esk Pike and Bowfell.

Great Moss and Upper Eskdale from Ill Crag.

Broad Crag from Ill Crag.

The mist starting to rise and swirl round the ridge from Eskdale. At this stage it didn't look as though I would make it to the top before the view was obliterated as the cloud began to surround me.

Pillar beyond Lingmell from the climb to Scafell Pike.

Casper has made it, the highest dog in England - and the top is still clear!

Skiddaw from Scafell Pike.

Scafell across Mickledore.

Mosedale from the trig column.

Descending to Lingmell Col, Lingmell beyond.

Mosedale from the column on the western end of Lingmell.

A panoramic view from Lingmell.

Great Gable.

Scafell Pike from Goat Crags.

Illgill Head and Wast Water from the descent of Lingmell.

Wasdale Head and Mosedale, Pillar at it's head.

Wast Water.

Kirk Fell and Great Gable from the final crossing of Lingmell Beck.

Orrest Head

Walked on 27/03/2009

Start point: Windermere (SD 414 987)

Orrest Head (OF) from Windermere

Distance: 1 mile Total Ascent: 120 metres Time Taken: 20 minutes

Weather: Windy and cold. 6°C.

Winter seems to have returned once more and there is snow on the high fells, in fact it was snowing when I set off for Orrest Head at lunchtime and the wind made it feel really cold. No hanging around for me and the boy wonder then, so it was straight up and down today.

Snow on the Coniston fells and a very brief spell of sunshine over Windermere from the Windermere Hotel.

The far eastern fells from the summit viewpoint indicator on Orrest Head.

The Langdale Pikes and the head of Windermere.

The view to the south over Bowness and along Windermere.

Caudale Moor and the Ill Bell ridge.

Red Screes peering over the top of Wansfell.

Blimey, I thought that was old Wainwright himself looking out from his first fell!

Windswept Casper.

The view indicator has been replaced since I was last here at Christmas. 'Lake Windermere'? I thought it was just called Windermere!

School Knott across the busy A591.

Sunshine on The Howgills.

Lank Rigg

Walked on 24/03/2009

Start point: Cold Fell Road (NY 066 130)

Cold Fell Road – Blakeley Raise – Grike – Crag Fell – Whoap – Lank Rigg – Cold Fell Road

Distance: 6.4 miles Total Ascent: 565 metres Time Taken: 2 hours 45 minutes

Weather: Sunny with slight haze but cool on the tops. 8°C.

This was another area I have left too long to visit since the last time I was here in 2004. The weather was much better than on any previous visit but the breeze had a cold edge to it and gloves were required throughout. Nice to see the hidden treasure had made a reappearance on Lank Rigg once more.

Lank Rigg route map.

Dent from the start of the climb to Blakely Raise from the Cold Fell road.

Grike from the top of Blakely Raise.

The fells that are to be the return leg later, Whoap and Lank Rigg.

Frog spawn under ice on the descent from Blakely Raise.

The Calder Valley and Cold Fell with the towers of Sellafield in view over the top.

Flat Fell and Cleator Moor from the climb to Grike.

Blake Fell and Gavel Fell from Grike.

Casper on Grike.

A silhouette of Pillar, Scoat Fell and Steeple beyond Iron Crag on Ennerdale Fell. My route after Crag Fell was to descend through the trees and climb with the wall to the kink, then head of to Whoap on the right.

Heading for Crag Fell.

The north-western fells from the summit of Crag Fell.

Looking back to Grike.

Bowness Knott, Herdus and Great Borne across Ennerdale Water.

The view to the north across the end of Ennerdale Water.

Ennerdale - the High Stile ridge to the left and Pillar to the right.

Ennerdale Fell with Pillar beyond.

Crag Fell and the Ennerdale Fence.

The solitary boulder that marks the top of Whoap, here looking across Great Borne to Grasmoor.

Lank Rigg.

Looking along Whoap Beck valley.

Caw Fell with Haycock beyond and Seatallan to the right.

A view through to Grasmoor from the climb to Lank Rigg.

Caw Fell from the summit Lank Rigg.

Wainwrights buried treasure on Lank Rigg!

The view across Lank Rigg summit tarn.

Descending the north western slope of Lank Rigg.

Whoap from the crossing of the River Calder. On the way home, Daffodils on the banks of the River Duddon...

...millions of them!

Silver How

Walked on 18/03/2009

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: Warm but overcast. 11°C.

Everywhere was overcast and gray this morning but I felt sure the sun would burn through eventually, though not during my walk unfortunately. Despite the lack of views and apparent gloominess it was a lovely day – very still and peaceful – and this turned out to be a really easy walk and a good circular route.

Silver How route map.

Grasmere.

Helm Crag from Allan Bank.

The path to Silver How.

Snaking walls on Silver How.

The boy enjoys a roll around in the bracken.

Silver How directly ahead.

The summit of Silver How, no view today.

Grasmere and a glimpse of Rydal Water through the mist.

Grasmere and Loughrigg Fell from the descent.

Grasmere Island.

Casper leads the way on the final steep section. I knew the sun would burn through eventually! Later, when I was out and about there were signs of Spring around everywhere...

Wordsworth's Daffodils were out by Ullswater - here is an extract from his 1804 poem that made them famous: When all at once I saw a crowd, A host, of golden daffodils; Beside the lake, beneath the trees, Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.

The Duke of Portland Boathouse, Ullswater. Around Furness Abbey...

Crocus in the woods.

This lamb is keeping warm with his nice orange jacket on - a 'North Face' one I think it is!

Happy to pose for a photo.

The daffs are out around the abbey too.

Latterbarrow

Walked on 15/03/2009

Start point: Colthouse (SD 360 988)

Latterbarrow (OF) from Colthouse

Distance: 1.5 miles Total Ascent: 143 metres Time Taken: 30 minutes

Weather: Sunny and clear. 11°C.

It was warm today and really Spring-like, so much so that I only wore a t-shirt (and trousers of course!) for a quick jaunt up to Latterbarrow where the views were as good as ever from this lowly fell which seems to be surrounded by the higher ones. As we head out of winter, I am on a mission now to get into lightweight gear as I am fed up with carting round all my existing heavy stuff. First on the list today was a new rucksack, so it is out with the old 30 litre North Face one and in with an OMM 20 litre Adventure Light. That just means I have to get more compact gear to fit in it now…

Latterbarrow route map.

A silhouette of the Coniston fells from the climb on the western side of Latterbarrow.

A fine view to Helvellyn, Fairfield and Red Screes from the top.

We are not the only ones enjoying the warm spring-like weather today.

A panoramic view from Latterbarrow.

The far eastern fells across Windermere.

The summit obelisk, the Langdale Pikes to the left.

Casper wondering when he will get a haircut.

Seat Sandal and Helvellyn.

Red Screes above Ambleside.

Casper on the steep path on the way down.

Place Fell

Walked on 12/03/2009

Start point: Patterdale (NY 394 160)

Patterdale – Side Farm – Boredale Hause – Round How – Place Fell – The Knight – Smeathwaite – Side Farm – Patterdale

Distance: 5.6 miles Total Ascent: 670 metres Time Taken: 2 hours 30 minutes

Weather: Clearing, windy on the top. 9°C.

I continued working my way around the Far Eastern fells by walking Place Fell from Patterdale today. I found this walk relatively easy and for me the manufactured paths spoiled it; they take away the character and soul of the fells I feel – but I guess that is the price to be paid for popularity. There were lots of sunny spells this morning but the wind up there was wild.

Place Fell route map.

Angletarn Pikes and Patterdale across a new tarn (or large puddle!) crossing to Side Farm.

Casper looks the wrong way heading toward Place Fell.

Goldrill Beck.

Arnison Crag and Birks from the path to Boredale Hause.

A hint of blue sky on the characterless path climbing to Place Fell.

Looking back over Boredale Hause to Angletarn Pikes.

The summit of Place Fell is on the right, from Round How.

Ullswater and Bonscale Pike from one of the tarns below Place Fell summit. The wind was picking up now and you can see the water being blown across the tarn in this shot.

Almost at the top.

Helvellyn from Place Fell.

The view to the north-east over the summit tarn to Ullswater.

Sunshine over Glenridding. Although it looks nice and calm in this photo, I could hardly stand up it was so windy...

...as demonstrated by my able assistant behind me!

The view from The Knight.

Sunshine once more on Bleaberry Knott. On the way down from Place Fell, I managed to perform an ungracious manoeuvre when I tripped over my own feet and fell flat on my face with my arms outstretched. Lost in the process was Casper's lead, so if you find one up there you know where it belongs!

Low Birk Fell catches all the sun above Ullswater.

Great Mell Fell and Gowbarrow Park across Ullswater.

White Stones at the head of Glencoyne. The descent I used to get to the lakeside path was 'interesting' and not recommended.

I found this lovely un-named tarn in the hollow beneath Silver Crag as the weather began to brighten up and become most Spring-like.

Arnison Crag, Birks and Saint Sunday Crag on the return path to Patterdale.

Birkhouse Moor towering above Glenridding.

Glenridding Dodd.

Looking back along the path to Silver How (right).

High Rigg

Walked on 09/03/2009

Start point: The Church of St.John’s in the Vale (NY 306 225)

The Church of St.John’s in the Vale – Low Rigg – Tewet Tarn – High Rigg – The Church of St.John’s in the Vale

Distance: 2.6 miles Total Ascent: 236 metres Time Taken: 1 hour

Weather: Overcast with showers. 6°C.

It was a mixed bag of weather today with it being really quite gloomy at the start before I was hit with a big hail/snow shower, a brief sunny spell and then back to the gloom. A constant, though, was the icy wind; a good day to stick to the lower fells I thought.

High Rigg route map.

Looking across to Wanthwaite Crags on Clough Head.

Tewet Tarn and Blencathra from Low Rigg.

Windswept Casper checks out Latrigg and gloomy Skiddaw.

A little rest for the lad.

Wintry Blencathra across Tewet Tarn.

Skiddaw from the tarn. Look at that snow shower coming in from the east across the Vale of Keswick, it looks like it will get me soon.

Correct! High Rigg beyond the church from Low Rigg.

Surprisingly, the sun came out briefly after the shower had blown across to light up snow capped Blencathra.

Moody Wanthwaite Crags.

The summit of High Rigg.

High Seat and Bleaberry Fell from the summit.

Steel Fell and Thirlmere.

Helvellyn under cloud.

Blencathra from High Rigg.

Keswick from High Rigg.

Snowdrops and the Church of St.John's in the Vale.

Footnote: Today is Angus' 13th birthday. He isn't up to the fells these days so he stayed at home, obviously he was licking his lips to the thought of all that birthday cake...

Hayeswater Circuit

Walked on 05/03/2009

Start point: Hartsop (NY 410 130)

Hartsop – Gray Crag – Thornthwaite Crag – High Street – Straits of Riggindale – The Knott – Hayeswater – Hartsop

Distance: 7 miles Total Ascent: 770 metres Time Taken: 4 hours 15 minutes

Weather: Mostly clear. 2°C.

I managed to get over Kirkstone Pass this morning even though it was pretty icy again. This is the fourth walk in a row in the same area, I guess I am just drawn over that way at the moment for some reason. The weather prediction was for great clarity today and it was indeed clear all morning, but the sun did not quite manage to get through the cloud although there were some quite amazing skies over the snowy fells.

Hayeswater route map.

Sun rising over Gray Crag from the corrals at Hartsop.

Looking back to Hartsop from the path to Hayeswater, St Sunday Crag beyond the Hartsop above How ridge.

Threshthwaite along Pasture Bottom.

Hayeswater Gill and the climb up to Gray Crag in view.

Hartsop from the first wall on the steep climb to Gray Crag.

Despite not being sunny there was great clarity today, looking across to Helvellyn with a corner of Brothers Water visible below. Blencathra is visible on the far right.

Strange light over Gray Crag from the start of the plateau as the sun was trying to break through the great sheet of cloud that hung over the fells.

Heading for the summit ridge.

Distant Blencathra.

The Knott above Hayeswater, the route of return.

Casper was not keen on the soft new snow today as it kept balling up on his fur, as he demonstrates here with his snowball beard!

Heading for Thornthwaite Crag from Gray Crag. The sky was amazing as the sun continue to try and burn through the cloud. It looked like sunrise even though it was 10.15 when this photo was taken.

Caudale Moor, the scene of yesterday's walk.

The view through Threshthwaite Mouth into Troutbeck.

What a slog it was to get this far in the deep, virgin snow (apart from the fox tracks in this photo that is. These tracks went all the way round to High Street so perhaps Fantastic Mr Fox was doing the same round as me!) but well worth it. It was a great day to be up here.

The Knott and High Street.

The view back along mine and Casper's tracks to Gray Crag.

Just beautiful on Thornthwaite Crag.

Ill Bell and Froswick.

Windermere from Thornthwaite Beacon.

The sun was starting to shine through now, here looking to the north-west where it is still lovely and clear.

Harter Fell and Kentmere Pike from the wall heading out to High Street.

Ill Bell and Froswick from further along the wall.

The route of return along the High Street ridge.

The Ill Bell ridge and Windermere from High Street Roman Road (well, I think I was on it - I couldn't make out any paths!).

High Street summit.

Looking over the eastern side of High Street to Rough Crag and Haweswater.

Harter Fell and Mardale Ill Bell over Blea Water.

Kidsty Pike and High Raise across Riggindale.

Heading for the Straits of Riggindale, the weather took a decided turn for the worse with an arctic blast blowing in from the west. Time to put another layer on here for me.

Not as bright now across Hayeswater to the eastern fells.

Looking back to High Street from the Straits of Riggindale.

Viewing the circuit just walked from The Knott.

Casper, weighed down with about 3 tons of snow now.

Rest Dodd and The Nab from The Knott.

A last gasp of sunshine on the descent towards Hayeswater.

Hayeswater is part frozen today.

Reflections and ice.

Heading back to Hartsop and the snow is blowing in from over St Sunday Crag and was heavy by the time I reached Hartsop.

Caudale Moor

Walked on 04/03/2009

Start point: Kirkstone Pass (NY 401 080)

Kirkstone Pass – St. Raven’s Edge – Caudale Moor (Stony Cove Pike) – Hartsop Dodd – John Bell’s Banner – St. Raven’s Edge – Kirkstone Pass

Distance: 6.2 miles Total Ascent: 610 metres Time Taken: 3 hours 30 minutes

Weather: Mixed. 0°C.

This certainly wasn’t a route I had in mind today but when I got over Kirkstone Pass this morning, the descent was littered with stuck cars on the icy road. I certainly had a hairy moment or two going down there but managed to avoid a collision and hastily turned round and went back the way I came. The fells to the east of Kirkstone Pass looked quite clear so I thought I would walk over Caudale Moor but I guess the walk was always going to be a strange route, there being no other obvious route of return. Those who know the Lake District know how changeable the weather can be and today was no exception with it changing seemingly by the minute.

Caudale Moor

St Raven's Edge from Kirkstone Pass.

Beautiful blue sky to the north with a distant Place Fell ahead, Caudale Moor to the right.

The climb to St Raven's Edge.

Once up there, the cloud rolled in from the south making it distinctly cold up here. The way to Caudale Moor is along the line of the wall.

A wintry looking Woundale.

"Punctured (b)icicle on a hillside desolate" (song anyone?)

Climbing to Pike How.

A break in the clouds over Park Fell.

Casper gets snowed in.

An eerie light with the sun shining through the clouds on Stony Cove Pike, the summit of Caudale Moor.

It's brought a smile to Casper's face anyway!

Suddenly - into the clear sky after a walk of no more than 10 metres north from the cairn. It was crossing a weather line, so marked was the difference.

You can see the line of cloud ahead in this photo.

The clouds certainly were dramatic, looking southwards.

Plenty of snow in them still, I reckon.

It is a lot clearer to the north.

The Helvellyn fells are getting a bit of sunshine as well.

Watch out Casper or you might be engulfed!

Looking across to John Bell's Banner from the descent towards Hartsop Dodd.

The descent to Hartsop Dodd, following the wall once more with Ullswater directly ahead.. There is less snow over on Place Fell to the right.

High Street and the far eastern fells.

Distant Helvellyn and Striding Edge.

That's quite a big descent to get to Hartsop Dodd, once more continuing along the line of the wall.

The clouds are brooding over Caudale Moor and Rough Edge with Red Screes now in view.

Hartsop Dodd.

Ullswater.

Dovedale.

Casper finds the post that marks the Wainwright summit of Hartsop Dodd.

Catstycam across the summit cairn.

If you look closely you can see the snow coming in now on the return leg to Caudale Moor, looking into Dovedale.

Now that I've left the summit, the sun is shining on Hartsop Dodd once more. The two sets of footsteps are both mine - inward and outward.

Caudale Head and John Bell's Banner.

Further along Caudale head.

It is all looking very dark to the south looking to Red Screes from the cairn that marks John Bell's Banner.

Ill Bell and Froswick.

St Raven's Edge from Mark Atkinson's Memorial. The rest of the return leg was walked in a very heavy snow shower.

Red Screes from St Raven's Edge.

Fell ponies brave the elements.

Wansfell

Walked on 27/02/2009

Start point: Troutbeck (NY 409 032)

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

Distance: 3.7 miles Total Ascent: 350 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 45 minutes

Weather: Clearing with the odd shower. 8°C.

I ended up in a similar area to the walk I did earlier in the week, starting from Troutbeck up to Wansfell. It is a good little walk this and the views from lowly Wansfell are good. The weather turned out much better than I expected as it was raining with a really low cloud base at home – even Gummer’s How was not visible today when I went past. I know someone who wasn’t bothered what the weather did today though…

Over the rooftops of Troutbeck to Sour Howes.

The view to Sour Howes from further along Nanny Lane.

Walking along Nanny Lane. I followed the walled section to the end, up to the right.

Casper seems to be enjoying the muddy section!

The cloud is lifting on the Ill Bell ridge beyond Dod Hill from The Hundreds.

Up onto Baystones, the summit of Wansfell and the rain has started - not that Casper seems to mind.

Caudale Moor and Thornthwaite Crag through the clearing drizzle from Wansfell.

Heading for Wansfell Pike.

Pets Quarry on the slopes of Red Screes. The Kirkstone quarry slate is world renowned and the Kirkstone Green slate when polished is really beautiful, very tactile and organic. For the last month or so I have been using a piece as a mouse mat and it is absolutely fantastic, so good that I have had some made, inscribed with the StridingEdge.net logo. If you would like more details on how to get one and have a little piece of the Lake District at your fingertips, please let me know.

A squelchy walk across to Wansfell Pike.

Wetherlam, left, clearing of cloud a little.

Rydal Water and the Langdale Pikes.

Red Screes.

Wansfell along the wall from the walk to Wansfell Pike.

Casper leading the way to Wansfell Pike.

Looking along Stock Ghyll to the Kirkstone Pass which lies in the depression between Red Screes and Caudale Moor.

A great view of Windermere from Wansfell Pike.

The view across Ambleside to Loughrigg Fell and the Langdales beyond.

A panoramic view from Wansfell Pike. Select on the image to see a larger version.

A brief spell of brightness and lifting cloud once more on the far eastern fells.

Close up on Bowness and Bowness Bay.

Caudale Moor. To the left is the Kirkstone Pass road and the Kirkstone Pass Inn with one of the Angletarn Pikes in view.

Casper lords it over Windermere.

The descent back to Troutbeck.

Troutbeck Tongue

Walked on 23/02/2009

Start point: Nr Town Head, Troutbeck (NY 414 037)

Town Head, Troutbeck – Ing Lane – Ing Bridge – Hagg Bridge – Troutbeck Tongue – Hagg Bridge – Ing Bridge – Ing Lane – Town Head, Troutbeck

Distance: 4.2 miles Total Ascent: 291 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 30 minutes

Weather: Warm with the odd sunny interval. 8°C.

It certainly felt like Spring had sprung today for a walk in Troutbeck Park to the relatively modest Troutbeck Tongue, a fell that I have managed to neglect for nearly 4 years. It felt like something was missing today, I can’t quite put my finger on it…

Ill Bell and Yoke over Town Head.

Descending to Ing Lane in a brief interlude of sunshine.

Looking along Troutbeck to The Tongue (above the barn) with the magnificent Thornthwaite Crag, Froswick, Ill Bell, Yoke ridge beyond.

The Tongue, Troutbeck.

A stile with nothing to climb over, pointing the way towards Threshthwaite and the promise of blue sky and sunshine.

Troutbeck Park Farm and The Tongue. This farm was the former residence of Beatrix Potter and the area was used as the setting in several stories.

The Hagg Gill path.

Correspondent Dudley Chignall asked if I could find this scene from Potter's 'Pigling Bland' which is based to the east of Troutbeck Park Farm. The answer is...well, no - not quite anyway. You can see the bridge in the drawing and the gash of the waterfall, the nearest I could see is in the photo below with the bridge and the waterfall both in evidence and the tops look remarkably similar too. Artistic licence, wrong angle or was I in the wrong place?

Threshthwaite Mouth from the direct route to the top of Troutbeck Tongue.

Windermere from the summit of The Tongue.

Sour Howes and Sallows from Troutbeck Tongue.

The summit of Troutbeck Tongue.

A 180 degree panorama from Troutbeck Tongue. Select on the image to open a larger version.

Red Screes and St Raven's Edge with the Kirkstone Pass road in view to the centre left.

Windermere.

Wansfell above Troutbeck Park Farm.

A bit of sunshine over Troutbeck on the walk back.

Gummer’s How

Walked on 18/02/2009

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

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

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

Weather: Warmer than of late but overcast. 8°C.

The ‘old’ gang was reformed today when Connie and Angus came with Casper and I for a walk up to Gummer’s How. It was quite warm compared to the last couple of weeks and the snow has receded from most of the higher fells with only a few stubborn patches remaining on the tops. Connie always enjoys this walk and it was good to have Angus with us on the fells once more.

Almost as soon as we set off the mist rose up from Windermere to engulf Gummer's How.

Lakeside and beyond through the gloom.

The summit of Gummer's How.

Connie shows off her new pink walking boots on the obligatory shot on top of the trig. column.

Connie, Casper and Angus on Gummer's How.

He's back! For one day only - Angus climbs the dizzy heights, just like the days of yore.

Looking south-west towards Furness across the top of Gummer's How.

Red Screes, Caudale Moor and the Ill Bell ridge.

The Coniston fells across Windermere.

Hmm, not sure what is going on here. Casper has spotted something whilst Angus and Connie are giving me the 'hurry up' signal.

Windermere with the Langdale Pikes visible left of centre.

A panoramic view of Windermere. Select on the image to see a larger version.

There is a clearer view down to Lakeside now the mist has cleared a little.

The head of Windermere - it looks like Bowness and Ambleside are under a blanket of cloud.

Lord’s Rake

Walked on 12/02/2009

Start point: Brackenclose (NY 182 074)

Brackenclose – Brown Tongue – Hollow Stones – Lord’s Rake – Hollow Stones – Brown Tongue – Brackenclose

Distance: 3.5 miles Total Ascent: 800 metres Time Taken: 3 hours

Weather: Cold, snow blowing in. 1°C.

I set off with the intention of climbing Scafell from Brackenclose today, however conditions managed to conspire against me. There is no shame in turning back or knowing when to bail out…

NOTE: Do not try to climb Lord’s Rake in winter conditions without crampons and an ice axe (and nerves of steel!).

Strangely clear yet murky in Wasdale.

A panoramic view of The Screes. Select on the image to see a larger version.

Great Gable, Lingmell, Scafell Pike and Scafell reflected in Wast Water.

Scafell reflections.

Lingmell Gill.

A close up on the icy waterfall.

Illgill Head, Wast Water and Middle Fell from the climb along Lingmell Gill.

The Lingmell Gill crossing to Brown Tongue.

The north face of Scafell from Brown Tongue.

Middle Fell and Yewbarrow from the ascent.

Mickledore from Hollow Stones.

Scafell Crag.

Close up on the icicles on Scafell Crag.

Heading towards Mickledore Buttress on Scafell Pike.

Across Lingmell to Haycock and the Pillar group of fells.

Heading for Lord's Rake.

Superb winter scenery today.

Spot the two climbers climbing Moss Gill, there were plenty of them around today.

At the foot of Lord's Rake. It took a minute or two to work out that it actually was Lord's Rake as the snow was pretty deep up there, obliterating all features apart from the chock stone at the top. There were no other footprints in there either, but I thought I would give it a go and was quite prepared to turn back if it looked too dangerous.

The view from half way up Lord's Rake. There are a small group of climbers visible at the foot of Steep Gill.

Phew, made it! It certainly was an exhilarating climb in some deep snow, this view from the top looking towards Pulpit Rock on Scafell Pike.

An icy looking Pinnacle.

Casper has a look around at the start of the first descent on Lord's Rake.

The chock stone at the head of Lord's Rake. When I looked around to the normally easy second section of the Rake, I knew immediately that I wasn't going any further in that direction today. The second col was almost in touching distance but in between was a treacherous slab of snow covered ice - a great chute into Hollow Stones a couple of hundred metres below, and there was no way I was risking that. But which way to go now? I had a look at the West Wall Traverse but the entrance to that was a great snow cornice and that surely would be suicidal to attempt. No, the only way was back down the way I had come but even that would be no cakewalk and I had to carefully descend backwards kicking deep with the crampons and making sure the ice axe had a good, deep bite on each stroke. No photos of any of that as I was too busy with the job in hand.

I passed a couple of climbers going to Deep Gill as I descended, this view is of one of them half way up. Looks like he is following my footsteps to the right of the Rake, the best side to keep out of the deepest snow.

Casper watches the climbers from the foot of Steep Gill - see the end of their rope to the left?

...and when I turned around, the snow and wind had come in with a vengeance, here looking across to Lingmell. That finished the day off for me - there was no point continuing to Scafell Pike in pretty horrendous conditions. However, there was still the small matter of the descent from here into Hollow Stones to tackle, and that was pretty tricky in the snow too. I descended the worst bit backwards once more, the same as I did in Lord's Rake. I was becoming quite good at it now!

Blizzard over Mickledore.

These were some impressive looking icicles, the top ones were a good 20 feet long. I'm not going to stand under those!

Icy Lingmell Gill on the descent.

Coniston Old Man

Walked on 09/02/2009

Start point: Coniston (SD 300 975)

Coniston – Walna Scar Road – Boo Tarn – The Old Man of Coniston – Boo Tarn – Walna Scar Road – Coniston

Distance: 4.5 miles Total Ascent: 730 metres Time Taken: 2 hours 30 minutes

Weather: Cold and misty. 1°C.

The freezing mist was all around at low level today for my first walk up to Coniston Old Man this year. Yesterday and last night saw fresh snow falls in the area and everywhere around quiet Coniston was covered this morning. This was winter walking in different conditions to last week with no views and the eerie silence that walking in heavy mist brings and an overwhelming feeling of solitude.

The snowy and icy roads meant a walk from the village today to reach the Walna Scar Road. Patient Casper waits in the middle of the road!

The car park beyond the fell gate is empty today.

It's all a bit murky following the Diamond route from Boo Tarn.

On the climb to the summit. Things were brightening up as I reached the top and at one stage I did think I may be able to get above the clouds...

...unfortunately not then! This is the summit cairn with snow drifted against the north-east face.

Cold Coniston summit. There was no-one here today nor another footprint in the fresh snow.

The trig. column and cairn.

Casper on the summit.

Casper takes it easy. On the way up I managed to lose my drinks bottle somewhere from the side pocket of my bag so I decided to follow my own footprints back down to see if I could find it. Unfortunately I didn't, so if anyone finds a battle scarred blue Sigg bottle up there - it's mine!

Boo Tarn sums up today's walk - frozen and viewless.

Hobcarton Horseshoe

Walked on 04/02/2009

Start point: Revelin Moss Car Park (NY 249 242)

Comb Bridge – Grisedale Pike – Hobcarton Head – Hopegill Head – Ladyside Pike – Swinside Plantation – Hobcarton Plantation – Comb Bridge

Distance: 6.2 miles Total Ascent: 744 metres Time Taken: 3 hours 30 minutes

Weather: Cold but overcast. 2°C.

It was a completely different day to yesterday as it was overcast and the sky was grey and flat. Things were a lot warmer as it was very still and today I was joined by Andy Lang on this circuit of Hobcarton. The ice was treacherous once again in places, notably on the climb to Hopegill Head and then the rocky descent to join the Ladyside Pike ridge.