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.

At the foot of the steep climb to Grisedale Pike from Comb Bridge. There is even a little bit of blue sky up there.

Looking across Hospital Plantation to Skiddaw in cloud.

Still plenty of snow around and not a breath of wind today making it feel much warmer than yesterday.

Casper shows how steep the route is. Easy enough to navigate though, just follow the wall.

Heading for Grisedale Pike.

Looking across to the Sleet How ridge to Grisedale Pike.

All is icy up here.

Wind blown ice on an old fence post.

An icy close up.

Hobcarton Head from the summit of Grisedale Pike.

Crag Hill across Coledale.

Casper on Grisedale Pike.

Looking along the ridge to Hobcarton End.

Hobcarton Head, Sand Hill and Hopegill Head.

Descending the path to Hobcarton head.

Casper leads the way.

Looking back to Grisedale Pike.

Hobcarton.

Hopegill Head and Ladyside Pike, our route of descent today.

Following the invisible men?

Grisedale Pike and Hobcarton Head from the climb to Hopegill Head. It was crampons time once more for this section of the icy climb.

Hobcarton Crag looks a bit black and white today.

Casper wonders why Andy has crampons on. Get away from the edge boy (and you Casper!).

The Crag Hill - Sail - Causey Pike ridge over Sand Hill with a big snow cornice in the foreground.

Hopegill Head.

The mist swirling around Ladyside Pike.

Andy shows how to descend the tricky, steep and icy section from Hopegill Head's summit.

A view through the mist into Hopegill.

Ladyside Pike.

A cold looking Hopegill Head from Ladyside Pike.

Swinside from Ladyside Pike.

At the foot of the descent from the Swinside ridge. It was into Swinside Plantation now to head back to the car.

Back on the straight and narrow.

Mosedale Horseshoe

Walked on 03/02/2009

Start point: Wasdale Head (NY 187 088)

Wasdale Head – Black Sails Pass – Looking Stead – Pillar – Wind Gap – Black Crag (Pillar) – Scoat Fell – Steeple – Red Pike – Dore Head Screes – Wasdale Head

Distance: 8 miles Total Ascent: 1130 metres Time Taken: 5 hours 45 minutes

Weather: Cold and clear. 2°C.

Everywhere else in the country has lots of snow according to the news but locally there is not a great deal at valley level. The high ground is well covered and today defied the expected conditions and was lovely and clear over Mosedale almost throughout the walk. I have had this one on the list of ‘to do’s’ for a while as I really wanted to get to Pillar, my favourite of all fells, in superb winter conditions such as today.

Sunset in Wasdale.

Helvellyn

Walked on 26/01/2009

Start point: Lay by opposite Swirls Car Park (NY 315 170)

Swirls – Browncove Crags – Helvellyn – Helvellyn Lower Man – White Side – Raise – Swirls

Distance: 6.3 miles Total Ascent: 920 metres Time Taken: 4 hours

Weather: Cold and clear with temperature inversion. 5°C

It ended up being a day of two halves with the weather, but I really couldn’t have expected anything better than the cold and clear weather complete with a temperature inversion that covered the whole of the south Lakes that I managed to see from the summit of Helvellyn. Later the inversion lifted and completely enveloped me making it a completely different walk during the latter stages.

Helvellyn route map.

Sunlight on Blencathra along St John's in the Vale.

As soon as the snowline was reached it was time for the crampons as everything was iced over making the going slippery. This is the view from where I put them on and all is clear to the north over Skiddaw and Blencathra.

Looking across Thirlmere to the western fells.

White Side from the climb to Browncove Crags.

Ice axe definitely required for this steep section to Browncove Crags.

Finally up into the sunshine and the first view of a big inversion to the south.

Great Gable is clear towards the left but there is cloud forming now on some of the other fells around it.

Climbing higher - can't wait to get to the top.

Stybarrow Dodd, Raise and White Side. Blencathra in the left distance has a covering of cloud now.

The mist clearing from Helvellyn.

The view to the south west...

...and the contrasting view to the north west.

All clear now on Helvellyn.

It was a fantastic day to be on the fells today.

Casper living on the edge.

Swirral Edge, Catstycam with Ullswater beyond.

The Edges and Red Tarn from the summit of Helvellyn.

Swirral Edge.

The icy trig. column on Helvellyn.

The southern half of the Lake District is completely covered in cloud today.

Not many people around today.

In fact I am on my own now, here looking at the snow corniced edge of Helvellyn.

Looking to Nethermost Pike and Dollywaggon Pike.

Swirral Edge and Catstycam with Raise distant left - that's the way I am going today.

Frozen boulders and the cross shelter with Fairfield beyond.

The Master of the Universe.

Not much chance of getting a seat in the cross shelter today, it is 'full'.

The mighty Striding Edge.

The half buried Gough Memorial.

Beautiful sunshine, beautiful inversion, beautiful snow.

Casper in the winter wonderland.

Helvellyn.

A final view to the south as I head across the summit to Helvellyn Lower Man.

A 360 degree panorama from Helvellyn.

White Side and Raise from Helvellyn Lower Man.

The mist was starting to form in the Thirlmere Valley below, in fact it felt as though the inversion was moving towards me from the north and west.

The cloud starts to pour over Browncove Crags.

Still clear over Brown Cove to Sheffield Pike and Ullswater, Catstycam to the right.

White Side and Raise from the descent of Lower Man.

Swirral Edge.

It's all catching me up now.

The cloud is now pouring across Helvellyn and engulfing Swirral Edge.

I've a feeling it is going to get me pretty soon.

It certainly did! A glimmer of winter sun on White Side.

A skier on Raise.

Raise summit.

Descending from Raise the weather had completely changed and it was now a rather dull day.

A brief glimmer of blue sky once ,more on the final descent.

Brock Barrow

Walked on 24/01/2009

Brock Barrow (OF) from High Nibthwaite

I had a quick walk late this afternoon in the setting sun up on the east side of Coniston Water. It was so late on it ended up as more of a sprint than a walk to catch the last of the light.

Beacon Fell across High Nibthwaite and a race against the rapidly setting sun.

Sunset over Allan Tarn.

Brock Barrow.

The climb to the top.

The snow and cloud covered Coniston fells from the top of Brock Barrow.

Top o' Selside.

Looking down on the southern end of Coniston Water and Allan Tarn.

Casper watches the last of the sun. Time to get going!

High Nibthwaite and Coniston Water.

Twilight on Coniston Water.

Monochromatic Coniston Jetty.

Stickle Pike

Walked on 23/01/2009

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: 30 minutes

Weather: Cold wind, snow. 4°C

The rain was heavy throughout last night which of course fell as snow above 300m. I walked Stickle Pike but the view to the high fells was mostly obliterated by the angry looking snow clouds today. Just because Stickle Pike is small in stature, it doesn’t make the climb or descent any easier when there is wet, slippery snow around – as I found out to my cost!

Caw across Kiln Bank Cross.

The view from further up the climb.

The path to Stickle Pike.

Footprints in the snow and a glimmer of sunshine.

Blue sky over Stickle Pike.

Glittering Stickle Tarn.

Looking back to the Duddon Valley, those clouds look very snow laden.

Moody Stickle Tarn.

Panoramic Stickle Tarn.

Climbing to Stickle Pike summit looking towards cloud covered Harter Fell across Stickle Tarn. I managed to rip my gloves when I slipped on this section of the climb...just great!

Stickle Pike summit.

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

The Duddon Valley from the summit.

Black Combe.

Casper - more snow for him to roll around in today!

I spotted this out of place carnation in the summit cairn on Stickle Pike.

The Duddon Estuary over Great Stickle. Look at those clouds over Black Combe to the right - that is a big snow shower and it's coming straight for us.

Having a look into Dunnerdale, but that's not the way for us today Casper. We made a quick descent to the north, but perhaps quicker than strictly necessary as the snow on that steep section was wet and slippery. As I slipped and slid down on my backside, I did wonder if I would ever stop but thankfully I managed to grab a passing boulder!

Torver Common

Walked on 18/01/2009

Torver Common

I took Casper for a quick walk around Torver Common today. We managed to dodge the worst of the showers but the wind was very strong and certainly had an icy feel to it. ‘Bracing’ is the word to describe today’s walk I think.

Kelly Hall Tarn.

A panoramic view of the Coniston fells with fresh snow on the tops across Kelly Hall Tarn.

The view to the east with a wild wind coming in.

A panoramic view of Coniston Water from Torver Back Common.

Getting up close and personal with Casper.

Looking south along Coniston Water with Beacon Fell to the right. The strong wind makes the grass in the foreground look blurred...either that or I can't hold the camera steady!

The Old Man briefly appears from the cloud cover.

A Newlands Round

Walked on 14/01/2009

Start point: Hawes End (NY 247 212)

Hawes End – Skelgill Bank – Catbells – Maiden Moor – High Spy – Dale Head – Hindscarth – High Crags – Red Knott – Scope End – Little Town – Skelgill – Hawes End

Distance: 10 miles Total Ascent: 1066 metres Time Taken: 5 hours

Weather: Cold, clear at first but later in mist. 5°C

I could not believe the difference between the south Lakes and the north today. Travelling over Dunmail Raise is was as if I was transported from the dull and dreary south to the bright and frosty north on a different day. The day promised much when I set off for Catbells from Hause End but a lot of the high fells ended up being covered in cloud after the sun rose. The views from Catbells, though, made getting out of bed that bit earlier today well worth it.

Dale Head Horseshoe route map.

The sunrise at the start of the walk from Hawes End. Derwent Water is covered in mist and the rising sun looks great on a cloud topped Skiddaw.

Looking west towards Causey Pike over Newlands all is cold and frosty.

Mist on Derwent Water and over Keswick.

Walla Crag and Bleaberry Fell across the water.

Climbing higher towards Catbells with the sun still on Skiddaw.

The mist is already starting to lift and showing some cloud reflections. Blencathra is cloud covered in the left distance.

What a view.

The rising sun on Grisedale Pike.

Catbells and Skelgill Bank.

A panoramic view from Skelgill Bank.

The view to Newlands Hause with Robinson left and Ard Crags right.

Swinside and Bassenthwaite Lake.

Skiddaw is clearing of cloud now.

Blencathra under cloud.

A cold and frosty climb towards Catbells.

Catbells ahead.

The frozen summit of Catbells looking towards Bassenthwaite Lake.

Casper finds it hair raising this morning.

Heading for Maiden Moor across Hause Gate. Look at the cloud starting to drift across Maiden Moor - by the time I reached it, it came across with a (cold) vengeance.

Derwent Water reflections with Clough Head peeping above the cloud beyond.

A final glimmer of sunshine looking back to Catbells across Hause Gate.

Catbells and Derwent Water from the climb.

Here comes the freezing waves of cloud push by a really cold and biting wind.

Hindscarth and Robinson from the summit of Maiden Moor. This view makes it look better than it really was as the cloud only parted briefly.

High Spy.

Descending to Dalehead Tarn (which can be seen on the left) with Dale Head briefly appearing from the cloud.

On the frozen Dale Head summit.

Casper on Dale Head.

Great Gable and Pillar across Ennerdale.

During the descent of Hindscarth Edge the views opened up again.

Buttermere and the High Stile ridge.

The path to Hindscarth can clearly be seen arcing around to the right with Robinson directly ahead.

High Crag, High Stile and Red Pike across Buttermere.

Green and Great Gable.

Looking back to Dale Head from the path to Hindscarth.

High Stile from Hindscarth.

Monochrome view from Hindscarth.

The descent from Hindscarth to Scope End.

Hindscarth from Scope End. At least it was a bit warmer by the time I got to here!

Bath time for Casper in Newlands Beck.

The Dodds

Walked on 09/01/2009

Start point: Stanah (NY 318 189)

Stanah – Sticks Pass – Stybarrow Dodd – Watson’s Dodd – Great Dodd – Calfhow Pike – Fornside – Stanah

Distance: 6.8 miles Total Ascent: 795 metres Time Taken: 3 hours

Weather: Mainly in mist, cold wind. 3°C

I think me and Casper were both chomping at the bit to get back on the fells today even though the weather seemed a bit murky. The climb to Sticks Pass gave a fleeting hope of a temperature inversion but the wind higher up ended that notion and the higher tops were walked coldly in the freezing fog.

The Dodds

Climbing to Sticks Pass from Stanah.

Falls on Stanah Gill.

The A591 below with High Rigg to the right.

Climbing higher.

A beam of sunlight on High Rigg as the mist descends into St John's in the Vale with Dodd in the distance.

Suddenly, blue skies approaching Sticks Pass.

Looking over into Glencoyne and the last of the clear weather. The wind was picking up now ruining any chance of an inversion and it was back into the freezing fog for the rest of the walk.

Winter sun on the climb to Stybarrow Dodd.

Casper gives the eye with a frozen beard and face fur.

The summit of Stybarrow Dodd.

Watson's Dodd.

The wind shelter on Great Dodd.

A brief clearing in the mist heading for Calfhow Pike.

Iced up Casper.

From Calfhow Pike I took the steep descent into St John's in the Vale via Fornside, below.

Tarn Hows

Walked on 08/01/2009

Tarn Hows

We have been away on a short break over the New Year – and so have the dogs. We ‘sprung’ them this morning and took them to a deserted Tarn Hows via the east of Coniston where they had a chilly dip in the lake, the hardy souls (or is that fools?)!

Moody Coniston Water.

Calm reflections on the lake today.

The Old Man towering above the village.

There is a bank of cloud lifting over Wetherlam to the right as the sun rises.

Wetherlam and Holme Fell from Tarn Hows.

Tarn Hows is frozen today and it is more than a little bleak in the hollow of The Tarns.

Daft dog on the ice - come here!

Rounding The Tarns.

Panoramic Tarn Hows.

Casper, Angus and Louise following the frozen path.

Looks like it is starting to thaw a bit.

Damp dogs.

Around Coniston

Walked on 28/12/2008

Around Coniston

This morning I took a circuitous route to the shop in Bowness by way of Coniston along the east side of the lake and up to Tarn Hows to give Casper a run. I was fortunate enough to be greeted with a great sunrise over the Coniston fells giving that lovely golden hue with some great reflections in the calm waters too.

Coniston Water and Beacon Fell from the jetty on the eastern side of the lake.

Coniston Water morning.

Sunrise on the Coniston fells.

The Coniston fells from Bank Ground. Coniston Water looks like it is on fire this morning.

Cold but beautiful.

The Monk Coniston jetty.

The Old Man is capped with cloud.

Lovely reflections this morning.

Casper has followed me onto the frozen Monk Coniston jetty.

The Old Man.

Wetherlam from Tarn Hows.

The Tarns.

Tarn Hows from the Scott Memorial.

The Tarns are part frozen this morning.

Panoramic Tarn Hows

Hard Knott

Walked on 27/12/2008

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: 45 minutes

Weather: Cold and clear. 2ºC.

The blue skies returned today and once again there was fabulous winter clarity for a short walk up to Hard Knott from the top of the pass, taking in Border End and Eskdale Needle. The hardest part once more was actually the road journey up to the pass as the road was icy and one or two cars had failed in their mission to get to the top. Not to worry, we managed it and were rewarded with some of the finest views the Lake District has to offer.

Little Stand and Dale Head from the Duddon Valley.

Hard Knott and the River Duddon.

Grey Friar across the Duddon Valley from the climb to Hard Knott.

Wrynose Bottom and Wrynose Pass.

Casper walks on water approaching Border End summit.

Slight Side, Scafell and Scafell Pike from Border End.

Looking across to Hard Knott in the mid-distance with Crinkle Crags and Little Stand beyond.

Sunlit Casper.

Casper has a look along the frozen Eskdale Valley with the Roman Fort below.

A closer view of Eskdale and the Roman Fort.

There is a magnificent view of Upper Eskdale from here.

Esk Pike and Bowfell.

I think he likes it here.

Slight Side and Scafell.

Scafell and Scafell Pike with the cleft of Mickledore between.

Approaching Eskdale Needle.

Eskdale Needle.

Eskdale from above the Needle.

Upper Eskdale with the shadows of Eskdale Needle, Casper and me!

The summit of Hard Knott.

What a fantastic view of Scafell Pike above Great Moss today with Broad Crag and Ill Crag beyond the spur of Pen.

Esk Pike.

Bowfell - looks like there are three people at the top in this photo, such is the clarity today.

Slight Side.

Scafell and Mickledore. I've never noticed that ridge in the foreground before, but it looks interesting and may be worthy of a look sometime.

Casperoo.

The Coniston fells from Hard Knott.

The summit of Hard Knott.

Frozen tarn on the descent.

Hard Knott from the road to the pass. On the way to Bowness, I couldn't resist a small detour to Blea Tarn...

I thought it would be at its best here today.

The Langdale Pikes across a part frozen Blea Tarn.

A panoramic view of Blea Tarn.

Orrest Head

Walked on 24/12/2008

Start point: Windermere (SD 414 987)

Orrest Head (OF) from Windermere

Distance: 1 mile Total Ascent: 120 metres Time Taken: 40 minutes

Weather: Misty. 5ºC.

We had a quick walk this morning up to Orrest Head, mainly to break up the day for the very excited Connie! Nearly as exciting as Christmas was the sight of two deer on the walk, as we spotted them before they spotted us and that is always a treat as we managed to watch them for a little while.

It is quite clear where we are walking today from this sign.

Windermere from the path to Orrest Head.

Casper waits for Connie on this tricky section.

How to climb a wall stile, Beardie style.

...and Connie style.

I went to the butcher's today and bought eight legs of venison, they cost me £10. Do you think that was too dear?

The viewpoint indicator on Orrest Head.

Looking south along Windermere.

The Far Eastern fells from the seat at the top.

Looking across Windermere to Claife Heights.

Casper and Connie take in the view to the north west.

Caudale Moor and the Ill Bell ridge.

'Merry Christmas' says this excited girl.

Windermere, and through the mist the Langdales can (just about) be seen.

Back at Bowness, it is 'bath time' to get rid of all that mud!

Windermere from Bowness Bay.

Brant Fell

Walked on 15/12/2008

Start point: Love the Lakes, Ash Street, Bowness on Windermere

Love the Lakes, Bowness-on-Windermere – Post Knott – Brant Fell (OF) – Love the Lakes, Bowness-on-Windermere

Distance: 1.6 miles Total Ascent: 145 metres Time Taken: 40 minutes

Weather: Cold and misty. 1ºC.

I could see there would be a temperature inversion over Windermere this morning so after checking out conditions at the south on the Gummer’s How road, I headed for the shop and from there took a short walk up to Brant Fell. It is easy to forget about the places on your doorstep sometimes and today was a good day to explore Brant Fell a little with the added bonus of being above the cloud.

On the way to Bowness I could tell there would be an inversion over Windermere so I took a short detour up the Gummer's How road to check conditions.

The view to the south-west with The Hoad monument at Ulverston visible.

Summer House Knott across Lakeside. After the short drive to Bowness via Love the Lakes, I walked the short distance up Brantfell Road.

Heading for Post Knott and rising through the mist.

The seat on the top of Post Knott.

Brant Fell ahead.

There was even a bit of blue sky around but not much sunshine was getting through.

It remained cold and frozen throughout the walk and the conditions weren't the best for getting a good photo.

The posts on Brant Fell.

Wansfell and Brantfell Farm.

Looking north along the Windermere temperature inversion.

Claife Heights across Windermere.

Brant Fell.

The snow capped central fells look a bit brighter than here.

Looking to the Fairfield group of fells.

Red Screes

Walked on 10/12/2008

Start point: Kirkstone Pass (NY 401 080)

Kirkstone Pass – Red Screes – Smallthwaite Band – Middle Dodd – Kirkstone Pass

Distance: 2.4 miles Total Ascent: 480 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 30 minutes

Weather: Sunny spells, icy wind. 3ºC.

It is four years since I have been up Red Screes so I thought it was high time I paid a visit again, similarly with Middle Dodd. Of course, I should really have come here a week or two ago when I went to Hart Crag but the weather was ferocious and put me off that day. What a day today though, fantastic clarity and views.

Red Screes from Kirkstone Pass.

Climbing the path to Red Screes.

Icicles.

Raven Crag.

Looking back down the climb, the Kirkstone Pass road below.

Wonder where Red Screes got its name? This is the steep climb to the top.

Looking back from the top of the scree run with a glimpse of Windermere.

Caudale Moor from the summit plateau.

The summit of Red Screes.

All clear to the west over the frozen summit tarn.

In fact, clear everywhere here looking towards Helvellyn.

The summit of Red Screes.

The Scafells.

The Coniston fells.

Casper has a look at Wansfell and Windermere.

Stunning visibility on the summit.

Sunlight on the tarn.

Smallthwaite Band leading to Middle Dodd with Brothers Water and Place Fell beyond.

Caudale Moor and High Street.

Brothers Water, Place Fell and Angletarn Pikes beyond Middle Dodd.

The Helvellyn range from Middle Dodd.

It was really windy on the tops again today, as modelled by Casper.

Heading back to Red Screes from Middle Dodd.

Back on the summit.

The view to England's finest.

Caudale Moor and the Kirkstone Pass road beneath.

The Kent Estuary glowing bright in the sunshine.

The Kirkstone Pass Inn and the car park.

Red Screes from the Kirkstone Pass road.

Striding Edge

Walked on 09/12/2008

Start point: Patterdale (NY 394 160)

Patterdale – Striding Edge – Helvellyn – Nethermost Pike – Dollywaggon Pike – Hause Gap – Fairfield – Cofa Pike – Saint Sunday Crag – Patterdale

Distance: 11 miles Total Ascent: 1410 metres Time Taken: 7 hours

Weather: Sunny spells, icy wind. 3ºC.

The snow has begun to thaw and it was all a bit dull and overcast when I set off from Patterdale this morning. Once up to the Hole-in-the-Wall though, there were regular sunny spells and the crossing of Striding Edge is a s fantastic as ever in winter conditions. I lengthened the walk by climbing to Fairfield after the Helvellyn ridge but the wind was mighty strong and cold up there and it made walking quite difficult at times. The days are pretty short at the moment and the descent was mirrored by the setting of the sun.

NOTE: This walk was done in winter conditions and it can be extremely hazardous up on Striding Edge in this weather. Just because I did it with my dog doesn’t mean to say you can. Please make sure you are properly equipped for the conditions.

It was all a bit overcast when I set off into Grisedale. Here the path to the Hole-in-the-Wall can be seen running diagonally right to left with the wall visible in the centre.

Looking to the head of Grisedale, Saint Sunday Crag to the left.

Clearing out a bit now looking back to Place Fell.

Climbing the path.

Dollywaggon Pike and Nethermost Pike under cloud.

At the Hole-in-the-Wall. The crampons were on by here.

Looking back to Birkhouse Moor and Ullswater.

Heading for Low Spying How.

Helvellyn, Swirral Edge and Catstycam.

Dollywaggon Pike, Nethermost Pike and Low Spying How.

Who's the King of the Castle?

The first view of Striding Edge.

The cloud was constantly clearing then swirling back in on the climb.

There was quite a contrast with a lot less snow on the Far Eastern fells.

I caught up with group from Sheffield on the crossing of Striding Edge. They were much hardier than me as they had camped out at Red Tarn last night.

A tricky crossing over the icy rocks. Crampons and an ice axe were essential today. The Dixon memorial is to the right.

Further along Striding Edge.

These photos make it look clear but the mist was still swirling on and around us as we crossed.

Looking back, almost at The Chimney now.

The Chimney.

The climb to reach Helvellyn.

A misty Striding Edge from the climb.

That's a clearer view.

A great view of the full length of Striding Edge.

Here's a view looking down the climb to show conditions when the mist was down and the equipment required to get up here!

The Gough Memorial.

No view from the summit for us today.

Heading for Nethermost Pike.

A bit further along the ridge and the mist has cleared again.

Fairfield, Dollywaggon Pike and High Crag from Nethermost Pike.

A view to the west.

Heading for Dollywaggon Pike with Fairfield and Great Rigg in view with a glimpse of Windermere.

Dollywaggon Pike.

High Crag from Dollywaggon Pike.

The old post marks the start of the steep descent to Grisedale Tarn.

Snowbeard on the descent.

Saint Sunday Crag and Fairfield above Grisedale Tarn.

All clear over Fairfield.

Once at Hause Gap the wind really picked up and the climb to Fairfield was pretty tough. This view is through to the Coniston fells. This is where I took my crampons off too as they were more of a hindrance rather than a help.

Seat Sandal from the climb.

The Far Eastern fells from Fairfield.

Mushroom cloud over Helvellyn.

The Helvellyn ridge recently walked. Crampons back on again for the steep and icy descent to Cofa Pike.

Saint Sunday Crag from Cofa Pike.

Helvellyn and Striding Edge in sunshine.

Grisedale Tarn and the view to the west from Deepdale Hause. Crampons off again!

The moon rising over the eastern fells from Saint Sunday Crag.

Casper at the summit of Saint Sunday Crag.

Looking across to Helvellyn and Catstycam.

It was amazing how quickly the sun began to set with the clouds over Helvellyn already tinged with red.

Sunset on High Street.

The moon rising over Place Fell.

Holme Fell

Walked on 06/12/2008

Start point: Hodge Close (NY 315 016)

Holme Fell from Hodge Close

Distance: 1.7 miles Total Ascent: 165 metres Time Taken: 40 minutes

Weather: Clear and bright. 4ºC.

Weather like this is just too good to miss! It was lovely and clear today with the snow clad fells sparkling in the sunshine and I managed to fit in a quick walk up to Holme Fell. The snow was crunchy today and for some reason this seemed to send Casper berserk with him constantly doing his ‘Bouncing Beardie’ party piece – I think this meant he enjoyed the walk!

Dovedale

Walked on 01/12/2008

Start point: Bottom of Kirkstone Pass (NY 402 113)

Kirkstone Pass – Hartsop Hall – Dovedale – Dove Crag – Bakestones Moss – Little Hart Crag – High Hartsop Dodd – Kirkstone Pass

Distance: 6.4 miles Total Ascent: 730 metres Time Taken: 3 hours 30 minutes

Weather: Strong wind, snow flurries. -2ºC.

It was really cold this morning again but the blue sky and crisp clearness of the weekend was gone to be replaced by strong winter weather. All was icy and frozen around Kirkstone Pass with heavy snow flurries at first. Once on the climb to Dovedale the wind really picked up and on the Dove Crag ridge it was severe and walking was difficult at times. When I got back to valley level I felt like I had taken a real pounding up there.

Blimey, it was cold this morning when I set off. This photo of Middle Dodd and Kirkstone Beck looks cold too.

A frosty wall - mono photos seemed to match the conditions better than colour a lot of the time I thought.

Middle Dodd and Caiston Glen.

Heading into Dovedale.

Icy Dovedale Beck.

Dove Falls.

A ray of sunshine looking back into Dovedale.

Dove Crag.

Getting closer to Dove Crag.

A bit of blue sky up there on the final part of the climb to Dove Crag. It all looks calm in this photo but the wind was picking up now making it feel even colder.

Looking across to the High Street ridge.

The Far Eastern fells - there seemed to be less snow around to the north.

All hell was let loose once up onto the Dove Crag ridge with very strong winds and painful spindrift.

It was as cold as it looks up there.

Looking back to Hart Crag and Fairfield.

Tough going following the wall.

A bit of sunshine to the west through the spindrift.

The summit of Dove Crag.

A quick descent to Bakestones Moss now to try and get out of the wind.

A view of Brothers Water from the descent.

Windswept Casper.

Place Fell from a frozen pool on Bakestones Moss.

Scandale with Scandale Tarn below from Little hart Crag.

St. Sunday Crag from the summit of Little Hart Crag.

Casper on Little Hart Crag.

Red Screes from the tarn on the summit of Little Hart Crag. I had intended going there but not today, it was too wild.

Escape route to High Hartsop Dodd.

Dovedale from High Hartsop Dodd.

It all looks a bit brighter than it did earlier from the steep descent from High Hartsop Dodd.

Gummer’s How

Walked on 30/11/2008

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: 30 minutes

Weather: Sunny and bright. -4oC.

There was time for a quick sprint up to Gummer’s How for a look at the predictable (given the weather conditions) inversion over Windermere. The weather did not disappoint and there were fabulous views from there once more in the early morning sunshine.