Winter Walk

Walked on 29/11/2008

Red Tarn from Three Shire Stone then Kiln Bank Cross – Stickle Tarn – Stickle Pike (OF) – Kiln Bank Cross

Weather: Sunny above the cloud, cold with snow. 0C.

We were under cloud at home this morning but I knew those conditions were likely to lead to clear skies once above it and we had some great views today with blue skies and snow and a big temperature inversion over the South Lakes.

Little Stand from a frozen Duddon Valley. Originally we set of for Hard Knott today but half way up the pass we were blocked by a van that couldn't get up the icy road. So, a change of plan...

The view from the top of Wrynose Pass. We had to pass lots of stuck cars to get up here! Note there is no one else around yet either.

Cold Pike on the left, Pike o' Blisco on the right and the path we were going to follow up the middle.

Harter Fell and Wrynose Bottom.

Cold Pike. What is that strange rock formation in the lower middle of the photo?

It was cold, cold, cold when we set off.

Looking back to Wetherlam.

Snow Beardie.

Climbing Redtarn Moss.

First site of Crinkle Crags.

Red Tarn, Crinkle Crags and Bowfell.

A group of walkers making their way up to Cold Pike.

What a view today.

Frozen grass on the banks of Red Tarn.

Connie and Casper seemed to enjoy it today.

I'm not surprised with views like this.

Great Knott.

Looking across Red Tarn to the Coniston fells.

Looking back to the Coniston fells from the top of Browney Gill. It looks like someone has been skiing there.

Frozen Red Tarn

It was warm in the sunshine and time to cast a few layers, gloves, hats - you name it. I wonder who ended up carrying that little lot? Much as I would have loved to have climbed higher, I knew we weren't equipped for it today so we descended back by the same route.

Cold Pike across Red Tarn.

Casper goes goggle eyed at the snowball on his nose. Where did that come from I wonder?

Here's the culprit. Don't you dare!

Wetherlam, Swirl How and Great Carrs from the walk back.

Looking back to Cold Pike in the midday sun.

Swirl How and Great Carrs across Wrynose Pass. When we were at home earlier, we were under a thick blanket of freezing fog so I wondered whether it would have lifted by the time we got back. As we climbed to Kiln Bank Cross in the car, I knew it hadn't as there was a magnificent temperature inversion spreading southwards. Of course, there was only one thing to do and that was to climb Stickle Pike to get a better view...

Caw from the climb.

Raven's Crag and The Knott on the edge of the inversion.

Caw and the Coniston fells, Stickle Tarn below.

A difficult shot to get in the direct sunlight but a good silhouette of Great Stickle and a tarn on Tarn Hill glinting in the sun. To the right is Black Combe.

The only thing standing proud of the dense layer of cloud is Kirkby Moor. That got me thinking later on when I was out and about - perhaps I could get above the cloud in the car at sunset...

Just got above it on Kirkby Moor as the sun was setting.

It's getting dark but you can still see a snow covered Black Combe across the cloud layer.

Windmill silhouette. Descending from here towards Lowick across Osmotherley Moor, the Coniston fells were standing proud of the cloud covered Crake Valley - another jaw dropping view. Too dark for photos by then though!

Lingmoor Fell

Walked on 26/11/2008

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

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

Distance: 2.5 miles Total Ascent: 300 metres Time Taken: 1 hour

Weather: Constant drizzle. 8oC.

It was wet and drizzly for a walk up to Lingmoor Fell this morning and the clouds were down in the valleys below. This is a surprisingly quick way to the top with the ascent being directly to the summit cairn. I decided to miss the normally easy to get to Side Pike as the weather was worsening. Instead I took a short cut and descended back to the road at the depression between Lingmoor Fell and Side Pike.

Blea Tarn and Side Pike, the Langdale Pikes obscured by clouds.

Bleatarn House - Wordsworth's Solitary - and Side Pike from the start of the climb of Lingmoor Fell.

The path to the top.

Ghostly Langdale Pikes over Side Pike.

The view from the gap in the wall.

Blake Rigg and Blea Tarn.

Bleatarn House with lots of low lying cloud and drizzle in Great Langdale beyond.

Looking south from Brown How, the summit of Lingmoor Fell.

Looking north there is the occasional fleeting glimpse of the Langdales through the increasingly heavy drizzle.

Casper on Lingmoor Fell.

A bit wet Casper?

Descending to Lingmoor Tarn.

Casper has a dip in there, as if he is not wet enough already!

Descending towards Side Pike.

Side Pike with the road far below.

Casper in the heavy drizzle. "I'm a celebrity...get me out of here".

On the descent towards Blea Tarn.

Plenty more rain clouds forming on the lower slopes of Pike o' Blisco.

High Pike

Walked on 21/11/2008

Start point: Stone Ends (NY 354 338)

Stone Ends – Rake Trod – Carrock Fell – Round Knott – Miton Hill – High Pike – West Fell – Carrock Beck – Stone Ends

Distance: 6 miles Total Ascent: 530 metres Time Taken: 2 hours 30 minutes

Weather: Frequent snow showers and an icy cold wind. 5oC.

It started off bright enough this morning but once on Rake Trod, the wind really picked up and almost immediately it started snowing. The arctic conditions were predicted this weekend but it came as a shock to the system nevertheless. I normally run warm when I am out but I was chilled to the bone today, so I wonder what the wind chill factor was?

The start of the walk near Stone Ends passing Carrock End Mine.

Climbing Rake Trod.

Looking back down Rake Trod, Carrock End mine is to the right near the cars.

Up onto the summit ridge and the snow showers were coming in thick and fast now, here looking to Bowscale Fell.

Heading for the summit of Carrock Fell.

High Pike from Carrock Fell.

Casper models the windswept look. That wind was absolutely arctic, pity there isn't 'freeze-o-vision' to let you feel it...

.the Fell Assassin on Carrock Fell! That's a windstopper fleece below a soft shell with a polartec buff under a LA mountain hat - nice photo Casper!

Looking into the Caldew Valley from Carrock Fell, Little Man, Skiddaw and Great Calva at the head. The wall in the foreground is part of the ruins of the ancient British hill fort that once topped this fell.

Knott to the left, High Pike to the right.

Bowscale Fell and Blencathra.

Bowscale Tarn below Bowscale Fell, Blencathra beyond with a fresh dusting of snow from Round Knott.

Sharp Edge is visible on the left in the close up.

The view from Round Knott.

The panorama to the west from the path to High Pike.

Looking back to Carrock Fell from Miton Hill, the cairn on Round Knott to the right.

Golden sunshine on the way to High Pike.

The summit of High Pike.

Casper makes himself comfortable.

It is a bit clearer to the north with a view across the Solway Firth to Criffel.

The route of descent is down West Fell.

The eastern face of High Pike - Dry Gill to the left, Red Covercloth centre and Driggeth Beck to the right. There is evidence of lots of mining activity around here.

High Pike from West Fell.

Sunny Bank.

Crossing Carrock Beck.

Carrock Beck. What better way to finish off a walk to High Pike...

Hesket Newmarket lies to the north west of High Pike and Hesket Newmarket Brewery is owned by a co-operative of villagers including Sir Chris Bonington. It is available at a fantastic shop in Bowness!

Mardale Round

Walked on 12/11/2008

Start point: Mardale Head (NY 469 127)

Mardale Head – Hollow Stone – Branstree north ridge – Artlecrag Pike – Branstree – Gatescarth Pass – Little Harter Fell – Harter Fell (Mardale) – Nan Bield Pass – Mardale Ill Bell – High Street – Rough Crag (Riggindale) – Mardale Head

Distance: 8.2 miles Total Ascent: 960 metres Time Taken: 4 hours

Weather: Sunny and bright, becoming cloudy. 10oC.

It was sunny and bright first thing this morning with hardly a cloud in the sky – fantastic conditions for a walk around Mardale Head. Once up to High Street, the clouds came in and made it all a bit flat and I felt in hindsight it might have been better walking anti-clockwise…but then again, who knows? You never can tell what the weather will do.

It's a lovely morning with sun shining at the head of Mardale.

The route from the road up to the north ridge of Branstree is certainly initially steep and direct. There is a great view over Haweswater into Riggindale, the rock in the foreground being the Hollow Stone.

Kidsty Pike above Riggindale.

The head of Riggindale.

Kidsty Pike and Kidsty Howes.

High Street with a touch of snow on top from the old sheepfold.

Selside Pike from the north ridge.

Looking north east from Artlecrag Pike.

The view to the west from the same place.

The summit of Branstree with a hot air balloon over Harter Fell.

Harter Fell from the descent of Branstree. The path used in ascent across Gatescarth Pass can be seen starting from the mid-left.

Looking back to Branstree.

The path to Harter Fell.

Casper Wainwright (see Harter Fell 10, The Far Eastern Fells below). The benchmark in the Wainwright self-portrait can be seen on the rock in the photo. All you need now is a pipe Casper!

High Street and Small Water from Harter Fell.

The summit of Harter Fell.

Mardale Ill Bell and High Street.

Descending to Nan Bield Pass.

Yoke, Ill Bell and Froswick above Kentmere Reservoir.

Harter Fell from Nan Bield pass.

Looking back to Harter fell from the climb to Mardale Ill Bell.

Small Water and Haweswater.

High Street from Mardale Ill Bell.

Casper on Mardale Ill Bell.

Once on High Street, it started to cloud over. This view is to the western fells with the Scafells and Great Gable in the distance and Helvellyn mid distance on the right. That's an icy looking puddle!

Helvellyn from High Street.

The wall on High Street.

The flat top of Harter Fell from High Street.

Long Stile and Rough Crag, the route of descent.

Blea Water from the snowy eastern edge of High Street.

Long Stile.

It has completely clouded over now looking back to High Street and Long Stile over Caspel Gate Tarn from Caspel Gate.

High Street from Rough Crag.

Colourful trees on The Rigg looking along Haweswater.

Haweswater.

Autumn on The Rigg.

Orange grass crossing Mardale Beck.

Blawith Knott

Walked on 10/11/2008

Start point: Woodland Fell road (SD 256 879)

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

Weather: Windy with showers. 8C.

I managed another short walk this afternoon – no time for hanging around in that cold wind. It felt very wintery up there today with lots of hailstones. There will be more snow on the high fells this week I predict.

Blawith Knott shines brightly from Giant's Grave.

Black Combe from the climb.

Casper braving the wind.

Looking east from Blawith Knott.

The Dunnerdale fells. All the high fells are covered with cloud and there are constant hail showers over us.

Wind and Wuthering - sunspot on Beacon Fell.

Lang Tarn, the smallest named tarn in the Lake District (allegedly).

Looking back to sunshine and a rainbow over Blawith Knott.

Cartmel Fell

Walked on 08/11/2008

Start point: Cartmel Fell road (SD 414 880)

Cartmel Fell road – Cartmel Fell (Raven’s Barrow) (OF) – Heights Cottage – Middle Tarn – Sow How Tarn – Cartmel Fell road

Distance: 2.2 miles Total Ascent: 125 metres Time Taken: 1 hour

Weather: Overcast. 10oC.

I had a short walk this afternoon with a relatively easy, if muddy, climb to Cartmel Fell and a visit to a couple of tarns in this largely ignored corner of the lakes. Its position off the beaten track means that it takes a determined effort to get to and that it remains a largely peaceful area – I can hardly believe it is over 4 years since I was last up there.

Whoa! Easy boy! Casper shows the way to climb the stile that marks the start of the walk to Cartmel Fell.

Looking across the Winster Valley to Whitbarrow Scar.

The northern end of Whitbarrow Scar and the Winster Valley.

Casper finds the perfect use for the monument on Raven's Barrow, the summit of Cartmel Fell.

Raven's Barrow.

Looking north across Bowland Bridge from Raven's Barrow, the views to the high fells are obliterated by low lying cloud.

Sunburst over Gummer's How.

The Kent Estuary to the south, Arnside Knott in view.

Heights Cottage.

Middle Tarn.

The boathouse on Sow How Tarn.

Autumn at Sow How Tarn.

This pair of inquisitive swans came over to see what we were doing.

The dam on Sow How Tarn.

The outlet of the tarn. Later...

It has a Christmas feel in Love the Lakes now.

Loughrigg Fell

Walked on 07/11/2008

Start point: Rydal (NY 365 062)

Rydal – Loughrigg Cave – Loughrigg Fell – Loughrigg Terrace – Rydal

Distance: 3.7 miles Total Ascent: 325 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 30 minutes

Weather: Overcast with sunny intervals. 9oC.

Everywhere was a bit dull and dreary this morning and the drizzle was falling as I set off from Rydal for a walk up to Loughrigg Fell. This seemed to be the best bet for a bit of fine weather, but I didn’t hold out much hope…

Crossing the bridge over the River Rothay, looking downstream.

Looking upstream along the river.

Distant Silver How across Rydal Water.

Autumn at Rydal.

It's all looking a bit gloomy over Rydal Water this morning.

Looking out of the cave on Loughrigg Fell.

Loughrigg Cave.

Cave reflections.

Autumn trees and a hint of a brighter weather at the start of the climb.

Looking across to Nab Scar from the top of the cave.

A ray of sunshine promising better things to come?

Well, would you 'Adam and Eve' it? Blue sky and sunshine over Loughrigg Fell!

Well, Casper looks surprised to see the sunshine as well. I promise you, this was the only clear sky in the southern lakes today.

Silver How, also bathed in sunshine, from Loughrigg Fell.

Elterwater and Lingmoor Fell from Loughrigg.

Looking across to Nab Scar.

The Vale of Grasmere from the descent.

He's bright eyed and bushy tailed today.

Silver How.

Grasmere.

Colourful trees and the Langdale Pikes put in a brief appearance.

Seat Sandal and Stone Arthur and the trees of Baneriggs.

Grasmere with Helm Crag and Steel Fell in view, almost on Loughrigg Terrace now.

Silver How from Loughrigg Terrace.

Heading for Rydal along Loughrigg Terrace.

The skies have returned to their leaden former state now. Just timed that one right!

Great Gable

Walked on 04/11/2008

Start point: Wasdale Head (NY 187 087)

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

Distance: 6 miles Total Ascent: 900 metres Time Taken: 3 hour 35 minutes

Weather: Mainly overcast, cold on the tops. 10oC.

Well it looked promising early on but I can’t grumble about the weather really as it turned out much better than forecast (i.e. I didn’t get wet!). It was a typical November day really and there was hardly a breath of wind until above 700m where there was an icy blast. Today I had my own 2 minutes of silence alone on the top of Great Gable.

Early Wast Water reflections and a touch of blue sky.

The classic shot of Wasdale.

The lake was calm this morning with hardly a breath of wind.

Great Gable from Wasdale Head, the path running up the centre before cutting left is the one I am following today.

Casper lying low in Fogmire Beck.

There is cloud forming and then quickly disappearing from the summit.

Following Moses Trod.

Lingmell Beck.

Looking down on Wasdale Head.

Wasdale Head from Beck Head, The Screes to the left and Yewbarrow to the right of Wast Water.

Kirk Fell across Beck Head from the climb to Great Gable.

High Stile across Ennerdale.

Casper above Ennerdale.

Green Gable across Stone Cove.

Ennerdale and the High Stile ridge.

Pillar beyond Kirk Fell.

There was lots of cloud forming over the fells to the north-west. This cloud was rolling over Brandreth and heading directly towards me bringing a chill wind - time for the gloves, cap and jacket!

Kirk Fell through the enveloping mist.

Next week is Armistice Day and the annual Remembrance Day service takes place on Great gable summit on Sunday. I left our families poppy up there today. 'Lest we forget'...I will not.

The Scafells from the summit of Great Gable.

The Scafells again, this time from the descent to Windy Gap.

Styhead Tarn and Great End from Windy Gap.

The path to Green Gable.

Ennerdale from Windy Gap.

A brief sunny spell over Sty Head.

Ennerdale and Buttermere from the summit of Green Gable.

Kirk Fell, Pillar with a profile of Pillar Rock overlooking Ennerdale with Scoat Fell and Red Pike in view.

Casper on Green Gable.

Strange cloud formations over Coledale way.

Pillar and The Pillar.

Styhead Tarn and Seathwaite Fell.

Trafalgar Square or Sty Head? Casper has a stretch on the stretcher box.

Great End and the cleft of Skew Gill.

Lingmell and the cleft of Piers Gill.

Casper heading for home.

Great Gable and the headstone dedicated to a climber who died up there in St Olaf's churchyard.

More reflections - Great Gable, Lingmell, Scafell Pike and Scafell.

The Screes.

Elterwater

Walked on 02/11/2008

Skelwith Bridge to Elterwater and back.

This is a great low level walk with beautiful scenery on a day such as this with blue skies and bright sunshine, which was just a little different to my last walk up to the Old Man! The flat path is easy enough for all to walk (including Angus!) and is the perfect way to spend a Sunday morning.

A lovely sunny start to the walk on the path from Skelwith Bridge.

Skelwith Force.

Woodburn Bridge.

Wetherlam.

Heading for Elter Water.

Lingmoor Fell and the Langdale Pikes across Elter Water. If only those swans would come a bit closer, it would make a good photo.

Close-up on the Langdale Pikes.

Lots of colourful trees on this walk.

Reflections in Great Langdale Beck.

The weather was a bit different to the floods of a week ago. The force of the water was evident along this path with the wall and fence destroyed by the beck which is out of shot just to the right in this photo.

Loughrigg Fell.

ngus, Connie and Casper. I think this shot is worthy of a caption with Angus staring incredulously at the leaf on Casper's snout!

On the way back the swans have come a bit closer.

Simply stunning views today.

Everyone gets in this photo!

On the way back the light seems even better...

...and the colours are just fabulous.

Another beautiful scene.

All these two are interested in though is getting in for a swim.

A riot of colour in the sunshine.

Coniston Old Man

Walked on 30/10/2008

Start point: Walna Scar road (SD 289 970)

Walna Scar car park – Boo Tarn – The Old Man of Coniston – Low Water – Walna Scar car park

Distance: 3.5 miles Total Ascent: 575 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 45 minutes

Weather: Cold wind, snow on the tops. 5ºC.

It was bitterly cold again last night and there was a decent fall of snow on all the high fells that I could see. I had a walk up to the Old Man of Coniston after lunch today and the snow on the southern slopes of the fells had melted somewhat but on the northern sides there was still plenty and there were some angry looking snow clouds about. The wind at the top was biting, which is no less than you would expect I guess but I think Casper was wishing his hair was about a foot longer!

On the Walna Scar Road, the snow capped Old Man up to the right.

Coniston Water from the start of the climb. Lots of cars at the fell gate this afternoon.

A glimpse of Windermere passing the quarries.

The Duddon Estuary from the snow line.

Brown Pike and Blind Tarn. Beyond, Walna Scar has a sprinkling of snow with the dark lump of Black Combe beyond. Black Combe had a smattering of snow first thing this morning but that disappeared as the day wore on.

Casper takes in the view to Dow Crag.

The view from higher up. There was a cold wind whistling around up there.

Almost at the top and there is a good contrast in colours with lower ground below.

At least there was a view from the top today, the other fells all seemed to be in cloud, here looking towards Wetherlam with Low Water and Levers Water in view below.

Coniston from the Old Man as Casper surveys what is going on down below.

The ridge to Brim Fell.

The Old Man of Coniston. The Young Beardie of Coniston has chattering teeth!

Great How Crags and Swirl How.

The summit of The Old Man of Coniston.

Spindrift!

They look like snow clouds in the distance to me.

I bet the Scafells are getting a load of snow dumped on them. Slight Side is to the left and the declivity of Mickledore can be made out beneath the cloud.

Dow Crag from The Old Man.

The Coniston fells.

Windermere and the Coppermines Valley.

The route of descent to Low Water. It was a 'li'l bit slape' down here!

On the way to Low Water.

Latterbarrow

Walked on 29/10/2008

Start point: Colthouse (SD 360 988)

Latterbarrow (OF) from Colthouse

Distance: 1.5 miles Total Ascent: 143 metres Time Taken: 1 hour

Weather: Cold and overcast. 4ºC.

It wasn’t a fantastic day for views or photos, but that is how it is sometimes. The clouds were down and earlier there was heavy snow in Bowness and it could clearly be seen on the high fells. It was certainly wintery on lowly Latterbarrow with a very cold wind, which meant no hanging around as we were trying to dodge the worst of the weather.

Black Fell under cloud from the start of the climb.

The view to the west from the climb to Latterbarrow, the Coniston fells are hidden by cloud. The fleeting views of them we had earlier showed them to have a decent covering of snow today.

Connie and Casper at the impressive obelisk on the top of Latterbarrow.

The view across Windermere to Wansfell, can you spot the large plane in the centre?

Casper eyes up the colourful trees to the south-east.

Connie shows off her new High School Musical top!

Casperoonals.

Ambleside and the Fairfield group.

All quiet on the summit of Latterbarrow.

Autumnal view across Hawkshead.

A close up on the snow showers over Coniston. Shortly after this we were caught in a ferocious hailstorm. Run...for coffee and cakes of course!

Tarn Hows and the Lake District Flood

Walked on 26/10/2008

Tarn Hows and a South Lakes tour

Today we were just going to have a walk around Tarn Hows with the dogs but it changed into a little more than that when I realised just how much water was around after the very heavy rain of yesterday. Alongside the Tarn Hows photos, there are a few photos taken around the South Lakes and some well known views that look a bit different under water.

The Coniston fells from Lowick Green.

The River Crake looking swollen at Lowick Bridge.

Looking south along the River Crake, the river bank is the line of the fence to the right and everything this side of it is floodwater.

Another view of the Coniston fells from Torver.

Waterhead, Coniston and Coniston Water has broken its banks and spilled over the road into the adjoining field.

Coniston Water from Monk Coniston.

Windy at Tarn Hows today.

Angus sets off for a swim. I think he is a bit confused - the normal bank of the tarn can be seen beneath the water.

Casper is wondering what's going on too.

We descended to the magnificent Tom Gill Falls.

The falls from the top.

A roaring Tom Gill.

Further up, the beck catches glinting sunshine.

Casper does a double take at this couple walking on water!

The Tarns are full and the water is spilling over the path.

Casper, Connie and Angus at Tarn Hows.

Sunshine at Tarn Hows.

Colourful Holme Fell from Tarn Hows.

Watch out, there's a swan swimming across the road at Waterhead, Ambleside.

There were crowds gathered at either side of the lake breech to watch any cars that should be brave enough to drive across it. Well, it would be a shame not to have a go - it was worth it for the claps and cheers!

Down at Bowness, I have never seen Windermere this full (look here to see a similar view at normal level).

Looking along the promenade, the ticket booths are under water and here the swans are swimming up to the submerged flowerbeds.

The lake must be a good 6 foot higher than usual today.

No jetties, no beach and the seats are under water.

This is Fell Foot tearooms at the southern end of Windermere. No cakes today.

No chance of getting in the shop either.

Autumn at Fell Foot.

The River Leven.

The path is over there where the lifebelt station is.

Gummer's How from Fell Foot.

Colourful trees.

The River Leven at Whitewater, Backbarrow was certainly exciting and had drawn the crowds to have a look today.

No chance of getting across this footbridge further downstream.

Beacon Fell

Walked on 22/10/2008

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

Weather: Sunny spells. 12ºC.

It was really too good to miss a walk this lunchtime up to Beacon Fell to catch some glorious Autumn sunshine and wonderful golden views. The box at the top has disappeared again so perhaps Connie and I will get up there again next week to replace it if we get the opportunity.

That looks like a 'yippee!' from Casper as we set off to Beacon fell.

Had enough already Casper? Autumn on Beacon Fell.

Looking across Coniston Water to Top o' Selside.

All is golden across Torver Low Common looking to the Coniston fells.

The view to the north towards Fairfield.

Light and shade.

The southern end of Coniston Water.

Coniston Water.

The Old Man and Wetherlam from the top of Beacon Fell.

The eastern fells across Coniston Water.

Casper.

Beacon Fell.

Wetherlam and Yewdale Fells.

Beacon Tarn.

A close up on Black Sails and Wetherlam. They look quite imposing in this view when compared to the houses in the foreground

The Walna Scar ridge - White Pike, White Maiden, Walna Scar, Brown Pike, Buck Pike and Dow Crag all clearly in view today.

Caw and Pikes, Stickle Pike to the extreme left.

Top o' Selside and Thrang Crag Wood on opposite sides of Coniston Water.

Coniston sky.

Final view from the descent.

Buckbarrow

Walked on 20/10/2008

Start point: Greendale (NY 144 056)

Greendale – Greendale Gill – Glade How – Buckbarrow – Gill Beck- Greendale

Distance: 2.9 miles Total Ascent: 370 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 30 minutes

Weather: Overcast with a strong wind. 13ºC

Today I had a short walk up to Buckbarrow from Greendale. It was quite warm and there was the occasional but brief sunny spell. The wind was really strong on the top and I could hardly hold the camera steady at times. Before the walk I got talking to Jos Naylor, the fell running legend (the ‘King of the Fells’) who lives in these parts. He has a working dog that is part Beardie, showing the widespread use of the breed in the Lake District as sheepdogs. It was fantastic to meet the great man so it was only fitting that I should visit his cairn today too. I think old Jos had his eye on Casper to use as a working dog on the fells…

The great view from the road into Wasdale. Buckbarrow, today's walk, is on the left.

Sunburst over The screes from Greendale.

Casper fancies a walk with Jos Naylor and his dogs!

Yes, up there Casper!

Buckbarrow.

Autumn in Greendale.

Looking back from the climb alongside Greendale Gill.

Plenty of water in Greendale Gill after the rain of the weekend.

Casper with blurry tongue, he can't keep that still.

Middle Fell.

Seatallan beyond the Jos Naylor cairn.

A fine, slender column indeed.

The view to Middle Fell from above the cairn.

A bad hair day for Casper as the wind really gets up. It was wild on the top today.

Red Pike from the cairn on Glade How.

Casper faces the wind as we head to the summit of Buckbarrow.

Seatallan, Red Pike and Middle Fell from Buckbarrow.

It's still a bit blowy here Casper.

The Scafells under cloud.

Sunlight on Seatallan.

Just as I wash sheltering beneath the cairn on Buckbarrow, I looked up and there was blue sky and the moon directly above the cairn.

Sun on Greendale - fleetingly anyway.

It is looking autumnal to the west from the steep descent from Buckbarrow.

Buckbarrow and Gill Beck.

The road back to Greendale.

Buckbarrow from the road.

One Small Step

Walked on 15/10/2008

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

Old Dungeon Ghyll – Oxendale – Red Tarn – Crinkle Crags – Three Tarns – Bowfell – Climbers Traverse – The Band – Old Dungeon Ghyll

Distance: 7.8 miles Total Ascent: 1000 metres Time Taken: 6 hours

Weather: Showers, cold wind. 11ºC.

‘One Small Step’ was the second walk I have organised for StridingEdge followers, the name being obvious when you look at the route. The weather was certainly changeable and it improved after we had crossed the Crinkle Crags ridge. Thanks to all who attended today, it was a brilliant day out with great company.

Early morning sun and low level cloud over Coniston Water on the way to Great Langdale.

Coniston Water.

On to the walk - the Langdale Pikes from the path to Oxendale.

They're all off - wait for me!

Valley mist and the Langdales.

Great Langdale over Stool End.

Oxendale beck.

Oxendale with Crinkle Crags under cloud cover.

Looking back from the climb alongside Browney Gill.

Autumnal Oxendale.

The climb towards Red Tarn.

Cascades on Browney Gill.

Who are all those people?

Crossing Browney Gill and a change of direction to head up towards Crinkle Crags.

Looking back to Red Tarn. From hereon in, the weather was against us along the Crinkle Crags ridge. The cloud was down, the wind was up and the rain was in!

'One Small Step' - everyone successfully negotiated the Bad Step, me and Casper were last up here looking back down from the top. The rest of the ridge walk continued in the clag including our lunch stop above Three Tarns until...

...an improvement in the weather and Three Tarns and Bowfell were revealed.

The StridingEdge 'One Small Step' walkers: Mike, David, Andy, Martin, Scott, Claire, Gary, Karl with Eleanor kneeling (Casper on the right in case you didn't know!).

The climb from Three Tarns to Bowfell.

Lingcove Beck and Eskdale from the summit of Bowfell.

Esk Pike makes a brief appearance from Bowfell.

Something has interested Casper, he's licking his lips!

The view perhaps?

Three Tarns below and Crinkle Crags.

A closer view and perhaps the best view of Crinkle Crags today.

The Great Slab of Flat Crags, Windermere in view beyond Lingmoor Fell.

Langstrath from the descent to the Climbers Traverse.

Descending the river of boulders to the south of Cambridge Crag.

"Cambridge Crag is identifiable, beyond all doubt, by the waterspout gushing from the base of the cliff - and nothing better ever came out of a barrel or a bottle." - A. Wainwright, Bowfell 6.

Following the Climbers Traverse.

The Climbers Traverse.

The Band from the Climbers Traverse.

The Langdale Pikes from The Band.

Pike o' Blisco from The Band. The path used in ascent can faintly be seen running diagonally upwards from left to right towards Browney Gill.

Gummer’s How

Walked on 05/10/2008

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: 1 hour

Weather: Sunny and clear. 12ºC.

Who would have believed that today would be as clear as it turned out after the prolonged and incessant rain of the previous day? It was to good an opportunity to miss for us to get out on a wonderfully clear day such as this so I even managed to get Connie to dust down her walking boots for the short but exhilarating climb to Gummer’s How.

Lakeside from the start of the path to Gummer's How.

Autumn berries.

Casper shows Connie the way up this section.

There was fantastic clarity today, here looking eastward to The Howgills.

The summit of Gummer's How. Nice enough for a Frisbee game on the top for one family.

Connie atop the trig. column.

Looking at the view or seeing what all the fuss is about?

Muddy Connie and muddy Casper.

Close up on the Howgills.

The Fairfield fell, Red Screes and the Kentmere fells at the head of Windermere.

The magnificent Coniston fells.

Windermere.

Dow Crag and The Old Man.

U-turn for a speedboat below - 10mph I hope!

Lots of yachts out today.

The Langdale Pikes.

Catching the sunshine...

...and enjoying the view.

Hardly a cloud in the sky.

Lakeside and the River Leven.

Casper has a clean up before we head for the car.

Stickle Pike

Walked on 03/10/2008

Start point: Kiln Bank Cross (SD 215 933)

Kiln Bank Cross – Stickle Tarn – Tarn Hill (OF) – Stickle Pike (OF) – Kiln Bank Cross

Distance: 2 miles Total Ascent: 195 metres Time Taken: 1 hour

Weather: Sunny with a cold wind. 9ºC.

It was lovely and sunny this afternoon, a real tonic after the rain of this week. I had a quick jaunt up to perennial favourite Stickle Pike; it is always a joy to walk around here and the beauty of it is you can make the walk as long (or as short) as you like, so I usually end up just making it up as I go along.

Great Stickle and Stickle Pike across the Lickle Valley, Broughton Mills to the right.

Caw and the Dunnerdale fells.

Caw.

Hesk Pike across the Duddon Valley.

Looking back down the path of ascent. In the distance are Scafell, Scafell Pike, Esk Pike, Bowfell and Crinkle Crags with Harter Fell in mid ground.

Casper at the foot of Stickle Pike, but we're not going up that way today.

Caw from the top of the old quarry workings. Grey Friar is visible to the left.

It's a cold wind up here but Casper still manages to get in Stickle Tarn for a dip.

Stickle Tarn.

Stickle Pike from the south.

Sheep's eye view of Stickle Pike.

Looking to Great Stickle and the Duddon Estuary from Tarn Hill.

A tarn on Tarn Hill.

Whit Fell, the Pike and Hesk Fell across the Duddon Valley from the top of Tarn Hill.

The view from Tarn Hill.

Scafell, Slight Side and Scafell Pike are in clear view beyond Harter Fell.

The climb to Stickle Pike from the back way.

The summit cairn on Stickle Pike from the southern cairn.

Casperoo.

The Duddon Valley.

Stickle Pike summit.

Casper seems quite interested in the view to the east...unless he has spotted an interesting sheep down there somewhere!

The magnificent view of England's finest from the descent. Casper, what on earth are you playing at?

Scafell Pike

Walked on 25/09/2008

Start point: Hardknott Pass (NY 231 014)

Hardknott Pass – Hard Knott – Lingcove Beck – Scar Lathing – Great Moss – Pen – Scafell Pike – Broadcrag Tarn – Cam Spout – Great Moss – Lingcove Beck – Hard Knott – Hardknott Pass

Distance: 9.3 miles Total Ascent: 1240 metres Time Taken: 5 hours 45 minutes

Weather: Overcast. 17ºC.

The weather certainly didn’t turn out as I expected with it being rather grey and I didn’t really know which route I would take until I did it. I must say it took longer than I thought and it was pretty arduous going at times over boggy ground coupled with a steep ascent and descent. It was still enjoyable though – this is my favourite area of all.

Dawn at an un-named tarn on Hard Knott.

Sunrise over Wrynose Pass.

Esk Pike, Bowfell and Crinkle Crags from Hard Knott summit.

Heading into Upper Eskdale it all looks a bit gloomy and the cloud is starting to form on the tops.

The Scafells ahead.

Bowfell and Crinkle Crags.

Slight Side and Scafell, hidden by cloud.

Bowfell.

Casper plans the route - there is a steep descent to cross Lingcove Beck then a steep climb again over the knolls in the middle distance.

Casper hides in the bracken shortly after the crossing of Lingcove Beck.

Lingcove Beck.

Slight Side and Scafell from Scar Lathing, Sampson's Stones on the mound beneath Cam Spout Crag.

Scafell Pike hidden by cloud with Ill Crag to the right.

Casper above Great Moss.

The cloud is clearing from Scafell Pike now. The peak to the right of Esk Buttress is Pen. Now, should I climb Pen or climb Little Narrowcove? In the end I decided on Pen and climbed following the gill to the left of Esk Buttress - which was steep to say the least!

The Scafells reflected in a tarn on Great Moss.

Scafell.

Esk Pike at the head of Great Moss.

Great Moss from the climb to Pen, Hard Knott and Harter Fell in view.

Volcanic sedimentary layers on the summit of Pen.

The formidable East Buttress on Scafell.

The way to Scafell Pike from Pen.

Scafell, Broad Stand and Mickledore from the Eskdale Cairn on Scafell Pike.

Pillar, Kirk Fell, Great Gable and beyond from the summit Scafell Pike.

Looking over Styhead Tarn to Derwent Water, Skiddaw and the northern fells.

The eastern fells beyond the Scafell ridge.

Broad Stand from Broadcrag Tarn - the highest tarn in the Lake District at 827m according to Wainwright and Birkett...but my mapping software shows Foxes tarn at 837m and Crinkle Crags Tarn (near the summit of Long Top, un-named on the OS map) at 854m. Now, should I climb Lord's Rake and climb Scafell or descend Cam Spout? Oops, look at the time - lets go!

Descending the Cam Spout path.

Upper Eskdale from the descent by Cam Spout, which was a mere trickle today.

Looking back to Cam Spout and Scafell.

The aforementioned Long Top.

I don't believe it! (to coin a phrase) - sunshine on Great Moss.

Dow Crag via the South Rake

Walked on 22/09/2008

Start point: Walna Scar road (SD 289 970)

Walna Scar road – The Cove – Goat’s Water – South Rake – Dow Crag – Buck Pike – Blind Tarn – Cove Bridge – Walna Scar road

Distance: 5 miles Total Ascent: 577 metres Time Taken: 2 hours 15 minutes

Weather: Some sunny spells. 16ºC.

The Coniston fells cut the weather in half today; to the north-east all was overcast and to the south-west was much sunnier and brighter – guess which way I opted for! I climbed up to Dow Crag by the South Rake, a scree filled gully which is a scramble, not a walk (so be warned!). I made a pathless and steep descent to Blind tarn beneath Brown Pike to have a closer look at this often walked above, but not around, tarn.

It looks a bit overcast to the north-east from the Walna Scar looking over The Bell to Wetherlam.

To the west beyond The Old Man, blue sky.

Following the Walna Scar Road with Brown Pike and Buck Pike ahead.

Heading towards Goat's Water with Buck Pike ahead and the top of Dow Crag in and out of the mist.

It looks a lot clearer over that way.

Coniston Old Man from Little Arrow Moor.

It's hard to work out what the weather will do. One minute it is clear, the next the mist comes across to obliterate everything. Goat's Water, as usual, is a wind tunnel.

Sunshine on Blind Tarn nestling below Brown Pike. This will be the route of descent later.

Casper gives the mighty crags of Dow Crag some scale from The Cove.

Goat's Hawse over Goat's Water.

Casper mirrors the shape of the crags above.

Goat's Water.

Looking south across the rocky outflow from Goat's Water.

Goat's Water from the start of the climb to the crags.

The steep climb up the scree.

Blue sky above Dow Crag now.

The moon over sunny Dow Crag.

A couple of rock climbers ready to climb Great Gully.

The South Rake from the bottom.

Casper leads the way up the scramble.

The steep and rough climb.

The entrance to Easy Gully.

The mountain lion roars!

Looking down the South Rake to Goat's Water and the path to Goat's Hawse.

Walna Scar, Black Combe and the Duddon Valley from the top of South Rake.

I'm not coming up there! The misty view looking southwards from Dow Crag summit.

A misty view to Goat's Water and Coniston Water from the summit.

A clearing of the clouds looking across Goat's Hawse to Brim Fell.

Suddenly the clouds are all gone again and now there is a fine view across the Buck Pike, Brown Pike, Walna Scar ridge to the Duddon Estuary.

Misty Old Man.

Harter Fell across the Duddon Valley.

Dow Crag from Buck Pike.

Brown Pike and Blind Tarn from Buck Pike.

Blind Tarn - no outlet, hence the name.

Casper in Blind Tarn, Buck Pike beyond.

The Old Man of Coniston across The Cove.

Cove Bridge.

Pillar Rock

Walked on 17/09/2008

Start point: Wasdale Head (NY 187 088)

Wasdale Head – Black Sails Pass – Looking Stead – High Level Traverse – Shamrock Traverse – Pillar Rock (541) – Pillar – Wind Gap – Mosedale – Wasdale Head

Distance: 6.6 miles Total Ascent: 960 metres Time Taken: 7 hours 30 minutes

Weather: Hazy with sunny spells. 16ºC.

It’s been a long journey, much longer than I expected when I started out on a quest to complete the Birketts on 4th May 2004 but today I finally achieved that particular goal. I must admit to losing the will to carry on with them half way through, hence the time taken, but it was all worth it in the end and it certainly got me to places I never would have gone otherwise. Today’s route took in Pillar Rock; no walk this one, it is a climb and not one for the faint hearted. Make sure you take the proper precautions if you want to tackle it. Me? I had the perfect guide today…

You see yon precipice–it almost looks
Like some vast building made of many crags,
And in the midst is one particular rock
That rises like a column from the vale,
Whence by our Shepherds it is call’d, the Pillar.
Extract from ‘The Brothers’, William Wordsworth 1800