Brock Barrow

Walked on 12/09/2008

Start point: High Nibthwaite (SD 295 897)

Brock Barrow (OF) from High Nibthwaite

Distance: 1.2 miles Total Ascent: 165 metres Time Taken: 1 hour

Weather: Low cloud. 16ºC.

There was low lying cloud and temperature inversion like conditions over the Crake Valley this morning so I thought we would have a short walk up there seeing as Angus was out for a jaunt with us too. I think even that walk was too much for him today and I fear that this really is the end of his fell walking career.

High Nibthwaite with low cloud beyond.

The ghostly appearance of Brock Barrow through the mist.

The summit of Brock Barrow and we are above the cloud now, although it is quickly rising, here looking along Coniston Water to the Coniston fells.

The foot of Coniston Water.

Looking south along the Crake Valley, Allan Tarn below.

That is Beacon Fell to the left with the Coniston fells distant right.

High Nibthwaite through clearing cloud.

Angus and Casper.

Angus, back on the fells again but perhaps for the last time - he struggled to make it up here today.

Do I detect a halo on Casper?

The cloud has now risen, blocking any view from the second cairn on Brock Barrow.

The Antony Gormley statue down at a gloomy looking High Nibthwaite.

Calm Coniston Water.

Coniston Water reflections. The jetty at Waterhead...

Jack’s Rake

Walked on 08/09/2008

Start point: New Dungeon Ghyll Car Park (NY 295 064)

New Dungeon Ghyll – Stickle Tarn – Jack’s Rake – Pavey Ark – Harrison Stickle – Pike O’Stickle – Martcrag Moor – Stake Pass – Mickleden – New Dungeon Ghyll

Distance: 7 miles Total Ascent: 815 metres Time Taken: 4 hours

Weather: Clear becoming overcast. 17ºC.

The schools are back…and so am I! It was a great feeling to be back out on the high fells again after a busy summer and what has felt like an age. The weather turned up trumps too with almost perfect conditions at the start of the walk and Stickle Tarn was at its best being mirror finished.

Note: This walk involves the awkward (for walkers) Jack’s Rake. Today I took Casper up there with me because I knew he could manage it okay; he is a Bearded Collie and they are bred to be on this type of terrain and he took it all in his stride.
Just because I went up there with my dog, it does not mean that any dog (or human for that matter) will be able to manage it – you have been warned!

I couldn't resist this early morning one - sunrise over a calm looking Coniston Water.

Stickle Ghyll was in full flow after the recent downpours.

It was roaring today.

The path to Stickle Tarn.

Lingmoor Fell and Great Langdale from the climb.

Casper has a relaxing soak!

The dam on Stickle Tarn.

Pavey Ark.

The view to the north-east.

Stickle tarn was mirror finished today. This is Harrison Stickle reflected in it.

Harrison Stickle and Pavey Ark.

Following the path around the tarn.

Harrison Stickle once more from the eastern end of Stickle Tarn.

Rounding the tarn to reach Jack's Rake.

Looking across to the Coniston fells.

The face of Pavey Ark. Jack's Rake is the diagonal line running up from the centre to the left.

Moody Stickle Tarn from the bottom of Jack's Rake.

It looks quite bright over that way but the clouds are ominously beginning to form beyond the tarn.

The start of Jack's Rake. It was a bit wet and greasy up there today after all the recent rain.

Looking back down the steep first section.

Great Langdale and Windermere from the first tree.

Continuing the climb.

You can do it Casper lad!

More cloud forming over the Vale of Grasmere.

Casper mirrors this prominent rock.

Climbing Gwynne's Chimney, Beardie style. He did well to climb Jack's Rake, only requiring a leg up here and there,

Stickle Tarn from Great Gully.

Looking across to Harrison Stickle.

The summit of Pavey Ark, High Raise to the right with low cloud over the northern fells.

This view from Pavey Ark shows the cloud thickening and it wasn't long before I was completely enveloped in the clag.

Casper on Harrison Stickle, still no view and it was like that all the way to Pike o' Stickle.

A fleeting glimpse of Mickleden from Pike o' Stickle. Stake Pass, the route of descent used later, can be seen zig-zagging down from top right to centre.

...and over to Martcrag Moor, the way we are heading next.

Back out of the cloud again descending to Martcrag Moor with a view all the way through to Skiddaw.

Glaramara from the boggy descent.

Looking across to Sergeant's Crag.

The Band and Crinkle Crags from the top of Stake Gill.

Mickleden from Stake Pass.

Rossett Pike and Mickleden Beck from Mickleden.

The Langdale Pikes, the cloud constantly forming on them then quickly disappearing.

Blue sky over Crinkle Crags as the weather has another change and there was a fair bit of sunshine around now.

Bowfell puts in its first appearance of the day.

Sunshine on the Langdale Pikes from Great Langdale.

Claife Clamber

Walked on 29/08/2008

Start point: Far Sawrey (SD 379 954)

Far Sawrey – Moss Eccles Tarn – Three Dubs Tarn – Far Sawrey

Distance: 3 miles Total Ascent: 140 metres Time Taken: 2 hours

Weather: Overcast but warm with the odd spot of rain. 20ºC.

The dreary August weather continued today although it was warm. The fells were covered with low cloud so Connie and I had a walk around the tarns in Beatrix Potter country around Sawrey. This is a great low level walk and we enjoyed it immensely despite the odd shower and thick mud!

Crossing Wilfin Beck. Casper takes the hard way, there is a footbridge to the left.

Reflections on a still Moss Eccles Tarn. Moss Eccles Tarn is man made and a place Beatrix Potter spent a good deal of time fishing.

The view to the south-west.

Connie, Angus and Casper seem to be enjoying the rest.

All that water is irresistible to these filthy hounds. Good! It might get some of that mud off them.

The struggle is getting Angus out again.

Moss Eccles.

Climbing the track away from the tarn.

Three Dubs Tarn.

Tranquil reflections.

Boat House. 1909 it says on the date stone.

We had a very muddy walk from Three Dubs Tarn, through this large area of deforestation.

Following the wall alongside the track.

Third swim of the day for Angus and Casper in this small un-named tarn adjacent to the track.

Looking back to the tarn.

Heading for Far Sawrey with a view to Near Sawrey and Hilltop, Beatrix Potter's house.

Caw

Walked on 15/08/2008

Start point: Kiln Bank Cross (SD 215 933)

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

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

Weather: Overcast. It was spotting with rain throughout the walk. 18ºC.

More poor weather today and the high fells were once more covered with cloud. I decided on a lower favourite, Caw; to the south and south-west, all seemed much brighter.

Caw ahead at the start of the Park Head Road.

Brock Barrow. The Park Head Road winds its way up to the right.

Looking along the Duddon Valley, Harter Fell to the left with Wallowbarrow Crag above Seathwaite in front of it.

Caw. The Wainwright route follows the Park Head Road and descends to the left before picking up an old miners track. The McMahon route (the better one in my opinion!) follows Long Mire to the right before a route 1 ascent via Broadslack Crag.

The Duddon Valley from Long Mire.

The Dunnerdale Fells, Stickle Pike prominent to the right with a cloud covered Black Combe beyond.

Caw from the south - the route of ascent.

Casper on Caw. It was a bit breezy up here today.

White Pike and White Maiden are just about cloud free, the rest of the Coniston fells are covered.

The Duddon Valley.

Looking across to Black Combe from the summit of Caw.

The Duddon Estuary from Caw through the low cloud.

The view from the summit tarn.

Distant Black Combe.

A brief spell of brightness on The Pike and Hesk Fell.

Stickle Pike looks like a giant from this angle.

Devoke Water

Walked on 11/08/2008

Start point: Birker Fell road (SD 171 977)

Birker Fell Road – Rough Crag (Birker Moor) (OF) – Water Crag (OF) – Seat How (Birker Moor) (OF) – Birker Fell Road

Distance: 2.8 miles Total Ascent: 190 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 15 minutes

Weather: Overcast with some sunny spells. 17ºC.

The weather has been a bit on and off today and I couldn’t decide where to walk. Eventually I ended up at Devoke Water where there was a cool breeze on the tops to make it feel autumnal and it was quite squelchy underfoot. I think I just managed to dodge the rain today though with heavy downpours either side of the walk.

Harter Fell, Crook Crag and Green Crag from the Birker Fell road.

Woodend Height and the old boathouse from the climb to Rough Crag. The bracken is starting to turn noticeably now and autumn is round the corner. When are we having summer then?

Upper Eskdale, the Scafells in cloud.

Seat How showing ascent by the direct route later.

The view to the east from Rough Crag.

Casper on Rough Crag overlooking Devoke Water.

Water Crag ahead.

Following the leader.

The view from Water Crag - Rough Crag, Harter Fell and Green Crag.

Descending to Devoke Water with the shapely silhouette of Caw in the distance.

It has started to brighten up over this way looking to Seat How but beyond, the Coniston fells are covered in cloud still.

Where did that blue sky come from? Looking back up to Water Crag.

Down at Devoke Water side.

Hesk Fell from Seat How.

Casper in the grass.

Yoadcastle and Woodend Height.

Devoke Water.

Water Crag and Rough Crag above Devoke Water.

Esk Pike and Bowfell, now clear of cloud.

Harter Fell and Green Crag.

Heading for home and just in the nick of time as the weather took a turn for the (much) worse.

Greenburn Round

Walked on 31/07/2008

Start point: Roadside parking near to Helmside (NY 332 096)

Helmside – Cotra Breast – Steel Fell – Brownrigg Moss – Calf Crag – Gibson Knott – Helm Crag – Thorny How – Low Mill Bridge – Helmside

Distance: 6.8 miles Total Ascent: 653 metres Time Taken: 3 hours

Weather: Overcast, showers towards the end. 22ºC.

Today was another day when I ended up doing a walk that I had not planned – I was off to the western fells but it was bucketing down with rain over that way and I could see it was brighter to the north east, so that was good enough for me. I think I was lucky to finish this walk relatively dry too as the rain came in as I reached valley level.

Greenburn with Steel Fell to the right.

Looking across to Helm Crag.

The same view from higher up the climb to Steel Fell.

Climbing Cotra Breast.

A good view of the Helm Crag to Gibson Knott ridge, the route of return.

Helvellyn from Dead Pike, the summit of Steel Fell.

Hmm, not much running water up here for Casper to have a bathe in, just boggy puddles.

Thirlmere and Blencathra from Steel Fell.

The route arcs round to the left past the un-named tarn. Beyond is the High Raise plateau.

Blencathra and Clough Head.

Ullscarf.

Helvellyn.

Calf Crag summit looking along the ridge to Grasmere.

Wrong way Casper, we are off to Gibson Knott!

Saint Sunday Crag.

Tarn Crag and Far Easedale.

The Langdale Pikes beyond Tarn Crags from Gibson Knott.

Casper strikes the mountain dog pose on the way to Helm Crag.

Easedale Tarn is now in view on the upper left with Sergeant Man beyond Tarn Crag.

The climb to Helm Crag from Bracken Hause.

Steel Fell from the top of The Howitzer, the true summit of Helm Crag.

The Lion and The Lamb on the left, Loughrigg Fell and Grasmere from The Howitzer.

The view across to Seat Sandal, Fairfield and Great Rigg from The Howitzer.

Steel Fell beyond the rocky pinnacle that is The Howitzer.

The path to The Lion and The Lamb.

Grasmere from The Lion.

Looking back to Steel Fell.

Ullscarf

Walked on 24/07/2008

Start point: Dobgill (NY 316 140)

Dobgill – Harrop Tarn – Wythburn Fells – Wythburn Fell – Ullscarf – Standing Crag – Harrop Tarn – Dobgill

Distance: 5.5 miles Total Ascent: 573 metres Time Taken: 3 hours

Weather: Sunny and warm, becoming overcast with a stiff breeze on the tops. 23º.

Ullscarf wasn’t really on the agenda today but I ended up there as I wanted a walk that would be quiet and away from the crowds and also somewhere with a stretch of water so that I could have a swim if required on such a hot day. This walk fulfilled both of these requirements and this was a decent walk despite the weather closing in on the latter half.

The waterfall on Dob Gill, reduced to a trickle.

Harrop Tarn and Tarn Crags. The tarn is looking really shrunken after the dry weather, reduced to half its normal size I would say.

Tarn Crags.

Water Lilies.

Climbing to Wythburn Fells, the Beacon directly ahead.

Blencathra, the Dodds, Helvellyn and Thirlmere from the Beacon.

Casper on the Beacon.

Steel Fell across Wythburn.

The Beacon - a short section of dry stone wall - looking towards Thirlmere.

Blencathra and Clough Head from further along the ridge looking across the Beacon.

Steel Fell.

Looking back along the ridge from Wythburn Fell.

Steel Fell with Helm Crag in silhouette.

Heading for the plateau of Ullscarf.

Looking back towards the Helvellyn massif and Fairfield.

Once at the summit of Ullscarf, conditions started to change as the cloud started to gather over the high fells to the west, here looking towards Great Gable.

Casper in the grass on Ullscarf.

Just follow the yellow brick road off Ullscarf.

High Saddle and low Saddle of Coldbarrow Fell from Standing Crag.

The northerly aspect from Standing Crag. The route back to Dobgill is down to the fence below then head to the right half way along, descending to the forest.

Blea Tarn from Standing Crag.

Looking back to Standing Crag. The fence manages to go straight through this small tarn.

The descent to Thirlmere Forest.

Back to Harrop Tarn and the Foxgloves swaying in the now quite strong breeze.

'Are you coming in? The water's lovely.' How could I resist an offer like that? It was absolutely sweltering today, despite the breeze, and Harrop Tarn turned out to be a lovely place to cleanse my soul with a cooling dip in this little piece of heaven.

Fusedale Round

Walked on 22/07/2008

Start point: St. Peter’s Church, Martindale (NY 436 191)

St. Peter’s Church, Martindale – Hallin Fell – Martindale Hause – Steel Knotts (Pikeawassa) – Brownthwaite Crag – Wether Hill – Loadpot Hill – Arthur’s Pike – Bonscale Pike – St. Peter’s Church, Martindale

Distance: 8.7 miles Total Ascent: 860 metres Time Taken: 3 hours 45 minutes

Weather: Overcast with some drizzle. 19ºC.

It has been a long time since I was over this way – in fact it seems like a long time since I have been over any way! However, needs must and I was glad to get out today even though I would have preferred the sunshine of yesterday. Normally I find this sort of terrain easy going and I thought I managed to do the walk surprisingly quickly as I felt a little unfit and was puffing and panting a bit on the climb up to Wether Hill. I must get out more to keep my fitness levels up…

The Nab and Beda Fell from the climb to Hallin Fell.

Steel Knotts over Martindale Church.

It's all looking a bit murky in Boredale.

Ullswater from Hallin Fell.

Martindale and Boredale with Beda Fell in the centre.

Beda Fell across the reedy Lanty Tarn.

Hallin Fell from the climb to Steel Knotts.

Ullswater from Steel Knotts.

The view of Ullswater from Pikeawassa, the summit of Steel Knotts.

Pikeawassa.

The way ahead to Brownthwaite Crag.

Steel Knotts and Fusedale from Brownthwaite Crag.

Brownthwaite Crag and Steel Knotts from the ruins below Wether Hill. From here it was a steep climb up into the murk and mist in the drizzle on Wether Hill.

Heading for Loadpot Hill from Wether Hill.

The summit of Loadpot Hill.

Pooley Bridge and Dunmallard Hill from Arthur's Pike.

Ullswater from Arthur's Pike.

Casper, the mucky pup!

Crossing Swarth Beck.

Ullswater from Bonscale Pike.

The view from the two prominent cairns.

The cloud seems to be clearing now.

Steel Knotts from the steep descent from Bonscale Pike.

Hallin Fell over Howtown.

Place Fell gets some sunshine. The path used to climb back to the church is clear to see through the bracken on the left.

The view into Fusedale.

Blawith Knott

Walked on 10/07/2008

Start point: Woodland Fell road (SD 256 879)

Blawith Knott (OF) from the Woodland Fell road

Weather: Overcast. 20ºC.

Just a short walk up to Blawith Knott today with the sunshine chasing us from the south. It was still warm despite being overcast and this is always a pleasant area to walk in.

Blawith Knott from the Woodland road.

A cloud covered Black Combe from the Giant's Grave.

Casper and Angus on Blawith Knott.

The view to the north-east from the cairn.

The cloud is down on the Coniston fells too.

Looking across to Stickle Pike, Caw and the Dunnerdale Fells.

Beacon Fell and Wool Knott.

Great Burney and Kirkby Moor. It is a lot brighter to the south over sunny Barrow.

Angus.

The Duddon Estuary.

The sun and blue sky catches us up looking back to Blawith Knott.

Blawith Knott and Tottlebank Height across Subberthwaite Common.

Loughrigg Fell

Walked on 09/07/2008

Start point: Rydal (NY 365 062)

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

Distance: 4.2 miles Total Ascent: 420 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 45 minutes

Weather: Overcast. 18ºC.

It was sunny in the south this morning but the weather gradually closed in as I made my way into the centre of the Lake District. It was still warm, however, and the walk along Loughrigg Terrace is always a pleasant one whatever the weather. There was an abundance of Foxgloves up there today though they are slowly but surely being overtaken by the ever advancing bracken.

Rydal Water - someone's left their transport.

Casper doesn't need it though, he's doing that Casper thing in the water. Silver How is at the head of Rydal Water.

Walking along the banks of Rydal Water.

Silver How from the start of Loughrigg Terrace, foxgloves abound.

Looking down on Grasmere from the Terrace.

The view from higher up, the cloud lifting from Helm Crag and the central fells.

Helm Crag above Grasmere with the ridge to Gibson Knott rising to the left.

A lovely view at the top of the climb to Loughrigg Fell.

The Coniston fells lost in the cloud beyond Elter Water.

The summit of Loughrigg Fell.

Windermere.

Looking back to the summit; there's one or two up there now.

Nab Scar across Rydal Water from the descent.

The sun's coming out now whilst some children get a canoeing lesson in Rydal Water.

Holme Fell

Walked on 30/06/2008

Start point: Hodge Close (NY 315 016)

Holme Fell from Hodge Close

Distance: 1.8 miles Total Ascent: 203 metres Time Taken: 1 hour

Weather: Overcast but warm. 18ºC.

This morning’s walk was up to Holme Fell at the head of Coniston Water and I swear I saw the only blue sky in the Lake District this morning up there, although admittedly the skies were clearing throughout the day. We also paid a visit to Ivy Crag, often mistaken for the summit as it is marked by a large cairn a couple of hundred meters from the main summit knoll. We took this at a leisurely pace today which allowed lots of swimming time – for some of us anyway!

Raven Crag and Calf Crag on the southern side of Holme Fell.

Holme Fell, that's where we're off!

Ivy Crag on the left and the summit of Holme Fell to the right from the first disused reservoir.

The second disused reservoir.

On the summit knoll of Holme Fell, the cairn up to the right and a view of Coniston Water.

The Old Man in cloud from Holme Fell.

Wetherlam with Tilberthwaite below.

Angus and Casper on Holme Fell.

Coniston Water.

The Langdale Pikes beyond Tilberthwaite quarry.

Lots of Ling on Holme Fell.

The Langdale Pikes and Lingmoor Fell from Ivy Crag.

The Old Man and Wetherlam from Ivy Crag. In the middle distance is the summit ridge of Holme Fell.

Descending by the first reservoir again, this time looking in the opposite direction.

There were endless swimming circles from Angus in there.

Helvellyn

Walked on 24/06/2008

Start point: Lay-by on the A591 (NY 316 173)

Thirlspot – Swirls – Browncove Crags – Helvellyn – Helvellyn Lower Man – White Side – Brown Crag (540) – Thirlspot

Distance: 5.6 miles Total Ascent: 860 metres Time Taken: 3 hours

Weather: Overcast but clear. 15ºC.

It has been fantastic over the last few weeks to receive so much support from everyone about our new venture in Bowness, both by e-mail and in person at the shop – really lovely to meet everyone who has visited. We all know that fell walking people are warm hearted! Special mention must be made of the Gunter family from Florida in the USA who have followed the site almost since the beginning – I would love to say they flew in specially to see me, but that’s not quite true although the whole family did make a special journey during their holidays to visit the shop – thanks for coming and I’m sorry I missed you that day.

Today’s walk was to Helvellyn for the second time during June; the reason for that was to climb my penultimate Birkett peak, Brown Crag. The clarity today was quite striking even though it was overcast with long clear views for mile after mile.

Browncove Crags on the north-western slopes of Helvellyn from the A591.

Helvellyn Gill.

Early morning sunshine on Skiddaw.

Skiddaw and Blencathra from higher up. That was the last of the sunshine this morning.

I don't know what was going on here but there were thousands of gulls below Browncove Crags - perhaps they were after the caterpillars that are emerging at the moment.

Looking back down the steep climb. It was really clear today, look how far you can see at the top left.

That is Criffel across the Solway Firth, easily discernible today.

The north-western fells across Thirlmere, Bassenthwaite Lake to the right.

Catstycam and Swirral Edge across Brown Cove from the Helvellyn ridge.

Looking down Swirral Edge to Catstycam and Ullswater.

Red Tarn.

Helvellyn is all ours this morning Casper lad, there's not a soul around.

Looking south from the summit cairn across the cross shelter.

Looks like a big party coming across Striding Edge.

The view from Helvellyn.

Looking to Morecambe Bay across Nethermost Pike with Windermere, Esthwaite Water and Coniston Water in view.

He's spotted something down below.

The view from Helvellyn Lower Man to White Side, Raise and the Dodds.

The Scottish hills across the Solway Firth and Bassenthwaite Lake.

Ullswater.

Someone has been busy building this handsome cairn on White Side, here looking back to Helvellyn.

The view from Brown Crag.

The wooded Great How at the head of Thirlmere, one of the quartet I did last week.

High Rigg.

The steep descent to Thirlspot.

Thirlmere aqueduct.

Gummer’s How

Walked on 16/06/2008

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: 20 minutes

Weather: Sunny but cool. 7ºC.

This one wasn’t even on the agenda when I set off today, but as I reached Newby Bridge in thick cloud I knew what the conditions would be like up above. If only I could catch it before the sun got too high, I’d have to be quick though…

Early morning on the southern end of Windermere with the lake, Lakeside and the River Leven covered by the cloud in a glorious temperature inversion. The two long shadows on the right are my legs leading to a Brocken Spectre on the cloud below.

All clear over on the Coniston fells.

The wonderful view to the south as I climb higher.

The Coniston fells from the summit of Gummer's How.

Windermere, the cloud breaking further north.

It's starting to break up further south now as well as the sun rises.

Legs leading to Brocken Spectre once more!

Looking down on Windermere.

Casper basking in the early sunshine.

Misty trees.

Summer House Knott.

ell Foot under the cloud. The time? I set off at 06.10 and it took me exactly 20 minutes up and down. There are three more walks to come from today yet;

Grisedale Pike

Walked on 16/06/2008

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

Comb Bridge – Grisedale Pike – Hobcarton End (537) – Comb Bridge

Distance: 1.2 miles Total Ascent: 485 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 10 minutes

Weather: Sunny, warming nicely. 14ºC.

Second walk of the day was up to Grisedale Pike but the real reason for the walk was to pick up a straggling Birkett, Hobcarton End. It was a steep ascent from the car park in Whinlatter Forest but at least it was starting from 300m which made it a bit easier to bear. The cloud seemed to gather on this walk and the clear skies of earlier were gone.

Starting the steep climb from Hospital Plantation up the north eastern ridge of Grisedale Pike.

Come on, says Casper - but it is steep!

Relentlessly onwards and upwards.

Finally, at the summit of Grisedale Pike.

Grasmoor and Hopegill Head from Grisedale Pike.

Grasmoor beyond Hobcarton Head.

Crag Hill with Eel Crag to the right.

Bowfell and Esk Pike, the Scafells covered with cloud to the right.

The route of descent to Hobcarton End.

Casper wears his tongue at a jaunty angle.

Hopegill Head - that descent to Ladyside Pike looks steep from here and brought back memories of when I did it in the snow earlier this year. That was in January - it feels like only yesterday!

The first cairn on Hobcarton End, the hump to the right is the Birkett summit. Criffel is beneath the cloud in Scotland across then Solway Firth.

Hobcarton End.

Criffel and the bog cotton. There are two more walks to come from today yet;

Rowling End

Walked on 16/06/2008

Start point: Stoneycroft (NY 232 212)

Rowling End (538) from Stoneycroft

Distance: 1 mile Total Ascent: 290 metres Time Taken: 30 minutes

Weather: Sunny. 17ºC.

The third walk of the day on my Birkett completion quest and it was a straight up and down one from Stoneycroft up to Rowling End, another straggler that I had managed to miss previously. Yet again there was a steep ascent but the views make this one worth visiting again for sure.

Causey Pike from the bridge over Stonycroft Gill.

Causey Pike from the start of the climb to Rowling End.

Looking along Stonycroft Gill - Outerside, Grisedale Pike where we were earlier - and Barrow.

The Skiddaw massif from the steep climb.

Onwards and upwards Casper!

Catbells looking very green.

The unmarked top of Rowling End.

Looking across to Hindscarth and Robinson.

The Ard Crags ridge on the left and the Sail - Causey Pike ridge to the right, still on Rowling End.

Casper.

Derwent Water and the Vale of Keswick.

Contrails over Coledale.

Great How

Walked on 16/06/2008

Start point: Car Park at the western side of Thirlmere Dam (NY 307 189)

Great How (539) from Thirlmere Dam

Distance: 2.2 miles Total Ascent: 250 metres Time Taken: 1 hour

Weather: Sunny. 17ºC.

The weather had almost completely turned before lunchtime for my fourth and final walk to Great How at the northern end of Thirlmere and the views were a bit washed out by the cloud cover. I wasn’t really expecting much of a view anyway as the fell is completely covered in trees but I was pleasantly surprised as it turned out. I must admit to there being a fifth walk on the cards to Brown Crag on the opposite side of the A591 from Great How but when I saw how steep it looked from there I decided to give it a miss today!

Inscription on the rock at the entrance to Thirlmere Dam wall.

Great How doesn't look a very inviting prospect from here being completely covered in trees, but I guess not that long ago all fells were this way.

Thirlmere from the dam.

The sentinel at the plaque.

Raven Crag.

An alternative view of the dam from the lakeshore path.

Thirlmere has been deforested along much of the eastern bank and is much better for it, here with a view to Helvellyn.

The summit of Great How.

Thirlmere from Great How.

Great Burney

Walked on 13/06/2008

Burney (OF) from the Woodland Fell Road

There was a cool breeze despite the warm sunshine in the southern Lake District this afternoon. Once again it seemed as though our little corner had all the sunshine whilst to the north looked a lot cloudier. Burney lies on the southernmost tip of the Lake District National Park and offers fine views for relatively modest effort.

Tired already Casper? The summit plateau of Great Burney after the steep climb.

Coniston Water from Great Burney, Fairfield and Red Screes beyond.

Soaking up the sun.

Angus and Casper at the summit.

Close-up on Coniston Water.

The Coniston fells beyond Blawith Knott.

The Scafells.

The Duddon Estuary.

All clear over Black Combe.

Kirkby Moor with its prominent windmills from Great Burney.

Dunnerdale Fells

Walked on 08/06/2008

Start point: Kiln Bank Cross (SD 215 933)

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

Distance: 2.5 miles Total Ascent: 235 metres Time Taken: 1 hour

Weather: Sunny and warm. 20ºC.

It was a superb sunny morning this morning for our walk around the Dunnerdale Fells. It was one of those days when it is truly a joy to be out – the sun was shining, the birds were singing and there wasn’t a soul about. Casper and Angus certainly enjoyed the run out, as did I!

Stickle Pike from the start of the climb from Kiln Bank Cross.

The view from further up looking north with the Scafells, Esk Pike, Bowfell and Crinkle Crags in the distance, Harter Fell in the left middle distance with Caw to the right.

Stickle Pike - a beautiful day.

Reedy Stickle Tarn.

Crossing below Stickle Pike around the southern side.

Light and shade over Stickle Pike.

Heading for Great Stickle across the Bog Cotton field.

The Duddon Estuary from Great Stickle.

Angus and Casper on Great Stickle.

Stickle Pike form Tarn Hill.

Buck Barrow and Whitfell across the Duddon Valley from Tarn Hill.

Scafell, Scafell Pike, Great End and Esk Pike beyond Harter Fell across the Duddon Valley.

Stickle Pike from the end of the Tarn Hill ridge.

A big rest for the boys after the steeper than steep climb up the southern face of Stickle Pike.

Looking across to the main summit.

...and looking back over the route just walked. Great Stickle is to the left with the Bog Cotton field below with the arm of the Tarn Hill ridge leading to the right.

The summit cairn on Stickle Pike.

Taking in the view along the Duddon Valley.

Beacon Fell

Walked on 04/06/2008

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: Some sunny spells. 16ºC.

Beacon Fell seemed to be on the half way line of weather this morning – to the north looked black and gloomy, to the south was sunshine and blue skies and there was Beacon Fell right in the middle. It was good to get out for a quick walk though and give Angus a decent walk too and also we could have a quick check of the treasure box whilst we were there.

The Coniston fells from the start of the climb to Beacon Fell.

Bog Cotton and Beacon Fell.

Looks a bit black over Bill's mothers to the north...

..but there are blue skies to the south. Casper contemplates climbing the gully to Beacon Fells' summit.

Coniston Water.

The Coniston fells from the summit. Our treasure box has disappeared, it has either fallen foul of the elements or some surly person who doesn't agree with fun on the fells has removed it.

Casper and Angus compare tongues.

The summit of Beacon Fell.

Dow Crag and Coniston Old Man.

Black Combe and the Blawith Fells.

Wool Knott and Beacon Tarn.

A close up of the same view. How green everything is looking now with the bracken growing apace.

The Coniston fells from the Bog Cotton on Beacon Fell.

Heading for home.

Striding Edge

Walked on 02/06/2008

Start point: Patterdale (NY 394 160)

Patterdale – Hole-in-the Wall – Striding Edge – Helvellyn – Swirral Edge – Catstycam – Birkhouse Moor – Patterdale

Distance: 7.8 miles Total Ascent: 925 metres Time Taken: 3 hours 30 minutes

Weather: Fine drizzle and low lying mist. 14ºC.

It seems like an age since I have been out but regular viewers will know why; it has been a lot of hard work for us with setting up the shop and the business. It will all be worth it though hopefully, but it was great to get out in the fresh air again this morning even if the weather was not the best after a week of lovely sunshine and where better to go than Striding Edge?