Threlkeld Knotts

Walked on 16/05/2008

Start point: Wanthwaite (NY 315 232)

Wanthwaite – Threlkeld Knotts (535) – Wanthwaite

Distance: 2.2 miles Total Ascent: 365 metres Time Taken: 1 hour

Weather: Dull. 14ºC.

It has been wall to wall sunshine all week, with lovely blue skies and brilliant days to be out walking – not for me though, unfortunately; I did manage to find a spare couple of hours today for a walk up to Threlkeld Knotts bit it’s a bit of a shame the weather has taken a turn for the worse. Great to be out once again though even if the views weren’t stunning today – this is an area on the end of the Helvellyn ridge which offers really good views of Skiddaw and Blencathra and is famous for its granite mines and quarries.

Threlkeld Knotts from Wanthwaite. The route was through the spoil heaps and gorse on the right and over the wall above.

High Rigg from Hilltop Quarries.

Wrong way Casper! Looking towards Fisher' Wife's Rake - I was tempted but I'll do that another day.

Latrigg, Lonscale Fell and the Skiddaw massif from the climb to Threlkeld Knotts.

Blencathra from Threlkeld Knotts.

Skiddaw and beyond.

Maverick and (An) Goose! (a starter for 10 - which film?).

The westerly view from Threlkeld Knotts.

To the north-west, there is a more substantial cairn and a much better view of Blencathra.

There is a much better view of Skiddaw too.

Great Mell Fell and Threlkeld Common.

Threlkeld Knotts dwarfed by Red Screes on Clough Head.

Rannerdale Round

Walked on 09/05/2008

Start point: Rannerdale Bridge (NY 163 192)

Rannerdale Bridge – Lad Hows (534) – Grasmoor – Crag Hill – Wandope – Thirdgill Head Man – Whiteless Pike – Whiteless Breast – Low Bank – Rannerdale Knotts – Rannerdale Bridge

Distance: 7.5 miles Total Ascent: 1080 metres Time Taken: 3 hours 30 minutes

Weather: Dull with showers. 19ºC.

There were two reasons to come to Buttermere today – to walk the Lad Hows ridge to Grasmoor and to see the Rannerdale Bluebells out in force. A third reason was that it has been warm and sunny all week, surely there would be more of the same today, or would there? I thought so as I headed off in shorts and tee shirt with plenty of sun block on…

Grasmoor from Cinderdale Common.

Cinderdale Beck.

Rannerdale Knotts from the start of the climb to Lad Hows.

Casper manages to keep still whilst the water flows around him in Cinderdale Beck.

Mellbreak across Crummock Water.

High Stile and Red Pike beyond Rannerdale Knotts.

Casper on Lad Hows.

The climb to Grasmoor from Lad Hows.

Layers of fells - the Scafells beyond Great Gable and Robinson beyond Whiteless Pike.

Buttermere from Grasmoor.

Heading for Crag Hill from Grasmoor in an odd light. The path appears continuous from here but actually dips sharply down at the point.

Thirdgill Head Man and Whiteless Pike from Grasmoor.

The summit of Crag Hill.

Casper spots the rain coming in from Keswick.

That'll wash the sun block off! Derwent Water between Outerside, Barrow and Causey Pike

Descending to Wandope.

Grasmoor from Wandope.

The view from Wandope looking over Newlands Hause.

It was bucketing down with rain now descending Whiteless Edge to Whiteless Pike from Thirdgill Head Man.

Crummock Water and Loweswater from the descent.

Great Gable, Pillar and Haystacks across Buttermere.

High Stile from Rannerdale Knotts.

Mellbreak across Crummock Water from the desecnt of Rannerdale Knotts.

Heading into Rannerdale.

All Bluebells are blue.

Mellbreak and Rannerdale.

Casper in Bluebell city.

Roanhead

Walked on 05/05/2008

It was lovely this morning so we had an early walk to our local beach at Roanhead (Sandscale Haws to call it by its official name – we locals have always called it Roanhead but even that doesn’t look right written down as it is pronounced Ron head!). Connie wanted to come but I’m not sure that it was for the walk or the view, but rather to see if the ice cream kiosk was open. She’ll be lucky at that time of the day!

Seat Robert

Walked on 29/04/2008

Start point: Truss Gap, Swindale (516 132)

Truss Gap – Langhowe Pike (OF) – Great Ladstones (OF) – Glede Howe (532) – Seat Robert (533) (OF) – High Wether Howe (534) (OF) –Fewling Stones (OF) – Truss Gap

Distance: 6.2 miles Total Ascent: 410 metres Time Taken: 3 hours

Weather: Sunny spells. 12oC.

This wasn’t a walk I was particularly looking forward to doing as I find the Shap fells to be quite desolate and boggy – but what a surprise, it turned out to be a great walk and I really enjoyed it today. Spring was definitely in the air – the lamb’s were bounding around, the birds were singing and even that rarest of commodities was there at times – the sun was shining! This is definitely a walk I will repeat in the future and I am thankful I never did it when I came here a couple of weeks ago when the rain was bouncing. Then, I opted to climb Great Mell Fell instead and I’m glad I did as I don’t think this would be an easy area to navigate in mist, there being many grassy knolls complete with no paths, walls or any other feature to aid navigation.

The footbridge across Swindale Beck - the start of the walk is across it and then left, doubling back on the opposite bank.

Gouther Crag from the footbridge. Casper has already been in and is raring to go!

Langhowe Pike and Swear Gill shrouded in gorse walking along the Old Corpse Road from Mardale, the puddle making a handy mirror. This is a fantastically graded path, lovely to walk along. I think it would be a good round starting from Mardale and following this path to complete a circular walk - one for the future.

All is getting brighter now and the sweet smelling gorse is everywhere, here looking back along the path into Swindale before the abrupt turn back along the ridge.

Seat Robert from Langhowe Pike.

Casper, the fell assassin, on Langhowe Pike.

Heading for Rowantree Crag in the foreground, beyond are Gambling Crag and Seat Robert.

Looking south-west from Rowantree Crag.

Crossing boggy ground heading for Great Ladstones.

Looking to High Street, Kidsty Pike and High Raise from Great Ladstones.

Glede Howe, the next objective, is directly above this prominent cairn on the knoll below Gambling Crag.

The flat summit of Glede Howe.

Kidsty Pike and Rampsgill Head from Glede Howe.

It was an easy climb along the ridge to get up to Seat Robert and fortunately the sun came out once more as I arrived at the top.

Below is Haskew Tarn, Selside Pike in the middle distance with Kidsty Pike and High Raise beyond.

Casper lies next to the Ordnance Survey 'ring' on the summit of Seat Robert.

Casper has a look into Wet Sleddale from Seat Robert.

Looking back to Seat Robert from the ridge to High Wether Howe.

Seat Robert from Haskew Tarn.

Looking back along the ridge, almost at High Wether Howe.

The summit of High Wether Howe.

Seat Robert from High Wether Howe.

Descending the ridge to Fewling Stones.

The view to the east from Fewling Stones.

Selside Pike at the head of Swindale from Fewling Stones.

Mosedale.

Beastman's Crag.

Cascades on Gouthercrag Gill.

Gouther Crag from the descent into Swindale and the rain clouds are gathering above.

Back into Swindale and I crossed the stepping stones upstream of the bridge used at the start of the walk.

Greenup Horseshoe

Walked on 21/04/2008

Start point: Stonethwaite (NY 262 137)

Stonethwaite – High Crag – Low Saddle of Coldbarrow Fell – High Saddle of Coldbarrow Fell – Ullscarf – Greenup Edge – Low White Stones –High Raise – Sergeant’s Crag – Eagle Crag – Stonethwaite

Distance: 8.3 miles Total Ascent: 890 metres Time Taken: 4 hours

Weather: Overcast. 12oC.

It was yet again hazy and rather grey this morning for a walk around the Greenup skyline yet there were still some great views from these central fells. The route up to Ullscarf can only be recommended for the increasingly improving view on the way up but not the terrain which is rough, pathless and boggy. The descent from Eagle Crag though was better than the climb up I found – it’s a steep one, that!

Eagle Crag from Stonethwaite Bridge.

A hazy Eagle Crag from the path that is part of both the Cumbria Way and Coast to Coast routes.

Eagle Crag and Sergeant's Crag after the steep climb through the woods.

...and again from further up. I followed the skyline up to the left, which is Greenup Edge, to High Raise before descending Sergeant's Crag and Eagle Crag.

Climbing High Crag. Across the Borrowdale Valley are Dale Head and High Spy.

High Raise beyond Eagle Crag, Greenup to the left, Langstrath to the right.

A bit of sunshine on High Tove and High Seat.

Climbing Coldbarrow Fell with a view of Watendlath Tarn and Derwent Water.

Blea Tarn from Low Saddle, Armboth Fell beyond.

Low Saddle on Coldbarrow Fell.

Casper, the Lion King.

High Saddle on Coldbarrow Fell.

Bowfell, Esk Pike and the Scafells from the summit of Ullscarf, Great Gable a distant right.

Ullscarf.

Another all too brief glimpse of sunshine on the climb to Low White Stones looking over Greenup Edge to Ullscarf.

Heading for High Raise.

Snow topped Scafell Pike and Great End from High Raise.

Sunlight on Great Gable.

A southerly silhouette - the Coniston fells beyond the Langdale Pikes.

Great Gable over Glaramara.

Descending to Sergeant's Crag, left and Eagle Crag to the right.

High Raise from Sergeant's Crag. The lump on the far right is Pike o' Stickle.

Eagle Crag from Sergeant's Crag.

Hold on tight Casper! The summit of Eagle Crag.

Sergeant's Crag and Langstrath from the summit of Eagle Crag. At the head are Bowfell and Esk Pike.

Borrowdale from Eagle Crag.

Cascades on Langstrath Beck.

Lovely clear pools on Langstrath Beck. If it was 10 degrees warmer...

A final, still hazy view to Eagle Crag from Stonethwaite.

Caw

Walked on 18/04/2008

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. 10oC.

It was hazy and grey this afternoon for a quick sprint up to Caw. Always a fave this one but nearly a year since I have been up there which surprised me when I looked. Obviously I need to get out more.

The dark pyramid of Caw beyond the sunlit Fox Haw.

Brock Barrow and the Park Head Road.

Looking back to Stickle Pike.

Following the Park Head Road.

Harter Fell dominating the Duddon Valley. Behind is the looming shape of Scafell with Esk Pike to the right. At the front, above Seathwaite, is Wallowbarrow Crag.

The Duddon Valley from the slopes of Fox Haw.

The western face of Caw which was the route of descent later.

Why the long face Casper?

Checking out the Duddon Valley below from the top of Caw.

Harter Fell from the summit.

A portrait of Angus.

The Coniston fells.

Harter Fell in the sun once more.

Casper, high and mighty.

The Duddon Estuary and Duddon Sands.

The Coniston fells with the spoil heaps from the now disused Walna Scar quarry in the centre.

Sheep spotting on the way down.

Heading back towards Stickle Pike along the Park Head Road.

Orrest Head

Walked on 16/04/2008

Start point: Windermere (SD 414 987)

Orrest Head (OF) from Windermere

Distance: 1 mile Total Ascent: 120 metres Time Taken: 25 minutes

Weather: Overcast. 10oC.

I just managed a quick walk this morning, the blue sky of the early morning soon gave way to thickening cloud spoiling the views a little. Orrest Head was famously the first fell Wainwright climbed on leaving Windermere station and the one that inspired him to begin his quest to write those well known guides. There was also a new look for two of our party today too…

Looking down on the rooftops of Windermere.

The gateway to Orrest Head.

The view to the snow topped higher fells from the top of Orrest Head from above the view indicator.

Looking south along Windermere.

A close up on the Scafells, Bowfell and the Langdale Pikes. Great End and Great Gable are the two distant sunlit fells.

Bowness Bay and Windermere above the tree tops.

It must be nearly summer! Angus and Casper show off their new hairdo's (hair by Sean, appointments now being taken!).

Stop those teeth chattering foxy, you know it's for your own good.

There is a brilliant northerly panorama from here.

Red Screes, Caudale Moor and the Eastern fells.

Leaving the summit. The Coniston fells are to the left.

This way? Don't know who those two are, but I don't think it will take 20 minutes to get there.

Great Mell Fell

Walked on 10/04/2008

Start point: Brownrigg Farm (NY 407 247)

Great Mell Fell from Brownrigg Farm

Distance: 2 miles Total Ascent: 275 metres Time Taken: 45 minutes

Weather: Heavy showers. 8oC.

It is 3 years almost to the day that I was last on top of Great Mell Fell and I thought of that walk as I climbed. It was memorable as Connie was with me that day and some of the things we got up to made me smile; the weather turned out to be remarkably similar too. I ended up at Great Mell Fell almost by accident today as it was not my intended walk – that was over in Mardale – but the rain over there was like stair rods bouncing higher than the car. This upturned pudding basin stood out clearly from the greyness of most of the rest of the Lake District so that was good enough for me. I have to admit that this is far from my favourite and Great Mell and Little Mell Fells would certainly be in my bottom 10. Walking grassy and boggy slopes does not really do it for me; I much prefer some Lakeland rock underfoot but that was not to be today.

Starting the climb to Great Mell Fell with the snow capped Great Dodd to the west. The blue sky looks promising.

Matterdale Common and The Dodds.

Ancient trees showing the prevailing wind.

Little Mell Fell.

Looking along Matterdale towards Ullswater.

Climbing Great Mell Fell.

Gowbarrow Fell.

Little Mell Fell again from the trees. Looks like it's raining over there...

..and it's certainly raining over there - and it's coming directly for me!

Casper is not too impressed in the strong wind and heavy rain.

I hung around for a minute or two but was soon sodden and cold. This snatched photo of Blencathra was all I could manage, so come on Casper, let's go! As soon as I started the descent, guess what happened. The sun came out of course, so come on Casper let's have a quick run back to the top.

Clough Head and Great Dodd.

Rainbow to the north.

That's a better view of the Blencathra group.

The Dodds, more rain on the way.

The Vale of Keswick between Clough Head and Blencathra.

Casper on Great Mell Fell.

A sky of two halves over Great Mell Fell and there was heavy rain once more as I reached the car.

Blawith Knott

Walked on 09/04/2008

Start point: Woodland Fell road (SD 256 879)

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

Weather: Long sunny spells. 8oC.

The southern Lakes had it good today looking at the weather further north. Furness and the surrounding fells basked in sunshine whilst the higher fells still looked decidedly wintry and we had a pleasant and enjoyable stroll across this largely unknown and often ignored area.

The Coniston fells and Blawith Knott from Heathwaite Fell.

Black Combe and Woodland.

Climbing to Blawith Knott.

Black Combe and the Duddon Estuary.

The Dunnerdale and Coniston fells from the first cairn. In the distance are the Scafells which were in and out of cloud all afternoon.

Angus and Casper on the top of Blawith Knott.

Angustus.

The Duddon Estuary from the summit cairn.

Lakeland sky.

Casper and Angus in Angus Tarn.

Not its real name of course but seeing as it doesn't have one of it own...!

Angus, the bark monster, in Angus Tarn (SD 266 886 if you want to find it)...

Heading for Tottlebank Height.

Wool Knott and Beacon Fell from Tottlebank Height. There is a glimpse of Coniston Water from here with the familiar whaleback of Red Screes beyond. Those showers over the central fells look like snow to me.

Middle Fell

Walked on 07/04/2008

Start point: Greendale (NY 144 056)

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

Distance: 2.8 miles Total Ascent: 525 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 45 minutes

Weather: Cold with sunny spells and snow showers. 4oC.

There were real winter skies once more over Wasdale this morning with the ever present snow clouds combined with patches of blue and some strong snow showers. I took a slightly unusual route of to Greendale Tarn and from there up to Middle Fell; I traversed the fellside on a little used but good path to the tarn and then made a steep, rough and direct ascent to the summit. There was a thought for Wendy Juster on the summit today too.

Middle Fell looking a bit dull at the start of the walk from Greendale.

Blue skies to the west beyond Buckbarrow.

Looking back along Greendale from the approach to Greendale Tarn.

Sunshine over Seatallan and Greendale Gill.

Greendale Tarn. Haycock is covered by snow clouds.

Haycock, briefly clear of the cloud from the climb to Middle Fell.

The same view a couple of minutes later. A big snow shower coming in.

The summit cairn of Middle Fell is up to the left.

Looking north in the direction of Red Pike.

The Scafells and Wast Water from Middle Fell. There were brilliant winter skies with the snow storms crashing over me like great waves from the high fells whilst above there was still a blue sky.

A close up of Lingmell, Scafell Pike and Scafell. You can still see the snow if you look closely.

Yewbarrow and the Scafells.

Mr. Snowbeard - he can't resist eating the stuff!

Even closer up during a heavy snow shower.

Getting brighter once more.

Red Pike and Yewbarrow, beyond Kirk Fell and Great Gable are just about visible.

The summit of Middle Fell.

Looking across to Seatallan.

Yewbarrow.

Descending towards The Screes and it's still snowing.

The sky over Wasdale.

The summit of Middle Fell.

Looking across Wast Water to The Screes.

Britain's favourite view in mono.

Wansfell

Walked on 03/04/2008

Start point: Troutbeck (NY 409 032)

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

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

Weather: Warm, sunny spells. 15oC.

Everywhere seemed to be in cloud this morning but standing out from the rest like a golden beacon stood Wansfell, bathed in sunshine. That was good enough for me; it is a pretty quick walk to the top from Troutbeck and the views are quite extensive from here.

It was all looking a bit dull early on this morning, the only place that appeared to have any sun was the top of Wansfell. This view is looking back along Nanny Lane to Sour Howes across Troutbeck.

Following the lane across The Hundreds with the Wansfell ridge getting some sun.

looking back along the boggy lane with a first glimpse of Windermere.

Dod Hill. Beyond, the Yoke - ill Bell - Froswick ridge is covered in a thick blanket of cloud.

Red Screes and Broad End of St. Ravens Edge from the summit of Wansfell.

The central fells.

Windermere and Wansfell Pike from Wansfell.

Casper and Angus on the summit.

Casperoo.

The Langdale Pikes are covered in cloud, below is Rydal Water and a hint of Grasmere.

Looking to the west.

St. Raven's Edge.

Following the ridge alongside the wall to Wansfell Pike. Looks like there are one or two people up there today.

All the cloud seems to be emanating on the western side of Red Screes.

Looking back to Wansfell on the ridge to Wansfell Pike.

Kirkstone Pass is between Red Screes and Caudale Moor.

Windermere from Wansfell Pike.

Red Screes. The road running beneath it is The Struggle, the stream to the right is Stock Ghyll which runs through the centre of Ambleside further down.

The central fells over Ambleside.

Wansfell Pike from the descent.

Back to Nanny Lane, all is sunny now!

A host of golden Daffodils at Troutbeck Church.

Looking good in the sunshine.

The church.

A strange blanket of cloud over Wetherlam from Miller Howe on the way home.

High Stile

Walked on 31/03/2008

Start point: Gatesgarth (NY 195 150)

Gatesgarth Farm, Buttermere – Fleetwith Pike – Haystacks – Seat – High Crag (Buttermere) – Grey Crag on High Stile – High Stile – Red Pike (Buttermere) – Gatesgarth Farm, Buttermere

Distance: 8.2 miles Total Ascent: 1260 metres Time Taken: 4 hours 45 minutes

Weather: Warm, long sunny spells. 14ºC.

It was very still this morning and all the Lakes looked immaculate as I passed through on my way to Buttermere. Buttermere itself was absolutely stunning with the most perfect reflections imaginable so I couldn’t resist to stop and take a few photos. The weather for the walk was reasonably clear for most of it with the clouds coming in at the end making it feel a lot colder. It was great to see many families out on Haystacks, I have never seen it so busy as today.

It was beautiful and calm in Buttermere this morning and there were stunning reflections in the lake. This is High Crag and High Stile.

Haystacks and the Buttermere pines.

High Crag.

High Stile, Red Pike and Dodd.

High Crag and High Stile from further along the banks of Buttermere.

High Crag - perfectly calm reflections.

Buttermere.

High Crag, High Stile and Dodd from the start of the climb to Fleetwith Pike.

Mellbreak and Crummock Water beyond Buttermere.

There are still some stubborn patches of snow on the High Stile ridge.

Hindscarth and Robinson across Honister.

Buttermere from the summit of Fleetwith Pike.

The High Stile ridge.

Casper on Fleetwith Pike.

The north-western fells.

Pillar across Ennerdale beyond Haystacks.

Green Gable and Great Gable to the south.

High Crag across the bothy.

A peek into Buttermere from Blackbeck Tarn.

The view from the climb to Haystacks.

Pillar across Innominate Tarn.

It was busy on the summit of Haystacks today.

Pillar from Haystacks.

The south-westerly view.

High Crag and Buttermere.

Pillar and the summit tarn on Haystacks.

Descending before the climb to Seat and High Crag.

Haystacks across Scarth Gap from the climb to Seat.

Casper has spotted something down there.

High Crag from the summit of Seat.

Ennerdale and Ennerdale Water.

It's a steep, steep climb up Gamlin End from here.

Haystacks and Seat from Gamlin End.

It was starting to cloud over now and began to get cold on the top of High Crag, here looking to High Stile.

The summit of High Crag. To the right the snow sprinkled Gables and Scafells are out of cloud now.

Robinson, Hindscarth and Dale Head from High Crag.

The weather has completely gone looking over to Red Pike and Dodd beyond Bleaberry Tarn with Crummock Water and Mellbreak beyond. There is a glimmer of sunshine on the Loweswater fells to the north.

On the summit of Red Pike, the clouds started rolling across from the west. Brrr, they were cold ones - lets get down!

Waterfalls on Comb Beck.

Sunlight once more on Comb Beck looking to a dull Fleetwith Pike.

Fleetwith Pike from Buttermere lakeshore path.

Buttermere from Peggy's Bridge.

Haystacks from Buttermere.

Walney Island

Walked on 30/03/2008

Last Sunday we were in the snow at Tarn Hows, this Sunday was a complete change in the weather. As if to mark the beginning of British Summer Time, the sun shone and it was a beautiful day for our walk around the southern end of Walney Island adjacent to Barrow-in-Furness.

Walney Lighthouse was the last manned station in the country, automated in 2003.

The ruins of Piel Castle, an outpost of Furness Abbey built 1327. Piel Island is notable as being the launching point for the last invasion of England in 1486 by Lambert Simnel and his followers. The landlord of the pub on the island still gets anointed and is granted the title 'King of Piel' following on from Simnel himself who declared himself as such. Wordsworth wrote of Piel in 1805: I was thy neighbour once, thou rugged Pile! Four summer weeks I dwelt in sight of thee: I saw thee every day; and all the while Thy Form was sleeping on a glassy sea. So pure the sky, so quiet was the air! So like, so very like, was day to day! Whene'er I looked, thy Image still was there; It trembled, but it never passed away.

Piel Castle from the beach. The ruins of the old wooden jetties used for sand, gravel and salt extraction at the turn of the 20th century are in the foreground. If this industry had been more successful, there would have been another town down here according to plans.

Thankfully there isn't and instead there is a lovely unspoilt coastline.

Barrow Offshore Windfarm.

Louise and Connie negotiate the rocky beach.

Scafell Pike

Walked on 24/03/2008

Start point: Brackenclose (NY 182 074)

Brackenclose – Lingmell – Lingmell Col – Scafell Pike – Mickledore – Lord’s Rake – Green How – Brackenclose

Distance: 5.8 miles Total Ascent: 1030 metres Time Taken: 4 hours 30 minutes

Weather: Snow, some bright spells. 5ºC.

Where better to experience winter conditions than the roof of England, Scafell Pike. I set off early today to beat the Bank Holiday crowds, in fact so early that I didn’t see anyone! The snow made the going tough at times with the snow often being knee deep and sometimes deeper than that. I also took in Lord’s Rake, a difficult prospect at any time of year and even more so in the snow. Warning: if you are going to attempt a similar walk in these conditions, you need to be adequately prepared and have the correct equipment to enable you to do it safely.

Early morning in Wasdale and there is a dull light on Lingmell, Scafell Pike and Scafell.

Lingmell. I followed the ridge climbing to the left.

Wasdale Head from the climb, Pillar and Kirk Fell have a covering of snow.

Mono Scafell Pike and Scafell, split by the cleft of Mickledore.

Looking back down to green fields and Wast Water from above the snow line. Illgill Head and Middle Fell are catching some early morning sun.

Looking into Mosedale, the fells looking a bit different to last week.

Blue sky to the west.

Scafell Crag on Scafell.

Lingmell Col. Lingmell summit is to the left.

The column on the northern edge of Lingmell with Mosedale beyond.

Casper on Lingmell, Illgill Head and Wast Water behind.

Great Gable, the summit shrouded in mist.

Great Gable and Lingmell Beck. To the right is Styhead Tarn.

Casper at the column.

Looking back across Lingmell Col from the start of the climb to Scafell Pike with Lingme

A similar view from further up the climb - it definitely seems to be getting brighter.

First glimpse of Derwent Water with Skiddaw and Blencathra beyond. It was really cold now and there was a biting wind.

Cold wind and frozen beard.

Scafell Pike summit ahead.

It looks quite sunny to the north-east now.

...and over to Seatallan, Yewbarrow, Haycock and Red Pike.

Clear over Mosedale too.

Frozen boulders.

I think I timed this one just right - although there were brief sunny interludes, the summit was generally in cloud and the ceiling was ever present as can be seen in this photo.

A view straight through to Criffel in Scotland over Kirk Fell and between the High Stile ridge and the northern fells.

Easter Bank Holiday traffic at the summit of Scafell Pike.

The view to the south from the summit. To the right is Harter Fell with the dark pyramid of Stickle Pike, the Duddon Estuary and the Furness peninsula beyond.

The view to the north-east from the summit.

Looking across Great Moss to the Coniston fells.

The summit.

Suddenly, there is a change in the weather again on the descent to Mickledore. There are blue skies over Scafell now.

Broad Stand from Mickledore. On the far right is the vertical cleft of Lord's Rake, today's route of ascent. All I need to do now is get to it!

Climbing towards Broad Stand.

Great Moss and the Coniston fells from Mickledore.

Lord's Rake.

Looking down Lord's Rake from the top. Crampons and ice axe were essential for this treacherous part of the climb.

I wouldn't sit under the chockstone for too long Casper, you never know when it will fall.

The second section of Lord's Rake from the top of the first. Waist deep virgin snow and a steep drop to the right made this a tricky prospect.

Looking back to Scafell Pike and the top of the first section of Lord's Rake - you can see the chockstone if you look closely.

The third and final section of Lord's Rake. The far scree slope is clear of snow but first there is another tricky descent through deep snow.

At the top of the final section of Lord's Rake, it was like entering another world with a really strong blizzard blowing. I decided to give Scafell a miss this time and make a quick descent to the valley.

Looking back up to wild Scafell.

Wast Water and Middle Fell from the descent and it's still snowing.

Lingmell, the route of ascent. The snow continued to fall heavily, even at valley level.

Tarn Hows

Walked on 23/03/2008

I could see there was snow over the Coniston fells this morning and it looked to be down to quite a low level, so we went to the oft-visited place for sledging over the years, Tarn Hows. It was a great afternoon out for an unexpected play in the snow on Easter Sunday.

Helvellyn and Fairfield over Tarn Hows.

The Langdale Pikes an the Tarn Hows road.

An excellent day for sledging.

Wetherlam.

Ready for the off?

An Easter snowrabbit.

They have a good view those snow sculptures.

The girls are enjoying the snow.

Hold on tight!

Blizzard at the Scott memorial.

The Tarns from the Scott Memorial and it's still snowing.

Coniston Old Man and Wetherlam.

Tarn Hows.

Looking to the far eastern fells.

Wetherlam and the Scott Memorial.

The Langdale Pikes above the trees.

Graffiti artists at work?

ramatic skies over the Coniston fells with the promise of more snow to come.

Duddon Valley

Walked on 21/03/2008

We had a family Good Friday today with a drive along the Duddon Valley and a walk around Seathwaite, followed by a drive further along the valley (after an agreeable lunch, of course). The weather was changeable to say the least with it changing seemingly by the minute. At Cockley Beck, the snowstorm was really quite heavy and the wind was almost Arctic. They are predicting a return to winter this weekend, so perhaps they have got that one right.

Whitfell, Hesk Fell and The Pike from the start of the Duddon Valley road.

The conditions were constantly changing - one minute blue sky, here looking to the Dunnerdale Fells...

...and leaden skies the next, looking to The Pike along the valley road.

Wallowbarrow Crag in the sunshine from Hall Bridge. Shame about the power lines running across the field.

Seathwaite Church, the beginning of our walk today.

Wallowbarrow Crag on the walk around Seathwaite.

Sluice on Tarn Beck.

Clear conditions over Dow Crag and Walna Scar, but behind us there were snow clouds. Lets go for lunch, quick!

Much later...Harter Fell from the road beyond Seathwaite.

White Pike looking the opposite way from the Harter Fell photo above.

Crinkle Crags and Little Stand above Cockley Beck.

Hard Knott along the River Duddon.

Ulpha Fell.

The Scafells appear above Moasdale from Cockley Beck. Connie and Louise are on this photo if you look hard enough!

Wrynose Pass from Cockley Beck.

Cockley Beck Bridge.

Bowfell, Crinkle Crags and Little Stand from Birks Bridge Rapids.

Birks Bridge. I must have jumped in from those rocks to the right a thousand times over the years! It certainly looks inviting today, if a little chilly.

Ulpha Church.

On the way home, an odd light over the Coniston fells from Broughton.

Even nearer home, the fields are full of lambs wearing orange jackets. Are they breeding them softer these days?

Mosedale Horseshoe

Walked on 19/03/2008

Overbeck Bridge (NY 168 068)

Overbeck Bridge – Bell Rib – Great Door – Yewbarrow – Dore Head – Red Pike – Scoat Fell – Steeple – Black Crag (Pillar) – Pillar –Looking Stead – Black Sails Pass – Wasdale Head – Overbeck Bridge

Distance: 10.6 miles Total Ascent: 1313 metres Time Taken: 5 hours 15 minutes

Weather: Clear and sunny. 8oC.

It was fantastically clear today with views for miles and miles. Certainly this is one of my favourite walks, it being quite arduous and rough at all times. Coupled with a visit to Pillar, my absolute favourite fell it made for a great day out on the high fells.

Over Beck.

Yewbarrow from Overbeck Bridge.

Casper waits further up the steep climb - come on!

Red Pike from the climb to Yewbarrow.

Middle Fell.

Always a wow moment popping up at Great Door.

Lingmell, Scafell Pike and Scafell at the head of Wasdale.

Wast Water and The Screes, Burnmoor Tarn to the left.

Kirk Fell and Great Gable from the South Top of Yewbarrow.

The Screes from higher up.

The Scafells from Yewbarrow.

Casperoonals on the North Top of Yewbarrow.

Sty Head above Wasdale.

Red Pike across Dore Head.

Kirk Fell and Great Gable, Mosedale below from the rough descent from Yewbarrow to Dore Head.

Wasdale Head.

Pillar above Mosedale. Even I make it onto this photo!

Red Pike across Dore Head Tarn.

Looking the other way to Kirk Fell and Great Gable.

The Chair is a prominent cairn at the southern end of Red Pike.

The Prince of the Fells on his throne! Below is Low Tarn with Middle Fell and Seatallan beyond.

Haycock across Scoat Tarn.

The view from The Chair is magnificent.

Scoat Fell and Red Pike up to the right.

Close-up on The Scafells.

Casper enjoys the view from Red Pike into Mosedale.

The Isle of Man across the Irish Sea.

Scoat Fell from the summit of Red Pike

The rocky climb to Scoat Fell

Steeple

Looking to Pillar and Black Crag from the traverse to Steeple

Steeple summit

Ennerdale water and the Scottish hills beyond from Steeple

Blencathra

Scoat Fell summit cairn is on top of the wall ahead.

Looking back to Steeple from Black Crag

Ennerdale

Wind Gap and the ascent to Pillar

Pillar summit

Victory roll for Casper on top of Pillar

Deserted Pillar

Skiddaw and the North Western Fells from Pillar

The mighty Pillar Rock

Mono Scafells, Great Gable and Kirk Fell

Looking back to Pillar from the decent to Looking Stead

Looking Stead cairn and the High Stile ridge

Tarn at Looking Stead

Reflected Pillar from Looking Stead

Descending Black Sails pass beside Gatherstone Beck

Mosedale

Row Bridge, Wasdale

The steep face of Kirk Fell

The Scafells

Rest Dodd

Walked on 14/03/2008

Start point: Hartsop (NY 410 130)

Hartsop – Brock Crags – Satura Crag – The Nab – Rest Dodd – The Knott – Hayeswater – Hartsop

Distance: 8.9 miles Total Ascent: 1178 metres Time Taken: 3 hours 30 minutes

Weather: Overcast with some sunny spells. 9ºC.

It was a bit of an unplanned walk today; I didn’t really know where I was going until I got there and I only ended up at Hartsop due to roadworks at Troutbeck ‘forcing’ me over Kirkstone Pass rather than sitting in a lengthy queue. As it turned out, I was glad I went over that way as there were some decent sunny spells and still a bit of lingering snow even though it was quite warm – all in all a rather pleasant days walking.

Brock Crags from Hartsop. Lots of walls criss-crossing the fellside here.

Gray Crag from the Hartsop valley.

It looks quite promising up on Brock Crags.

Pasture Bottom from the climb to Brock Crags.

Hartsop above How over Brothers Water with Fairfield and Saint Sunday Crag beyond.

Gray Crag.

Hayeswater from Brock Crags, nestling below The Knott, High Street and Gray Crag.

Rest Dodd, The Knott and Rampsgill Head.

The bejewelled summit of Brock Crags with Helvellyn beyond the cairn.

Looking east from Brock Crags summit.

Angle Tarn and Angletarn Pikes with Place Fell distant left and Beda Fell distant right.

Wild Casper above Angle Tarn.

Reflected sun.

Gateway to the fells? Satura Crag.

Looking back to Brock Crags, left.

Climbing to the moon.

The Nab with its notorious peat hags, Wether Hill beyond across Ramps Gill.

The view from The Nab across Angletarn Pikes to Fairfield and Helvellyn.

The view from the crossing of The Nab.

The Nab from the climb to Rest Dodd with the merest glimpse of Ullswater.

Rampsgill Head from Rest Dodd.

The Knott from the descent of Rest Dodd.

Looking back to Rest Dodd.

Rest Dodd and The Nab.

Climbing to The Knott.

Casper looking a bit bedraggled.

High Street and Thornthwaite Crag from The Knott.

Glittering sunshine on Hayeswater.

High Street across Hayeswater.

The weir on Hayeswater.

Hayeswater.

Descending to Hartsop.

Hayeswater Gill.

Furness Abbey

Walked on 12/03/2008

We have suffered the storms overnight, much the same as many other places throughout the country. Surprisingly, there was brief spell of sunshine this afternoon, so I took the opportunity for a quick visit to Furness Abbey. We pass here every day taking Connie to and from school and she was quite keen for me to get a photo of the abbey whilst the daffodils are in full bloom. I know, I know – this is not the Lake District nor is it a fell walk, but how could I resist a request like that, especially when the sun was shining?

The impressive remains of an abbey founded by Stephen, later King of England, including much of the east end and west tower of the church, the ornately decorated chapter house and the cloister buildings. Originally of the Savigniac order, it passed to the Cistercians in 1147, and despite damage by Scottish raiders became (after Fountains Abbey) the second most prosperous Cistercian abbey in all England. Set in the ‘vale of nightshade’, the romantic ruins were celebrated by Wordsworth in his Prelude of 1805.

A lovely show of Daffodils.

For any cautious man, a Structure famed Beyond its neighbourhood, the antique Walls Of that large Abbey which within the vale Of Nightshade, to St. Mary's honour built, Stands yet, a mouldering Pile, with fractured Arch, Belfry, and Images, and living Trees, A holy Scene! along the smooth green turf... William Wordsworth, The Prelude 1805

Magnificent sandstone walls in the late afternoon sun.

Gowbarrow Fell

Walked on 06/03/2008

Start point: Park Brow (NY 397 205)

Park Brow – Green Hill – Gowbarrow Fell – Great Meldrum (529) – Little Meldrum (530) – Watermillock Fell (531) – Little Mell Fell – Swinburn’s Park – Park Brow

Distance: 8 miles Total Ascent: 770 metres Time Taken: 4 hours 30 minutes

Weather: Overcast and windy. 10ºC.

The brief winter wonderland interlude is over and it seems to have returned to dull and damp weather. It was raining as I set off this morning for a boggy walk over Gowbarrow Park and beyond, but thankfully that soon let up. There was just a little celebration taking place today too…

Aira Force.

Looking down on the top of the falls from the bridge.

Place Fell across Ullswater.

The steamer steaming along Ullswater, the high fells at the lake head are covered by cloud.

Looks like Angus has picked up some foliage on the climb! It was a special treat for him this walk - he is 12 on Sunday and of course he has slowed right down these days, after all, none of us are getting any younger. This walk is over relatively easy terrain which suited him just fine - Happy Birthday Angus!

Don't forget about me!

The head of Ullswater from Green Hill.

Place Fell from Green Hill.

Little Mell Fell from the summit of Gowbarrow Fell.

The way ahead - Little Mell Fell and Watermillock Fell beyond Great and Little Meldrum.

The High Street ridge and a peep into Martindale from the summit of Great Meldrum.

The Nab, Beda Fell and Place Fell across Ullswater from the top of Little Meldrum. Take no notice of the Birkett grid reference on this one, it is way out.

Everything, including the kitchen sink, on the way to Watermillock Fell.

Little Mell Fell across The Hause from Watermillock Fell (un-named on the OS map).

Blencathra and Great Mell Fell from Little Mell Fell.

The summit of Little Mell Fell.

Swinburn's Park from Gate Crags.

Little Meldrum - the hump to the left of the trees - from Gate Crags, Swinburn's Park.

The remains of the shooting box, Gowbarrow Park.

The view from the path through Swinburn's Park is spoiled by the trees but finally it opens up again to give great views along Ullswater. The pointed Catstycam has made a brief appearance on the distant right.

Looking north along Ullswater with the end of the High Street ridge beyond Hallin Fell.

Hallin Fell.

I think he enjoyed his birthday outing today.

Briefly clearing skies over Ullswater gave some glimpses of sun.

Sunlight on Wordsworth's daffodils, Glencoyne.