Blawith Knott

Walked on 20/08/2007

Start point: Woodland Fell road (SD 256 879)

Blawith Knott (OF) from the Woodland Fell road

Weather: Sunny. 18oC.

It was lovely and sunny today for a short walk up to one of our favourite areas around Woodland up to Blawith Knott. It was the sort of day for a slow, lazy walk and a lie on the grass in the sunshine in this little piece of heaven. The heather is blooming at the moment and the views to the higher fells were clear.

Dunnerdale from Giant's Grave, the headstone visible through the bracken.

Heading up Blawith Knott.

Stickle Pike, the Dunnerdale Fells and Caw.

The Coniston fells on the way up.

Louise, Angus and Casper on the summit of Blawith Knott.

Heathery Beacon Fell.

A lovely clear view of the Coniston fells today. A few close up shots...

Coniston Old Man.

Dow Crag.

Caw.

Stickle Pike.

Scafell and Scafell Pike.

Wetherlam.

The Duddon Estuary.

A good day to sit in the sunshine and admire the view.

Or for running around...he's barking!

Blawith Knott from the spring at the roadside.

The Langdale Pikes

Walked on 13/08/2007

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

New Dungeon Ghyll – Stickle Tarn – Pavey Ark – Thunacar Knott – Harrison Stickle – Pike O’Stickle – Loft Crag – Thorn Crag – New Dungeon Ghyll

Distance: 5 miles Total Ascent: 770 metres Time Taken: 3 hours

Weather: Showers. 16oC.

The early bird caught the worm this morning! We were up at the crack of dawn today for a circuit of The Langdale Pikes. Setting off in the rain, I didn’t hold out much hope for any dry weather but fortunately it wasn’t too long before the skies cleared somewhat, although elsewhere – notably over to Bow Fell and the Coniston fells – the clouds remained down for most of the time during the morning.

Stickle Ghyll at the start of the walk...

...in the rain.

As we climbed, the rain stopped for a while and here the early morning sun catches Lingmoor Fell across Great Langdale.

Pavey Ark from the outflow of Stickle Tarn.

Pavey Ark and Stickle Tarn.

Harrison Stickle reflected in Stickle Tarn.

Sergeant Man from the climb to Pavey Ark.

A shower coming over from Easedale from Pavey Ark. Time to get the jacket on again!

High Raise and Sergeant Man from Thunacar Knott. This photo doesn't convey how bad the conditions were - it was blowing a hooly, raining and absolutely freezing up here. Wish I'd packed some gloves.

Looking down on Stickle Tarn, crossing from Thunacar Knott to Harrison Stickle.

Pike o' Blisco from Harrison Stickle.

Another shower approaches the summit of Harrison Stickle, here looking towards Windermere.

Bow Fell and Esk Pike in the clouds with Rossett Pike centre and the next objective, Pike o' Stickle, from Harrison Stickle.

Mickleden from Pike o' Stickle with Bow Fell at its head, Esk Pike and Great End beyond. The prominent fork is the joining of the Rossett Gill and Stake Pass paths.

Looking across to Loft Crag with Windermere beyond.

Rossett Pike.

Casper on Pike o' Stickle.

Bow Fell, almost out of the clouds now.

The sun lights up Loft Crag with the familiar outline of Pike o' Stickle in shade and the dark silhouette of Glaramara beyond.

Tongue out on Loft Crag for Casper.

Harrison Stickle from Loft Crag.

Casper contemplates life from Dungeon Ghyll.

Looking across to the Coniston fells, The Old Man in cloud whilst Wetherlam remains clear. To the left is Blea Tarn.

The heathery slopes of Lingmoor Fell and Side Pike.

Looking back to Loft Crag and Harrison Stickle from the bottom of the Dungeon Ghyll path.

Great Burney

Walked on 11/08/2007

Burney (OF) from the Woodland Fell Road

Distance: 1.5 miles Total Ascent: 120 metres Time Taken: 1 hour

Weather: Dull. 18oC.

There was no sunshine this morning and the higher fells were enveloped in a thick cloak of cloud so we decided to walk up to Great Burney, a compact Outlying Fell which is on the southern edge of the Lake District National Park. Connie was keen to try out her new boots today – I think they passed with flying colours!

Lowick High Common (Kirkby Moor) from the start of the walk.

From the ancient cairn between Combs and Great Burney there is a glimpse of Coniston Water with Beacon Fell prominent in the centre.

Connie shows off those new boots.

Louise and Connie on the steep climb to Great Burney.

Casper and Angus at the summit.

Outlying Fells Blawith Knott, Tottlebank Height and Beacon Fell across Subberthwaite Common.

The giant windmills on Kirkby Moor from Great Burney.

The bad weather is moving in across the Duddon Estuary now - Black Combe is submerged under the cloud here and the rain was on us within a couple of minutes.

Coniston Old Man

Walked on 08/08/2007

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: 3 hours

Weather: Sunny. 17oC.

It was another bright day today and we managed to beat the majority of the hoards up to Coniston Old Man, which was timely as it happened as the clouds rolled in when we were at the summit. I hate to say it but there was just the feeling of a slight nip in the air and the bracken is starting to look slightly brown. I wonder if there will be any hot days to come? I haven’t even managed a swim anywhere yet this summer!

Wow, it was almost like a summer's day at Coniston today - here looking up to The Old Man from the Walna Scar Road.

The Bell and Wetherlam.

Angus and Casper waiting for us on the way up.

Casper has a lie down in the sunshine.

Heading across Little Arrow Moor towards Walna Scar and Brown Pike.

The Duddon Estuary across Torver Common.

Sunshine on Brown Pike.

and a moody looking Dow Crag.

Louise and Angus enjoying the view across The Cove to Buck Pike and Dow Crag.

Angus.

Coniston and Coniston Water over the quarry workings.

The southern end of Coniston Water and the Leven Estuary, Heysham Power Station on the horizon across Morecambe Bay.

All blue skies and sunshine on the way up.

The view from the summit across Low Water to Wetherlam with Fairfield and the eastern fells beyond.

Silhouetted Scafells from the summit of Coniston Old Man as the weather starts to close in a bit to the west.

It still looks okay to the east though.

Louise, Angus and Casper on the summit.

Looking over to Brim Fell and the Scafells.

It has all changed over on Brown Pike now, enveloped in cloud.

The view over Coppermines Valley towards Windermere.

A series of explosions from the quarry rocked the fell during descent.

Walking through the industrial relics on the descent.

Hard Knott

Walked on 31/07/2007

Start point: Hardknott Pass summit (NY 230 014)

Hardknott Pass – Border End – Hard Knott – Hardknott Pass

Distance: 2 miles Total Ascent: 200 metres Time Taken: 2 hours

Weather: Sunny. 17oC.

It was bright and sunny for our early start this morning for this relatively easy climb to Hard Knott from the top of Hardknott Pass. This walk offers superb views to the Scafells and Upper Eskdale and from here virtually the whole of the Scafell walk I completed earlier this year can be viewed from this lofty position. Getting out early has its advantages, namely clearer skies with less haze and deserted fell tops. For added interest, Connie also hunted out the Geocache lying near the summit. It’s hard to resist hidden treasure when you are 6!

Harter Fell from Border End - I think Casper has his eye on something in the foreground rather than the view across Hardknott Pass!

Sunny on Border End.

Connie practices her photography skills.

Heading for Border End. How long do you think Connie carried her jacket for and who ended up carrying it?

Looking over to Hard Knott in the centre with Crinkle Crags and Little Stand beyond.

A magnificent view of Upper Eskdale and the Scafells.

Connie's version of the same view - excellent photo!

Esk Pike, Bow Fell and Crinkle Crags at the head of Eskdale, Eskdale Needle visible in the centre.

Slight Side and Scafell.

Scafell Pike.

Esk Pike and Bow Fell at the head of Eskdale, Eskdale Needle visible at the bottom centre.

Connie strikes a pose...

...and what a great backdrop.

The view from the summit of Hard Knott.

Angus the mountain goat.

Casper and Angus on Hard Knott.

Reflections in a tarn on the way down.

Tarn Hows

Walked on 30/07/2007

Tarn Hows

We are just back from a great holiday abroad and of course have the usual 1001 things to do now we are home. First things first though – those two bouncy beardies needed springing from the kennels and the chance of a run and probably more importantly, a swim. Judging by the excited barks echoing around Tarn Hows this morning, they were certainly ready for it.

A clear view to the Langdale Pikes today.

Tarn Hows is deserted.

As you know, this old boy can't resist a swim - the barks echoing around Tarn Hows testify that!

Someone else quite likes the water too.

Lovely early morning reflections in The Tarns this morning.

Together again at last. Angus gives Connie a nuzzle of approval as Casper looks on.

Casper...

...and Angus take in the sunshine.

Looking across to The Old Man.

Holme Fell with Beatrix Potter's Yew Tree Farm below left.

Wetherlam.

Here's a different view from last week, taken from the top of Mont Ventoux - The Giant of Provence - in the south of France. At 1909 metres, the temperature was 'down' to 25C!

Black Combe

Walked on 11/07/2007

Start point: Beckside (SD 153 847)

Beckside – Whicham Mill – Whitecombe Head – Black Combe (OF) – South Top of Black Combe – Eller Peatpot – Beckside

Distance: 5.5 miles Total Ascent: 560 metres Time Taken: 2 hours

Weather: Overcast. 15oC.

More cloud but no rain at least for our walk this morning up to Black Combe, that great hulk of fell at the south-western tip of the Lake District. It is a relatively easy ascent following Whitecombe Beck all the way to Whitecombe Head, the sting in the tail being the very steep descent to get back to the valley.

Whicham Mill.

Heading along Whitecombe Valley.

Whitecombe Beck.

Casper seems to like it in there!

Whitecombe Valley.

Looking across to Black Combe from the climb across the lower slopes of White Combe.

The same view from higher up, the clouds are down on the summit of Black Combe up to the right.

Looking along the valley to Barrow-in-Furness and Walney Island across the Duddon Estuary beyond Millom.

Heading for Black Combe.

Angus and Casper on the misty summit of Black Combe.

A close-up of Barrow and Walney Island with Haverigg in the foreground.

White Combe from Black Combe. The path used in ascent can be seen zig-zagging to the left.

Blackcombe Screes from Eller Peatpot.

Angus.

White Hall Knott from the descent.

Blackcombe Beck.

Holme Fell

Walked on 02/07/2007

Start point: Hodge Close (NY 315 016)

Holme Fell from Hodge Close

Distance: 1.8 miles Total Ascent: 203 metres Time Taken: 40 minutes

Weather: Overcast but warm. 18oC.

I was amazed to see how widespread the ‘pins’ were in the StridingEdge family map this week. Of course I know there are a few people looking at the site regularly but it is quite incredible to see where everyone is situated and thanks to all for showing me.

The rain has been widespread all over the country this week of course and the Lake District was no exception; I hope none of you were caught by the floods. This morning’s walk was a case of dodging more showers for a squelchy walk up to Holme Fell from Hodge Close, a delightful shorter walk and a chance for a run and swim for Angus and Casper, once again the stars of the latest edition of Lake District Life magazine.

Holme Fell across one of the disused reservoirs.

All is peaceful in this reedy stretch of water this morning.

The Langdale Pikes and Lingmoor Fell come into view across the reservoir.

...and closer up.

Wetherlam and Birk Fell across Low Tilberthwaite.

Yewdale and Coniston Water.

Coniston Water.

The familiar shape of the Langdale Pikes over High Tilberthwaite quarry.

Angus and Casper...

...getting all cosy.

Looking to the summit cairn of Holme Fell from the southern end with Helvellyn and Fairfield beyond covered by cloud.

Looking across to Black Fell.

Wetherlam catches the briefest spot of sunshine.

Back to the reservoir and the tranquillity is shattered.

Calm reflections on the adjacent reservoir though.

Reflected trees.

This rivulet was pouring over the edge of the great hole of Hodge Close.

Hodge Close, a disused quarry.

Beacon Fell

Walked on 27/06/2007

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: 45 minutes

Weather: Overcast, light showers. 15oC.

It has put a lot of rain down overnight and earlier this morning but I managed to dodge the worst of it for a quick walk up to Beacon Fell. I think Angus needed the fresh air the most as he was stuck inside all day yesterday while we were out on Glaramara. Mind you, I don’t think he was complaining too much – he had his feet up in front of the TV when we got home!

I wouldn't normally take flower shots but there was so many Foxgloves out today that I couldn't resist. It must be all the rain that's making them grow.

Beacon Fell.

The cloud id down on The Old Man, Wetherlam looks reasonably clear today though.

Coniston Water.

Wetherlam.

Top o' Selside across Coniston Water.

The Old Man of Coniston.

Hiding in the grass - Angus and Casper.

Angus.

The Coniston fells from the summit of Beacon Fell.

Coniston Water from the summit.

All ours today boys!

Beacon Tarn.

Descending through the heather.

Wool Knott on the far side of Beacon Tarn.

It still look a bit grey but the clouds have cleared from Coniston for now.

Glaramara

Walked on 26/06/2007

Start point: Strands Bridge (NY 249 135)

Strands Bridge – Thorneythwaite Farm – Seathwaite – Stockley Bridge – Seathwaite Fell – Great Slack on Seathwaite Fell – Sprinkling Tarn –Allen Crags – High House on Allen Crags – Lincomb Head on Glaramara – Looking Stead on Glaramara – Glaramara – Combe Head –Stonethwaite Fell – Rosthwaite Cam on Rosthwaite Fell – Bessyboot on Rosthwaite Fell – Strands Bridge

Distance: 9 miles Total Ascent: 1025 metres Time Taken: 4 hour 30 minutes

Weather: Overcast with sunny spells. 15oC.

At least it was dry today but there was really rather a chilly wind on the tops today; it felt more like Autumn than summer. I parked at Strands Bridge this morning rather than the more popular Seathwaite, preferring to do the flat section first rather than last as I find it makes a good warm-up and the alternative car parking place was a lot quieter. Casper’s fame must be widening too as we were recognised by a party of walkers on Combe Head who were big StridingEdge fans – sorry, no Angus today!

Is this the right way? Following the Allerdale Ramble to Seathwaite from Strands Bridge, Base Brown ahead.

Base Brown looming large over Seathwaite.

Seathwaite Fell ahead.

Stockley Bridge.

Allen Crags along Grains.

Borrowdale from the steep climb to Seathwaite Fell.

Glaramara from Aaron Crags. The great cleft is Red Beck.

Great Gable from the Wainwright summit of Seathwaite Fell.

Looking north from Seathwaite Fell with a glimpse of Derwent Water.

Casper has a dip in the summit tarn on Seathwaite Fell, Great Gable and Green Gable beyond.

Great Gable.

Lingmell with the vertical Piers Gill clearly visible.

Casper on Great Slack, the highest and true summit of Seathwaite Fell with Great End behind.

Reflected Great End.

A peep into Wasdale - Yewbarrow with Seatallan behind and Red Pike right.

Bow Fell and Esk Pike from Allen Crags.

The Gables over Sprinkling Tarn, Pillar distant centre left.

The Langdale Pikes and Windermere.

Casper checks out the way ahead to Glaramara from Allen Crags.

The Glaramara ridge.

Harrison Stickle and Pike o' Stickle.

Bow Fell.

Great End.

Bow Fell and Esk Pike from Lincomb Head.

Seathwaite Fell with Great and Green Gable behind.

Looking over to the north-western fells.

Skiddaw, Blencathra and Derwent Water from the summit of Glaramara.

The Combe and Rosthwaite Fell from Combe Head.

The rocky turret of Rosthwaite Cam.

Fleetwith Pike from Rosthwaite Cam.

Great Gable with one or two people on the top by the look of it.

The sunshine lights up Bessyboot and Tarn at Leaves from Rosthwaite Cam.

Tarn at Leaves. Bessyboot, the summit of Rosthwaite Fell is beyond the tarn to the left.

Fleetwith Pike and High Stile from Bessyboot.

Falls on Combe Gill.

Coniston Old Man

Walked on 22/06/2007

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: Still with sunny spells. 20oC.

This was another of those walks that just ‘happened’ – I had intended visiting Black Fell and Tarn Hows today but on the way there The Old Man looked too inviting to miss as it was nice and clear and it had the makings of a good day. I’m glad I did too; we were all alone on the summit which I guess is the reward for getting out early. By the time I returned to the car park, it was full so it looks like it will be a busy afternoon up there today.

The Bell and Wetherlam from the Walna Scar Road.

Foxgloves and bracken on the climb to The Old Man.

Angus and Casper on Little Arrow Moor with Buck Pike and Dow Crag beyond.

The golden sands of the Duddon Estuary.

Dow Crag.

Coniston and Coniston Water over the quarry.

Heading for the summit of The Old Man.

Brim Fell from the summit cairn on Coniston Old Man.

Coniston Water from the summit.

The cloud is lifting from Eskdale in the distance but is hiding the Scafells for now. In the centre is Grey Friar with Brim Fell up to the right.

Looking across Low Water to Levers Water, Wetherlam and the eastern fells. The path used in descent can clearly be seen from here.

Swirl How.

Wetherlam, Helvellyn and Fairfield beyond.

Blind Tarn below Brown Pike, Walna Scar beyond.

Big clouds over the summit.

Casper and Angus.

Coniston and Coniston Water from the summit.

Starting the descent...

...heading for a calm looking Low Water.

Low Water reflections.

Straight in for a splashing time.

Flying Casper.

Wetherlam over the ruined mine workings.

Mosedale East

Walked on 18/06/2007

Start point: Swindale Lane (NY 516 133)

Truss Gap – Swindale Head – Harrop Pike – Grey Crag – Tarn Crag – Branstree – Artle Crag – High Howes (Mardale) – Selside Pike – Captain Whelter Bog – High Blake Dodd – Old Corpse Road – Swindale Head – Truss Gap

Distance: 11.5 miles Total Ascent: 800 metres Time Taken: 4 hours 30 minutes

Weather: Overcast and dull. 19oC.

It has been very wet of late and the weather didn’t promise much today either but I managed to escape the rain for a walk starting from the remote valley of Swindale circling the even remoter valley of Mosedale. There were no views today, the skies were leaden with the merest peep of sunshine. The terrain is generally boggy in this area and I certainly got a good bootful of water today! The remoteness of this area has some advantages though as I only saw one other person all day.

Truss Gap above Swindale Beck.

Swindale Head with Selside Pike up to the right, the route of return.

Following Mosedale Beck.

The gash of Hobgrumble Gill.

Moraine in the glacial valley of Mosedale.

The footbridge across Mosedale Beck.

Following the fence to Harrop Pike - it looks a bit gloomy up there today.

The summit cairn on Harrop Pike.

Casper and Angus on Grey Crag. If you find a red collar up here it belongs to Casper - he managed to lose it shortly after this photo.

Heading for a gloomy Tarn Crag across the bog.

The summit of Tarn Crag with a survey column, a remnant from construction of the Haweswater aqueduct, beyond.

The survey column.

Branstree - the route is following the fence steeply up to the wall, the summit lying at the end of the wall.

Casper on the summit of Branstree. Angus thought the sunken dish of the trig. station made a good water bowl! You may have heard about the plague of caterpillars that has struck the Lake District recently. After seeing great swathes of them near Skiddaw House last week I can report that there were even more on the south-eastern slopes of Branstree today.

One of the cairns on Artlecrag Pike, Selside Pike beyond.

The O.S un-named top (Birkett - High Howes) from Artlecrag Pike. In the centre is another survey column with a couple of un-named tarns beyond. I don't know about a plague of caterpillars but there was a plague of gulls on the slopes of this fell seen as white dots in this photo.

Selside Pike.

The merest glimpse of Haweswater.

Angus and Casper manage a quick swim in the tarns beyond the survey column.

Heading for Selside Pike.

Cascades on the descent to Swindale Head.

Swindale.

Descending to Swindale Head.

This ancient walled track is the Old Corpse Road between Swindale and Mardale.

Gummer’s How

Walked on 10/06/2007

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 30 minutes

Weather: Sunny and hazy. 23oC.

We had a short but very warm walk up onto Gummer’s How today, the distant views were once again obscured by the haze. It turned into a bit of an adventure this one – we had to get through a herd of cows, swarms of flies, find buried treasure (a geocache), find a dog lead that we had earlier put down and find a lens cap that I managed to drop on the way up…oh, and then get back through the cows. There was even evidence that this herd had summited earlier!

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

Climbing upwards, thankfully through the trees and undergrowth where there were flies and a herd of cows - not so good when you have a couple of 'cow magnets' (Angus and Casper) with you!

Lakeside from further up.

A steamer on Windermere.

It looks busy today.

Looking across Windermere to the Coniston fells.

Windermere.

Connie in the sunshine.

Casper likes it too - you can see the flies buzzing around him in this shot.

Fairfield and Red Screes at the head of Windermere.

A worms eye view of the family.

Gummer's How.

Green Crag

Walked on 08/06/2007

Start point: Brown Rigg on the Birker Fell road. (SD 181 962)

Birker Fell Road (Brown Rigg) – Little Crag – Great Crag on Birker Fell – Black Crag – Broad Crag – Green Crag – White How on Birker Fell – Far Hill – Great Worm Crag (OF) – Rough Crag – Birker Fell Road (Brown Rigg)

Distance: 4.8 miles Total Ascent: 355 metres Time Taken: 2 hours

Weather: Overcast and grey. 20oC.

It was really overcast and grey this morning but quite warm and muggy. We had a shorter walk than yesterday across Birker Moor visiting some of the many rocky outcrops on this rough area between the Duddon Valley and Eskdale. On a better day, the views are extensive from here; today they were virtually non-existent.

Casper makes a run for Little Crag with Great Crag beyond.

I can still see you!

Great Crag from Little Crag, the grassy rake to the right is the way up.

Casper and Angus on Great Crag.

Not much of a view today, here looking over Birkerthwaite.

I could just about see Devoke Water from here with the line of the road to Eskdale curving in front of it.

Green Crag. I climbed up to the extreme right and along the ridge.

A familiar silhouette of Harter Fell from Green Crag.

Looking to the south from Green Crag. The distant fells are Caw and Stickle Pike with the next target, White How, in front.

Great Worm Crag from White How.

Looking back to Green Crag.

The sun is starting to break through on Green Crag now as I reach Far Hill on the way to Great Worm Crag. Typical!

Green Crag.

Great Worm Crag from an ancient cairn on Rough Crag.

Skiddaw Forest

Walked on 07/06/2007

Start point: Gale Road End (NY 281 253)

Gale Road – Lonscale Fell – Lonscale Pike – Jenkin Hill – Skiddaw Lesser Man – Skiddaw Little Man – Skiddaw – Bakestall – Birkett Edge – Whitewater Dash – Little Calva – Great Calva (514) – Skiddaw house – Lonscale Crags – Gale Road

Distance: 13 miles Total Ascent: 1190 metres Time Taken: 5 hours

Weather: Overcast, clearing. 20oC.

After the sunshine and blue skies of the last few days, the clouds were hanging ominously over Skiddaw when I set off for a circuit of Skiddaw Forest from Gale Road this morning. From Lonscale Fell onwards, I was in the clouds with Skiddaw being windswept and cold as it so often is. The main objective today was Great Calva as I completed my second recorded set of 214 Wainwright fells on it. I haven’t been actively pursuing that goal and it has taken me 3 years to get round them all again.

A cloud covered Skiddaw at the start of the walk, the blue sky looked promising though.

The Hawell monument and the path to Skiddaw. We weren't going this way though as we descended right to Whit Beck and then continued along the bridleway below Lonscale Fell.

Descending to Whit Beck.

Latrigg and Derwent Water from the steep climb to Lonscale Fell, just before disappearing into the clouds.

Casper at the summit of Lonscale Fell. Someone has been doing a bit of cairn building.

Sat in the bog cotton on Jenkin Hill.

A windswept Skiddaw summit.

Descending the north end of Skiddaw, the clouds fleetingly parted here looking to Lonscale Fell...

...and a glimpse of Bassenthwaite Lake.

Ullock Pike across Southerndale.

Descending to Bakestall.

The Back of Skiddaw from Bakestall.

The route from Bakestall - descend Birkett Edge then climbing steeply with the fence before heading to Little Calva then Great Calva.

The steep descent of Birkett Edge.

Dash Beck, above the main falls.

Looking back to Dead Crags on Bakestall from the steep climb to Little Calva.

Oops! A bit deeper than you though Casper?

214 Wainwrights completed for the second time on Great Calva.

The summit of Great Calva.

The south cairn of Great Calva looking down the fault line that should have a view to Windermere. Skiddaw House is to the right of the post, encircled by trees with Lonscale Fell beyond.

Skiddaw House.

All that remains of Skiddaw Forest, Skiddaw House behind.

Great Calva.

Passing below Lonscale Fell on the Cumbria Way.

Mungrisdale Common.

The Glenderaterra Valley from Lonscale Crags.

A familiar silhouette - the Coledale fells.

That made me jump! Of course, Skiddaw is clear now as well.

Buckbarrow

Walked on 04/06/2007

Start point: Greendale (NY 144 056)

Greendale – Buckbarrow – Greendale Gill – Greendale

Distance: 3 miles Total Ascent: 366 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 45 minutes

Weather: Sunny and warm but hazy. 20oC.

I was expecting the forecast rain today, so was grateful that it actually turned out warm and sunny although it was quite hazy. I haven’t been up to Buckbarrow for ages and I have never been there in decent weather so it made a nice change to get up there when it was fine. I didn’t go much beyond the summit but did strike out north to the interesting cairn that can be seen from all around.

Hazy Wasdale - Yewbarrow, Great Gable and Lingmell across Wast Water.

Today's walk is up to Buckbarrow.

Middle Fell from Buckbarrow farm.

Buckbarrow from Buckbarrow farm.

Again, from further west.

..and again from before the start of the climb. This shows there is an easier climb to Buckbarrow than the Wasdale facade suggests, from left to right.

Any opportunity for a drink and a cool down in Gill Beck.

The westerly view from the summit of Buckbarrow, the summit cairn complete with remembrance cross bottom right.

Seatallan and Red Pike from the summit.

Casper and Angus on the summit.

A hazy view to the Scafells across Wast Water.

Middle Fell.

Seatallan from the slender cairn built by Jos Naylor.

A fine cairn indeed.

Casper in the sunshine.

Heading down for Greendale in the centre with Wast Water and The Screes beyond.

Tongues Gills waterfall.

Looking back into Greendale.

Buckbarrow and Foxgloves from Greendale.

Hallin Fell

Walked on 30/05/2007

Start point: Howtown pier (NY 443 199)

Howtown – Hallin Fell – St. Peter’s Church – Howtown

Distance: 2.7 miles Total Ascent: 260 metres Time Taken: 3 hours

Weather: Sunny with a cool breeze, clouding later. 14oC.

It’s half-term this week (again? already?!), so I took Connie, her friend Maya and the dogs (of course!) for a trip on the Ullswater Steamers for a short walk up to Hallin Fell. We just hit it right with the weather, with the rain coming in by the time we got back to Glenridding at the end. If you ever see someone loaded down with a rucksack + 2 more pink rucksacks + camera + two excitable dogs + two children…that will be me! They won’t do their own carrying these young girls you know…

Leaving the pier at Glenridding, looking back to the sister steamer Raven.

Flag's aloft!

Lots of excitement on the steamer on the way to Howtown.

Looking back to Arnison Crag along Ullswater.

Hallin Fell as we pull into Howtown.

Steel Knotts above Howtown.

Beda Fell and Martindale.

Ullswater from the north cairn on Hallin Fell.

The flat top of Hallin Fell ahead.

Arthur's Pike and Bonscale Pike.

Ullswater.

Conquering the south face of Hallin Fell.

Casper loves the sunshine here on the summit of Hallin Fell.

So do Connie and Maya - made it at last!

Casper.

Ullswater from our picnic place. Conditions were just about perfect now - what a view.

Looking south-west over Ullswater.

The Helvellyn range, the pointed Catstycam is in the centre.

Close-up on Helvellyn. Striding Edge is to the left with Swirral Edge leading down to Catstycam on the right.

Ullswater with Dunmallard Hill at the northern end.

Casper and Angus on Hallin Fell.

The summit of Hallin Fell.

Beda Fell, Boredale and Place Fell from the descent of Hallin Fell.

Martindale.

The way down.

The Nab and Beda Fell.

Not so fast!

It's much easier going down than up.

St Peter's Church, Martindale with Hallin Fell Behind.

Heading back to the ferry...

...down to Howtown.

Hallin Fell from Howtown.

Just made it. The blue sky has gone now and rain is on the way, here looking back to Hallin Fell from the steamer.

Lingmoor Fell

Walked on 25/05/2007

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

Blea Tarn – Bleatarn House – Lingmoor Fell – Lingmoor Tarn – Side Pike – Blea Tarn

Distance: 3.2 miles Total Ascent: 390 metres Time Taken: 2 hours

Weather: Sunny with a cool breeze. 13oC.

Sunshine and blue skies again today for a short walk up to Lingmoor Fell, one that is short in stature but offers really fine views of the surrounding high fells. Casper and Angus both came today, Angus being particularly fond of this walk as there are two opportunities for a decent swim (the hardy soul!).

Blake Rigg above Blea Tarn.

Bleatarn House - described by Wordsworth in The Solitary - with Bow Fell beyond.

Blea Tarn and Blake Rigg from the climb up to Lingmoor Fell.

The Langdale Pikes and Side Pike from the climb, Bleatarn House is bottom left.

Wetherlam framed by a fallen tree.

Wetherlam.

The Coniston fells.

Pike o' Blisco above Blea Tarn with Crinkle Crags and Bow Fell to the right.

Angus and Casper on the summit of Lingmoor Fell.

There is a great view from here.

Looking over to Helvellyn and Fairfield.

Wetherlam, Swirl How and Great Carrs from the summit of Lingmoor Fell.

Pike o' Blisco, Crinkle Crags and Bow Fell.

Descending to Lingmoor Tarn, the Langdale Pikes lit by the sun.

A quick dip for these two.

Bow Fell and The Band beyond Side Pike.

Harrison Stickle.

Pike o' Stickle, Loft Crag and Thorn Crag.

Bow Fell.

Crinkle Crags.

Bow Fell and The Band.

Casper on Side Pike.

The Langdale Pikes from Side Pike.

Mickleden.

Oxendale.

Great Langdale.

Pike o' Blisco.

Crinkle Crags towering over Oxendale.

Side Pike from the Blea Tarn path.

Side Pike across Blea Tarn, a nice place for a spot of fishing for one family.

Blea Tarn and the Langdale Pikes.

Caw

Walked on 22/05/2007

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: Sunny with a cool breeze. 15oC.

This morning it was raining but as the day went on the skies cleared and the sun came out – when it did so did we! It wasn’t as clear or as warm as yesterday but it was pleasant enough to be out for a short walk and get somewhere high enough to survey the scene of our long Scafell walk from afar.

Whitfell, The Pike and Hesk Fell from Kiln Bank.

Heading for Caw.

Following the Park Head Road.

Further along the Park Head Road, Brock Barrow to the left.

Caw.

There was a stiff breeze on the top.

The summit of Caw.

A hazy view across the Duddon Valley to the head of Eskdale.

The Coniston fells.

Scafell and Scafell Pike.

Esk Pike and Bow Fell.

Scafell and Slight Side across Harter Fell, Mickleden clearly visible to the centre right.

The Duddon Estuary, Barrow-in-Furness and Walney Island.

A glimpse through to Wasdale with Yewbarrow centre, Haycock, Red Pike , Scoat Fell and Pillar beyond.

The Scafells

Walked on 21/05/2007

Start point: Brotherilkeld, car park at the bottom of Hardknott Pass (NY 214 011)

Brotherilkeld Farm – Lingcove Bridge – Great Moss – Esk Hause – Great End (510) – Ill Crag (511) – Broad Crag (512) – Scafell Pike – Mickledore – Lord’s Rake – West Wall Traverse – Deep Gill – Scafell – Slight Side – Catcove Beck – Brotherilkeld Farm

Distance: 12.5 miles Total Ascent: 1295 metres Time Taken: 6 hours

Weather: Sunshine. 18oC.

The sun finally shone today for this personal favourite walk to the Scafells from Brotherilkeld via Upper Eskdale and Great Moss. Conditions were almost perfect with the warm temperature and a light breeze and hardly a soul about apart from the usual congestion on Scafell Pike summit. I didn’t take Angus today as this sort of walk is too tough for him now, but Casper came and managed to take it all in his stride. I hope you enjoy today’s photographic journey as much as I enjoyed being there – what better place to be on a Monday morning?

Bow Fell above Brotherilkeld Farm.

Looking back along the walk to Upper Eskdale.

Following the River Esk with Bow Fell still looming large ahead.

Lots of falls and cool, clear pools on the Esk.

Lingcove Bridge.

Looking back along Eskdale from Throstle Garth, Lingcove Bridge is lower left.

The Scafells come into view climbing the gorge of the River Esk.

Scafell and Slight Side, the Esk still in the foreground.

Scafell Pike and Ill Crag.

Casper has a rest before the walk along Great Moss.

Scafell Pike and Ill Crag across Great Moss.

Scafell Pike.

Great Moss - the route from here is below Pen on the left and climbing to the depression of Esk Hause ahead.

Scafell Pike from Great Moss.

Cam Spout in the foreground of Scafell.

Looking back to the Scafells above Great Moss.

Up onto Esk Hause there seemed to be more clouds to the north, here looking over to Allen Crags.

Skiddaw and Derwent Water from Esk Hause.

The northern fells from the climb to Great End.

Skiddaw and Derwent Water from the summit of Great End. I had intended 'saving' Great End until I finished my round of the Birketts, but what the heck, it was too nice to miss the view today.

Pillar and Great Gable from Great End.

Scafell Pike ahead.

Looking down on Great Moss and the route used in ascent from Ill Crag.

Broad Crag from Ill Crag.

Casper on Broad Crag.

No mistaking the route to the summit of Scafell Pike from here, looks like it is busy up there as well.

Looking over Styhead Tarn to Derwent Water and Skiddaw from the summit of Scafell Pike, the highest point in England.

The route to Mickledore with Lord's Rake shown to the right.

Pulpit Rock from the path to Lord's Rake.

Climbing Lord's Rake, a steep scree filled gully.

The fallen rock - still there balancing at the top of Lord's Rake.

Looking back down Lord's Rake from the start of the West Wall Traverse. The entrance to the West Wall Traverse to the right of this photo is very eroded now, much worse than I remember it.

The view from the first section of the West Wall Traverse. The West Wall Traverse is a gently inclined high level path joining Lord's Rake and Deep Gill.

Looking back to Lord's Rake. The large boulder is at the top of the first section, the fallen boulder is resting across the top of Lord's Rake to the lower left.