Top o’Selside

Walked on 16/05/2007

Start point: Dodgson Wood (NY 246 016)

Dodgson Wood – Low Parkamoor – Great Hill – Top o’ Selside – Low Parkamoor – Dodgson Wood

Distance: 2.6 miles Total Ascent: 295 metres Time Taken: 1 hour

Weather: Heavy rain. 12oC.

My waterproofs have been getting some use on the last few walks, that is for sure! Today was no exception as the rain never let up all morning for our short walk on the east side of Coniston Water up to Top o’ Selside. There were no views and the photos were snatched ones in the rain, but the lower sections of the walks through the ancient woods were pleasant enough. We were all glad of the fresh air, whatever the weather.

Bluebells in the woods and a glimpse of Coniston Water through the trees.

It was more than a bit damp in Dodgson Wood!

Coniston Water with Beacon Fell distant left from the climb to Top o' Selside.

A big shower passes over us and towards Low Parkamoor farm in the centre.

Casper and Angus, wet on the summit.

Angus.

Casper.

Back out of the mist and descending towards Low Parkamoor.

Casper makes a break as the heavy rain returns.

Eskdale Fell

Walked on 11/05/2007

Start point: Boot (NY 176 011)

Boot – Burnmoor Tarn – Oliver Gill – Raven Crag – Black Apron – Great How on Eskdale Fell (508) – Whinscales on Eskdale Fell (509) – Great Barrow – Boot

Distance: 6.5 miles Total Ascent: 540 metres Time Taken: 2 hours 30 minutes

Weather: Heavy rain. 10oC.

It started off looking promising this morning but before I reached Burnmoor Tarn from Boot, the heavens opened and it stayed like that for the entire damp walk. Most of the photos were taken from within a hi-tech rain cover (thanks Tesco!) but even that succumbed to the soggy conditions in the end. I would like to redo this walk on a sunny day when I suspect the views will be quite spectacular towards the high fells.

Harter Fell from the climb out of Boot.

Eskdale Fell, today's objective.

I thought I'd better get this view of the Wasdale fells (Red Pike, Yewbarrow, Pillar and Kirk Fell) whilst I could - behind me the view was obliterated as a rain storm came in.

Illgill Head across Burnmoor Tarn.

Angus and Casper - wet already, so they may as well get a bit wetter in Burnmoor Tarn.

The way to Eskdale Fell, following Oliver Gill along the left bank and then crossing at the top of the furthest waterfall.

Oliver Gill.

Gushing today with the heavy rain.

Burnmoor Tarn from Eskdale Fell, Burnmoor Lodge is to the left.

Slight Side across one of the many tarns on Eskdale Fell.

Angus and Casper on Black Apron. Let me assure you that my hood was very firmly up by this point!

The summit of Great How on Eskdale Fell.

Looking back to Great How from Whinscales.

Looking down to Boot from the prominent cairn that can be seen from there on Great Barrow. Let's get home and get dry!

Heughscar Hill

Walked on 10/05/2007

Start point: Verge parking at the end of the lane near Roehead (NY 479 236)

Roehead – Ketley Gate – Heughscar Hill (507) (OF) – Heugh Scar – Roehead

Distance: 2.5 miles Total Ascent: 160 metres Time Taken: 45 minutes

Weather: Wind and rain. 11oC.

Today I really wanted to do a long walk but the weather put paid to that idea as it was absolutely miserable with heavy rain backed by strong winds. I took the opportunity to walk a fell I haven’t done before at the northern end of Ullswater above Pooley Bridge; the going was really easy and this would be a good family walk if you are ever in the area. I’m sure the view of Ullswater would be much better on a sunny day! There is not much in the way of photos today but I think it will give you an idea of the conditions encountered on the walk.

Looking to Barton Fell - Arthur's Pike being the highest point - from the bridleway to Helton. Looks like the rain is coming in again.

This large cairn denotes the crossroads where the old High Street Roman road crosses the bridleway.

A prominent boundary marker, the way to Heughscar Hill is immediately beyond this to the left.

Casper waits for me as the rains abates for a minute and there is the merest glimpse of a bright sky.

On the summit of Heughscar Hill, the wind is really blowing now and the rain is belting down.

Just in case you were in any doubt!

Hallin Fell and Ullswater.

Loughrigg Fell

Walked on 09/05/2007

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. 14oC.

My preference today was for a shorter walk, although the climb to Loughrigg Fell is certainly not short on views. The skies were a bit dull with the odd glimpse of blue but it was quite still. It looks like my lens has had it too, that is why I couldn’t get a photo out of the camera on my last walk – if my memory serves me correctly I managed to drop it (again!) so today I was using a cheaper lens that I have as spare.

Silver How across Rydal Water.

All was calm and tranquil on Rydal Water this morning.

Well, it was for a while!

Nab Scar reflection.

Walking the Rydal Water shore path.

Climbing Loughrigg Terrace.

Helm Crag and Steel Fell across Grasmere.

Grasmere from further up.

Grasmere reflection.

A glimpse of blue sky as we continue the climb.

Cloud on Great Rigg.

Casper the fell dog.

The Vale of Grasmere.

The summit of Loughrigg Fell.

Casper and Angus at the summit.

Wetherlam and the Coniston fells across Elter Water.

The Langdale Pikes.

Angus.

Windermere.

Bluebells in Rydal Wood.

A final reflection in Rydal Water.

High Seat

Walked on 03/05/2007

Start point: Surprise View (NY 268 189)

Surprise View – Ashness Bridge – Walla Crag – Bleaberry Fell – High Seat – High Tove – Watendlath – Surprise View

Distance: 8 miles Total Ascent: 621 metres Time Taken: 3 hours

Weather: Fine and sunny, not a breath of wind. 21oC.

More almost perfect conditions again today. The walk started with a few camera maladies – try as I might, I could not get my ‘best’ camera to work so I had to revert to number 2. I spent an annoying 20 minutes or so messing around with it before I admitted defeat, it would have to wait until I got home to consult the user guide. That apart, it was a lovely walk – superb conditions, no wind with only the haze coming down to spoil that a little bit. Just me and Casper again today, I don’t think Angus can handle this heat, haircut or no haircut.

Derwent Water and Skiddaw from Surprise View.

Looking across Derwent Water to Cat Bells.

Swiftly past Ashness Bridge where the crowds were gathering and up on the path which contours the lower slopes of Bleaberry Fell, here looking to Derwent Water and Skiddaw.

Looking back to Cat Bell and Maiden Moor.

Looking along the Cat Gill ravine to Derwent Water and Keswick.

Skiddaw and Keswick from Walla Crag.

The Coledale fells across Derwent Water.

Casper at the summit of Walla Crag.

Hot!

The Coledale fells from the climb to Bleaberry Fell.

Blencathra from the summit.

Even hotter on the summit of High Seat.

The view to the south from High Seat, looking towards Bow Fell, Esk Pike, the Scafells, Lingmell, Great Gable and Kirk Fell.

High Seat from Eddy Grave Stake.

Lingmell and Great Gable.

Watendlath Farm and Tarn.

Packhorse Bridge at Watendlath.

A lovely place to cool off.

The valley walk back was lovely on a day like this. If the water was a bit deeper, I would have been in myself.

Got it whilst no-one was there! Ashness Bridge.

Grasmoor

Walked on 01/05/2007

Start point: Rannerdale Bridge (NY 163 192)

Rannerdale Bridge – Whin Ben – Whiteside – Gasgale Crags – East Top of Whiteside – Hopegill Head – Sand Hill – Grasmoor – Wandope –Thirdgill Head Man – Whiteless Pike – Whiteless Breast – Low Bank – Rannerdale Knotts – Rannerdale Bridge

Distance: 9.7 miles Total Ascent: 1190 metres Time Taken: 4 hours 15 minutes

Weather: Fine and sunny with a cool breeze on the top again. 21oC.

Today’s conditions were almost perfect. Not a cloud in the sky, which was a beautiful azure, and the sun was shining and warm – warm enough for shorts and t-shirt for the full round. It was just me and Casper today, Angus stayed home and had a lie in whilst Casper gave his new haircut a run out.

Grasmoor from Rannerdale Bridge at the start of the walk.

The Loweswater Fells across Crummock Water.

Whiteside and Whin Benn - that's a steep way up!

Liza Beck and Loweswater.

Mellbreak.

Who is that skinny young thing looking towards Hopegill Head?

The Whiteside ridge.

The path to Hopegill Head with Grisedale Pike beyond from the east top of Whiteside.

Looking back along the Hopegill Head arête to Whiteside.

Grasmoor from Sand Hill.

Skiddaw, Blencathra and the Coledale Valley from the climb to Grasmoor.

Rannerdale Knotts from Grasmoor, the swathes of Bluebells can be seen below it even from here.

Crag Hill and Sail from Wandope.

Grasmoor from Wandope.

Casper was all skin and bone beneath all that hair!

'Who, me?'

Heading for Whiteless Pike.

Looking back to Thirdgill Head and Wandope.

Crummock Water with Loweswater beyond.

Heading down for Rannerdale Knotts.

Buttermere.

The view from Rannerdale Knotts summit.

Mellbreak across Crummock Water - straight in for Casper!

The famous Rannerdale Bluebells are in full force, here looking to Grasmoor.

Whiteless Pike from Rannerdale.

More Bluebells.

All was sweet smelling here with the gorse and flowers.

One more shot of them.

Coniston Old Man

Walked on 30/04/2007

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: Fine and sunny with a stiff, cool breeze on the top. 16oC.

Boots – a result! I have had a credit for a pair from the shop, now all I have to do is choose some more. The same ones? or different…we shall see.

Angus and Casper have now officially acquired cult status according to Lake District Life magazine. Check out the latest issue of it where they manage to get a four page spread!

Finally, the walk. What a gorgeous day with only the strong breeze spoiling it a little as it was quite cool. This was a ‘no frills’ walk today, just straight up the nose and back down the tourist path. We didn’t see a soul until way down today.

The Bell and Wetherlam from the Walna Scar car park.

The Old Man of Coniston.

The Old Man again from further along the Walna Scar Road. All is golden, but not for long I think as the bracken is starting to sprout now.

Boo Tarn and the Walna Scar Road from the start of the climb to The Old Man.

Climbing the steep way.

Buck Pike and Dow Crag from Little Arrow Moor.

Angus likes a bit of sunshine.

All is hazy over that way - Coniston, Coniston Water and beyond.

Casper shows off his tongue.

Brown Pike and Blind Tarn, Black Combe distant right.

Looking across Low Water, Levers Water and Wetherlam to the eastern fells from the summit of The Old Man. The zigzag path is the route used in descent.

Looking to the Scafell range from a deserted summit.

Hair raising on the summit - but not for long, it's off to the barbers this afternoon for these two!

Looking across to Brown Pike, Buck Pike and Dow Crag with Black Combe in the distance.

Dow Crag.

The summit.

Another easterly view.

Warm enough for a swim in Low Water.

Passing through the ruined mine workings, Wetherlam beyond.

More industrial relics.

Wetherlam across the Coppermines Valley.

Little Mell Fell

Walked on 24/04/2007

Start point: The Hause (NY 423 235)

Little Mell Fell (506) from The Hause

Distance: 0.7 miles Total Ascent: 120 metres Time Taken: 25 minutes

Weather: Overcast with drizzle. 15oC.

Firstly – boots! How long do yours last? You hear stories of people having them last for years and years and I can’t say that I’m impressed that my latest pair lasted all of 7 months before the sole started to come away, and the pair before that barely lasted 12 months. The first time, I accepted it as hard wear and tear – but not this time, I have duly returned them to the manufacturers via the shop where I bought them. Here’s hoping for a result – at this rate I will have an eternal pair of boots if I get them replaced every time the sole comes off! It’s a shame, because apart from that the boots are absolutely brilliant and they are great to wear, very comfortable and waterproof.

Enough of the rant, onto today’s walk. It has been wet and miserable for the last few days, so I decided on somewhere low and also a fell that I haven’t visited for over 3 years, which must be the longest of all of them, and went to Little Mell Fell. This was a rare Birkett ‘bag’ and my penultimate Wainwright (second time around), not that I have been actively pursuing either for a while. Anyway, I managed to pass through all the heavy rain for an easy and quick climb in dry conditions. I realised why I haven’t revisited for so long – there is not a lot going for this one as it surrounded by fells that are better walks and have better views. Whatever, it was nice to be out again and on the way back I stopped off at Aira Force for a quick look.

I think I found the only patch of blue sky anywhere today, here looking to Gowbarrow Fell from the climb to Little Mell Fell.

Looking across to Ullswater.

Great Mell Fell with Blencathra and the Back o' Skiddaw fells covered in cloud.

Casper at the summit of Little Mell Fell.

Hallin Fell across Ullswater - you can make out the obelisk at the summit. Beyond is the Steel Knotts ridge.

Little Mell Fell from Moorend Farm. On the way back, I paid a quick visit to Aira Force with the drizzle coming on stronger once again.

Aira Force, the spray from the falls causing the misting effect.

...and looking down from the bridge.

Arnison Crag and Birks from Aira Force.

Ullswater view.

Arnison Crag and Birks at the head of Ullswater.

Dunnerdale Fells

Walked on 20/04/2007

Start point: Stonestar (SD 202 912)

Stonestar – Great Stickle (OF) – Tarn Hill (OF) – The Dunnerdale Fells – Stonestar

Distance: 3.1 miles Total Ascent: 358 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 25 minutes

Weather: Hazy but warm. 17oC.

It was very hazy again today with the sun trying to burn through and making it quite warm. We stayed low on the quiet but lovely Dunnerdale fells followed by a cooling dip (for some of us anyway!) in the River Duddon.

Climbing the gully from Stonestar. I feel sure if this was in a more popular part of the Lakes it would be named Great Gully - so Great Gully it is then!

Looking down the Great Gully to the Duddon Valley and The Pike

Heading for Great Stickle there are many ancient cairns littering the area.

All bow to the great Trig. column'!. The summit of Great Stickle with Stickle Pike beyond.

Warm.

Stickle Pike.

A dried up tarn on Tarn Hill.

Stickle Pike, again from Tarn Hill.

It's a mini-haystacks this one with tarns and views.

This edge catches the wind by the look of this hoary old tree. Casper looks decidedly filthy after a visit to a boggy tarn.

The Pike and Hesk Fell on the descent back into the Duddon Valley.

Angus is straight in the River Duddon.

Looking upstream.

It's just lovely here.

Harter Fell

Walked on 18/04/2007

Start point: Birks Bridge, Duddon Valley (SD 235 992)

Harter Fell from Birks Bridge

Distance: 3.25 miles Total Ascent: 538 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 45 minutes

Weather: Overcast but clearing. 12oC.

It seems like an age since I have been out on one of the higher fells, but things are back to normal now after the Easter holidays and the roads and fells were a lot quieter today – there was no-one around! It has been very dry of late and this is evident in the levels of the Lakes and rivers in the area. I wonder if we are in for a hot, dry summer?

he River Duddon - where has all the water gone?

Birks Bridge, the clear water of the River Duddon looks very inviting at this popular swimming place.

Bow Fell, Crinkle Crags and Little Stand at the head of the Duddon Valley.

The route through Birks to Harter Fell.

Warm work for Casper.

Angus and Casper at the summit of Harter Fell, Devoke Water beyond.

A panoramic view of the head of Eskdale - the Scafells, Esk Pike, Bow Fell and Crinkle Crags over Hard Knott.

The true summit of Harter Fell from the official.

Looks like they are firing a salvo out to sea from the Eskmeals testing range, here seen across Devoke Water with the Eskmeals Viaduct between them.

Stickle Pike and the Duddon Estuary with Barrow-in-Furness beyond.

Seatallan, Caw Fell and Haycock over Illgill Head with Burnmoor Tarn visible.

Scafell, Scafell Pike and Slight Side.

Esk Pike.

Hard Knott catches the sun with Esk Pike, Bow Fell and Crinkle Crags behind.

Scafell Pike, Broad Crag and Ill Crag.

Old and new - an aeroplane flies over Hardknott Castle Roman Fort.

Seathwaite Tarn across the Duddon Valley.

The now disused Walna Scar Quarries on the western face of White Pike.

Angus.

Bow Fell.

Looking back to the summit of Harter Fell, the sky rapidly clearing now.

Grey Friar - the felled conifer plantation has now been replanted with deciduous, broad leaf trees.

The head of the Duddon Valley from Birks.

Devoke Water

Walked on 13/04/2007

Start point: Birker Fell road (SD 171 977)

Birker Fell Road – Rough Crag (Birker Moor) (OF) – Devoke Water – Birker Fell Road

Weather: Warm and hazy. 18oC.

It was as warm today as yesterday, but unfortunately it was even hazier so there really wasn’t much of a view from our walk to Rough Crag above Devoke Water. At least there were no crowds and we had time to relax awhile and enjoy the peace and quiet in the sunshine. Someone even dabbled their toes in the water…

The grassy climb to Rough Crag.

Devoke Water.

Water Crag from the top of Rough Crag.

Casper and Angus on Rough Crag, complete with lolling tongues!

Connie caught this great photo of Casper on Rough Crag. Take it easy lad.

Devoke Water and Water Crag.

Woodend Pike, Yoadcastle and White Pike across Devoke Water.

Casper and Connie enjoying the day.

Casper and Angus in Devoke Water, setting sail for the old boathouse I think.

Seat How above Devoke Water.

The westerly view along the shore.

Connie being extremely brave and having a paddle.

A sparkling Devoke Water and yes, that is Angus - told you he was going for the boathouse!

Cat Bells

Walked on 12/04/2007

Start point: Keswick Landing Stages (NY 264 227)

Keswick Landing Stages – Hawes End – Skelgill Bank – Catbells – Hause Gate – Brandelhow Bay – Keswick Landing Stages

Distance: 2.5 miles Total Ascent: 450 metres Time Taken: 4 hours

Weather: Sunny and warm becoming increasingly hazy. 18oC.

‘Better a volunteer than a pressed girl’! This was a walk Connie requested that we repeat after enjoying it a couple of years ago. Catching the launch from Keswick and returning on it after the walk extends the appeal of this one, as does searching for Mrs Tiggywinkle’s house, buried somewhere in the side of Cat Bells according to Beatrix Potter! Today we were joined by Nick, Maya and Busta and the weather really was lovely with only the haze to spoil the view. It looked like hundreds of other people had the same idea as us too with a constant stream ascending the fell in the sunshine.

Barrow from Hawes End.

Keswick and Blencathra across Derwent Water at the start of the climb.

The same view from further up.

Walla Crag, Bleaberry Fell and High Seat across Derwent Water.

The Coledale fells, Causey Pike, centre, then Outerside with Grisedale Pike distant right.

Swinside with Bassenthwaite Lake beyond flanked by Barf and the Skiddaw massif.

An idyllic scene.

Connie striding out for Skelgill Bank, Cat Bells looming on the distant left.

Knott Rigg and Ard Crags on the left overshadowed by Crag Hill, Sail, Scar Crags and Causey Pike.

Casper races after Nick, Busta, Connie and Maya from Skelgill Bank heading for Cat Bells.

Maya and Connie are off on the path whilst Casper stays to enjoy the view over to Hindscarth and Robinson. Little Town below also caused some excitement between the girls - the home of Lucie in the Tale of Mrs Tiggywinkle!

Skiddaw and the path from Skelgill Bank.

A closer view of Ard Crags and the Crag Hill - Causey Pike ridge.

Casper encourages Connie to scramble the north face of Cat Bells!

We made it! Connie and Maya happy on the summit of Cat Bells. Connie is showing 'All she wants for Christmas...'!

Angus and Casper on the summit of Cat Bells; we were alone for almost 10 seconds for this photo! This was thirsty work in the heat and there are no streams or tarns to get a drink on this climb!

Derwent Water from Cat Bells.

Looking back on the climb from Skelgill Bank with Skiddaw through the ever increasing haze.

A lovely spot for a picnic - I think we could have stayed here all day.

The southern end of Derwent Water with Bleaberry Fell and High Seat above the Lodore Hotel.

Walla Crag and Bleaberry Fell across Derwent Water with hazy Clough Head beyond.

These three dogs couldn't wait to get in here as we waited for the launch. Taking on all comers, it was Dog United v Duck City!

Looks like Duck City have it as the cowardly dogs beat a hasty retreat!

Holme Fell

Walked on 04/04/2007

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: Sunny and warm. 15oC.

More lovely, sunny weather today and the recent haziness has diminished somewhat. The walk to Holme Fell from Hodge Close is short and easy yet it still offers great views on a day such as today. It was so warm, I struggled to get Angus out of the old reservoir on the way back – he was enjoying himself too much!

Blue skies and sunshine - just what we wanted to see on the way to Holme Fell, here looking north over one of the disused reservoirs.

The Langdale Pikes over the spoil heaps from the climb to Holme Fell.

Contrails over the Langdale Pikes.

Looking across the reservoir to Helvellyn and Fairfield.

Wetherlam.

Long tongues...

...means it is warm on the summit of Holme Fell!

The Old Man of Coniston.

Coniston Water.

Close-up of The Old Man with the tourist path and the summit cairn clearly visible.

Pike o' Stickle, Loft Crag and Harrison Stickle.

Pike o' Blisco with Crinkle Crags beyond.

Angus sunning himself.

Casper the mountain Beardie.

Looking across the summit of Holme Fell to Fairfield, Hart Crag and Dove Crag.

Pike o' Stickle and Loft Crag.

A lovely day.

Red Screes and the eastern fells over Black Fell.

On the return, back at the reservoir.

Great reflections.

Well, there were! Come on Angus, hurry up!

Great Burney

Walked on 01/04/2007

Burney (OF) from the Woodland Fell Road

It was another short but pleasant walk for us in the sunshine this afternoon up to Great Burney; with the temperature reaching the heady heights of 16C, it was too good an opportunity to miss the chance of a bit of fresh air. Shame about the haze again, but I guess you can’t have everything!

Great Burney from Beck Stones.

Great Burney from Kirkby Moor across Moor House.

Casper gets in his trademark (and somewhat early - we're not there yet!) victory roll on the way to Great Burney.

It was very hazy today, not so good for views but very pleasant although there was a stiff breeze on the top of Great Burney, here looking to the Coniston fells with the familiar outline of Dow Crag and The Old Man.

Looking to the Dunnerdale Fells, Stickle Pike in the centre.

Angus and Casper enjoying the sunshine...

...but Casper does a good job of showing the breeze whilst wily old Angus finds the best position to keep out of it.

The Coniston fells over Blawith Knott.

The golden sands of the Duddon Estuary.

Tarn Hows

Walked on 30/03/2007

Tarn Hows

I’ve not had the opportunity to get out at all this week so it was nice for Connie and I to get some fresh air at Tarn Hows, supposedly the most visited place in the Lake District. It was nice and quiet this morning though, the temperature was quite high but the views were non-existent as it was so hazy. What better way to round off this walk than an agreeable lunch in Hawkshead for me and Connie?

All is hazy at Tarn Hows.

At least it is quiet today.

Well, it was before these two came to shatter the peace! There's nothing like a couple of geese to get Casper and Angus barking.

Connie at Tarn Hows.

Caught in the sunshine.

Casper and Angus.

Blawith Knott

Walked on 23/03/2007

Start point: Woodland Fell road (SD 256 879)

Blawith Knott (OF) from the Woodland Fell road

Weather: Sunny, clear and warm. 13oC.

It was lovely and sunny and very spring-like in south Cumbria this afternoon – far too nice to stay in! We had a quick sprint up to Blawith Knott to get some fresh air and capture some of the lovely views from this relatively lowly fell, which lies on the southern edge of the Lake District.

The Dunnerdale Fells from Giant's Grave.

Heading for Blawith Knott.

The view to the north from the south-western cairn on Blawith Knott.

Black Combe.

The Coniston fells from the summit.

Angus and Casper enjoying the sunshine on the summit.

The Old Man of Coniston.

Caw.

Stickle Pike.

Black Combe.

Angus shows there was a (surprisingly warm) breeze up on the top...

..whilst Casper prefers to remain seated!

Looks a bit cloudy over to the east.

Blawith Knott panorama.

The Scafell range over Broughton Moor. Harter Fell is the dark pyramid in front of Scafell to the left.

Wetherlam - all the snow from two days ago has gone!

Blawith Knott.

Wetherlam

Walked on 21/03/2007

Start point: Tilberthwaite car park (NY 306 010)

Tilberthwaite – Steel Edge – Wetherlam – Wetherlam Edge – Birk Fell Man on Birk Fell – Tilberthwaite Gill – Tilberthwaite

Distance: 4.4 miles Total Ascent: 693 metres Time Taken: 2 hours

Weather: Sunny and clear. 7oC.

The weather today was fantastic with clear views for miles and cold, frozen ground making almost perfect walking conditions. This is a favourite shorter walk of mine, the walks along Steel Edge and Wetherlam Edge being the best way to climb this fell. Wetherlam Edge was treacherous in places with sheet ice which could catch out the unwary.

Looking across the slate spoil heaps and Low Tilberthwaite to the Fairfield group of fells.

Lad Stones above Tilberthwaite Gill.

Crossing Crook Beck.

Heading for Steel Edge.

Hen Crag on the eastern face of Wetherlam.

The eastern fells across Tilberthwaite from Steel Edge.

Climbing Steel Edge.

Angus enjoying a bit of sunshine.

An icy Steel Edge.

Looking down Steel Edge.

More ice.

Coniston Old Man and Brim Fell come into view at the top of Steel Edge. Casper has a quick lie down!

The Old Man across a frozen tarn.

Low Water in view below Brim Fell and The Old Man.

Looking across to Fairfield.

The Old Man with the summit cairn and trig. column in view.

All is frozen on the Wetherlam ridge - nowhere for a drink or a swim for Casper.

Blencathra and the Helvellyn ridge.

Swirl Band, Swirl How and Great Carrs.

Tongues out on the summit of Wetherlam for Angus and Casper.

The Scafell range.

Swirl How and Great Carrs from the summit of Wetherlam.

Bow Fell.

Slight Side and Scafell.

Scafell Pike.

The Langdale Pikes.

Blencathra.

A lovely view over the Wrynose Pass to Red Tarn with Crinkle Crags and Bow Fell beyond, Scafell Pike to the left.

The distant Fairfield Horseshoe over Little Langdale Tarn.

Casper in the sun.

The view from Wetherlam Edge.

Wetherlam Edge.

...and from further down.

Crinkle Crags, Bow Fell and Pike o' Blisco.

As I descended Wetherlam Edge, a military helicopter was buzzing round. It landed on the summit, took off again and then landed here at the top of Steel Edge. Looks like an easier way to get to the top!

Helvellyn and Fairfield.

Looking across to the recently descended Wetherlam Edge.

Wetherlam.

Steel Edge.

Wetherlam from the top of Tilberthwaite Gill.

Skiddaw & The Edges

Walked on 15/03/2007

Start point: Orthwaite Road, near Bassenthwaite (NY 237 311)

Nr.Bassenthwaite – Watches – The Edge – Ullock Pike – Longside Edge – Long Side – Carl Side – Skiddaw – Broad End – Bakestall – Nr.Bassenthwaite

Distance: 7.5 miles Total Ascent: 885 metres Time Taken: 4 hours

Weather: Wet and windy. 7oC.

This is a great way to reach Skiddaw, walking along The Edge and Longside Edge culminating in the steep, slate path cutting diagonally across the western face of Skiddaw – but it was not so great today as the weather was pretty atrocious! Today I was joined by my friend Nick with his dog Busta, both novices of the 3000 footers – I hope it didn’t put them off for life! Needless to say we didn’t see another soul for the whole walk either (apart from Andy Lang in the car park at the end – he did the same walk!).

Binsey from the climb to Watches.

Broad End and Skiddaw across Southerndale.

Looking from Watches to The Edge and Ullock Pike with Long Side and Carl Side beyond.

The cloud is down on Skiddaw from the rock formations on Watches.

Walking towards The Edge, with Busta, Angus and Casper leading the way.

On The Edge with Ullock Pike ahead.

Ullock Pike, the wind is starting to blow and the drizzle approaching from the west.

Bassenthwaite Lake through the mist. This is the last view of the day from Ullock Pike as the cloud came down and the relentless rain started.

Angus looking a bit fed up with the weather.

Casper on the climb to Skiddaw.

Here comes Nick out of the mist being battered by the wind on the slate path to Skiddaw. This view sums up the day nicely!

On the summit of Skiddaw in a really strong and cold wind. That's it! Camera away now and not to reappear as it was rain, rain, rain all the way back. From here we dropped down to Broad End then Bakestall before contouring Broad End to Barkbethdale and into Southerndale.

Beacon Fell

Walked on 12/03/2007

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 but clearing. 8oC.

Today walk was a short and quick one up to Beacon Fell. I changed the normal route of return for this one – instead of descending to the tarn I contoured the lower slopes of the fell, thus avoiding the boggy area to the north of Beacon Tarn. It was good to see the treasure tin at the top still going strong!

The clouds are down over Wetherlam across Torver Low Common.

Caw.

Beacon Fell.

Climbing the gully on the way to Beacon Fell's summit.

Coniston Water.

The view to the north-east.

Angus and Casper above Coniston Water.

Coniston Water from near the summit of Beacon Fell.

Beacon Fell.

Beacon Fell and Coniston Water.

Looking down on Beacon Tarn and Wool Knott.

Casper eyes up the sheep below.

Fairfield and the top end of the horseshoe. The clouds have lifted quickly off these fell compared to the photos above - all within about ten minutes.

The Old Man of Coniston.

Brown Pike appears for a moment through a break in the clouds.

Rosthwaite Round

Walked on 07/03/2007

Start point: Rosthwaite village hall (NY 258 149)

Rosthwaite – Dock Tarn – Great Crag – Grange Fell (Brund Fell) – King’s How – Grange – Castle Crag – Rosthwaite

Distance: 7.5 miles Total Ascent: 780 metres Time Taken: 4 hours

Weather: Drizzle turning to sunshine. 10oC.

Today was certainly a day of two halves for this walk around Wainwright’s ‘loveliest square mile in Lakeland’ – dull and drizzling when we set off eventually ending up as sunshine and blue skies for a lovely Spring day ending.

Setting off in the drizzle alongside Stonethwaite Beck.

Following the Cumbria Way past Stonethwaite with Eagle Crag and Rosthwaite Fell ahead.

Eagle Crag and Sergeants Crag from the steep climb to Great Crag through the woods.

Cascades on Willygrass Gill.

Dock Tarn.

Borrowdale from Great Crag.

Castle Crag across Borrowdale.

A close-up version.

Heading for Grange Fell - Brund Fell, the summit, is to the right and King's How is to the left.

Watendlath and Watendlath Tarn, High Tove beyond.

High Seat beyond Joppelty How from Brund Fell.

Borrowdale from Brund Fell.

Heading for King's How.

Rosthwaite Fell, Glaramara and Thornythwaite Fell - the Borrowdale Fells. Pike o' Stickle is visible on the distant left.

Derwent Water from King's How with Skiddaw covered in cloud - not for long though as there was a big change in the weather for the final part of the walk.