Glenamara Park

Walked on 06/03/2007

Start point: Grisedale Bridge (NY 390 161)

Grisedale Bridge – Birks – Arnison Crag – Patterdale – Grisedale Bridge

Distance: 3.5 miles Total Ascent: 520 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 30 minutes

Weather: Overcast. 10oC.

It was a bit grey and damp for a short walk circling Glenamara Park above Patterdale, but at least it wasn’t raining after the downpour of last night. Everywhere was very wet though and the wind on the tops was quite chilly with only brief glimpses of sunshine to provide some cheer.

The steep path to Birks from Glenamara Park.

There was an occasional touch of blue sky to the north-west, here looking to Ullswater from the climb to Birks.

Place Fell.

Time for a rest for Angus and Casper.

The breeze picked up as we got higher - Casper has spotted something in Grisedale Valley below.

Saint Sunday Crag with some stubborn snow still lingering, Dollywagon Pike and Nethermost Pike to the right.

Gavel Pike and Saint Sunday Crag from the summit of Birks, Hart Crag to the left.

Descending by the broken wall to Trough Head with the Arnison Crag ridge in the centre.

Arnison Crag and Place Fell.

Looking back to a prominent Gavel Pike and Saint Sunday Crag.

Ullswater from Arnison Crag.

Place Fell from the summit of Arnison Crag.

There was lots of rain last night - the fields south of Patterdale are flooded, as are many parts of the road.

Sunshine across Deepdale. Hartsop Dodd beyond the Hartsop above How ridge.

Hartsop Dodd, Caudale Moor beyond.

Ullswater from the descent to Patterdale.

Birks across Glenamara Park.

Blengdale Horseshoe

Walked on 26/02/2007

tart point: Greendale (NY 144 056)

Greendale – Blengdale Forest – Sampson’s Bratfull – Stockdale Moor – Caw Fell – Little Gowder Crag – Haycock – Pots of Ashness – Seatallan –Middle Fell – Greendale

Distance: 12 miles Total Ascent: 1150 metres Time Taken: 5 hours 30 minutes

Weather: Clear with a cool breeze. 10°C.

It turned out to be great weather today and it felt very spring like at times, although the wind was cold on the tops. I completed a walk around Blengdale climbing to Caw Fell by the little visited Stockdale Moor, an interesting way to go just to find out exactly what ‘Sampson’s Bratfull’, marked on the map, was! It was very clear today allowing widespread views as far as Scotland and over to the Isle of Man.

Early (ish) morning in Wasdale.

Buckbarrow.

Middle Fell.

Buckbarrow from further along the road.

Here's a view that won't be like this for long looking at the recently planted trees in the foreground; Haycock and Seatallan from Blengdale Forest.

Haycock, Scoat Fell and Seatallan from the Sergeant Ford crossing of the River Bleng.

Seatallan.

Sampson's Bratfull - stones dropped from the apron of a giant as he strode across the moor, so legend has it. It is the site of an ancient barrow, the area being littered with antiquities and signs of ancient settlements. This view is looking to Ponsonby Fell.

Seatallan from Stockdale Moor.

...and again, the Scafells now coming into view.

Angus and Casper take a breather on the summit of Caw Fell with Pillar, Steeple and Scoat Fell to the left of Little Gowder Crag, centre, and Haycock to the right.

Heading for Little Gowder Crag, a really cold wind blowing across here now.

A glimpse of Ennerdale Water and Ennerdale from Haycock, the wall leading from Little Gowder Crag.

Steeple and Scoat Fell from Haycock, Pillar just visible above the wall at the top of Scoat Fell.

Red Pike above Scoat Tarn with the Scafells beyond.

Steeple from Haycock.

Looking across Ennerdale from Haycock to Herdus and the Loweswater Fells, Scottish mountains clearly visible today across the Solway Firth.

Red Pike and Scoat Tarn.

Another breather for these two on Haycock.

Blengdale - the ridge walked so far is to the right from the forest.

The best view is the other way Angus!

The Scafell range from Haycock - Great End with a touch of snow lingering, Broad Crag, Scafell Pike, Scafell and Slight Side.

Haycock across Pots of Ashness at the start of the steep climb to Seatallan.

Great Gable flanked by Kirk Fell and Yewbarrow from Seatallan.

Caw Fell and Haycock above Stockdale Head.

Casper on Seatallan.

The view to the west from Seatallan.

Middle Fell, the next objective, and Greendale Tarn.

Scafell from Middle Fell.

Scafell Pike.

Scafell Pike, Mickledore and Scafell.

Kirk Fell and Great Gable across Yewbarrow.

Angus and Casper on Middle Fell.

Lingmell and the Scafells at the head of Wast Water.

Tired Casper?

A bit blowy again for Angus on Middle Fell, Yewbarrow and Great Gable beyond.

Blue sky over the Scafells from the descent of Middle Fell.

The Screes across Wast Water looking colourful.

Stickle Pike

Walked on 21/02/2007

Kiln Bank Cross (SD 215 933)

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

Distance: 1 mile Total Ascent: 225 metres Time Taken: 1 hour.

Weather: Wet and gloomy. 8°C.

It is the school half-term this week so Connie and I took the dogs up to Stickle Pike, a walk we have often done of course, and one we decided to continue with despite the poor weather around here today. If you are unfamiliar with Stickle Pike, it is a great little fell with a wonderful view (on a clear day!) and a tarn nestling below the summit. Today, however, we could see nothing…

Virtually the only 'view' of the day to the Duddon Valley from Kiln Bank Cross.

Angus and Casper in a gloomy Stickle Tarn.

Climbing the steep path to the summit.

Ta-Da!

Casper, Connie and Angus on the summit of Stickle Pike.

Hood up, it's raining now.

Casper.

Dunnerdale.

Incidentally, the new Duddon and Furness Mountain Rescue Team brochure uses this photo of Stickle Pike on the front cover, one that I took from Harter Fell in the snow last year.

Great Borne

Walked on 15/02/2007

Start point: Bowness Knott Car Park (NY 109 153)

Bowness Knott Car Park – Herdus – Great Borne – Starling Dodd – Little Dodd (Ennerdale) – Bowness Knott Car Park

Distance: 7.2 miles Total Ascent: 735 metres Time Taken: 3 hours 30 minutes

Weather: Windy! 10°C.

The mountain weather forecast was for high winds today which would ‘make walking impossible’. Well, they were pretty much right with that one! All seemed so calm and tranquil at valley level too – I feared for Angus and Casper on the Great Borne ridge overlooking Ennerdale as they were getting blown around so much. That aside, I don’t think we did so bad with the weather really. It was good to have Angus back up on the high fells too; I think he had missed it.

Crag Fell and Anglers Crag across Ennerdale Water from the steep climb up to Herdus.

Looking to Floutern Cop, Hen Comb beyond, Mellbreak beyond that and Whiteside and Grasmoor beyond that! Once onto the flat top of Herdus, the wind was really strong - no, make that really, really strong!

I could hardly stand up and the two lightweights of the group were getting blown all over. Here's Angus standing his ground for a minute.

Still in strong wind up onto Great Borne. This photo looking to Gavel Fell was taken from the safety of the wind shelter - it was the only way I could keep the camera still!

Heading for Starling Dodd, beyond is Red Pike and the High Stile ridge.

Grasmoor manages to catch the only sunshine of the day.

Looking into Mosedale, Hen Comb to the left and Mellbreak to the right. In the distance are the Loweswater Fells.

Mellbreak with Grasmoor across Crummock Water.

A close-up of Grasmoor.

The cairns on Starling Dodd. Where was this photo taken from?...

...well, we were lying on the floor - of course!

Red Pike and High Stile over the small bump of Little Dodd where we made a hasty exit from the high ridge down to the right.

Robinson and Red Pike from Little Dodd.

Pillar, Scoat Fell and Steeple from the descent to Ennerdale.

Still windy on the descent, though not half as bad as it was up there.

A gloomy looking Pillar, Pillar Rock silhouetted below the cloud.

Ominous looking Green Gable and Great Gable at the head of Ennerdale

Ennerdale.

Crag Fell and Anglers Crag across Ennerdale Water just before the heavens opened - fortunately I was back in the car by then.

East of Coniston

Walked on 12/02/2007

Start point: High Nibthwaite (SD 295 897)

High Nibthwaite – Brock Barrow – Low Light Haw (OF) – High Light Haw (OF) – High Nibthwaite

Distance: 2 miles Total Ascent: 225 metres Time Taken: 45 minutes

Weather: Wet! 8°C.

Regular viewers will remember the last time we visited these fells on the eastern shore of Coniston Water, for it was here that Angus had a disappearance for an hour or two! Oh, how I wish the weather was the same but it was a bit damp and dreary up there today, so no views to speak of. At least Angus was safe this time.

Looking down on the southern end of Coniston Water from Brock Barrow with Beacon Fell beyond.

Heading for the second summit on Brock Barrow.

Angus and Casper.

Low lying mist over Coniston Water.

A bit damp Casper?

Park Nab and Oak Isle on Coniston Water.

The mist is settling over the water.

Water Park.

I found an interesting series of cascades on the way down. I've never noticed them before.

Sharp Edge

Walked on 07/02/2007

Start point: Scales (NY 349 272)

Scales – Sharp Edge – Blencathra (Atkinson Pike – Hallsfell Top – Gategill Fell – Blease Fell – Doddick Fell – Scales Fell) – Scales

Distance: 6 miles Total Ascent: 800 metres Time Taken: 2 hours 30 minutes

Weather: Mainly sunny and clear with high cloud. 3°C.

More fine and sunny weather today for a walk up to Blencathra over Sharp Edge. Sharp Edge itself was quite tricky on the difficult slabs today due to the icy frosting, so it was a case of treading with care. Casper managed it too, he did well – Angus continued his much needed R and R at home in the warmth! (NOTE: Just because I took a dog over Sharp Edge in winter conditions, it doesn’t mean that every dog, or every person for that matter, would be able to do it. As I left Scales today, the Keswick Mountain Rescue team passed me with lights and sirens ablaze – I hope it was nothing too serious).

Later Note: Check out this link; At the moment the latest rescue is 7th February….on Sharp Edge!) – Keswick MRT

Mousthwaite Comb - the path can be seen diagonally left to right up the fellside.

First view of Sharp Edge from Mousthwaite Comb.

Looking along the Glenderamackin Valley, Sharp Edge up to the left.

An icy Scales Beck.

Sharp Edge towers above a frozen Scales Tarn.

Golden light on Sharp Edge reflected on the ice.

Climbing to Sharp Edge.

Getting closer!

Looking along Sharp Edge.

...and looking back.

Climbing all the way.

Casper on Sharp Edge.

All is icy on the northern side of The Edge.

Climbing the slippery slabs.

Almost there.

Sharp Edge from Foule Crag.

The Skiddaw massif from Atkinson Pike.

Closer up.

Heading across the frozen fell to Hallsfell Top, the summit of Blencathra.

Looking back to Atkinson Pike with the white cross, centre.

Skiddaw across the frozen summit tarn on Blencathra.

The summit ridge of Blencathra from Hallsfell Top, Skiddaw beyond.

Well done lad! Made it over Sharp Edge and to the summit of Blencathra.

Casper enjoys the moment - solitude on Blencathra.

Walking along the summit ridge.

Looking back to Hallsfell Top.

Hall's Fell Ridge.

The Back o' Skiddaw.

Blencathra from Scales Fell.

Souther Fell.

Nice and sunny on Sharp Edge now.

Blencathra from Castlerigg Stone Circle.

Kentmere Horseshoe

Walked on 06/02/2007

Start point: Kentmere (NY 456 041)

Kentmere – Garburn Pass – Yoke – Ill Bell – Froswick – Thornthwaite Beacon – Mardale Ill Bell – Nan Bield Pass – Harter Fell – Kentmere Pike –Shipman Knotts – Kentmere

Distance: 12 miles Total Ascent: 1100 metres Time Taken: 4 hours 30 minutes

Weather: Sunny and clear with high cloud. 3°C.

Another fine and sunny day! It was even colder than ever in the valley this morning as temperatures struggled to get above zero – once up onto the fells however, it was really quite warm again in the sun. Only Casper for company today; Angus had a day off for a good sleep after the previous few days excursions!

Blue sky climbing the Garburn Road.

Heading across to Yoke.

Looking back to Windermere, the early morning mist still hanging on the lake.

The Coniston fells from the southern end of Yoke.

Looking west to the Scafells.

The route ahead is Yoke, Ill Bell, Froswick and Thornthwaite Crag.

Ill Bell from Yoke.

A lovely panorama from Yoke with Black Combe on the distant left, the Coniston fells over to Crinkle Crags and the Scafells with Great Gable and Pillar distant right.

Harter Fell from the frozen summit tarn on Yoke.

The route of the return leg - Mardale Ill Bell, the Nan Bield Pass and Harter Fell over Kentmere Reservoir.

The view from Ill Bell.

Climbing to Froswick, Thornthwaite Crag beyond.

Red Screes over Caudale Moor with Lingmoor Fell, Crinkle Crags and Bow Fell beyond.

Mardale Ill Bell and Kentmere Common across Kentmere.

Harter Fell from Froswick.

Heading along the frozen Thornthwaite Crag summit plateau.

Looking south-west from Thornthwaite Crag with Bow Fell distant centre.

Fairfield and Helvellyn.

Striding Edge and Helvellyn.

Bow Fell with the Langdale Pikes in front and the Scafells.

Fairfield and Dollywaggon Pike.

High Street.

Rest Dodd and The Knott across Hayeswater.

Casper on the summit of Mardale Ill Bell, Haweswater and The Pennines beyond.

Haweswater and the easterly view from Mardale Ill Bell.

Looking back to Thornthwaite Crag.

The flat top of Harter Fell ahead.

Small Water in shadow.

The climb to Harter Fell across Nan Bield Pass.

Looking back to Mardale Ill Bell and High Street.

High Street and Rough Crag with a glimpse of Blea Water from Harter Fell, Rampsgill Head and Kidsty Pike to the right.

The westerly view from the summit of Harter Fell.

Heading to Kentmere Pike.

Kentmere from Shipman Knotts.

Longsleddale from the descent of Shipman Knotts.

Kentmere from Stile End.

Fell ponies in Kentmere.

Kentmere Horseshoe.

Hollow Moor, Green Quarter and Low Bridge from Kentmere.

Coniston

Walked on 05/02/2007

Start point: Walna Scar road (SD 289 970)

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

Distance: 4.7 miles Total Ascent: 645 metres Time Taken: 2 hours

Weather: Sunny and clear. 1°C.

The brilliant weather continued for this morning’s walk to the deserted Coniston fells. Blue skies and sunshine all the way today with it being really warm despite what the temperature gauge said! It is a real joy to be out on the fells in these conditions and there is supposedly even more to come – can’t wait!

The Old Man of Coniston from the Walna Scar Road.

Looking past The Bell to Wetherlam from the same place.

The mist was clinging to Coniston Water this morning.

Buck Pike and Dow Crag.

Casper and Angus - 'we've seen Dow Crag, now what's over this way?'

Coniston village is covered in mist.

Brown Pike.

Coniston from higher on the ascent of The Old Man.

Trees on the edge of Coniston Water.

The view from The Old Man - Low Water below is in the shadow of it. Skiddaw and Blencathra are visible on the distant left.

Looking over Levers Water to Black Sails and Wetherlam to Helvellyn and Fairfield.

Angus and Casper on The Old Man.

Looking from The Old Man along the ridge to Brim Fell with The Scafell beyond and Bow Fell to the right. Distant left is Haycock and Scoat Fell.

Looking south-west to Black Combe beyond Brown Pike, Buck Pike and Dow Crag.

Dow Crag.

Black Combe.

Black Sails and Wetherlam.

Making a dash for Brim Fell.

The Scafell range and Grey Friar from Brim Fell.

Harter Fell across Seathwaite Tarn.

The Scafells beyond Grey Friar.

Harter Fell.

Great Carrs, Swirl How and Great How Crags from Brim Fell.

They are just loving this warm sunshine.

Helvellyn.

Black Sails and Wetherlam.

Looking east over Levers Water.

Great How Crags.

Low Water. Some photos from the way home...

The Coniston fells beyond Coniston Water and Coniston.

Reflected Old Man.

Coniston reflections.

Gummer’s How

Walked on 04/02/2007

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: Clear above low lying cloud. 2°C.

Yesterday we did quite a late walk, coming down in the sunset. Today we did the opposite, having a relatively early walk to Gummer’s How. The low lying roads and our house were covered under a thick blanket of freezing fog so we hoped that Gummer’s How was high enough to get above it – we weren’t disappointed! There is a noticeable difference in the colours with the low sun compared to the richer colours of the last couple of days, the early ones looking much more wintry.

Pike o’ Blisco

Walked on 03/02/2007

Start point: Three Shire Stone (NY 277 027)

Three Shire Stone – Red Tarn – Pike O’ Blisco – Black Crag – Three Shire Stone

Distance: 2.5 miles Total Ascent: 320 metres Time Taken: 4 hours

Weather: Sunny and clear. 4°C.

As we sat at home in the dense fog at home, I knew it had to better than that higher up – come on Connie, get your glad rags on, we are in search of sunshine and blue skies! It didn’t take long to find it, the fells were brilliantly clear today with a temperature inversion to the south and the golden glow of a great sunset on our descent. A good choice to get out today I think!

Cold Pike shortly after setting off from Three Shire Stone.

We started off in coat, gloves and hat but once up in the sunshine it was really quite warm. Here we're heading for Red Tarn with Pike o' Blisco up ahead. I wonder who ended up carrying all the gear?

Great Knott, Crinkle Crags and Bow Fell across Red Tarn.

..and a close-up.

We found this an idyllic lunch spot.

Looking back to the Coniston fells from Red Tarn.

Bow Fell.

Angus basks in the golden sunshine.

Connie at Red Tarn.

Not forgetting Casper of course.

Walking along Red Tarn bank.

Looking down on Red Tarn with the Coniston fells beyond from the climb to Pike o' Blisco.

The climb to Pike o' Blisco.

The Skiddaw massif - a good 15 miles away as the crow flies - and Pike o' Stickle.

The Howgills across Windermere.

To the south, there was a temperature inversion in the setting sun. The central hump is Black Combe with the pointed Stickle Pike centre left.

Skiddaw.

Golden glow on the Fairfield group of fells.

Close-up on The Howgills across Windermere.

A sea of cloud over the Duddon Estuary.

Looking south-east from Pike o' Blisco. Whernside and Ingleborough are visible 30 miles away in the centre distance.

Bow Fell from Pike o' Blisco summit.

The rapidly setting sun cast a golden hue on the fells on the descent.

Looking back to Pike o' Blisco.

A silhouetted Crinkle Crags.

All clear over Coniston - it was cold once we were out of the sun.

Coniston sunset.

Come on Connie, let's get down before it gets dark! Casper and Angus are already ahead on the path.

The sun sets behind Harter Fell with a thick band of cloud over Hard Knott.

Miterdale Round

Walked on 02/02/2007

Start point: Old Quarry car park (NY 121 012)

Old Quarry car park – Irton Pike (OF) – Irton Fell – Whin Rigg – Illgill Head – Burnmoor Tarn – Miterdale – Old Quarry car park

Distance: 11 miles Total Ascent: 745 metres Time Taken: 4 hours 30 minutes

Weather: Sunny with a cool wind on the tops. 10°C.

It turned out to be a really sunny day today, the early clouds soon cleared from the high fells and although there was a cold wind on the Whin Rigg – Illgill Head ridge, the walk back along Miterdale was in very Spring-like conditions. This is a lovely walk and Miterdale feels really remote; we didn’t see a soul today.

Early morning sunshine on Irton Pike. The way ahead is to Whin Rigg up to the right.

Whin Rigg.

Casper enjoys soaking up the sunshine on Irton Pike. This fell has now been completely denuded of trees on its southern slopes.

Looking back to Irton Pike from Irton Fell.

Whin Rigg ahead from Irton Fell.

Looking south to Irton Fell from the slopes of Whin Rigg with Muncaster Fell in the distance.

The view from the summit of Whin Rigg.

Casper with Yewbarrow, Kirk Fell and Great Gable in the distance.

Illgill Head from the edge of the screes.

The route to Illgill Head.

Yewbarrow across Wasdale - a fine fell.

Time for a dip in one of the tarns on the ridge.

Illgill Head.

Looking back to Whin Rigg.

Middle Fell and Seatallan across Wast Water.

The ridge between Whin Rigg and Illgill Head.

Angus and Casper on Illgill Head, behind are Great Gable, Lingmell and Scafell.

The head of Wasdale from Illgill Head.

Yewbarrow with Red Pike and Pillar behind.

Great Gable.

They're loving it!

Lingmell and Scafell.

Great Gable and Lingmell.

Scafell and Slight Side from the descent of Illgill Head.

Eskdale Fell across Burnmoor Tarn. Beyond is Slight Side with Burnmoor Lodge to the right of the tarn.

The same view from the path into Miterdale.

Scafell, Slight Side, Eskdale Fell and Burnmoor Tarn from Miterdale.

Scafell at the head of remote and quiet Miterdale.

Claife Heights

Walked on 30/01/2007

Start point: Far Sawrey (SD 379 954)

Far Sawrey – Moss Eccles Tarn – Wise Een Tarn – Claife Heights (High Blind How) (OF) – Pate Crags – Far Sawrey

Distance: 4.8 miles Total Ascent: 245 metres Time Taken: 2 hours

Weather: Overcast. 6°C

It was once again dull and very grey today so I opted for a low level walk exploring the western side of Windermere. Starting from Far Sawrey, this is really a walk in Beatrix Potter country. Given the publicity surrounding the new Miss Potter film, they are expecting bumper crowds here this summer so it was nice to have a quiet wander around the area before everyone arrives!

Moss Eccles Tarn.

Moss Eccles Tarn from further up the track.

Wise Een Tarn with sunlight on the lower slopes of the fells beyond.

Wise Een Tarn.

Ambleside and the Fairfield group of fells from Three Dubs Crags.

Yoke gets a bit of sun.

Casper and Angus.

An un-named tarn in the forest; lots of trees have been felled around here.

High Blind How, the summit of Claife Heights.

Looking across Windermere to Windermere village

Belle Isle and busy Bowness-on-Windermere.

Dead bracken is just made to roll in, isn't it?

Esthwaite Water - where Beatrix Potter's character Jeremy Fisher lived.

Esthwaite Water.

Yew Tree Farm, Coniston. Owned by Beatrix Potter, it appears in the film Miss Potter as Hill Top.

Gillercomb Round

Walked on 29/01/2007

Start point: Seathwaite (NY 235 122)

eathwaite – Hanging Stone – Base Brown (505) – Blackmoor Pols – Green Gable – Gillercomb Head – Brandreth – Grey Knotts – Borrowdale Yews – Seathwaite

Distance: 5 miles Total Ascent: 780 metres Time Taken: 3 hours 30 minutes

Weather: Overcast, the tops in cloud. 8°C

The weather returned to being dull and damp after the rather more glamorous conditions of last Thursday. The tops were in cloud until the very end when the sun made a brief appearance. I can hardly believe it is 3 years since I last visited Base Brown, how time flies! I think conditions were similar last time I was there as well; I must visit it in the sunshine one day.

Here's one for the record, something you don't see very often - the road at Seathwaite deserted! For the uninitiated, there are cars as far as the eye can see in summer.

Base Brown from Seathwaite - all looks a bit gloomy today.

Sourmilk Gill.

Borrowdale, Seathwaite bottom right.

The top waterfall, Sourmilk Gill.

The shattered boulders on the north face of Base Brown.

Borrowdale from above the Hanging Stone (bottom).

Seathwaite Fell and Grains Gill. The cloud is low on the tops.

On the summit of Base Brown.

Heading across Blackmoor Pols.

Gillercomb through the mist. The rest of the walk up to Green Gable then back to Brandreth and Grey Knotts was completely under cover of the mist.

All was eerie and quiet on the summit of Grey Knotts.

Suddenly, on the descent from Grey Knotts, the sun appeared.

Base Brown across Gillercomb from Raven Crag.

Looking across Seatoller Fell and into Borrowdale

Raven Crag from below

Looking to the head of Borrowdale with Allen Crags and Great End behind Seathwaite Fell, from the Plumbago mines.

Thornythwaite Fell and Glaramara across Seathwaite.

Base Brown from the Borrowdale Yews.

The River Derwent.

Striding Edge

Walked on 25/01/2007

Start point: Patterdale (NY 394 160)

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

Distance: 7.8 miles Total Ascent: 925 metres Time Taken: 5 hours 30 minutes

Weather: Snowy with blue skies and a light breeze – perfect. 4°C

Wow, what a day today – bright blue skies and crisp white snow made for perfect walking conditions to Helvellyn via Striding Edge and Swirral Edge. Today I was joined by regular contributor to this site, Andy Lang; on the walk we bumped into Graham Thompson and the Trail magazine team doing a feature on Striding Edge and then Andrew Leaney on the summit of Helvellyn. Up on Catstycam we were alone and it didn’t look as though many had trod there today – only a couple of sets of footprints!

Seathwaite Fells

Walked on 24/01/2007

Start point: Long House at the foot of the Walna Scar Road near Seathwaite, Duddon Valley (SD 239 968)

Long House – Walna Scar road – White Pike – White Maiden – Walna Scar – Brown Pike – Buck Pike – Dow Crag – Seathwaite Tarn – Long House

Distance: 7 miles Total Ascent: 700 metres Time Taken: 3 hours 15 minutes

Weather: Snowy and cold wind with sunny spells. 4°C

It was sunny, snowy and cold up on the Coniston fells this morning and it was nice to get above the snow line and tread the crisp, new snow in sunshine for a while. The wind was constantly blowing in snow showers up on the Dow Crag ridge and it looks like there is more to come. I had intended to walk round to Grey Friar and descend that way but the ominous clouds and heavy snow showers put paid to that idea!

Long House Gill beside the Walna Scar Road.

Above the snow line and above the ruins of Walna Scar Quarries looking to Harter Fell, the Scafell range covered by cloud. The wind was really strong and very cold from here - an icy blast.

A contrast in colours on the aptly named White Pike looking across to Caw with Black Combe beyond. I think Angus and Casper are trying to shelter from the oh-so cold wind!

Angus on White Pike, the Duddon Estuary beyond.

Next stop White Maiden, the summit is at the top of the wall.

Angus has beaten me there.

Casper on the sunny but cold White Maiden, Coniston Water behind.

On the summit of White Maiden. Angus is trying to remove the snow that has balled under his paws, an occupational hazard for a fell walking dog.

Angus caught in a windy snow shower on Walna Scar.

Looking back from Walna Scar to White Maiden and White Pike.

Dow Crag, Buck Pike and Brown Pike from Walna Scar summit.

The view from Brown Pike looking back to Walna Scar, White Maiden and White Pike with a non-showy Caw and Black Combe beyond.

Heading for Buck Pike with The Old Man of Coniston to the right.

Blind Tarn and Brown Pike with Coniston Water and the Leven Estuary dazzling in the sunshine.

Casper with snowy chops! For some reason he likes to eat snow and doesn't get bothered with snow balling under his paws like Angus!

Dow Crag ahead.

Easy Gully on Dow Crag.

The route from Buck Pike to Dow Crag.

Harter Fell from Dow Crag.

The frozen summit of Dow Crag.

Coniston Old Man with a snow shower blowing in.

Swirl How under cloud cover, Levers Hawse and Brim Fell on the descent to Goat's Hawse.

Goat's Water and Dow Crag.

A monochromatic looking Dow Crag from Goat's Hawse.

A frozen Far Gill on the descent to Seathwaite Tarn.

Grey Friar.

Seathwaite Tarn.

Harter Fell.

Seathwaite Tarn from the dam wall.

Black Fell

Walked on 18/01/2007

Start point: Knipe Fold (SD 391 994)

Black Fell from Knipe Fold

Distance: 3.4 miles Total Ascent: 215 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 15 minutes

Weather: Very windy with showers. 9°C

This morning it was as windy as yesterday, similar to conditions all over the country I expect. Today’s walk was relatively low to try and keep out of the worst of the weather. The track we used to get to Black Fell is relatively sheltered so that was not so bad; once out onto the open fellside, however, it was a different story as we were battered by the constant wind and returned in driving rain.

First stop today was Tarn Hows to check out the conditions. There were leaden skies beyond The Tarns today.

Wetherlam looming large.

Walking the track from Knipe Fold to Black Fell - there was even some sunshine

Up onto Black Fell and Wetherlam gets some sun.

The Helvellyn ridge and Fairfield.

Heading for Black Crag, the summit of Black Fell. The trig. column is to the highest point on the left and on the right is the south-east cairn.

Windermere from Black Crag.

Really strong winds up here today!

Looking north from Black Fell to Helvellyn, the Fairfield Horseshoe and Red Screes.

Casper keeps his back to the wind, spying something down below.

Tarn Hows.

Coniston Water and Tarn Hows.

Black Crag, the summit of Black Fell - no mistaking this one.

Wansfell Pike on the right with Ambleside nestling between them. Beyond are the eastern fells with the familiar outline of Ill Bell and Froswick behind Wansfell Pike.

A windswept Coniston Water from High Hollin Bank.

Pike O’ Blisco

Walked on 17/01/2007

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

Old Dungeon Ghyll – Pike O’ Blisco – Red Tarn – Browney Gill – Oxendale – Old Dungeon Ghyll

Distance: 4.5 miles Total Ascent: 600 metres Time Taken: 2 hours 30 minutes

Weather: Changeable, significant wind chill. 5°C

It was a complete change in the weather today. In Great Langdale it was dull but higher up the wind and snow came with a vengeance. The original route I intended was over Crinkle Crags but this was curtailed somewhat due to the ferocious wind, discretion being the better part of valour!

Pike o' Blisco from Great Langdale.

Crinkle Crags.

The Langdale Pikes from Wall End.

Side Pike catches the sun on the climb to Pike o' Blisco.

First came thunder, then the snow...

...then the wind on the summit on Pike o' Blisco. It was horrendous, I'm sure the whole fell was swaying!

Crinkle Crags appear from the blizzard and we are huddled behind the cairn on Pike o' Blisco.

We have incoming! - into the wind on the summit.

The Coniston fells - Swirl How, Great Carrs and Grey Friar have a dusting of snow now.

Sunburst over Coniston.

The blizzard is blowing in again over Red Tarn.

Angus above Red Tarn.

Bow Fell out of the cloud now to the right. Angus is showing the way of descent down Browney Gill.

Bow Fell and The Band , Whorneyside Force in the great cleft, centre.

Cascades on Browney Gill.

A brief sunny spell for the Crinkles and Bow Fell.

Pike o' Stickle.

Caw

Walked on 16/01/2007

Start point: Seathwaite, Dunnerdale (SD 228 960)

Seathwaite – Park Head Road – Stickle Tarn – Stickle Pike (OF) – Caw (OF) – Pikes (OF) – Green Pikes (OF) – Seathwaite

Distance: 7 miles Total Ascent: 700 metres Time Taken: 5 hours

Weather: Cool and clear. 4°C

Today I met up with Roger and Ann Hiley and their two dogs for a walk to Stickle Pike and Caw from Seathwaite in the Duddon Valley. The weather was almost unbelievably different to the wet and windy weather we have experienced over the last week or so as it was cool and clear. The views were superb from everywhere today; if only it would stay like this for a while!

Wallowbarrow Crag and Harter Fell above a cold looking Seathwaite.

Dow Crag from Park Head Road.

Passing Caw en route to Stickle Pike.

Stickle Pike ahead.

Caw from the climb up to Stickle Pike

...and the view from further up.

A clear view to Harter Fell with the Scafell range, Esk Pike and Bow Fell beyond from the summit of Stickle Pike

The Pike, centre, with Whitfell and Hesk Fell beyond across the Duddon Valley.

Casper enjoying the sunshine with a stray tail to the right!

Group summit photo - Angus, Casper, Bethan and Harry. It's bad enough getting two dogs to keep still, never mind four!

The view descending to a mirror finished Stickle Tarn

Caw across Stickle Tarn

Returning to Caw - we ascended from the south-east, to the right of this photo.

A beautiful azure sky heading for the summit of Caw.

Looking to the head of the Duddon Valley from Caw.

The Coniston fells.

Scafell Pike, Broad Crag and Ill Crag with Pen in the centre.

Harter Fell, Scafell beyond

Esk Pike.

Grey Friar.

Devoke Water.

Wallowbarrow Crag.

Dow Crag, Buck Pike, Coniston Old Man, Brown Pike, Walna Scar and White Pike.

In the sunshine on Caw - there was a cool breeze on the top today though

White Pike and White Maiden beyond Pikes, the next objective

The lowering sun gives some texture to the Scafells

...and the Coniston fells.

Panoramic Duddon Valley.

Esk Pike and Bow Fell.

Haycock, Scoat Fell and Wasdale Red Pike. The left central ridge is Illgill Head with Yewbarrow to the right and Harter Fell in the foreground.

A final view of Scafell and Scafell Pike on the descent from Green Pikes.

Wansfell Pike

Walked on 12/01/2007

Start point: Ambleside (NY 376 043)

Wansfell Pike from Ambleside

Distance: 2 miles Total Ascent: 390 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 15 minutes

Weather: Wild and windy with showers. 11°C

Once again I called off a planned longer walk today; if anything it was even wilder than yesterday. I headed for Wansfell Pike above Ambleside, somewhere that appeared to be out of the clouds at least. Once past Stockghyll Force and onto the open fellside, the wind was ferocious, so it was up and down at full pace with no hanging around. Needless to say, it was quiet up there today!

Weir on Stock Ghyll.

Stockghyll Force.

After the walk past Stockghyll Force, it was touch and go whether I continued up to Wansfell Pike as the conditions were that bad - lashing down with rain and strong winds. If I didn't have the dogsters (Angus-ster and Casper-ster...Max and Paddy anyone?!) with me, then I definitely wouldn't have bothered! Remember that behind every photo of Angus looking windswept, there is a person behind the camera (me!). I was struggling to stay on my feet on the summit, never mind take a photo! Here's a couple of shaky shots, I hope they convey the conditions today...

Hair blown off Angus?

Aaggghhhhh!

Phew, that's better - getting down a bit. Looking over Ambleside to Loughrigg Fell with Rydal Water and Grasmere in view.

Low Pike and Red Screes, Angus and Casper a-blur.

Loughrigg Fell over Ambleside

Descending through the trees.

Looking back to Wansfell Pike.

Red Screes from Stock Ghyll.

Back to Stockghyll Force looking over the top of the falls.

Stockghyll Force.

Great Intake

Walked on 11/01/2007

Start point: Little Langdale (NY 316 034)

Little Langdale – Slaters Bridge – Great Intake on Low Fell – Slaters Bridge – Little Langdale

Distance: 3.3 miles Total Ascent: 250 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 30 minutes

Weather: Wild and windy with showers. 9°C

I had envisaged going for a longer walk today but the conditions were a bit off putting for walking the high fells to say the least – the wind was howling and the driving rain put paid to thoughts of any longer walks. Instead, I had a shorter walk around Tilberthwaite, heading up to Great Intake which is a relatively small fell yet one which commands fine views.