Holme Fell

Walked on 10/01/2007

Start point: Hodge Close (NY 315 016)

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

Weather: Sunny spells with a cold wind on the top. 6°C

It certainly got cooler overnight and there was snow evident on the higher fells today. The wind was an icy blast for our short walk to Holme Fell and there was the occasional sunny spell to brighten things up. This was nothing more than a short sprint but was useful for checking out conditions elsewhere for a longer walk tomorrow.

Holme Fell from one of the reservoirs to the north.

Looking across to the Howgills nearly 30 miles away

There's snow on Helvellyn, Nethermost Pike and Dollywagon Pike.

Red Screes.

Fairfield.

Angus.

The Langdale Pikes looking gloomy

Coniston Water.

Casper manages to catch some winter sunshine.

Wetherlam.

Angus and Casper on Holme Fell.

Sunshine on the reservoir brightens it all up a bit.

Blea Rigg

Walked on 09/01/2007

Start point: Grasmere (NY 337 074)

Grasmere – Easedale – Easedale Tarn – Blea Rigg – Silver How – Grasmere

Distance: 9 miles Total Ascent: 650 metres Time Taken: 3 hours 40 minutes.

Weather: Windy and surprisingly warm. 11°C

The cobwebs were well and truly blown off today for my first long walk of the year. It was good to get out again, even though I knew the weather was not going to be the best. It was more than a bit blustery at times, but at least I never got wet on the deserted central fells today!

It's looking a bit grey over Tarn Crag from Easedale. The falls on Sour Milk are in the centre.

...and looking back to Easedale from the falls.

The falls are in spate today after all he rain of the last week or so.

I had intended crossing Sour Milk Gill here, above the falls, but there was no chance with it being this full. Tarn Crag is in the distance.

A bit of sunshine over the east ridge to Tarn Crag.

Tarn Crag over Easedale Tarn.

No chance of crossing Sourmilk Gill here on the edge of Easedale Tarn either, the stepping stones were completely covered. A change of plan was required!

Looking back to Easedale Tarn to Seat Sandal and Fairfield.

Walking towards Belles Knott.

Codale Tarn, left and Easedale Tarn, right, split by Belles Knott.

As soon as we got onto the Blea Rigg ridge, the wind really whipped up and made walking difficult at times. This is a great view of Harrison Stickle, Pavey Ark and Stickle Tarn but it is hard to convey just how windy it was..

...but Angus can do a pretty good job!

Another view of Codale Tarn and Easedale Tarn from higher up, the eastern fells mainly clear for now.

Easedale Tarn.

On the summit of Blea Rigg.

Lingmoor Fell and Side Pike across Langdale from Blea Rigg, Lingmoor Tarn visible below the summit.

Looking along the ridge to Silver How with Windermere beyond, Elter Water to the right.

Looking across to Seat Sandal and Fairfield.

Great Langdale.

Angus looking into Great Langdale - still doing a great job of showing conditions up here!

Looking to Great Langdale from the large tarn below Lang How.

Water, water, everywhere. Grasmere, Rydal Water, Loughrigg Fell and Windermere.

Fairfield, Great Rigg and Stone Arthur above Grasmere from Silver How.

Angus and Casper on Silver How looking to Windermere.

Looking back to the Langdale Pikes from Silver How with Sergeant Man the distant bump to the right.

Descending to Grasmere through the Juniper trees.

Stickle Pike

Walked on 05/01/2007

Start point: 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: Bright and breezy. 9°C

After another miserable morning, the skies suddenly cleared at lunchtime and it was bright enough for us to get up to that well worn favourite of ours, Stickle Pike. It was fairly windy up there, especially by the tarn but at least we didn’t get wet!

Great Stickle and Stickle Pike

Caw.

Raven's Crag.

A windswept Stickle Tarn.

The 'SS Angus' sets sail!

Caw across Stickle Tarn.

The Knott and Dunnerdale.

Looking across to the Raven's Crag ridge.

This is a steep way we picked Connie!

The summit of Stickle Pike, Green Crag and Harter Fell beyond.

Caw from the southern summit of Stickle Pike. The shadow is Angus, Connie and me!

Casper, Angus and Connie.

Green Crag and Harter Fell across the Duddon Valley.

Silhouetted - Great Stickle, Stickle Pike southern summit and Stickle Pike summit cairn, the Duddon Estuary beyond.

Harter Fell across the Duddon Valley.

An ominous looking Caw.

Low flying aeroplane over the Duddon Valley.

A portrait of Connie.

Hesk Fell.

Sunset in Dunnerdale.

High Dam

Walked on 02/01/2007

High Dam

The weather had completely changed by the time we got out today; this morning was wet and very windy whilst the afternoon turned rather tranquil with a lovely sunset on a short winter’s day. We were just pleased to get out at all and so it seems was everyone else we met up there today – it was packed!

Winter woods on Roger Height.

Casper - winter coat coming on now.

Reflections in Low Dam.

Casper fancies a dip.

Low Dam.

Sky reflections in High Dam.

Here comes the Great Water Otter - Angus!

Angus, Connie and Casper at High Dam. Angus is shivering - I'm not surprised!

The setting sun catches the top of the trees.

Windermere sunset from Lakeside.

Winter evening sun on Gummer's How.

Beacon Fell

Walked on 01/01/2007

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: 2 hours

Weather: Cold and windy. 7oC.

It was nice to be out for the first walk of 2007 up on Beacon Fell today – the last week or so has not been great for weather so we have stuck to low level ones and the highest we have been is up to Stickle Pike with the the whole walk being completely in mist. Connie was spurred on by the thought of the hidden treasure tin once again; this ensures Beacon Fell remains a firm favourite with her!

The Coniston fells across Torver Low Common - clear for now.

Heading for Beacon Fell - looks like Connie is making a dash for it!

Now Casper is waiting for us whilst Angus has a barking session.

Dog-wonder himself!

High Nibthwaite and the southern end of Coniston Water.

The cloud has come down on the higher fells now, Caw remains clear to the left. Immediately prior to this, a huge rain storm passed from Caw along the common - fortunately it missed us!

The family on top of Beacon Fell - Louise, Connie, Casper and Angus. Connie has found the treasure tin (again).

Coniston Water from Beacon Fell.

Black Combe gets a touch of sunshine.

Stickle Pike.

Beacon Tarn - it's too cold for a dip today young lady.

Beacon Tarn again, Wool Knott on the far side.

The cloud is lifting again on the Coniston fells across Torver Low Common - Dow Crag, The Old Man and Wetherlam.

The Old Man and Wetherlam from further along the path.

Monochromatic Coniston.

There is snow on Helvellyn and Fairfield to the north.

Coniston Water from Brown How.

Coniston Round

Walked on 21/12/2006

Start point: Walna Scar road (SD 289 970)

Walna Scar road – Brown Pike – Buck Pike – Dow Crag – Goat’s Hawse – Coniston Old Man – Brim Fell– Levers Hawse – Great How – Grey Friar – Great Carrs – Swirl How – Prison Band – Swirl Hawse –Wetherlam – Red Dell – Boulder Valley – Walna Scar Road

Distance: 11.8 miles Total Ascent: 1320 metres Time Taken: 5 hours

Weather: Cold and windy. 4oC.

That wasn’t supposed to happen! The weather was predicted to be the same as yesterday, blue skies and general loveliness above the clouds – however, rule #1 is there is no accounting for the weather. There was a strong wind and grey skies above the low lying fog with the upper clouds only clearing at the very end of the walk. This was a good long walk on the shortest day of the year and the fells were surprisingly busy today.

Walking along the Walna Scar road, we were quickly above the low lying cloud, here looking to Torver High Common.

At Cove Bridge, it was fairly obvious that this wasn't going to be a still blue sky temperature inversion day. Brown Pike is in the cloud beyond the bridge.

Coniston Old Man, the cloud sticking to the summit.

Once onto the Brown Pike - Buck Pike ridge the icy wind was really blowing up a gale. A fleeting gap in the clouds reveals Harter Fell.

Casper sticking his tongue out to the wind.

Looking back from Dow Crag to Buck Pike.

Descending from Dow Crag, the cloud clinging to Brim Fell.

Clear on The Old Man - for now, anyway!

The mist still hanging in the valleys to the south.

Grey Friar, Great Carrs, Swirl How and Brim Fell - all to be visited today.

Looking south over Goats Water in the lee of Dow Crag.

Looking south, Beacon Fell centre.

Approaching the summit of The Old Man.

The Old Man of Coniston.

The easterly view to the Furness Fells over Low Water shortly before being engulfed in cloud again. It was a cold, strong wind that blew walking along to Brim Fell and beyond.

Levers Water from Little How Crags after walking through the worst of the storm - but it was back into the mist for the climb to Grey Friar then Great Carrs and Swirl How.

Descending Prison Band to Black Sails and Wetherlam from Swirl How.

On the way to Wetherlam, the clouds parted and blue sky and sunshine appeared to the east. Behind, Coniston remained under brooding skies.

Pike o' Stickle from Wetherlam.

Looking north-east over Little Langdale.

The Langdales under a thick blanket of cloud, Blea Tarn centre.

The mist still clinging to the valleys.

Angus.

Casper.

The sky is ever clearing.

Looking back along the furrowed path to Wetherlam.

The southern end of Windermere still under a blanket of cloud.

Red Dell.

Crossing Levers Water Beck.

The Pudding Stone, Boulder Valley.

Looking over Coppermines Valley to Black Sails and Wetherlam.

Hard Knott

Walked on 20/12/2006

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: Clear above the clouds. 4oC.

After the deluge of last week, the weather has taken a turn for the better – at least it has if you can get above the fog that hangs in the lower parts. We had a walk to Hard Knott this morning to see if we could do just that and I think we just timed it right to arrive at the top of Border End. Connie was thrilled to see a great inversion and Brocken Spectres, in fact she classed it as the best walk she had ever done, though I’m sure she has said that before!

On the drive to Hard Knott, it was evident that some of the fog was very low lying with the cold temperatures so the first few shots are taken from car stops.

Early morning Lickle Valley inversion.

The Duddon Valley looking to The Pike and Hesk Fell.

Looking the other way along the Duddon Valley.

When we set off for Border End, it was really cold in the mist. We wondered whether we would get high enough to get above the cloud - it was touch and go...

Here on the summit of Border End there was an eerie light, as though we were on the very edge of the mist.

Suddenly...as if by magic - the parting of the clouds. There is a Brocken Spectre bottom left, just about visible.

The cloud clears - Connie's photo.

Slight Side and Scafell, another Brocken Spectre nearly visible bottom left.

More of the Scafells come into view.

The Scafells - Connie's photo.

Border End - now we can see it.

The sun lights up the clouds looking over to Grey Friar.

Ill Crag.

Esk Pike makes an appearance.

The mist is clearing from Upper Eskdale now.

The Scafell Range.

Esk Pike and Bow Fell.

Mist on Harter Fell.

Next stop, Hard Knott.

The top of Harter Fell appears from behind the clouds.

All clear across Eskdale now.

Esk Pike and Bow Fell.

Bow Fell and Crinkle Crags.

Scafell.

Bow Fell.

Esk Pike.

Casper is enjoying the sunshine.

The head of Eskdale.

Little Stand.

Connie on Hard Knott.

Not forgetting Angus.

A panoramic view of the Scafells from Hard Knott. Select on the image for a larger version.

Lower Eskdale from Hard Knott.

Hard Knott reflection. From Hard Knott, I could see over Wrynose Pass that the Greenburn Valley was also in inversion, so it was worth the short drive to have a look.

Looking to the Eastern fells.

The Tilberthwaite Fells are just about making it through the clouds.

Hard Knott from Wrynose Bottom.

Tarn Hows

Walked on 13/12/2006

Tarn Hows

Water, water everywhere again today and it was blowing a hooley too! This was not a day for the high fells, so instead we took a rather lonely walk around Tarn Hows. The water levels are very high at the moment; Coniston Water looks ready to breach its banks in places.

Coniston Water looking full in the rain - the jetty on the east side of the lake is covered.

Tarn Hows - absolutely deserted today.

The Tarns are looking full as well today - the grass line can be seen beneath the water; normally there is a step down there.

Deserted and dull.

Following Tom Gill.

Tom Gill falls.

Lots of water today.

A raging torrent.

Flash photo for Angus and Casper today - they won't keep still long enough to get a sharp photo in this dull light!

Angus.

Looking across to Holme Fell.

The jetty at Monk Coniston.

Breakers submerging the trees on Coniston Water.

Eycott Hill

Walked on 12/12/2006

Start point: Mungrisdale road verge (NY 368 925)

Mungrisdale – Eycott Hill (503) – Little Eycott Hill (504) – Mungrisdale

Distance: 3.9 miles Total Ascent: 150 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 30 minutes

Weather: Rain. 8oC.

The rivers are swollen, the lakes are full and still it is raining and stormy in the Lake District. I called off a planned higher walk due to the horrible conditions and opted for a smaller, lower walk instead up to Eycott Hill which lies to the east of Mungrisdale.

The heavens were well and truly open and the wind was howling this morning and the going was very boggy. There were also becks to cross and this took a ‘leap of faith’ on a couple of occasions. On the first one, I would have given Bob Beaman a run for his money and I would surely have won the silver medal in the 1968 Olympics with that one. The second was less successful – that would have earned me a place in the synchronised swimming team I think!

Today’s photos were taken with the second reserve camera and were once again a quick draw, point and shoot affair.

An old slate bridge crossing Barrow Beck.

Eycott Hill up to the right.

Looking back to Souther Fell.

Eycott Hill.

Little Eycott Hill.

Casper and Angus - windswept on Eycott Hill.

Great Mell Fell from Eycott Hill.

The wind has picked up even more on Little Eycott Hill!

Carrock Fell from Little Eycott Hill.

Blencathra summit appears over Souther Fell.

Wetherlam

Walked on 08/12/2006

Start point: Tilberthwaite car park (NY 306 010)

Tilberthwaite – Steel Edge – Wetherlam – Wetherlam Edge – Tilberthwaite Gill – Tilberthwaite

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

Weather: Clear at first then clouding. 6oC.

It was nice to see a bit of blue sky after a week of almost constant rain and it did look quite promising early on, but the skies soon darkened to bring things back to normal by lunchtime. This is a firm favourite of mine – a good fell walk that has most of the attributes required to be a good one without being too lengthy…and the main thing was that there wasn’t another soul to be seen.

I couldn’t resist a few shots of the Coniston fells from Torver on the way up there with the early sun illuminating the fells nicely.

Dow Crag and The Old Man.

Wetherlam.

The Old Man of Coniston.

Brown Pike, Buck Pike and Dow Crag. Then it was to the walk from Tilberthwaite...

Crossing Crook Beck.

Steel Edge, the way up to the Wetherlam ridge.

Looking north-east from Steel Edge.

Again looking north-east. To the right of Dunmail Raise are Fairfield and Hart Crag.

Taking a breather on Steel Edge.

The Old Man of Coniston from the southern end of Wetherlam.

Levers Hause, Great How Crags and Swirl How.

Coniston Water.

Looking east to Windermere.

Heading along the Wetherlam ridge, the summit tipped with sunshine.

Looking east from Hen Crag.

The Old Man is covered in cloud now only five minutes after the photo from the southern end above. It was so cold along here...

View from the summit of Wetherlam.

The Langdale Pikes. Below is Blea Tarn whilst higher up is Stickle Tarn beneath the crags of Pavey Ark.

Close up of Pavey Ark and Stickle Tarn.

The Fairfield range with the flat top of Fairfield leading onto Hart Crag.

Looking down onto Loughrigg Fell with Loughrigg Tarn in the foreground.

Blea Tarn and Bleatarn House.

Cold Pike, Crinkle Crags and Bow Fell. Bottom right is Red Tarn.

The Langdale Pikes.

Casper on Wetherlam.

Wetherlam Edge - the way down - with Little Langdale Tarn in view.

Bow Fell and Pike o' Blisco.

Crinkle Crags and Bow Fell get some sun for a minute.

Wetherlam from Tilberthwaite.

Tilberthwaite Gill.

Ullscarf

Walked on 05/12/2006

Start point: Dobgill (NY 316 140)

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

Distance: 6.6 miles Total Ascent: 1087 metres Time Taken: 3 hours 15 minutes

Weather: Rain and hail with some sunny spells. 8oC.

I think we timed it to perfection for this wet walk up to Ullscarf, managing to miss the worst of the weather although we did encounter a particularly vicious hailstorm! All the becks were in spate due to the amount of water that has fallen from the skies and this area remained as boggy as usual. We even managed to see the sun today!

The waterfall on Dob Gill in full force.

Harrop Tarn in the rain.

The Wythburn Fells ridge with the Beacon on the first rise to the left.

Steel End and Steel Fell with Seat Sandal beyond.

The Helvellyn ridge across Thirlmere from the Beacon.

A heavy hailstorm after it passed over us (ouch!) with the sun closely following behind it.

Casper on Wythburn Fell.

Looking towards Ullscarf - blue sky!

Dollywagon Pike and Seat Sandal beyond Steel Fell.

Wythburn Fell catches the sunshine.

Wyth Burn below in spate looking to Calf Crag beyond.

Fairfield has come out of the clouds beyond Seat Sandal now.

So has the Helvellyn range on the climb to Ullscarf.

The Helvellyn ridge.

Steel Fell and Helm Crag with Grasmere visible.

Heading for Ullscarf.

Helvellyn.

Seat Sandal and Fairfield.

All clear...for now, that is.

A wet and windy Ullscarf.

Derwent Water and Bassenthwaite Lake with a clear view of Skiddaw from the Ullscarf ridge.

Descending back to Thirlmere Forest.

Mosshause Gill.

Back to Harrop Tarn.

Blawith Knott

Walked on 01/12/2006

Start point: Woodland Fell road (SD 256 879)

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

Distance: 2 miles Total Ascent: 245 metres Time Taken: 1 hour

Weather: Sunny. 11oC.

It was the first time we have had any sunshine for ages today, but it appeared only on the very edge of the Lake District. Looking further north it still looked a bit grim, so we had a walk to the pleasant outliers of Blawith Knott and Tottlebank Height. The camera maladies of earlier in the week are all sorted out now, so it’s business as usual!

Blawith Knott across Subberthwaite Common.

Dunnerdale from the Giant's Grave.

Heading for Blawith Knott.

Stickle Pike and the Dunnerdale Fells.

Close up on Stickle Pike.

Caw.

The view from the summit of Blawith Knott.

Angus and Casper basking in the sunshine on Blawith Knott.

Tottlebank Height - the route is over to the tarn first.

Beacon Fell.

The higher fells are not getting any decent weather - here the Coniston fells are covered in cloud.

A nice place for a swim in the un-named tarn for these two.

At the end of the walk, the sun was suddenly switched off! Looks like we'd had our quota for the day (or week!). Here, the merest glimpse of Coniston Water can be seen beyond Beacon Fell.

Devoke Water

Walked on 29/11/2006

Start point: Birker Fell road (SD 171 977)

Birker Fell Road – Devoke Water – Seat How (Birker Moor) (OF) – Birker Fell Road

Weather: Overcast. 11oC

It was very gloomy yet again this morning with the cloud hanging low over the fells. This short and easy walk is a good one which is not too far from the beaten track. There was, however, a sting in the tail for me at the end of this one – read on for details…

Like it large? Have a look at this and see what you think. Which is better, large or standard?

Seat How with a gloomy looking White Pike behind.

Devoke Water looks so cold today - not like when we were here in July.

The old Boathouse and Water Crag.

Someone's been for a swim despite the conditions.

Climbing to Seat How.

Angus and Casper on Seat How.

Rough Crag. Shortly after this photo, I managed to slip on some rocks and banged the camera hard on them - and that, as they say, was that (for the camera that is...RIP!).

Harter Fell

Walked on 24/11/2006

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: Rain. 6oC.

The weather worsened throughout the walk today, starting off as rain with the cloud quickly closing in on the summit. There was a stiff breeze on the top too and it felt decidedly wintry. Shame about the lack of views!

Birks Bridge rapids. The distant pyramid is Bow Fell, visible for the only time today as the cloud soon came in to cover it. Some more shots of the rapids...

Looking to a misty Wrynose Bottom, Castle How centre.

Looking down on Birks from the climb up to Harter Fell.

Angus.

Casper.

A misty summit of Harter Fell - Casper certainly seemed to enjoy it rolling around up there!

A grey Grey Friar on the descent.

Autumn colours in the decimated Dunnerdale Forest.

Birks Bridge.

Stickle Pike

Walked on 23/11/2006

Start point: 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: 30 minutes

Weather: Overcast with brief sunny spells, wind and rain. 11oC.

The wind was blowing strongly this lunchtime and the weather was changing quickly throughout the walk up to Stickle Pike – a constant rain, sun, dull cycle. That didn’t stop Angus and Casper having a good run and a swim though…

Looking to Harter Fell across the Duddon Valley with golden sunshine, dramatic sky and a rainbow!

Caw.

Angus on the summit of Stickle Pike.

Casper showing just how windy it was up there!

Looking across Dunnerdale to Raven Crag and The Knott.

On the summit of Stickle Pike.

The Duddon Estuary beyond the silhouette of Great Stickle.

Stickle Tarn.

Fleetingly, the surroundings of Stickle Tarn are golden.

Even Harter Fell caught some sunshine.

Stickle Pike over Stickle Tarn.

Caw in the sun this time - that looks like someone on the summit too.

The Nab

Walked on 22/11/2006

Start point: Hartsop (NY 410 130)

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

Distance: 8.9 miles Total Ascent: 1178 metres Time Taken: 3 hours 35 minutes

Weather: Overcast, turning to rain. 6oC.

I thought we might be up in the snow today, but that has all gone apart from a smattering on the highest fells; today it was cold but the precipitation was rain. The day started off promising enough but soon ended up being a bit miserable. We managed to catch sight of a distant herd of Red Deer in Martindale Deer Forest which was a nice sight, but I don’t think Angus and Casper were too bothered.

Gray Crag from the walk along Hayeswater Gill.

Looking along Pasture Bottom to Threshwaite Mouth.

Hartsop Dodd from the climb up to Brock Crags.

Pasture Bottom from higher up.

Gray Crag with Hayeswater now in view. Above Hayeswater is High Street. At the bottom of the photo is the filter house which marks the start of the zigzags to Brock Crags.

Brothers Water and the Hartsop above How ridge from Brock Crags. Behind with a sprinkling of snow is Dove Crag, Hart Crag and Fairfield.

Saint Sunday Crag and the Helvellyn ridge.

'I want to be adored'.

Angletarn Pikes beyond Angle Tarn, Place Fell behind.

Gray Crag again - this time the cloud was pouring over Threshwaite Mouth; this spelled the beginning of the end for the fine weather.

Bannerdale, The Nab to the right.

The Nab, the many loathsome peat hags evident. Beyond is Loadpot Hill with the merest glimpse of Ullswater.

Heading for the summit of The Nab. This is the preferred route walkers are now asked to follow - out and back along the ridge.

Rest Dodd from The Nab.

Having a rest on The Nab - where are all the deer? The greying skies over Rest Dodd show the weather worsening and it was now raining. The steep climb up to Rest Dodd and then over to The Knott was done in rain and mist - so no photos of that section! When we reached the wall that can be seen above Casper's head, we caught a glimpse of the Red Deer herd down below in Ramps Gill.

Rest Dodd from the descent of The Knott.

Rest Dodd and The Nab.

Hayeswater Dam.

Hayeswater Gill. The final sting in the tail for this walk was the herd of bulls standing between us and Hartsop shortly after we crossed the bridge (as any dog owner knows, dogs are cow and bull magnets!). Lots of shouting and fervent waving of arms ensured we survived that one unscathed!

Beacon Fell

Walked on 16/11/2006

Start point: At the end of the minor road from Brown Howe (SD 281 916)

Beacon Fell (OF) from Tottle Bank

Distance: 2 miles Total Ascent: 200 metres Time Taken: 1 hour

Weather: Showery. 9oC.

Where to today then? It certainly looked grey and miserable again this morning and I didn’t fancy getting another soaking like yesterday, so lowly Beacon Fell it was. Always a delight to climb this one and we (mostly) kept out of the rain.

Looking across Torver Low Common to the Coniston Fells, a thick layer of cloud covering them.

Brown Pike, Buck Pike and Dow Crag covered in cloud.

The Old Man of Coniston.

Beacon Fell.

Coniston Water from the climb up to Beacon Fell.

Casper in the heather.

'Tonight Matthew, I'm going to be Rod Stewart'.

Coniston Water from the summit.

The Coniston fells.

Two hardy souls braving the wind.

Looking across a red carpet to the saw tooth Dunnerdale Fells and Caw.

Beacon Tarn.

Looks a bit chilly for a swim.

Angus sets sail for Wool Knott.

The cloud lifting slightly on Wetherlam - it was soon back down though.

Cascades on Black Beck.

Finsthwaite Heights

Walked on 14/11/2006

Start point: High Dam car park (SD 369 882)

Finsthwaite Heights (OF) and High Dam

Distance: 2 miles Total Ascent: 150 metres Time Taken: 1 hour

Weather: Overcast with showers. 11oC.

We had a short, low level walk today up to the lovely High Dam and to Finsthwaite Heights. The trees are resplendent in golden glory at the moment making this walk in an already attractive area even more so.

Autumnal beck.

Thought I'd better get a shot of these two...

...newly scrubbed and cleaned. How long will it last?

Low Dam.

High Dam.

All is golden from Finsthwaite Heights, looking through the gap in the trees to Red Screes.

Angus has seen something - a deer perhaps?

Gummer's How across Windermere.

Autumn on Staveley Fell looking across Lakeside.

Moving water.

Green Quarter

Walked on 13/11/2006

Start point: Verge parking at Green Quarter, Kentmere (NY 461 040)

Green Quarter – Skeggles Water – Cocklaw Fell (500) – nameless summit – Green Quarter

Distance: 3.5 miles Total Ascent: 308 metres Time Taken: 1 hours 30 minutes

Weather: Showers and windy. 12oC.

There was much rain in Kentmere today with showers constantly blowing in with the strong wind. It was nice to see the Autumn colours up there today, although navigation is a bit hit and miss at times in this area with all the fences and walls.

Looking back at the start of the bridleway from Green Quarter.

Kentmere Tarn.

Looking over Kentmere to the Garburn Pass.

Autumn in Kentmere, Yoke and Ill Bell behind.

Kentmere in the sunshine.

Skeggles Water.

Lovely golden hues on Hollow Moor.

Rainbow over Cocklaw Fell.

Angus (almost) at the end of the rainbow.

Windswept Angus.

Looking to Upper Kentmere with the Kentmere Horseshoe fells surrounding it.

Angus and Casper lie in the golden grass.

Kentmere Pike and Shipman Knotts.

Raven Crag catches some rays.

Upper Kentmere, Kentmere Reservoir just visible.

Shipman Knotts.

Sallows, the Garburn Pass and Yoke above Kentmere.

Coledale Round

Walked on 06/11/2006

Start point: Braithwaite (NY 227 237)

Braithwaite – Kinn – Grisedale Pike – Hobcarton Head – Hopegill Head – Sand Hill – Coledale Hause – Crag Hill – Sail – Scar Crags – Causey Pike – Outerside – Stile End – Barrow – Braithwaite

Distance: 11 miles Total Ascent: 1430 metres Time Taken: 4 hours 35 minutes

Weather: Initially dull and cool turning to blue skies and sunshine. 12oC.

It was certainly a day of two halves today – the ascent to Grisedale Pike was done under dull skies with an increasingly cold wind that lasted until the descent of Sail when the skies ahead suddenly started clearing to reveal blue skies and sunshine. It wasn’t quite what we had last week, but I wasn’t complaining – it could have been much worse.

Skiddaw from the climb up to Kinn.

Looking across Coledale to Barrow and Causey Pike.

The steep ascent to Grisedale Pike.

...and from further up.

Sail and Crag Hill at the head of Coledale, Force Crag mine workings below.

Looking back along the eastern ridge used to climb Grisedale Pike.

Sand Hill and Hopegill Head.

Crag Hill.

Looking back to Grisedale Pike from Hobcarton Head.

Whiteside from Hopegill Head, Crummock Water and Mellbreak in view to the left.

Casper on Hopegill Head.

Looking across Coledale Hause to Crag Hill, the path used in ascent leads off to the right.

Outerside and Causey Pike.

'She'll carry on through it all, she's a waterfall...'

Sunrays over High Snockrigg and Wandope.

The sun lights up Outerside from a misty Crag Hill summit.

Angus shows how windy it was on Crag Hill. It was a cold blast too.

More sunrays on Knott Rigg.

As if by magic...blue sky and sun appear descending from Sail towards Scar Crags. Outerside, Stile End and Barrow are the three peaks in the centre with the bulk of Skiddaw and Blencathra beyond.