Gummer’s How

Walked on 25/10/2006

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

Weather: Overcast and cool. 9oC.

It is school half-term once more, so it was a shorter walk today with a visit to one of our favourites, Gummer’s How. It was a typical Autumn day with it being rather cool and dull yet really quite clear with views to a distant Skiddaw. It was nice to get out early enough to have this lovely place (and views) all to ourselves – Connie and the boys certainly enjoyed it.

Connie has a bit of a scramble on the way to Gummer's How.

Made it!

The early mist was still hanging around over Windermere and in some of the low lying valleys.

The cloud hanging over the Fairfield group of fells beyond Latterbarrow with Red Screes to the right.

Red Screes.

The mist is hanging over Esthwaite Water. The furthest fells visible are Skiddaw and Lonscale Fell, 25 miles distant.

These three pals seem to be enjoying the morning.

Boats on Windermere.

A panoramic view of Windermere.

Angus and Casper.

Angus has spotted something down below.

It was cool, but nice enough to sit down for a while.

Looking south-west to Lakeside, the River Leven and Furness beyond.

The Coniston fells with a thick band of cloud across the highest tops.

Gummer's How.

Bow Fell

Walked on 17/10/2006

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

Old Dungeon Ghyll – Rossett Gill – Rossett Pike – Angle Tarn – Esk Hause – Esk Pike – Bow Fell – Three Tarns – The Band – Old Dungeon Ghyll

Distance: 10.1 miles Total Ascent: 1086 metres Time Taken: 4 hours 30 minutes

Weather: Generally overcast with long, sunny spells and a warm 18oC.

Today was another overcast day initially but the low lying mist seemed to lift by the time I reached the head of Rossett Gill and indeed it was a sunny and pleasant day to the north and from there until Ore Gap conditions were great. Heading up to Bow Fell and from then on, the mist descended and visibility was reduced somewhat. The resurgence of Angus continues unabated as he tackled another rough, long walk with consummate ease.

A welcoming party to a misty Mickleden.

The Langdale Pikes shrouded in mist.

The mist was starting to lift as I walked beneath them.

Pike o' Stickle.

Mickleden.

The mist was almost gone as I approached Rossett Gill.

Bow Fell to the left and Rossett Pike to the right.

Stake Gill.

Rossett Gill and Rossett Pike.

Rossett Pike from the top of Rossett Pass.

The Langdales back in mist from Rossett Pike.

You keep a look out that way, I'll look this way...on Rossett Pike.

Bow Fell from Rossett Pike.

Esk Pike across Angle Tarn.

Angle Tarn.

Glaramara.

Great End.

Kirk Fell and Pillar through the gap between Great End and Great Gable.

Allen Crags from Esk Hause, the cross shelter to the lower right.

Allen Crags and Glaramara from the climb to Esk Pike.

Ill Crag from Esk Pike.

Looking across Sprinkling Tarn to Seathwaite Fell; Great Gable, Green Gable and Base Brown are beyond.

Looking along the River Esk and Great Moss, overlooked by Slight Side, Scafell and Scafell Pike with Esk Buttress and Pen in the centre distance.

Bow Fell appears from the mist, it was back under cover by the time I arrived.

Angus and Casper in the sunshine on Esk Pike.

Looking back to Esk Pike from the climb to Bow Fell.

Up and over a misty Bow Fell and back down to Three Tarns, a lovely spot with a great view of the Scafell range beyond.

Browney Gill from The Band.

Still a bit misty over Mickleden but The Langdale Pikes are clear of cloud now.

It's not just good, it's golden - Lingmoor Fell.

The Band.

Coniston Old Man

Walked on 16/10/2006

Start point: Walna Scar road (SD 289 970)

Walna Scar car park – Goat’s Hawse – Goat’s Water – The Old Man of Coniston – Walna Scar car park

Distance: 4.5 miles Total Ascent: 570 metres Time Taken: 2 hours 15 minutes

Weather: Dull and misty. 12oC.

It was a dull day today, I had hopes that the mist might disappear and bring out the sun but no such luck. This is a quick and easy round of The Old Man with the ascent being gentle and the descent being direct with only the misty conditions to spoil it.

A misty start looking over The Bell to Wetherlam.

The Old Man looking browned off.

Rounding Goat Crag, Dow Crag ahead.

Spoil heaps on the western face of The Old Man.

Goat's Water comes into view.

Casper.

Goat's Water.

Warm enough for a dip.

Looking back to Goat's Water on the way to Goat's Hawse.

Dow Crag.

Angus.

The sun shines briefly over Grey Friar. Over in the Eskdale Valley (unseen in this photo) it looked as though there was a temperature inversion.

Approaching the summit of The Old Man.

The Old Man of Coniston.

Looking to Brim Fell.

Low Water and Levers Water from the summit.

The summit cairn.

Angus and Casper on the descent.

Riggindale Round

Walked on 09/10/2006

Start point: Mardale Head (NY 469 107)

Mardale Head – The Rigg – Rough Crag (Riggindale) – Caspel Gate – Long Stile – High Street – Straits of Riggindale – Rampsgill Head – Kidsty Pike – High Raise (497) – Low Raise (498) – Castle Crag (Mardale) (499) – The Rigg – Mardale Head

Distance: 10.2 miles Total Ascent: 1085 metres Time Taken: 4 hours 15 minutes

Weather: Sunny, a glorious Autumn day. 16oC.

I nearly never bothered today, it was wet and miserable first thing this morning but a chance hearing of the weather report on the radio made me get out as it was supposedly brightening during the day. I could hardly believe my luck as I reached Mardale, for the sun was shining and the skies were blue. This was a really enjoyable round (helped by the weather of course!) taking the direct route to High Street via Rough Crag, walking along the Roman Road, trying and failing to spot the Riggindale Golden Eagles and finishing off on the ancient British Fort on Castle Crag above Haweswater.

The ridge route for today's walk over Rough Crag and up to High Street, here seen over Haweswater.

Harter Fell at the head of Mardale.

Mardale Ill Bell.

Mardale Beck in spate, as were all the watercourses in the area due to recent heavy rain.

Harter Fell from The Rigg.

Looking across Haweswater to Lady's Seat and Castle Crag, the route used in descent from Low Raise later.

Riggindale and the Mardale skyline.

Haweswater from the steep climb to Rough Crag.

Mardale Waters from the Rough Crag ridge - Small Water is in the cirque to the left, Blea Water in the one to the right.

Some warm Autumn sunshine on Rough Crag for Casper and Angus.

Blea Water, High Street above.

Looking across Riggindale to Kidsty Pike.

Haweswater Reservoir and Mardale from Rough Crag - Golden Eagles nest on the crags here, the only pair in England. The valley was flooded in the 1930's to create a reservoir for Manchester and the village of Mardale was lost under the water forever.

Long Stile leading to High Street over Caspel Gate.

Looking back to Rough Crag, Branstree in view over the tarn.

Rough Crag from Long Stile.

A sparkling Blea Water, Harter Fell beyond.

Looking along Riggindale to Mardale.

The summit of High Street, deserted today.

Looking south-west to the Coniston fells in the distance, Red Screes and the Fairfield group in the middle distance.

A closer shot of Fairfield. Great Gable and the Scafell range are in the left distance.

The shadows of the three amigos looking to Hayeswater.

...and the uncluttered version.

Walking along the Roman Road to the Straits of Riggindale.

Kidsty Pike from Twopenny Crag.

Ramps Gill from Rampsgill Head, The Nab to the left.

The eastern fells from Rampsgill Head.

We could hear the bellowing of the stags in Martindale Deer Forest below - they certainly caught the attention of Angus.

Where Eagles Dare - Angus on Kidsty Pike, well known perch of the Golden Eagles.

Looking across to the Helvellyn massif from the path to High Raise.

Fairfield from High Raise, Great Gable on the distant right.

Helvellyn from High Raise. Striding Edge is the ridge in the centre with Swirral Edge and Catstycam to the right.

The rock littered summit of High Raise.

The tumulus and cairn on Low Raise.

Haweswater from Lady's Seat and the magnificently situated ancient British fort atop Castle Crag in the foreground.

Whelter Bottom from Castle Crag.

Haweswater from the ruins of the fort.

Still lots of sunshine for the boys to soak up.

Crossing Randale Beck.

Corney Fell

Walked on 08/10/2006

Start point: Corney Fell road (SD 150 896)

Corney Fell road – Buck Barrow – Kinmont Buck Barrow – Great Paddy Crag – Corney Fell road

Distance: 2.5 miles Total Ascent: 200 metres Time Taken: 1 hour

Weather: Generally overcast. 14oC.

Just a short, late afternoon onto Corney fell today, climbing three rocky turrets which are really quite exposed due to their position of proximity to the west coast of Cumbria – the wind fairly howls off the sea here! The sun came out at odd intervals with some nice illumination on the sea and all in all, this was a pleasant – and easy going – walk.

Today's objectives - Kinmont Buck Barrow, Great Paddy Crag and Buck Barrow.

Kinmont Buck Barrow.

The sun lights up Stickle Pike and the Dunnerdale Fells.

Great Paddy Crag ahead - we veered right to Buck Barrow and returned over Great Paddy Crag.

Whitfell from Buck Barrow.

Kirk Fell picks up the sun 12 miles to the north-east with the silhouette of Scafell to the right beyond Whitfell.

The Scafell range over Whitfell.

The sunrays illuminate the Irish Sea.

Casper, tongue a-wagging!

Angus - his hair is growing and he's nearly ready for winter now!

Its exposed on Kinmont Buck Barrow, the wind blowing straight off the sea.

Looking to Ravenglass and the River Esk as it winds its way seaward. The Eskmeals Viaduct is visible carrying the railway line across the river and further along the coast is Sellafield nuclear power station.

The fell view from Kinmont Buck Barrow.

Black Combe.

These two have spotted something down below.

Kinmont Buck Barrow from Great Paddy Crag.

Blawith Knott

Walked on 04/10/2006

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: Overcast with showers. 16oC.

It has been bucketing down with rain for the last 24 hours in the South Lakes, but we managed to find a clear hour for a short walk up to Blawith Knott. The autumn brown bracken and coppery colours are obvious now and make a change from the uniform green of summer. Anyone up on the Coniston fells today would have had a mixed day of weather as I could see the clouds constantly lift and then close in on them from this great viewpoint.

Heading for Blawith Knott.

Clouds over the Coniston fells.

Caw.

Stickle Pike.

Beacon Fell.

The Duddon Estuary.

Angus.

Casper.

Black Combe from the top of Blawith Knott.

Looking north-east from the summit cairn.

On to Tottlebank Height and the clouds are lifting over Coniston.

The merest glimpse of Coniston Water to the right of Beacon Fell.

Coniston Old Man and Wetherlam are all clear now.

Wetherlam.

Coniston Old Man.

Dow Crag.

Angus on Tottlebank Height.

The Dodds

Walked on 29/09/2006

Start point: Dockray, adjacent to the bridge. (NY 393 215)

Dockray – Bracken How (492) – Round How (493) – Common Fell – Watermillock Common –Swineside Knott – Brown Hills – Birkett Fell – Hart Side – White Stones on Green Side – Stybarrow Dodd – Watson’s Dodd – Great Dodd – Little Dodd (St John’s Common) (494) – Calfhow Pike (495) –Clough Head (496) – Dockray

Distance: 13.4 miles Total Ascent: 1156 metres Time Taken: 4 hours 45 minutes

Weather: Overcast, rain later. 14oC.

Another grey day today with just the odd glimmer of sunshine and heavy rain at the end. This is quite a long circuit but relatively easy going across boggy grass. I visited a couple of small tops at the beginning of the walk that I had never been to before which offered great views over Ullswater with little effort. It was very quiet up there though, and we never saw a single soul all day.

About the only blue sky of the day over Great Mell Fell, from Bracken How.

Common Fell from Round How. The bracken is turning brown now.

Sunrays over Ullswater looking to Place Fell.

Great Dodd from Common Fell.

Casper having a rest on Swineside Knott.

Looking to the head of Ullswater.

Brown Hills from Watermillock Common.

Ullswater.

Angus and Casper above Ullswater.

Looking over to Place Fell.

Sheffield Pike.

Catstycam appears from the mist.

You can't miss Birkett Fell with its name plaque set in the cairn. Named after Baron Birkett, KC MP, an early advocate of National Parks and a fierce opposer to Manchester Corporation's attempts to take water from Ullswater. He also went to the same school as me (though he wasn't in my class, I hasten to add!).

Angus on Hart Side, Stybarrow Dodd behind.

Looking down Stanah Gill on Stybarrow Dodd to Thirlmere.

Great Dodd from Stybarrow Dodd.

High Rigg and St John's in the Vale from Watson's Dodd. Beyond is Keswick, Bassenthwaite Lake, Dodd and Skiddaw (in mist).

Thirlmere from Watson's Dodd.

The wind was howling across Watson's Dodd.

A retrospective view from Great Dodd - in the distance is the pointed Catstycam with Helvellyn in cloud. Centre left is Stybarrow Dodd with Watson's Dodd to the right.

Skiddaw from Little Dodd. Below is the next objective, the spur of Calfhow Pike.

Angus has spotted the rain coming on our final summit, Clough Head - the end of the Helvellyn massif.

Blencathra from Clough Head. Now it was time to put on the jacket and put the camera away for a very damp descent to the Old Coach Road and a wet trudge back to Dockray.

Robinson

Walked on 27/09/2006

Start point: Chapel Bridge, Little Town (NY 232 194)

Little Town – High Snab Bank – Robinson (487) – High Snockrigg (488) – Newlands Hause – Knott Rigg (489) – Ill Crag (490) – Ard Crags (491) – Chapel Bridge – Little Town

Distance: 10.5 miles Total Ascent: 950 metres Time Taken: 4 hours 30 minutes

Weather: Overcast. 16oC.

I wasn’t holding out much hope for the weather today as it was very grey and looked a certainty for rain – as it was I thought we faired pretty well as the rain held off for the whole round. This is a great way to reach the summit of Robinson and the views were good from there, even the high winds couldn’t spoil that.

Scope End, left, with Robinson on the right. High Snab Bank, the ridge used in ascent can be seen in the foreground of Robinson.

Newlands Church.

Robinson and High Snab Bank, High Snab is the farm building to the right.

Little Dale and Robinson from the steep climb up to High Snab Bank.

Wandope, Crag Hill and Sail behind Ard Crags (to be climbed on the return leg) above Keskadale Farm.

Casper has a rest on High Snab Bank - that was a steep climb!

Robinson ahead from High Snab Bank.

Hindscarth above Little Dale.

Robinson from Blea Crags.

Derwent Water, Cat Bells, Maiden Moor and Scope End from Robinson.

Deep Gill and Littledale Edge.

Angus and Casper on the summit of Robinson.

Crummock Water and Rannerdale Knotts with Mellbreak and Loweswater beyond.

High Crag and High Stile in and out of the mist across Buttermere.

Grasmoor and Crag Hill beyond Whiteless Pike and Wandope.

Looking across Buttermere Common to High Snockrigg.

Buttermere village below with Mellbreak and Loweswater beyond Crummock Water and Rannerdale Knotts.

It was windy on High Snockrigg...

...very windy!

Knott Rigg across Newlands Hause.

Moss Force.

The waterfall from further up.

Crag Hill and Sail from Ill Crag.

Ard Crags ahead.

The sun shines on the Newlands Valley and Catbells.

Hindscarth and Robinson from Ard Crags.

The same view from further along the valley.

Robinson.

Lowick High Common

Walked on 21/09/2006

Start point: Parkgate (SD 271 842)

Lowick High Common (Kirkby Moor)

Distance: 2 miles Total Ascent: 160 metres Time Taken: 1 hour

Weather: Sunny and warm. 23oC.

It was a day of contrasts today – yesterday I was at the northernmost reach of the Lake District National Park in wind and rain, today I was just beyond the southern boundary in hot sunshine. Lowick High Common is more commonly called Kirkby Moor and the summit is classed as a ‘Marilyn’. There are lots of windmills on top of Kirkby Moor and there is still a working slate quarry. It was a shame about the haziness though as it spoilt the views a little.

Coniston Water from the climb to Kirkby Moor.

A hazy view of the Coniston fells - Dow Crag, The Old Man and Wetherlam.

Great Burney.

Angus in the heather.

Casper.

Black Combe across the Duddon Estuary.

The summit of Kirkby Moor.

Plenty of windmills up here.

The Leven Estuary with The Hoad in silhouette against the bright sunshine.

The Uldale Fells

Walked on 20/09/2006

Start point: Longlands (NY 266 358)

Longlands – Brae Fell (484) – Little Sca Fell – Great Sca Fell – Knott – Frozen Fell – Burn Tod – Trusmadoor – Great Cockup – Meal Fell – Lowthwaite Fell (485) – Longlands Fell (486) – Longlands

Distance: 9.75 miles Total Ascent: 970 metres Time Taken: 3 hours 45 minutes

Weather: Very windy with showers. 16oC.

What a day! I passed through major rainstorms throughout the central Lake District to find it fairly clear behind Skiddaw. The tail end of Hurricane Gordon hit while we were up there today though, with very high winds and showers. Although it is usually relatively easy going, the fells being grassy and most unlike other fells in Lakeland, today the wind made the going much tougher.

The Uldale fells are known as ‘The Back o’ Skiddaw’ and are on the northernmost boundary of the Lake District. They certainly are off the beaten track and we completed this circuit without even catching sight of a single soul.

Longlands Fell from the bridleway. This was the last fell of the round later on.

The wind started to pick up during the ascent of Brae Fell and the sun was fleeting in and out. Casper has a look north over to Aughertree Fell with a ghostly figure behind...

It was soooo windy on the summit of Brae Fell. Casper and Angus are lying low - looks like Angus is in the right place, sheltering behind Casper.

Brae Fell.

The weather was not really conducive to taking photos - here is a quick shot of the way ahead to Little Sca Fell up to the right - taken full on into the wind. I could hardly stand up!

Looking back to a sunlit Brae Fell from Little Sca Fell.

Lowthwaite Fell and Longlands Fell from Little Sca Fell. In the distant left are Over Water and Binsey.

Heading to a mist covered Knott from Great Sca Fell.

Still windy and no view on the summit of Knott.

Angus fancies a walk over to Great Calva I think, but it's not on our route today.

The Uldale Fells from Burn Tod.

The sun fleeting in and out again on the steep descent of Burn Tod, here looking to the gap of Trusmadoor. Looking at this photo, it appears to be a nice day; I can assure you it was anything but! The strong wind made every step difficult.

Great Cockup, our next target.

Looking into Frozenfell Gill with Great Sca Fell at its head.

A broody looking Skiddaw from Great Cockup. Skiddaw never came from beneath this cloud blanket all day and it seemed to shelter these northern fells from the worst of the weather.

Meal Fell from the descent of Great Cockup with Little Sca Fell and Great Sca Fell beyond.

Having a rest in the wind shelter on Meal Fell.

Looking into a sunlit Frozenfell Gill.

Rainbow over Brae Fell from Little Sca Fell. The rain was in now, blowing fiercely from behind.

Heading for Longlands Fell from Lowthwaite Fell.

Charlton Gill and Brae Fell during a brief intermission from the rain - it is coming back in from the top right again, though.

Looking over Longlands from the descent of Longlands Fell, Aughertree Fell behind.

Hard Knott

Walked on 15/09/2006

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: 1 hour 15 minutes

Weather: Clear. 20oC.

It was a lovely morning and a welcome sight after the miserable rain of yesterday. We had a walk to Border End and Hard Knott which give fine views of Eskdale and the Scafells. Angus and Casper had a swim in one or two of the mountain tarns and after a visit to the Roman fort, another swim (or bath!) in the River Duddon on the way home.

Eskdale, looking to the west Cumbrian coast from Border End.

Harter Fell.

Esk Pike and Bow Fell.

The Scafell range.

The same view overlooking Upper Eskdale. The Eskdale Needle is centre right.

Angus and Casper with England's highest fells behind.

Esk Pike and Bow Fell, the Eskdale Needle again visible bottom centre.

Slight Side and Scafell.

Esk Pike.

Scafell Pike, Broad Crag and Ill Crag across Great Moss and in front of them Pen and Esk Buttress.

Ill Crag, Esk Pike and Upper Eskdale.

Harter Fell across one of the many mountain tarns around Hard Knott.

Harter Fell from the summit of Hard Knott.

Esk Pike, Bow Fell and Crinkle Crags from Hard Knott.

Casper and Angus have a lie down in the grass and soak up the warm sunshine.

Little Stand and Wrynose Pass.

Another close up of Esk Pike, this time from Hard Knott.

Bow Fell.

Scafell Pike, the summit cairn clearly visible today.

Angus fancies a swim in this mirror-like tarn on Hard Knott. A short way down the other side of the Hardknott Pass lies Mediobogdum, the ruins of a Roman fort occupied between A.D. 100-110 to A.D. 125-135.

Border End from the east gate of the fort.

Harter Fell and the fort.

The Langdale Pikes

Walked on 11/09/2006

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

New Dungeon Ghyll – Sergeant Man – High Raise – Thunacar Knott – Pavey Ark – Harrison Stickle –Pike O’Stickle – Loft Crag – Thorn Crag – New Dungeon Ghyll

Distance: 8.1 miles Total Ascent: 1047 metres Time Taken: 4 hours

Weather: Overcast but clearing – warm and still. 23oC

When Angus (the ‘lost boy’ – kept a close eye on him today!), Casper and I set off from the New Dungeon Ghyll, it was quite murky but surprisingly warm. The sun threatened to break through the clouds all morning and eventually did for spells. Casper was recognised (from 1000 yards I think!) on Loft Crag by Chris and Lin, up in the area for a weeks holiday and it was nice to bump into someone who visits this website. Previously I have said I wouldn’t take Angus up on the high fells again, but how could I resist? He loves it up there…

Waterfall on Stickle Ghyll.

Looking up Stickle Ghyll.

Waterfall further up.

Pavey Ark in the mist across Stickle Tarn.

Harrison Stickle.

Stickle Tarn reflections.

Sergeant Man appears briefly from the mist with a ghostly figure on the summit.

The view from Sergeant Man.

Angus and Casper on High Raise.

The sun is trying to get through now, here reflected in a mirror finish Stickle Tarn from Pavey Ark summit.

Looking across to Harrison Stickle from Pavey Ark.

A retrospective view of Pavey Ark and Stickle Tarn.

Loft Crag and Pike o' Stickle from Harrison Stickle.

Pike o' Stickle, no missing the path to it!

Looking back to Harrison Stickle on the way to Pike o' Stickle.

Angus and Casper on the summit of Pike o' Stickle, Loft Crag beyond.

High Raise and Thunacar Knott from Pike o' Stickle. There's even a touch of blue sky now!

The familiar shape of Pike o' Stickle.

Heading for Loft Crag.

The figure on top of Pike o' Stickle gives some scale.

Angus on Loft Crag, Harrison Stickle beyond.

Loft Crag and Pike o' Stickle from Thorn Crag.

Dungeon Ghyll.

Nearly there - looking back along the Dungeon Ghyll path.

East of Coniston

Walked on 08/09/2006

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: Hours!

Weather: Bright and sunny. 20oC.

It started out as just a nice, short walk today – Angus had other plans though, see below for further details! Superb views from a lovely, heathery ridge today although the going was fairly tough along the mainly pathless tussocky and boggy ridge.

Allan Tarn and High Nibthwaite.

Approaching Brock Barrow. We ascended round the back rather than the steep scree run on the face.

Looking to the Coniston fells from the summit of Brock Barrow - a magnificent view from this impressive summit cairn.

Coniston Water and the Coniston fells.

Caw.

The Old Man of Coniston.

Dow Crag.

Coniston view.

Yachts on Coniston.

Casper - glad to be back out on the fells.

There is heather in abundance on the fells now.

A heathery Bethecar Moor.

The view to the west, Caw in the centre.

A final Coniston view. Things went somewhat downhill (and uphill!) from here. Descending the eastern ridge down to the bridleway from Parkamoor, I managed to lose Angus in the bracken. The head height weed was really thick - normally it is not a problem as Angus usually barks and that is enough to spot him. Today, however, was a different story - try as I might I could not hear or see him - he had disappeared! The search for him took me 3 hours and Casper and I walked that ridge in descent and ascent a good few times, I can tell you! Finally a farmer shouted me from below as he had heard me shouting (my voice was hoarse after 3 hours - in that time I had only heard Angus barking once). Angus was stuck in an intake (a walled field) - I don't know he got in there as the walls were so high but he could not get out. I don't know who was more relieved, me or Angus!

Flippin' 'eck Angus!

Stickle Pike

Walked on 18/08/2006

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: 1 hour

Weather: Overcast with rain later. 17oC.

We had an exploration of that old favourite Stickle Pike today, keeping off the paths and looking at things from a different perspective. It was very still and peaceful and a rather enjoyable saunter – we struck lucky with the weather too as just made it back as the rain started to come down heavily.

Casper, Connie and Angus always enjoy it up here.

Caw complete with quarries and spoil heaps.

Stickle Tarn below Stickle Pike, Great Stickle through the gap to the left.

Scafell and Scafell Pike.

Harter Fell across a wood smoke filled Duddon Valley. Scafell, Scafell Pike and Esk Pike are visible beyond.

Close-up on Caw.

Great Stickle.

It's a lovely view of the high fells from Stickle Tarn.

Angus the mountain lion.

The Duddon Estuary, Great Stickle and Tarn Hill.

Stickle Pike summit - the rain is coming in from the north now. It doesn't often happen, but here is some rare, if rather grainy, footage that we managed to capture this morning - Casper Speaks!

Elter Water

Walked on 17/08/2006

Elter Water from Skelwith Bridge

It was pouring down with rain when we set off this morning, so we opted for a low level walk around Elter Water starting from Skelwith Bridge. The morning gradually brightened with the sun coming out later; Angus and Casper managed some swimming but we gave it a miss today!

Skelwith Force.

The top of the waterfall.

Elter Water reflections. All was calm now.

The painter and a very Heaton Cooper looking Langdale Pikes.

Lingmoor Fell.

Which way up?

Connie, Angus and Casper - the sun is shining now!

Angus and Casper.

Dodd

Walked on 16/08/2006

Start point: The Old Sawmill tearooms. (NY 234 281)

Dodd (483) from The Old Sawmill tearooms

Distance: 2.5 miles Total Ascent: 400 metres Time Taken: 3 hours

Weather: Generally dull with the odd sunny spell and a heavy shower. 19oC

Today’s mission was to see the Osprey’s from the viewpoint in Dodd Wood, make it to the top of Dodd and have some nice cake in the tearoom at the end – all accomplished! There was a brief spell of sunshine on the way up to the summit, but later we could see the rain quickly advancing across the Derwent Valley and we got a good soaking during lunch – not to worry, we didn’t let it dampen our enthusiasm much!

Barf across Bassenthwaite Lake from the Osprey viewpoint. We saw one Osprey on the nest and one in flight today.

A close-up of Barf.

Scar Crags, Sail, Crag Hill and Grisedale Pike across the southern end of Bassenthwaite Lake.

Someone wants us to hurry up!

Looking south west across the Derwent Valley.

Grisedale Pike looking a bit broody. To the left is Crag Hill and peeping out to the right is Hopegill Head.

Looking along the River Derwent to Bassenthwaite Lake.

Derwent Water.

Looking across the Derwent Valley.

The rain is heading our way from the Newlands Valley.

Made it! Connie and Casper at the summit of Dodd.

As we start lunch, the rain comes ever closer. Get your coat on Connie!

Bassenthwaite Lake from Dodd.

Angus.

Irton Pike

Walked on 14/08/2006

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

Old Quarry car park – Irton Pike (OF) – Old Quarry car park

Distance: 1.3 miles Total Ascent: 125 metres Time Taken: 1 hour

Weather: Dry with long sunny spells. 19oC

Today started off dull but quickly cleared to give a pleasant, sunny day. After the walk up to Irton Pike and a spot of lunch, Connie and I fancied a swim – there was only one place to go in this area really…

The Scafells from the Birker Fell road en route to Eskdale.

Scafell with cloud sitting on Slight Side to the right.

Esk Pike and Bow Fell.

Kirk Fell.

Ascending Irton Pike through the bracken.

Casper finds all the flies an irritating nuisance!

The view from the summit of Irton Pike.

A panoramic view from Irton Pike. Select on the image for a larger version.

Casper, still having problems with that tongue!

Angus manages to keep his in check though.

Connie has a rest on Irton Pike.

Whin Rigg.

Buckbarrow, Seatallan, Haycock and Middle Fell.

Irton Pike from the descent - the young trees will obscure the view from there soon. After lunch, we had a short drive to Wasdale...

Yewbarrow and Great Gable.

It's a familiar story, but all that water proved irresistible for Connie, Angus and I. Is there a grander place for a swim than England's deepest lake in the shadow of the highest fells?

Lingmell.

Connie and Angus have a splash, The Screes behind.

Caw

Walked on 11/08/2006

Start point: Kiln Bank Cross (SD 215 933)

Kiln Bank Cross – Park Head Road – Long Mire – Caw (OF) – Park Head Road – Kiln Bank Cross

Distance: 3.5 miles Total Ascent: 300 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 30 minutes

Weather: Grey and overcast. 17oC

Another grey day up on Caw today, yet the views were surprisingly quite extensive. Although visible, the distant fells were mainly silhouetted due to the lack of sunlight with only fleeting bursts of sunlight to brighten them.

Hesk Fell across the Duddon Valley, Seat How in the sunshine on the right.

Looking along Park Head Road to the Duddon Valley. Esk Pike, Bow Fell and Crinkle Crags are flanked by Harter Fell and Grey Friar.

Angus.

The Duddon Estuary and Black Combe.

Black Combe from the summit of Caw.

The Scafell range from Caw.

The Coniston fells.

The Haycock - Scoat Fell - Pillar ridge.

Dark and moody Bow Fell.

Esk Pike.

The Scafells beyond Harter Fell.

Devoke Water - not nice enough for a swim today.

Angus.

Casper.

They can't stand up for falling down!

The sun shines on Esk Pike.

Grey Friar with Dow Crag to the right. The path up to Seathwaite Tarn (used on 27th July) is visible below Grey Friar.

Black Combe with Stickle Pike in the foreground.

Scafell fleetingly catches the sun beyond Harter Fell.

Swinside Fell

Walked on 09/08/2006

Start point: Corney Fell road (SD 150 896)Corney Fell road – Stoneside Hill – Charity Chair – Stoupdale Head (OF) – Black Crag – Raven Crag – Corney Fell road

Distance: 4.5 miles Total Ascent: 300 metres Time Taken: 2 hours

Weather: Grey, overcast and windy. 13oC.

It was a grey start to the day again today with plenty of rain and fast moving clouds around. I decided to stay relatively low and visit a pretty much unfrequented area to the south of the Corney Fell road, Swinside Fell. This was a really boggy route and quite hard going with only occasional, fleeting views of anything – and it felt so cold, almost (dare I say it?) Autumnal…

We couldn't see a thing in the mist on Stoneside Hill.

The mist suddenly clears for a while looking over to Hentoe Hill and Black Combe.

Charity Chair.

Looking back to Stoneside Hill, now out of the mist.

Plenty of bogs to roll in around here Casper!

The mist rolled back in again all the way to Stoupdale Head but suddenly cleared again at Derry, looking along Whicham Beck.

It's a bit windy up here!

Yep!

Knott Hill and the Duddon Estuary from Black Crag.

A panoramic view from Raven Crag - Swinside Farm below with Swinside Stone Circle, centre, and Knott Hill.

Something's going on in the Circle.

A storm brewing on the Coniston fells.

Couldn't see this at the start of the walk - the route to Stoneside Hill.

Coniston

Walked on 04/08/2006

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: 3 hours

Weather: Grey and overcast, warm and still. 20oC.

No blue skies today, it was back to grey and it all looked a bit ominous at the start of the walk up to The Old Man of Coniston. Things magically cleared up in the space of a few minutes on the climb though and whilst the sun didn’t shine, it was still clearer than we could have expected at the start.

It all looked a bit gloomy from the Walna Scar road this morning with lots of low lying cloud.

Brown Pike and Buck Pike have their heads in the clouds on the way up The Old Man.

Only ten minutes later the cloud has cleared from Brown Pike with a thick band of cloud surrounding Black Combe beyond. Blind Tarn is visible below Brown Pike.