High Stile

Walked on 07/06/2006

Start point: Gatesgarth (NY 195 150)

Gatesgarth Farm, Buttermere – Fleetwith Pike – Haystacks – Seat (475) – High Crag (Buttermere) –Grey Crag on High Stile (476) – High Stile – Red Pike (Buttermere) – Dodd (Buttermere) (477) – Gatesgarth Farm, Buttermere

Distance: 11 miles Total Ascent: 1400 metres Time Taken: 5 hours

Weather: Sunny and warm. 24oC.

It was an absolutely beautiful day today, perfect walking weather. The sun was shining, the skies were blue and there was just enough breeze on the tops to keep cool. This is a lovely round of Buttermere and even better on a day like today due to the great, summery views. If I’d had enough time, it would have been nice to have a little snooze by Innominate Tarn in the warm sunshine…but never mind, perhaps next time.

High Crag, High Stile and Dodd from Gatesgarth.

Looking over Gatesgarth Farm into Buttermere and Mellbreak in the distance.

The same view from further up the ascent of Fleetwith Pike.

Climbing Fleetwith Pike.

It's hot today! Casper has a rest on the steep climb, Haystacks and Pillar behind.

Angus and Casper on the summit of Fleetwith Pike.

Pillar beyond Haystacks with High Crag and High Stile to the right.

The view from the summit of Fleetwith Pike.

...and a closer shot.

High Crag from Black Beck.

Innominate Tarn - the tarn with no name - looking over to Pillar. Can you spot Angus having a swim?

Green Gable, Great Gable and Kirk Fell from the tarn on the way to the summit of Haystacks.

...and from further up, Innominate Tarn left and the tarn in the previous photo, right.

High Crag from the summit of Haystacks.

Great Gable from Haystacks.

Ennerdale Water.

Pillar across Ennerdale.

High Crag from Seat. The steep zigzag path is the way up (gulp!).

Looking back on the round just walked from High Crag. Select on the image for a large version.

Angus and Casper rest on the top of High Crag.

High Stile ahead, Casper.

The aptly named Red Pike and Dodd above Bleaberry Tarn - taken from Grey Crag.

...and looking the other way to High Stile from Red Pike.

Dodd in the foreground from Red Pike, the north western fells beyond.

Red Pike from Dodd.

Robinson, Dale Head and Fleetwith Pike from the superb high level path above Buttermere.

Robinson and High Snockrigg.

Fleetwith Pike.

Fleetwith Pike and Haystacks along Warnscale Bottom.

Birker Fell

Walked on 31/05/2006

Today we had a run out on the Ravenglass and Eskdale railway (commonly known as ‘L’al Ratty’). There are some good views of the fells on the way to Dalegarth station, a better view however is from the Birker Fell road on the way into Eskdale. I thought the panoramic shot might be of interest for next time you go that way.

The view from the Birker Fell road - select on the image for a larger version (in Windows, then select the square in the bottom right hand corner).

A train passes us on the way to Dalegarth.

The view from Dalegarth towards Scafell and Slight side (to the left).

Harter Fell from Dalegarth.

Gummer’s How

Walked on 30/05/2006

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: Sunny spells, but cool. 12oC.

The school holidays have started again and it was nice to get a little bit of sunshine after the rain of the weekend. When I ask Connie where she wants to go, she always replies ‘Gummer’s How’ – so that’s how we ended up here today. A great choice, I must say!

The Bluebells are out in force in the woods below Gummer's How.

Looking south over the swathes of Bluebells.

In an odd turn of events, Casper is now the dog off the lead as Angus has given up answering any commands! I think he is a bit 'Mutt and Jeff'.

The Coniston fells.

Casper waits for us on the way up.

The south end of Windermere and the River Leven. It's all looking a bit greener now.

On the summit of Gummer's How - those low flying jets are noisy!

Casper, Connie and Angus enjoy the sunshine.

Helvellyn, Fairfield and Red Screes at the head of Windermere.

Walna Scar and The Old Man of Coniston.

'Swan'.

Plenty of people waiting for the steamer to arrive at Lakeside, looks like the steam train has just pulled in from Haverthwaite on the left.

A panoramic view from Gummer's How. Select on the image to see a larger version (in Windows, then select the square in the bottom right hand corner).

Angus.

Angus and Connie.

Boat How

Walked on 23/05/2006

Start point: Boot (NY 176 011)

Boot – Burnmoor Tarn – Maiden Castle – Boat How (OF) – Boot

Distance: 6 miles Total Ascent: 350 metres Time Taken: 2 hours 30 minutes

Weather: Overcast and cold. 10oC.

This morning’s walk was the gentle ascent of Burnmoor Tarn and Boat How from the small village of Boot in Eskdale. Burnmoor Tarn, of course, lies in the midst of the Wasdale high fells and there are some good views from here, especially from Maiden Castle which is the col to the north. Boat How itself has similar views as well as south west along Miterdale. Angus and Casper certainly seemed to enjoy themselves up there today and Angus braved a swim in Burnmoor Tarn, even though the wind was pretty cold.

Looking back over Boot and Eskdale from the start of the walk.

Bookends?

Scafell and Great How.

Harter Fell and Green Crag over Eel Tarn.

Scafell from above Burnmoor Tarn.

I think some RAF Tucano's were using us as target practice this morning as we were constantly buzzed by them. Here is one approaching from Wasdale over Burnmoor Tarn...

...and right over us.

Illgill Head across Burnmoor Tarn.

Looking over to Wasdale.

Angus braves the water while Casper looks on.

Burnmoor Lodge across Burnmoor Tarn. Boat How is the hump on the right.

Seatallan and Haycock across Wasdale.

Kirk Fell.

The summit of Kirk Fell.

Yewbarrow.

Scafell.

Angus and Casper hide in the long grass.

Great Gable peeps above the lower slopes of Lingmell.

Returning to Burnmoor Tarn above an old enclosure.

Room with a view - Burnmoor Lodge.

Angus and Casper on Boat How.

Looking along Miterdale to Muncaster Fell and the Ravenglass Estuary.

The summit of Boat How.

One of the (many) ancient stone circles on Eskdale Moor. Scafell has caught the cloud now...

...but there's some rare blue sky for us looking over to Whin Rigg.

Eskdale Mill, Boot - taken from the bridge.

Whillan Beck.

Scafell Pike

Walked on 11/05/2006

Start point: Wasdale Head (NY 187 086)

Wasdale Head – Piers Gill – Lingmell – Scafell Pike – Foxes Tarn – Scafell – Lord’s Rake – Wasdale Head

Distance: 9 miles Total Ascent: 1200 metres Time Taken: 5 hours

Weather: Warm and hazy. 21ºC.

It was another warm day today, the sun was beating down and all was still. This is an interesting round to reach the well known highest peaks in the country, ascending alongside Piers Gill and descending down Lord’s Rake. This route manages to avoid the inevitable crowds and apart from Scafell Pike itself, where there were dozens of people, we were alone for virtually all of the route. Casper is getting there now; he seems to be getting used to climbing the rockier sections after being taught a thing or two by Angus on this walk.

Yewbarrow, Great Gable and Lingmell reflected in a calm Wast Water (England's deepest lake).

Pillar above Wasdale Head.

Kirk Fell - Yew trees surround St. Olaf's Church (England's smallest church).

Great Gable.

Great Napes on Great Gable.

Looking back along Lingmell Beck to Yewbarrow.

...and from further up Lingmell, Red Pike now in view.

Another view of Great Napes.

The great ravine of Piers Gill.

Walking alongside Piers Gill, Lingmell above. Can you spot Angus?

Piers Gill from further up.

Approaching the Corridor Route, the silhouette of Scafell Pike beyond.

Kirk Fell and Great Gable from the Corridor Route.

Made it! - on the summit of Lingmell overlooking Styhead Tarn.

The summit cairn on Lingmell.

Great Gable from Lingmell.

The highest dog in the country! Casper on Scafell Pike (England's highest mountain).

Broad Stand across Mickledore.

Angus leads the way on the path (!) to Foxes Tarn.

Scafell Pike from the Foxes Tarn route.

Foxes Tarn (or should that be 'Two Dogs Tarn'?). The smallest named tarn in the Lake District.

Burnmoor Tarn and Wast Water with Illgill Head and Whin Rigg between from the summit of Scafell.

Mosedale from Scafell, virtually the whole of last weeks walk is visible from here.

Descending Lord's Rake, Angus heads towards the fallen chock stone.

Descending the scree section of Lord's Rake.

Pulpit Rock on Scafell Pike - you can just make out a climber on top of the highest pinnacle.

...and another one below.

Looking back to Mickledore - Pulpit Rock is on the left, Lord's Rake exits centre right on the scree run.

Wasdale Head from the descent. Pillar is centre distance, flanked by the nearer Yewbarrow and Kirk Fell.

Wast Water.

Gorse and Great Gable.

Mosedale Horseshoe

Walked on 04/05/2006

Start point: Overbeck Bridge (NY 168 068)

Overbeck Bridge – Bell Rib – Great Door – Yewbarrow – Dore Head – Red Pike – Scoat Fell – Steeple –Black Crag (Pillar) – Pillar – Looking Stead – Black Sails Pass – Kirk Fell – Wasdale Head – Overbeck Bridge

Distance: 11.6 miles Total Ascent: 2454 metres Time Taken: 6 hours

Weather: Sultry, but very windy on the latter tops. 24oC.

It was a funny old day today, weather-wise. When I set off from Overbeck Bridge, it was raining and showers continued over Yewbarrow with the odd ominous rumble of thunder. When the rain stopped, it became very hazy and warm and by the time I got to Pillar it was sunny, but with gale force winds which were present until I got back to valley level where it became almost unbearably hot. Angus and Casper were resplendent with new summer haircuts – it takes years off Angus, I think. It was quite an arduous round this one – a new one for Casper as it was very rocky with a few scrambles, Angus of course, took it all in his stride.

Wet Wasdale and Wast Waster at the beginning of the ascent of Yewbarrow.

The climb up to Yewbarrow - who is that dog?

Heading for the screes up to Yewbarrow.

...and looking back down the scree path.

Looking down Great Door - everything else in lost in the sultry haze.

A couple of racing snakes on Yewbarrow. Are you a bit warm boys?

Red Pike across Dore Head.

Kirk Fell from Dore Head, Great Gable behind.

Angus tries out the famous cairn and viewpoint on Red Pike known as 'The Chair'. It looks like a big armchair made from stones - here the view is over Low Tarn to Middle Fell and Seatallan.

Haycock over Scoat Tarn.

Pillar from Red Pike.

Looking from Red Pike's summit to Scoat Fell.

Now here's a dog with taste - Casper has a look at Steeple from Scoat Fell.

Two cairns on Scoat Fell, the main one being the one on the wall.

Pillar and Black Crag from Steeple.

Steeple across Mirk Cove.

A bit of sunshine on Pillar, taken from Black Crag.

Pillar summit looking to Great Gable.

Pillar Rock. It was gale force winds from Pillar onwards - at least it was a warm wind!

High Crag and High Stile across Ennerdale.

Kirk Fell and Great Gable across one of the tarns on Looking Stead.

Pillar and Looking Stead across another un-named tarn.

Great Gable from Kirk Fell.

A hazy view of Yewbarrow from the steep, steep descent of Kirk Fell.

Wasdale Head.

The head of Wasdale from the descent of Kirk Fell.

The path used in descent from Kirk Fell.

Lingmell, Scafell Pike and Scafell from Wast Water.

Devoke Water

Walked on 03/05/2006

Start point: Birker Fell road (SD 171 977)

Birker Fell Road – Rough Crag (Birker Moor) (OF) – Water Crag (OF) – Seat How (Birker Moor) (OF) – Birker Fell Road

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

Weather: Sunny with a cool breeze. 14oC.

I had a short walk this morning around Devoke Water, a largely missed and unvisited stretch of water. This is one which gives fine views, especially on a day that was ever clearing like today. Casper is ever improving as well – now he comes on command, which is good – now I’ve just got to get Angus to do it…!

Seat How, Yoadcastle and Devoke Water from the climb to Rough Crag.

Kirk Fell and Great Gable peeping out from behind Scafell (in cloud).

The view to the Scafell range from Rough Crag.

There was a really stiff, cold breeze up on the exposed tops of Rough Crag and Water Crag. Casper finds a good vantage point here on Rough Crag.

The way ahead to Water Crag.

Looking back to Rough Crag from Water Crag, Harter Fell beyond.

Sunshine for these two to lie in, but it's still windy on Water Crag. Last day of the long hair for Angus too - his summer crop beckons!

Muncaster Fell from Water Crag, Sellafield on the coast in the distance.

Angus had a swim in Devoke Water

Harter Fell, Green Crag and Seat How across Devoke Water.

Devoke Water from Seat How, the old boathouse below.

Angus has a look at the panoramic vista of the Scafells.

Great Gable.

Kirk Fell.

Harter Fell.

The cloud had lifted from the tops now compared to the earlier photos.

Water Crag across Devoke Water.

Harter Fell and Green Crag from the track down to the Birker Moor road.

...and a close up of them.

Kirk Fell, Great Gable and Scafell from the Birker Moor road.

Hard Knott

Walked on 28/04/2006

Start point: Hardknott Pass summit (NY 230 014)

Hardknott Pass – Border End – Hard Knott – Eskdale Needle – Hardknott Pass

Distance: 2 miles Total Ascent: 250 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 30 minutes

Weather: Sunny and warm. 12oC.

It was another day of blue sky and sunshine today and things are certainly starting to warm up and turn green here. It is a short walk from the Hardknott Pass summit – supposedly the steepest road in England – to Border End and Hard Knott for some of the finest views to be had anywhere in the Lake District. Casper certainly seems to be getting into the groove and enjoying roaming the fells.

Caw along the Duddon Valley from the ascent to Border End from Hardknott Pass.

Angus has a swim in a mountain tarn, Harter Fell is beyond.

Harter Fell.

Lower Eskdale from Border End.

Looking across Hard Knott to Esk Pike, Bow Fell and Crinkle Crags.

Upper Eskdale from Border End.

Esk Pike and Bow Fell.

Seatallan and Haycock on the far side of Wasdale.

Casper enjoys the views of England's finest mountains.

Now it's double trouble in the sunshine.

Scafell.

Esk Pike.

Bow Fell.

Angus.

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

Bow Fell and Crinkle Crags.

Eskdale Needle and Eskdale.

Yes, I think I could quite get used to these views.

Reflections of Casper while Angus has a swim.

Descending past Border End.

Wrynose Pass from Hardknott Pass.

Great Burney

Walked on 25/04/2006

Start point: Woodland Fell road (SD 259 852)

Burney (OF) from the Woodland Fell Road

Distance: 1.5 miles Total Ascent: 150 metres Time Taken: 1 hour

Weather: Sunny with a stiff breeze. 13oC.

Today was a day of two halves – raining and dreary this morning, clearing in the afternoon to give bright sunshine and blue skies. Great Burney lies on the south western edge of the Lake District National Park and is easily reached from the main A5092 road for an easy ascent with lovely views.

Great Burney from the Woodland Fell road. The route of ascent is along the wall to the right and the route of descent is the track heading diagonally left.

The Coniston fells from the cairn between Great Burney and Coombs.

Great Burney summit looking to Caw and Coniston.

The Duddon Estuary over the green fields.

There was a cool, stiff breeze on the top - it looks as if Angus' lead has skewered Casper here!

Casper.

The Coniston fells.

Stickle Pike and Caw.

Windmills on Kirkby Moor to the south.

Looking over Burney Tarn and the Duddon Estuary to Black Combe.

Boredale Circuit

Walked on 24/04/2006

Start point: Sandwick (NY 423 196)

Sandwick – Beda Fell (475) – Heck Crag – Angletarn Pikes – Boredale Hause – Place Fell – High Dodd –Sleet Fell – Sandwick

Distance: 9.4 miles Total Ascent: 1300 metres Time Taken: 4 hours 20 minutes

Weather: Sunny at first, gradually worsening. 13oC.

It was lovely and sunny this morning when I set off from Sandwick for a circuit of Boredale – so much so that the legs were soon zipped off from my trousers to make the first walk in shorts this year (was it really only a month ago I was on Harter Fell in the snow?). This was Casper’s first ‘big’ walk and he seemed to cope okay, with a few tips thrown in from the master, Angus.

Beda Fell from Martindale.

Walking beside Howgrain Beck at the start of the walk.

Martindale.

Winter Crag and Beda Head.

Gowbarrow Park across Ullswater.

Looking back to Hallin Fell from the climb up to Beda Fell.

Boredale.

It's so warm today.

Winter Crag in the foreground with Hallin Fell behind, Ullswater and Little Mell Fell in view beyond from Beda Head, the summit of Beda Fell.

Enough heads for Cerberus? Casper's first Wainwright on Beda Fell and (almost!) Angus' last (not forever, only of the 214 count, of which there are 5 left).

Fairfield, Saint Sunday Crag, Helvellyn and Catstycam from Beda Fell - some stubborn snow persisting up there.

Angus has a look over Boredale to Place Fell.

The Nab across Bannerdale with the High Street ridge beyond.

Bannerdale from Heck Crag.

Cloud shadow on Beda Fell.

Angle Tarn from Angletarn Pikes southern summit.

Brothers Water from Angletarn Pikes northern and main summit.

Place Fell from the approach to Boredale Hause.

The summit of Place Fell.

A swim in Place Fell summit tarn for these two as the weather closes in.

Ullswater from High Dodd.

Beda Fell from High Dodd.

Arthur's Pike and Bonscale Pike at the end of the High Street ridge.

Looking back to High Dodd from Sleet Fell.

Hesk Fell

Walked on 21/04/2006

Start point: Hole House (SD 181 930)

Hole House – Hesk Fell – The Pike – Hole House

Distance: 3 miles Total Ascent: 300 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 30 minutes

Weather: Rain. 12oC.

It was sunny and warm when I left the car this afternoon for a short walk up to Hesk Fell – that changed within 200 yards to heavy rain, which lasted for virtually the rest of the walk – so that meant we got a real soaking! A good walk for Casper’s steep learning curve to become a fell walking maestro this one – we encountered a stream crossing (not good, but he’ll learn), fences (not good, but he’ll learn), a ladder stile (you’ve guessed it) and sheep (okay on this one, thankfully!).

The Pike.

Hesk Fell. Note the old reservoir in the foreground, immediately above on the slopes of Hesk Fell are the remains of old copper mine workings.

Angus and Casper on the summit of Hesk Fell.

Wet Angus.

Heading for The Pike.

Looking back to Hesk Fell from The Pike.

Angus and Casper survey the Duddon Valley. To the left of Angus is Caw, to the right is Stickle Pike.

The Duddon Valley and the Coniston fells.

Stickle Pike.

Whitfell.

Looking across Holehouse Gill to the route used in ascent, the old reservoir visible.

Blawith Knott

Walked on 19/04/2006

Start point: Woodland Fell road (SD 256 879)

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

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

Weather: Sunny, clearing. 11oC.

The overnight rain cleared this morning and the sun eventually turned up for our walk up to Blawith Knott and Tottlebank Height. It was a lovely morning for Casper’s first fell walk (of many?) and Connie’s final one of the Easter holiday’s before returning to school.

Black Combe from Giant's Grave - the 'headstone' is on the right.

Climbing up to Blawith Knott.

Looking over to Black Combe from further up.

The Dunnerdale Fells, Stickle Pike in the centre.

The Scafell range - still a bit of snow on the very highest tops.

Looking north-east over Beacon Fell to Red Screes, centre, with Helvellyn and Fairfield to the left.

Golden sands of the Duddon Estuary.

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

Angus.

Caw, left, the Scafell range through the gap and the Coniston fells to the right.

The Dunnerdale Fells - Stickle Pike and Caw flank the serrated edge of Fox Haw - Raven's Crag - The Knott.

The Coniston fells across the un-named tarn on the way to Tottlebank Height. View Casper the Porpoise in the tarn!

A northerly panoramic view from Tottlebank Height.

Wetherlam.

The Old Man of Coniston, the summit cairn visible.

Stickle Pike.

Casper.

Casper and Angus eye up Connie's crisps!

Dow Crag and The Old Man.

Duddon Valley

Walked on 15/04/2006

Duddon Valley.

It was another sunny day today – a lovely day for a gentle stroll around Seathwaite in the Duddon Valley. Angus got a new friend this week, read on for details…

Dow Crag above Seathwaite.

Connie and Louise cross the bridge over Tarn Beck.

Meet the new kid on the block - Casper, Angus' new 'apprentice'!

He is a 2 year old Beardie and full of energy...

...but isn't into swimming in the River Duddon (yet).

Angus playing fetch.

The River Duddon.

Connie and James made it across the stepping stones with only damp feet.

The River Duddon roars beneath Jubilee Bridge.

Old kid on the block.

Caw.

White Maiden.

Weir on Tarn Beck.

Angus has a barking fit whilst Casper remains regal.

Latterbarrow

Walked on 10/04/2006

Start point: Colthouse (SD 360 988)

Latterbarrow (OF) from Colthouse

Distance: 1.5 miles Total Ascent: 143 metres Time Taken: 1 hour

Weather: Sunny. 7oC.

It was lovely and sunny again this morning after a mixed weekend which once again saw snow fall on the high fells. Latterbarrow, above Hawkshead, gives great panoramic views in such clear conditions and makes an ideal walk for children.

Admiring the view on the way up.

We're going to reach the top before you!

The Coniston fells from the climb to Latterbarrow.

A close up of Coniston Old Man, Brown Pike to the left.

Connie and Angus at the large obelisk that marks the summit of Latterbarrow, with a refusal to keep still by Angus today!

...but Connie keeps him still for a second or two.

Crinkle Crags and Bow Fell.

The Langdale Pikes.

Helvellyn, the Fairfield Horseshoe and Red Screes with Ambleside nestling below at the head of Windermere.

Wansfell, centre, surrounded by the eastern fells.

Thornthwaite Crag, High Street, Froswick, Ill Bell and Yoke across Windermere.

Latterbarrow summit. Some close ups.

Froswick and Ill Bell - spot the three large cairns on Ill Bell?

Red Screes.

Bow Fell.

Pike o' Stickle, Loft Crag and Harrison Stickle - The Langdale Pikes.

Harrison Stickle and Pavey Ark.

Wetherlam.

Connie tries to contain the barking Angus.

A return to the summit to attempt the north face of the obelisk.

Angus.

Hawkshead.

Wetherlam.

Stickle Pike

Walked on 05/04/2006

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: Sunny spells with a cold wind. 6oC.

There were blue skies when we set off for Stickle Pike this morning, but it quickly seemed to cloud over, especially looking to the north and the wind was bitingly cold. We had a surprise up there today as we were not expecting to see anyone (as normal up there) when we were caught by someone with….well you’ll see!

A smiling Connie and a laughing Angus. That hat should say 'Chilly', for that was a cold wind up there today.

Caw.

Hold on - what's this? Angus went the other way! Another Beardie catches us up.

Angus and Oscar, their tails are a blur. They had a great time running around together for a few minutes.

Angus is a swimmer and Oscar wasn't, so they parted company here at Stickle Tarn.

The twin peaks of Stickle Pike.

Black Combe.

Great Stickle and the Duddon Estuary beyond.

The rocky way up to Stickle Pike.

Hesk Fell from the summit.

Angus deep in thought.

Connie captured this great moody shot of Stickle Pike summit from the southern cairn.

Looking across the Duddon Valley to Whitfell and Hesk Fell.

The clouds are quite low on the high fells to the north-west, Harter Fell being the nearest.

The Lickle Valley.

Harter Fell grabs some rays , Esk Pike and Bow Fell beyond.

Walla Crag

Walked on 04/04/2006

Start point: Car Park opposite Barrow Bay, Derwent Water (NY 269 203)

Barrow Bay – Ashness Bridge – Falcon Crag – Walla Crag (474) – Cat Gill – Barrow Bay

Distance: 3 miles Total Ascent: 307 metres Time Taken: 3 hours

Weather: Sunny with the odd snow flurry. 6oC.

The school holidays have begun, so the first job of the day was to get Connie some new boots and a new jacket from Keswick before testing them out with a walk up to Walla Crag via Ashness Bridge. It was not a bad day today; the wind on the top was cold and brought snow flurries, much to Connie’s amazement – she thought it was Spring!

Skiddaw from Ashness Bridge. The path to Walla Crag is the one snaking up the hillside to the right.

Connie tries to keep Angus in check - an impossible task!

Looking across Derwent Water to Skiddaw from the climb up to Walla Crag.

...and looking in the opposite direction into Borrowdale, Great Gable in the distance.

Bassenthwaite Lake comes into view beyond Derwent Water.

Maiden Moor and Cat Bells across Derwent Water.

Looking across Derwent Water.

Connie.

Robinson behind Maiden Moor and Cat Bells.

Keswick and Bassenthwaite Lake.

The Whinlatter fells.

Skiddaw and Blencathra.

Angus on Walla Crag. We met another Beardie up here today; he was quite timid and wouldn't play with Angus, who just wanted to make friends!

Eel Crag, Grisedale Pike and the north western fells across Derwent Water and The Newlands Valley.

Connie's version of the same view.

A panoramic view to the north-west from the summit of Walla Crag.

Panoramic Skiddaw and Blencathra. Some zoom shots...

Causey Pike, Sail and Crag Hill.

Skiddaw.

Blencathra.

Connie and Angus at the summit of Walla Crag.

Time for a lie down.

The High Spy ridge across Derwent Water.

Furness Abbey

Walked on 01/04/2006

Furness Abbey

It was a lovely Spring afternoon today – too nice to stay in – so we had a family walk around the ruins of Furness Abbey (founded 1127) taking in the sunshine and views of the Abbey and (of course) the Daffodils.

Connie and Angus get cosy.

Angus.

The Daffodils are lovely down here at this time of year - amazing to think that a couple of weeks ago they were covered in snow!

Connie has a look where Dane Ghyll disappears to through the mediaeval culvert. This beck runs through our garden further upstream.

Seathwaite Tarn

Walked on 28/03/2006

Start point: At the bottom of the Walna Scar road (SD 239 968)

Seathwaite Tarn

Distance: 3 miles Time Taken: 1 hour

Weather: Rain. 8oC.

The fells didn’t look very inviting this morning; everything above valley level was obscured by the low lying mist and constant drizzle and rain. I opted for a shorter walk up to Seathwaite Tarn from the bottom of the Walna Scar road, although there still were no views at this mid level. Seathwaite Tarn is more often looked down upon from the higher Coniston fells, the best view of it being from Great How Crags.

Long House Gill from the bridge at the start of the walk.

Following the track up to Seathwaite Tarn looking at the inappropriately named (today, anyway!) Sunny Pike.

The dam on Seathwaite Tarn ahead, almost obscured by low lying mist.

The dam from the Tarn side...

...and from the other side.

A damp Angus doesn't realise the troops are gathering behind!

Not too sure about walking along here!

Tarn Beck, the outfall of Seathwaite Tarn.

A damp looking Duddon Valley on the way down. The top of Stickle Pike is in the centre distance and some stubborn patches of snow are sticking to the side of Caw to the left.

Looking over the Duddon Valley to Wallowbarrow with Wallowbarrow Crag visible but the fells beyond obliterated by cloud. View a movie of Angus at Seathwaite Tarn

Ling Fell

Walked on 27/03/2006

Start point: Brumston Bridge (NY 185 293)

Brumston Bridge – Ling Fell (469) – Burthwaite Heights (470) – Old Scales – Chapel Wood – Lothwaite(471) – Rivings (472) – Sale Fell (473) – Brumston Bridge

Distance: 4.8 miles Total Ascent: 521 metres Time Taken: 2 hours

Weather: Generally cloudy turning to rain. 12oC.

It was teeming down with rain in almost the whole of the Lake District this morning, but miraculously I managed to drive through it all and find a dry and (for a while) bright spot at the northern end of the National Park, where I had a walk around the Wythop Valley to Ling Fell and Sale Fell. There were some views from here today, but the Skiddaw massif and in fact all the higher fells were cloaked in damp clouds. At least I managed to stay dry until the very end when the weather finally caught up with me as I descended back to Brumston Bridge.

Looking across to Sale Fell from Ling Fell, complete with a rare hint of blue sky.

Looking north-west over Setmurthy Common.

Looking towards Broom Fell from the summit of Ling Fell, the low cloud hanging on Thornthwaite Forest. The trig. column is topped with a sheep skull!

The Sentinel.

No-one shall pass!

Binsey from Ling Fell.

Yes, it's definitely Spring.

Ling Fell across Wythop Moss from Burthwaite Heights.

Ullock Pike and The Edge with Skiddaw lost in mist behind.

Lord's Seat and Broom Fell across the Wythop Valley from Chapel Wood.

Lord's Seat.

A dark and brooding Dodd.

The Skiddaw massif and Bassenthwaite Lake from Lothwaite.

Sale Fell from Rivings.

Here comes the rain... Ling Fell in the cloud from Sale Fell.

Wythop Beck.

Someone couldn't resist getting in there!

Cottages at Wythop Mill.

Harter Fell

Walked on 22/03/2006

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

Harter Fell from Birks Bridge

Distance: 3.25 miles Total Ascent: 538 metres Time Taken: 2 hours 15 minutes

Weather: Sunny and clear. 3oC.

Well, what a difference a few days make! The extreme weather of last Friday seems like a distant memory now as the sky was clear blue and the sunshine was warm today. The snow lingers on, still knee deep in places, but quite soft and slowly melting away. I wished I could have been out longer in these perfect conditions; the views were magnificent.