Loughrigg Fell

Walked on 03/08/2006

Start point: Rydal (NY 365 062)

Rydal – Loughrigg Terrace – Loughrigg Fell – Loughrigg Cave – Rydal

Distance: 4.2 miles Total Ascent: 420 metres Time Taken: 2 hours

Weather: Warm and sunny, very clear. 23oC.

What a difference a day (or two) makes! I was at Rydal on Monday when it was absolutely miserable and raining very heavily. Today it was a return to summer with a cloudless sky and brilliantly clear views. Perfect!

Rydal Water, lovely blue skies...

...and not so blue when I was here on Monday!

Nice enough for a swim at the start of the walk.

Sunshine and reflections on Rydal Water.

Helm Crag - 'The Lion and the Lamb' - from Rydal Terrace. The 'lion' is visible in the centre.

Looking across Grasmere to Steel Fell and Seat Sandal, Lonscale Fell between them in the distance.

Looking across to Seat Sandal, Great Rigg and Heron Pike.

Casper and Angus on Loughrigg Terrace, Crinkle Crags, Bow Fell and the Langdale Pikes behind.

Wetherlam, Swirl How and Great Carrs.

Bow Fell and the Langdale Pikes.

The Coniston fells across Elter Water.

The summit of Loughrigg Fell - the solitary cloud looks like it has been 'chuffed' from the trig. column!

An annotated panoramic view from Loughrigg Fell. Select on the image for a larger version.

Bow Fell with Scafell peeping out to the left.

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

Wetherlam over Elter Water.

Lonscale Fell beyond Dunmail Raise with a glimpse of Thirlmere at the top of the road.

Great Rigg, Heron Pike and Fairfield.

Windermere.

Casper and Angus.

Nab Scar across Rydal Water.

All that water was too difficult to resist for both me and Angus...

...so 'InRydalWaterCam' was brought into action! Can you spot Angus?

Seathwaite Fells

Walked on 27/07/2006

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

Walna Scar road – Seathwaite Tarn – Raven Nest How – Far Hill Crag – Near Hill Crag – Dow Crag –Buck Pike – Brown Pike – Walna Scar road

Distance: 5.5 miles Total Ascent: 650 metres Time Taken: 3 hours

Weather: Warm and sunny, sometimes overcast. 23oC.

This afternoon’s objective started out as Grey Friar, that outpost of the Coniston fells. As I made my way up to Seathwaite Tarn, I could see it was looking decidedly gloomy up there whilst everywhere else seemed to have blue skies. Instead, I opted to climb up to Dow Crag using a pathless route of ascent from Seathwaite Tarn – a good decision I think!

Harter Fell looking a bit gloomy across the Duddon Valley on the way to Seathwaite Tarn.

Looking back along the Duddon Valley to Whitfell and Hesk Fell.

Grey Friar living up to its name, left, with Great How directly ahead.

Seathwaite Tarn.

Its certainly looking a bit dull now, Casper manages to catch a ray of sunshine on the dam wall.

Looking back along the dam wall.

Further along the dam wall.

Seathwaite Tarn from the opposite end to the dam.

Looking across to Grey Friar from the climb up to Dow Crag. Oddly enough, Grey Friar stayed like that all afternoon, even though other fells put in an appearance from their cloud cover.

Harter Fell across a small tarn on the slopes of Dow Crag.

Casper has a lie in the grass near the tarn, the Scafell range behind.

Approaching the rocky turret of Dow Crag.

Harter Fell from Dow Crag.

...and a close up of the summit.

The clouds are starting to lift from the moody Scafells.

...and a close up of Scafell Pike. Mickledore can be seen to the left whilst the prominent Esk Buttress with Pen atop is to the right, overlooking Upper Eskdale.

Green Crag and Crook Crag over Dunnerdale Forest. Notice the thick band of cloud hanging over the Irish Sea beyond.

A regal looking Casper on the slopes of Dow Crag.

It was like a different day to the south and east with fluffy clouds and blue skies. This is The Old Man of Coniston from Dow Crag, it looked like there were lots of people on the summit today.

The ridge from Brim Fell to Swirl How. The prominent path is rising from Goat's Water from the right to Goat's Hawse and then bears right again to The Old Man.

Looking down on Goat's Water from Dow Crag.

Goat's Water and The Old Man.

The Scafells and Dow Crag from Buck Pike.

Blind Tarn and Brown Pike from Buck Pike.

Coniston Water.

Buck Pike and The Old Man from Brown Pike.

Looking east over the top end of Coniston Water - nice and clear over that way!

Sky over Coniston.

Casper on the summit of Brown Pike.

Looking over Walna Scar and White Pike to Black Combe.

Harter Fell and the Scafells from the Walna Scar Road.

The clouds have turned fluffy and white and nearly lifted from the Scafells now. Grey Friar was still grey, however!

Devoke Water

Walked on 25/07/2006

Start point: Birker Fell road (SD 171 977)

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

Distance: 3.5 miles Total Ascent: 300 metres Time Taken: 4 hours

Weather: Hot and hazy. 28oC.

Today was one the hottest day ever recorded around these parts – it was slightly cooler where we went, given the height and a nice cooling breeze on the tops. The main criteria today was somewhere to swim (of course!) and where better than the deserted Devoke Water – we had a great time here today and wondered where the time had gone when we got back.

Connie leads Casper up the track towards Devoke Water.

Seat How.

Having a rest on the climb to Rough Crag and admiring the view of Woodend Height over Devoke Water.

The same view from the summit of Rough Crag.

Looking over Eskdale to the high fells - Great Gable, Scafells, Esk Pike, Bow Fell and Crinkle Crags.

Harter Fell and Green Crag.

There was a welcoming breeze on Rough Crag for Angus and Casper.

The way ahead to Water Crag.

Looking toward Rough Crag from Water Crag with the Scafells beyond.

Kirk Fell, Great Gable, Scafell and Slight Side.

Muncaster Fell over Lower Eskdale.

Connie looking dwarfed on Water Crag by Woodend Height.

Seat How across Devoke Water.

Harter Fell, Green Crag and Seat How.

Looking west over Devoke Water.

Swim time for Angus.

..and Connie......and me!

Having a splashing time. That's Water Crag in the background.

The things you do...this is the new 'InDevokeWaterCam'!

Nice to have a swim with the old fellow though.

He certainly enjoyed it in this heat.

We all did!

Apart from Casper that is - he is only a paddler.

The way back after the swim was towards the old boathouse.

The old boathouse at the eastern end of Devoke Water.

The boathouse and Water Crag.

Devoke Water - we were swimming to the left of the island.

Harter Fell and Green Crag. Check out Connie's version of the walk today!

Latterbarrow

Walked on 21/07/2006

Start point: The foot of Latterbarrow (SD 362 992)

Latterbarrow (OF) from Colthouse

Distance: 2.8 miles Total Ascent: 197 metres Time Taken: 2 hours

Weather: Overcast. 19oC.

Where to today Connie?

‘The fell with the biggest column in the world!’.

That’ll be Latterbarrow then!

Not much in the way of views today though unfortunately – at least it was a bit cooler today – shame about the clouds.

Heading up the track from Colthouse, Connie shouts Casper (at the gate) and Angus (disappeared!).

Lily tarn on Colthouse Heights.

Lots of lilies.

The forestry plantation on the Old Intake has now been felled. Formerly it was a dark path through the trees.

The clouds lift from Wetherlam on the way to Latterbarrow.

First one to touch the column!

Angus, Connie and Casper on Latterbarrow.

The head of Windermere with Ambleside, centre. The clouds are down on the high fells today.

Looking to the Langdale Pikes and the central fells.

Red Screes.

Flying Casper.

A ferry on Windermere, Wansfell behind.

'All the better to lick you with!'.

Colthouse in bloom.

Middle Fell

Walked on 18/07/2006

Start point: Greendale (NY 144 056)

Greendale – Middle Fell – Greendale Tarn – Greendale Gill – Greendale

Distance: 3 miles Total Ascent: 560 metres Time Taken: 2 hours

Weather: Scorching – again! 28oC.

It seems to be getting hotter by the day at the moment and it was in the high twenties when I set off this morning. Too hot for Angus I think – today he was left at home to sit in the shade. The relentless slog to Middle Fell was quite tough with the sight of Greendale Tarn being a relief for both Casper and I – neither of us could resist getting in there!

Middle Fell from Wasdale.

Yewbarrow.

Buckbarrow from Greendale, the start of the walk.

A hot Casper on the climb to Middle Fell.

The giants of Wasdale from the summit of Middle Fell.

Lingmell, Scafell and Scafell Pike.

Nice view from here.

Haycock, Scoat Fell and Red Pike from the summit of Middle Fell.

Wasdale and the west Cumbrian coast.

Seatallan and an inviting looking Greendale Tarn.

Haycock.

Straight in, no messing for the paddler...very closely followed by yours truly!

Do things get any better than this? A cool, lonely mountain tarn to swim in on a baking hot day...

...heaven on earth. In a strange human/dog twist, Casper sat on the banks of Greendale Tarn whilst I had a swim. Now, if only I could teach him how to use a camera!

Looking up to Seatallan - so near, yet so far in the baking heat.

Looking back up to Middle Fell from Greendale Gill.

Waterfall on Greendale Gill.

Greendale Gill and valley.

The Scafells from the descent.

Yewbarrow, Great Gable and Lingmell at the head of Wast Water.

Beacon Fell

Walked on 17/07/2006

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: 2 hours 30 minutes

Weather: Scorching! 27oC.

It was always going to be a hot one today, so Connie and I along with her school friend Maya, dad Nick and dog Buster had a relatively early start up to the delightful Beacon Fell. It was so this morning warm that the delights of the cool looking Beacon Tarn were too hard for all of us to resist!

Looking across Torver Common to the Coniston fells at the start of the walk.

Maya and Connie lead the way with Beacon Fell ahead whilst Nick and Buster wait for us.

Angus and Casper have other things to do in a damp patch of mud.

Coniston Water.

Maya and Connie enjoyed the view.

The 'treasure' tin is still there at the summit. Looks like Connie has found a treasure map!

The Coniston fells from the summit of Beacon Fell.

These two feel like they are on top of the world up here.

The Old Man of Coniston.

Caw.

"Daddy - I fell in again!".

Oh well, in for a penny...!

Angus was in too - so were we all!

Having a rest after a great swim.

Connie looking cool after her swim.

Beacon Tarn, Wool Knott beyond.

The way back - descending the Cumbria Way.

Dow Crag and The Old Man.

Stickle Pike

Walked on 14/07/2006

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 and warm with plenty of blue sky. 23oC.

School’s out for summer! Well, at least Connie’s is – so it was up to Stickle Pike this afternoon in glorious, sunny weather – a complete contrast to the weather when I was not so far away from here two days ago. Nice weather for a (unintentional) swim today, too!

Caw - today we can see it, a contrast to the weather on Wednesday!

Connie and Casper enjoy the view on the climb to Stickle Tarn,

Stickle Tarn.

Nice to cool your feet in...

...and have a paddle or swim.

If you are paddling, be careful not to fall in. Connie didn't heed that warning - sodden!

Angus is content to carry on swimming though.

Casper is content to soak as well - in the sun!

A scramble up to Stickle Pike.

Nearly at the summit, overlooking Stickle Tarn with Caw beyond.

The Scafell range from the summit of Stickle Pike.

An unobstructed view to the north.

A trio on the summit of Stickle Pike.

Connie.

Scafell and Slight Side.

Esk Pike and Bow Fell.

The Duddon Estuary over the southern cairn on Stickle Pike.

The view to the north from the southern cairn.

Lakeland sky.

Lickle Horseshoe

Walked on 12/07/2006

Start point: The Hawk (SD 239 924)

The Hawk – The Knott – Natty Bridge – Pikes (OF) – Caw (OF) – Long Mire – Stephenson Ground – Water Yeat Bridge -The Hawk

Distance: 4.5 miles Total Ascent: 500 metres Time Taken: 2 hours 30 minutes.

Weather: Dull and overcast, very still. 15oC.

Relatively few visit the Lickle Valley, some perhaps have not heard of it but it is a lovely place – very quiet and removed from all manner of everyday life. It was a pity about the lack of views today as perhaps the photos do not show it at its best, so we will return when the skies are clearer. It almost felt as if we were pioneering on The Knott for this must surely be a different scene now the trees are removed.

Setting off along the forest road from The Hawk.

The Dunnerdale Fells across Carter Ground, Stephenson Ground and the Lickle Valley. The River Lickle is below the tree line at the bottom of the picture.

Casper settles down next to an ancient cairn on a prominence approaching The Knott. This area has recently been cleared of forestry and it has really open views now.

The tongue on The Knott!

Caw, the summit in mist, from The Knott.

Not a battle field scene but cleared forestry on The Knott.

The River Lickle and the Lickle Valley.

Looking over to Pikes.

A drink and a dip under Natty Bridge.

Waterfall and pool by Natty Bridge.

Natty Bridge.

Looking south along the Lickle Valley.

Heading for Pikes it was amazingly quiet - not a whisper of a breeze or anything.

Into the mist - Caw from Pikes.

Angus - still not given up!

These two seem quite content on the summit of Caw; no view today though.

Looking across Long Mire on the descent of Caw - the ghostly peak beyond the near ridge is Stickle Pike.

Long Mire.

Following the old walled lane to Stephenson Ground.

Looking over Stephenson Ground to The Knott, the summit visited earlier. The full extent of the deforestation is evident from here.

Stephenson Ground.

Coniston

Walked on 07/07/2006

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: 2 hours

Weather: Fresher than of late with a cool breeze on the tops. 19oC.

Overnight storms have freshened things up a little giving a cool breeze at times and bringing a mixed bag of cloud and sunshine. Surprisingly, there weren’t many people around today – even The Old Man summit was quiet which makes a change (when Angus got there, the peaceful atmosphere disappeared!).

The Old Man of Coniston from Torver; looks a bit grey up there today.

The Bell from the Walna Scar road, Swirl How on the left, Wetherlam to the right.

Blue sky over Brown Pike, the Walna Scar road snaking up the fellside to the left.

It's a bit darker further along the ridge looking to Dow Crag.

Dow Crag.

Casper having a bit of trouble keeping that tongue in!

Panoramic Coniston Water, Coniston village to the left.

Looking down on Coniston.

The Leven Estuary and Morecambe Bay. The large box, top left, is Heysham nuclear power station.

The dazzling golden Duddon Sands.

Angus - still a handsome lad.

The view from the summit of The Old Man, Low Water below with a glimpse of Levers Water and Wetherlam beyond.

The ridge to Brim Fell and Swirl How.

Timed that one just right - a deserted Old Man summit.

Blind Tarn nestling below Brown Pike, White Pike and Black Combe beyond.

The mist was swirling all around on the way to Brim Fell.

Then clearing as quickly as it came - Dow Crag, the Duddon Valley and Harter Fell.

Looking back to The Old Man summit from Brim Fell.

Casper on the summit of Brim Fell. In the distance, the Scafells are covered in cloud.

Come on Casper, good lad!

Great Carrs, Swirl How and Great How from Brim Fell - not that way for us today.

Great How Crags from Brim Fell Rake, Bow Fell now putting in an appearance to the distant left.

Bow Fell in the sunshine behind Crinkle Crags.

Wetherlam and Levers Water.

Heading for Low Water below The Old Man.

Low Water.

Another swimming pool for Angus.

Looking across Coppermines Valley to Wetherlam on the descent.

Through the old mine workings.

Brantwood (was the residence of John Ruskin) on the eastern side of Coniston Water.

The sun shines on The Bell now.

Lingmoor Fell

Walked on 05/07/2006

Start point: Blea Tarn Car Park (NY 296 043)

Blea Tarn – Brown How on Lingmoor Fell – Lingmoor Tarn – Side Pike – Blea Tarn

Distance: 5.7 miles Total Ascent: 602 metres Time Taken: 5 hours

Weather: Very hot and still. 28oC.

It was even hotter today than yesterday, the heat was stifling with barely a hint of a breeze for a walk up to Lingmoor Fell – and of course it was very hazy. We were accompanied by Roger and Ann Hiley with their dogs Harry and Bethan today – the Loweswater team were on tour in the south Lakes!

Roger, Ann and the dogs head off down the road at Side Gates, the Tilberthwaite fells beyond.

Blake Rigg from Side Gates.

The Coniston fells and Little Langdale from the steep climb to Lingmoor Fell.

Little Langdale Tarn and Great Intake, Wetherlam behind.

A hazy view of Elter Water and Windermere.

Hot, hot, hot on Lingmoor Fell.

Come on in, the water's lovely!

The wall that crosses Lingmoor Fell and divides Little Langdale from Great Langdale.

Pike o' Blisco, Crinkle Crags, Bow Fell and the Langdale Pikes from the summit of Lingmoor Fell.

Heading down to Lingmoor Tarn.

Cooling off in Lingmoor Tarn with the Langdale Pikes as a nice backdrop.

Bow Fell across Lingmoor Tarn.

The wall continues to Side Pike.

A tight squeeze for Roger, but at least the hat makes it through the gap in the rock on the way to Side Pike.

All four still at once! Angus, Bethan, Harry and Casper have a rest on Side Pike.

Bow Fell and The Band with Mickleden to the right from Side Pike.

Great Langdale.

The Langdale Pikes.

...and closer up.

Pike o' Blisco - where we were yesterday.

Looking back to Side Pike on the way to Blea Tarn.

Cooling off in Blea Tarn.

Blea Tarn, the Langdale Pikes and Side Pike.

Cold Pike

Walked on 04/07/2006

Start point: Three Shire Stone (NY 277 027)

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

Distance: 3.5 miles Total Ascent: 500 metres Time Taken: 2 hours

Weather: Sunny and warm becoming overcast. 23oC.

Nice to see it was still warm today and the blue skies have returned – at least for a short while as it became increasingly overcast towards the end of the walk. It’s a lovely shorter walk this one with some relatively easy height gain, starting from the top of Wrynose Pass.

Cold Pike from Three Shire Stone.

Harter Fell, Wrynose Pass and a familiar figure, bottom right!

Well, I did say semi-retirement. How could I deny Angus a swim and a view like this?

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

Casper enjoys the view, not the swim.

Red Tarn and Pike o' Blisco from the climb to Cold Pike.

A great view of Crinkle Crags and Bow Fell from the summit of Cold Pike.

Casper - hot on Cold Pike.

Pike o' Blisco, the path to be followed in view.

The Langdale Pikes across Mickleden.

Bow Fell.

Pike of Stickle.

Pike o' Blisco with its prominent summit cairn.

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

Warm on the descent of Cold Pike - we are following the path to the right, not up to Crinkle Crags today.

One way to keep cool.

A silhouette of the Coniston fells across Red Tarn.

Great Knott, Crinkle Crags and Bow Fell from the climb to Pike o' Blisco.

The Langdale Pikes and Great Langdale from Pike o' Blisco.

Hot but happy on Pike o' Blisco.

Rosthwaite Fell

Walked on 27/06/2006

Start point: Strands Bridge (NY 249 135)

Strands Bridge – Thornythwaite Fell (478) – Combe Head (479) – Stonethwaite Fell (480) –Rosthwaite Cam on Rosthwaite Fell (481) – Bessyboot on Rosthwaite Fell (482) – Strands Bridge

Distance: 6 miles Total Ascent: 889 metres Time Taken: 3 hours

Weather: Overcast with showers but warm and still. 15oC.

It was still overcast again today with the odd shower for company – some summer weather we are having at the moment! This is a great little round, visiting the often missed (due to more exalted company) Thornythwaite Fell which offers fine views of Borrowdale and to the higher fells. It was a special occasion for Angus today too…

Wansfell

Walked on 23/06/2006

Start point: Troutbeck (NY 409 032)

Troutbeck – Nanny Lane – The Hundreds – Wansfell – Wansfell Pike – Nanny Lane – Troutbeck

Distance: 4.3 miles Total Ascent: 427 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 45 minutes

Weather: Overcast with showers. 14ºC.

It was another overcast morning with plenty of showers to accompany us on a walk up to Wansfell and Wansfell Pike from Troutbeck. There is a great view along the length of Windermere from Wansfell and it is well worth a visit. Looking south, it was a lot brighter – here’s hoping some summer weather returns soon!

Sour Howes across the roofs of Troutbeck.

The old walled Nanny Lane across The Hundreds.

Looking back along Nanny Lane towards Windermere, just coming into view.

More of Windermere from the climb up to Wansfell.

Caudale Moor, Thornthwaite Crag, Froswick and Ill Bell.

The clouds sticking to Caudale Moor and Thornthwaite Crag.

Red Screes from Wansfell.

Windermere and Wansfell Pike from the summit of Wansfell.

Casper watches Angus running round and round, Red Screes behind.

Red Screes from the ridge to Wansfell Pike.

Looking north-west over Ambleside, the clouds closing in on the Langdales and beyond. Rydal Water is to the right.

Looking back towards Wansfell, Place Fell in view through the gap of Kirkstone Pass between Red Screes and Caudale Moor.

A full view of Windermere from Wansfell Pike.

A ghostly shot of the Langdales.

Looking down on Ambleside.

Kirkstone Pass.

Belle Isle and yachts on Windermere.

Pensive Casper.

A panoramic Windermere view.

The rain is coming in from Ambleside now.

...and from the north, so let's go!

Only when I'm ready!

Dunnerdale Horseshoe

Walked on 20/06/2006

Start point: Kiln Bank Cross (SD 215 933)

Kiln Bank Cross – Stickle Pike – Tarn Hill – Great Stickle – Scrithwaite Farm – Knott End – The Knott(OF) – Raven’s Crag – Stainton Ground Quarries – Kiln Bank Cross

Distance: 4.8 miles Total Ascent: 700 metres Time Taken: 2 hours 30 minutes

Weather: Overcast, clearing later. 14oC.

It was the same today as yesterday – it looked like someone had ruled a line at 400m and that was the cloud base across the whole of the southern Lake District. The Dunnerdale Fells were beneath the clouds, so that’s where I headed but even that looked a bit iffy at the start with the odd shower whilst I was on Stickle Pike. By the time I reached the return leg, the clouds quickly cleared away and even gave a hint of blue sky – it just shows how quickly it can all change.

Looking over Dunnerdale to Raven's Crag and The Knott, to be used on the return leg. The weather didn't look too hopeful as even these lowly tops were catching a bit of the cloud.

Stickle Tarn.

The route to Stickle Pike.

Casper caught in flight near Stickle Tarn.

Getting cosy on Stickle Pike.

The way ahead is the Tarn Hill - Great Stickle ridge running from right to left.

Stickle Pike from Tarn Hill.

Tarn Hill and Great Stickle with the Duddon Estuary beyond.

Looking back to Stickle Pike with Caw putting in an appearance from the cloud as it starts to lift in the distance.

The cloud starts to lift from Green Crag to the north.

Stickle Pike and Caw from one of the many tarns on the aptly named Tarn Hill.

Still a heavy looking sky over the Duddon Estuary, from Great Stickle.

Looking across Dunnerdale to The Knott, the next objective.

Stickle Pike along Dunnerdale.

Amazingly, blue skies appeared as I climbed The Knott, here looking along the Lickle Valley to the Duddon Estuary.

Even Black Combe is there now - so that's what it looks like!

A panoramic view of the Great Stickle to Stickle Pike ridge.

Raven's Crag from The Knott.

Stickle Pike over Hoses.

Even the higher fells can be seen now with Harter Fell left of centre distance with Scafell behind. The distinctive 'crinkly' Esk Pike and the pyramidal Bow Fell are in the right distance.

Caw.

A close up of Stickle Pike, the disused quarry giving away the secret of it's industrial past.

Hesk Fell.

Black Combe

Walked on 19/06/2006

Start point: Beckside (SD 153 847)

Beckside – Whicham Mill – South Top of Black Combe – Black Combe (OF) – Whitecombe Moss – White Combe (OF) – White Hall Knott – Beckside

Distance: 6.25 miles Total Ascent: 657 metres Time Taken: 2 hours 30 minutes

Weather: Overcast. 16oC.

Another day with non-existent views; the whole of the Lake District seemed to be enveloped in low lying cloud today with the promise of further (summer!) weather like this for a few days yet. I had a walk up to Black Combe, a relatively easy walk, and a nice one whatever the weather – at least the rain held off!

Whicham Mill.

The way ahead following Whitecombe Beck. It is interesting to compare the predominately green colour of today's photos with those from last time here on 20th January

Whitecombe Beck.

Yes Casper, all the way up there.

Blackcombe Beck.

White Hall Knott from the climb to Black Combe alongside Blackcombe Beck.

Heading into the cloud.

Still need a drink though...

...from this boggy tarn!

Let's go!

A misty Black Combe summit - I found an England flag on the way up, so it now resides on the top of the trig. column!

Angus.

Casper.

Out of the mist briefly, approaching White Hall Knott.

Looking along the Whicham Valley from White Hall Knott.

The path used to ascend Black Combe is the main track from the left up to the groove of Blackcombe Beck and then the faint path through the bracken to the right of the beck.

Whicham Valley.

Black Combe from the bottom, the top half still in cloud.

The ends of the horseshoe, Black Combe left and White Hall Knott, right.

Woodland Fell

Walked on 16/06/2006

Start point: Woodland (SD 248 895)

Woodland – Yew Bank (OF) – Beacon Tarn – Wool Knott (OF) – Green Moor Farm – Woodland

Distance: 5.3 miles Total Ascent: 464 metres Time Taken: 2 hours 30 minutes

Weather: Overcast but warm with rain showers. 19oC.

After being ill this week, I was just about stir crazy today – as indeed were Angus and Casper! This was a gentle walk which allowed us to get some fresh air without unnecessary exertion. The views today were virtually non-existent, firstly the haze smothered everything and later the rain came to finalise it. I really like it round here though, and it’s certainly quiet and tranquil – only a distant group of people across Beacon Tarn broke the solitude today.

Yew Bank from Hause, the route of ascent is the path in the centre of the photo.

The two sentinels guard the bridge over Strands Beck, Yew Bank beyond.

Foxgloves on the way to Yew Bank.

Not a good day for views today, the Coniston fells are just a silhouette and the rain is coming.

The summit of Yew Bank.

A large transporter plane heading towards Caw and Pikes. See how Casper gets through the heather in this movie...like a porpoise of course!

Beacon Tarn and Wool Knott in the rain.

The rain won't bother Angus though, he's getting very wet (spot him?).

Casper prefers to watch.

Looking the other way from Wool Knott to Beacon Fell over Beacon Tarn.

A pool on Green Moor Beck.

Footbridge over Green Moor Beck.

Fairfield Horseshoe

Walked on 09/06/2006

Start point: Rydal (NY 365 062)

Rydal – Nab Scar – Heron Pike – Rydal Fell – Great Rigg – Fairfield – Hart Crag – Dove Crag – High Pike (Scandale) – Low Pike – High Sweden Bridge – Ambleside – Rydal Park – Rydal

Distance: 12.9 miles Total Ascent: 1281 metres Time Taken: 5 hours

Weather: Sunny and warm. 27oC.

I knew it was going to be a warm one today – it was 23oC when I set off from Rydal this morning! It was hot and muggy with a welcome breeze on the higher parts, and very quiet up on the Fairfield Horseshoe. Angus and Casper kept themselves cool by wallowing in mud, glorious mud that baked on in the sun, and is proving impossible to get off.

The path to Nab Scar directly ahead.

Looking over Rydal Water to Loughrigg Fell from Nab Scar.

Long legs and a long tongue from Casper.

Wow Angus! Is it really that hot!

...and the result.

Rydal Fell with Great Rigg and Fairfield beyond.

Looking over Rydal Beck to High Pike and Low Pike (the return leg of the horseshoe), Red Screes beyond.

Rydal Fell with Hart Crag immediately behind.

Looking back to Heron Pike and Windermere from Rydal Fell.

The top part of The Fairfield Horseshoe. Select on the image for a larger, annotated version.

The boys enjoy the view.

Approaching Fairfield from Great Rigg.

Seat Sandal.

Cofa Pike and Saint Sunday Crag from the summit of Fairfield.

Dollywagon Pike, Nethermost Pike and Helvellyn from Fairfield.

Casper on the summit of Hart Crag.

Fairfield and Hart Crag from Dove Crag.

Desperate to get cool in the sweltering heat.

Low Pike along the wall from High Pike.

Red Screes across Scandale.

Looking back to High Pike from Low Pike, Little Hart Crag to the right.

High Sweden Bridge.

Looking over to Nab Scar, Heron Pike, Rydal Fell and Great Rigg on the descent to Ambleside.

The same view from Rydal Park.

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!