Holme Fell

Walked on 18/10/2017

Start Point: Hodge Close (NY 315 016)

Holme Fell from Hodge Close

Distance: 1.7 miles Total Ascent: 165 metres Time Taken: 1 hour Start Time: 08:15

Weather: Cool and calm, 8°C

Well, I did ask! Thank you for the feedback received regarding the website, the overwhelming feeling was that I should carry on and that there is still life in the old dog yet. Due to the amount of e-mails I received, there is no way I can personally respond to them all so to those of you that did send a message all I can say is thanks and I am grateful for the positive feelings about the site. The StridingEdge family is still alive and kicking.

This morning was lovely, a great change from the weather earlier in the week and nice to have a bit of calm and quiet. There was no wind at all this morning thankfully. I would say this was a typical Lakeland autumn morning, just beautiful and calm.

Holme Fell route map

Ivy Crag, left with Holme Fell on the right reflected in the reservoir. What a gorgeous and calm autumn morning.

Perfectly still rounding the reservoir.

Misty vales.

Lingmoor Fell in the sunshine.

Hope they are off somewhere warm. There was lots of goose activity up there today.

Wetherlam.

A panoramic shot from the climb.

Looking pensive boys!

Holme fell summit.

Nice to see the sunshine and the wind is not missed after the storm earlier in the week.

A close up on the Langdale Pikes.

Coniston Water from the cairn.

Wetherlam from the summit.

The fell dogs.

Big Fletcher and Little Dougal on Ivy Crag.

Holme Fell summit with Wetherlam beyond.

Lingmoor Fell from the descent.

Second reservoir reflections.

Blawith Knott

Walked on 09/10/2017

The Giants Grave.

Black Combe and the Duddon Estuary from the first cairn.

Coniston under cloud from the west summit cairn.

A bit brighter over Burney and Kirkby Moor.

Dougal and Fletcher, bright eyed and bushy tailed!

The way ahead - Angus Tarn and Tottlebank Height.

Down at Angus Tarn.

Wool Knott catches the sun with Beacon Fell beyond.

Start Point: Woodland Fell road (SD 256 879)

Woodland Fell road – Blawith Knott – Angus Tarn – Tottlebank Height – Woodland Fell road

Distance: 2 miles Total Ascent: 156 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 15 minutes Start Time: 11:15

Weather: Mild, 14°C

It’s been a long time, but better late than never! Rumours of my demise have been greatly exaggerated – I am still around and walks have been done, they just haven’t made it onto this website. I did wonder whether it is worth carrying on with the site – am I flogging a dead horse? Things have changed in the web world with instant posts on Facebook etc making a website like mine largely irrelevant so I would be interested in hearing what you think, good or bad…if there is still anyone looking!

The Giants Grave.

Black Combe and the Duddon Estuary from the first cairn.

Coniston under cloud from the west summit cairn.

A bit brighter over Burney and Kirkby Moor.

Dougal and Fletcher, bright eyed and bushy tailed!

The way ahead - Angus Tarn and Tottlebank Height.

Down at Angus Tarn.

Wool Knott catches the sun with Beacon Fell beyond.

Dunnerdale Fells

Walked on 16/02/2017

Start Point: Kiln Bank Cross (SD 215 933)

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

Distance: 2.5 miles Total Ascent: 235 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 30 minutes Start Time: 09:00

Weather: Mild but very windy, 8°C

There isn’t much real winter weather around but I suppose that does have its own merits. Today was relatively mild but the wind was surprisingly strong once above valley level.

It was a bit of a murky morning, Caw is over there lost in clouds...

The wind really whipped up at Stickle Tarn.

Stickle Pike - but well save that for later.

An alternative view of Stickle Pike, here looking at its rugged side.

On the way to Great Stickle.

Stickle Pike has a fantastic shape.

The Duddon Estuary from Great Stickle.

Looking the other way.

How breezy is it today boys?

Great Stickle from the climb to Tarn Hill.

Our old friend Stickle Pike across one of the tarns.

Great Stickle from Tarn Hill summit cairn.

Up close and personal before we climb it.

The route just walked.

Three peaks - Great Stickle, Stickle Pike #1 and Stickle Pike #2.

High Pike

Walked on 05/01/2017

Start point: Stone Ends (NY 354 338)

Stone Ends – Rake Trod – Carrock Fell – Round Knott – Miton Hill – High Pike – West Fell – Carrock Beck – Stone Ends

Distance: 6 miles Total Ascent: 530 metres Time Taken: 2 hours 50 minutes Start Time: 08:50

Weather: Cold but exceptionally clear. 2°C

‘Caldbeck fells are worth all England else’ so the saying goes…and they certainly were today. What a fabulous morning in the Lake District, I could have walked forever in those conditions if only I had the time. The wind was certainly bracing at times but the going was easy across iced over bogginess that is the usual terrain across here.

Early morning on the Caldbeck road looking to Great Mell Fell.

Carrick Fell with Rake Trod, today's route of ascent, clearly picked out by the low sun.

Climbing Rake Trod.

...and looking back down. It is going to be a great day on the fells.

Wainwright's "rowan on crag".

The summit of Carrock Fell where there are fabulous, clear views today but with a biting wind.

The back o' Skidda'.

How cold is it boys?

Carrick Fell from Round Knott.

Heading for High Pike.

Looking back to Carrock Fell.

The view from Drygill Head.

Beautiful on High Pike.

High Pike summit - O.S column, shelter and seat.

This looks comfortable!

Looking across the Solway Firth to Criffel.

The ruins of a cottage (a room with a view!) from the site of the beacon.

The view from Driggeth Mines, I descended along West Fell to the left.

Looking back to High Pike.

Howthwaite Stone.

Holme Fell

Walked on 02/01/2017

Start Point: Hodge Close (NY 315 016)

Holme Fell from Hodge Close

Distance: 1.7 miles Total Ascent: 165 metres Time Taken: 1 hour Start Time: 10:00

Weather: A bright and sunny 0°C

There was wall to wall sunshine today, it was absolutely gorgeous but the views do not necessarily tell how cold it was in the wind which cut through to the bone at times. A great little fell with big views this one.

All is still at the frozen reservoir.

Don't blame it on the sunshine (!)

Wetherlam.

Helvellyn and the high fells have a dusting of snow this morning.

The Langdale Pikes.

Fletcher and Dougal are loving the sunshine.

Holme Fell summit.

Coniston Water.

A close up of Steel Edge on Wetherlam.

Holme Fell summit (central) with Wetherlam beyond from Ivy Crag.

Gummer’s How

Walked on 25/11/2016

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: 30 minutes Start Time: 09:10

Weather: Sunny and bright, 0°C

I just had time for a walk at the beginning of the day today, I would hate not to be able to get out in those conditions. Although only a short walk the views really were stunning.

A frozen morning and a lovely inversion over Windermere.

From the top of the first section and it is a mother beautiful day higher up.

Not something you see very day on the fells!

Looking northwards from the summit...

...and to the south.

Silhouetted column.

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

The Coniston fells.

Islands in the sky.

Dougal and Fletcher caught in the sunshine.

Wetherlam

Walked on 24/11/2016

Start point: Tilberthwaite car park (NY 306 010)

Tilberthwaite – Steel Edge – Wetherlam – Wetherlam Edge – Birk Fell Man on Birk Fell – Tilberthwaite Gill – Tilberthwaite

Distance: 4.2 miles Total Ascent: 648 metres Time Taken: 2 hours Start Time: 10:00

Weather: Sunny and clear, 2C

What a beautiful day for a walk out in lovely winter conditions. There was just the right amount of snow and barely a breath of a breeze and on the top, fabulous views forever and sunshine that was alpine warm. Perfect.

Tilberthwaite from the start of the climb and what a beautiful day.

Fletcher leads the way to Wetherlam.

A new cairn at the head of Tilberthwaite - a fine one it is too.

Steel Edge.

The icy path.

Looking down.

The three of us.

A fine view along Coniston.

The Old Man.

Distant Howgills.

Helvellyn and Fairfield have a good covering of snow.

Swirl How.

A grand day out on the top of Wetherlam.

Sunny and quite warm on the top. One of those two recognised us so it was good to chat for a while.

Scafells to Bowfell.

Descending Wetherlam Edge.

Wetherlam Edge from Birk Fell.

Dougal and Fletcher, ever faithful.

The Langdale Pikes and Blea Tarn.

A mono view of Steel Edge.

Harter Fell

Walked on 07/06/2016

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

Harter Fell from Birks Bridge

Distance: 3.9 miles Total Ascent: 477 metres Time Taken: 2 hours 15 minutes Start Time: 09:30

Weather: Warm and hazy. 24C

The warm weather has continued for a couple of weeks in Cumbria and the Lakes and this was a fantastic opportunity to get out for a walk to local Harter fell and then have a dip in the River Duddon at the end of the walk – the perfect icing on the cake!

Beautiful Birks Bridge at the start of the walk - perhaps I will pay a visit at then to those inviting cool, clear waters.

Approaching Birks.

Looking along the Duddon Valley from Birks, Bowfell and Little Stand in view.

Grey Friar from the steep climb, Birks visible centre right.

Hot dogs! Good job they have had a new haircut in this heat.

Harter Fell summit.

Harter Fell true summit from the official.

Looking across to Green Crag, Devoke Water just about visible beyond.

The Scafells and Upper Eskdale from Harter Fell, Hard Knott and the Roman fort in the centre ground.

Descending the south-western slopes of Harter Fell, Green Crag and Crook Crag across the way.

The forest road back to the start - and yes, we did enjoy a dip in the River Duddon at the end!

Scafell Pike

Walked on 26/04/2016

Start point: Wasdale Head (NY 186 084)

Wasdale Head – Moses Trod – Skew Gill – The Band – Great End – Scafell Pike – Lingmell Col – Lingmell – Wasdale Head

Distance: 8.3 miles Total Ascent: 1280 metres Time Taken: 5 hours 30 minutes

Weather: Cold with lots of heavy snow showers. 4oC.

Today we had a walk up to the Scafells – I had intended to climb Great End via Skew Gill and did indeed scramble up 80% of the way but it became apparent that there was no way to climb out due to the sheet ice covering the sides so I reversed that section and ended up climbing via The Band. I’ll save Skew Gill for a dry summer’s day! It was still a good walk even with the frequent snow showers backed with strong winds that made the going tough at times. Back to full blown winter gear again…

Heading along the track past St Olaf's Church.

Looking back the other way.

Crossing Gable Beck.

Climbing alongside Spouthead Gill looking back towards Wasdale Head.

Lingmell and Piers Gill.

At the foot of Skew Gill looking across to Great Gable.

The same view from higher up. As the end of Skew Gill was approaching it became obvious that there would be no safe route of exit - the walls were covered in sheet ice so there was nothing for it but to turn back. Best to try this one in summer during a dry spell.

Back on the Corridor Route looking back at Lingmell.

Styhead Tarn.

Glaramara.

Looking across Styled Tarn to Green Gable and Base Brown, Skiddaw in the distance.

Great Gable from The Band.

A big snow shower coming in, this was to be a feature for the rest of the walk today.

Dougal and Fletcher check out Sprinkling Tarn.

Dougal and Fletcher.

Great End.

Close up on Piers Gill...

...and on Great Gable. Looks like they are redoing the path, hence the visible black bags.

At the top of Skew Gill looking to where we were earlier...so near yet so far.

A bit of sunshine on Sprinkling Tarn and Seathwaite Fell now.

Looking down the short scree filled ravine that is Wainwright's 'pedestrian route'.

Scafell Pike from Great End shortly before a big snow storm came in, a return to full on winter!

The final climb to Scafell Pike from Broad Crag.

Fletcher, the highest dog in England today.

We were on our own on the summit today.

Descending to Lingmell.

The summit of Lingmell.

It's looking a bit moody over in Mosedale.

Scafell pike from the Lingmell col.

Another big snow shower coming in over Wasdale.

Wasdale Head and Mosedale back in the sunshine (for now).

More snow.

Dow Crag via the South Rake

Walked on 14/04/2016

Start point: Walna Scar road (SD 289 970)

Walna Scar road – The Cove – Goat’s Water – South Rake – Dow Crag – Buck Pike – Blind Tarn – Cove Bridge – Walna Scar road

Distance: 5 miles Total Ascent: 577 metres Time Taken: 2 hours 30 minutes Start Time: 09:00

Weather: Sunny, 11C

It was a lovely morning this morning, perfect for a walk onto the fells. Any fells are a good day out for me at the moment; as you may have noticed the walks are a little less frequent these days but it is a case of fitting them in wherever I can – sometimes other things have to be done as well! This is a particular favourite and a good scramble if you like that kind of thing – I think The Old Man must have been busy today as I didn’t see too many people but the car park was completely full when I got back.

Firstly, a few photos from a walk around Ennerdale taken last Saturday (9th April) which turned into a rather warm afternoon…

Herdus and Bowness Knott, the gorse glowing in the sunshine.

Looking to Pillar along Ennerdale Water.

Warm enough for a swim today.

Close up on Pillar and Steeple.

It is a fine view along Ennerdale. On with today's walk...

Fletcher leads the way along the Walna Scar road.

Boo Tarn.

The path to Goats Water...

...into The Cove.

Posing on the way to Dow Crag.

Fletcher and Dougal.

Goat's Water.

At the foot of the climb up to the South Rake.

Fletcher has found the path.

Coniston Water from the climb up the scree slope.

Goat's Water and The Old Man.

The south rake.

Easy Gully (despite the name, it's not!).

The view down the south rake...

...and from the top of the rake.

Looking to the west across the Duddon Valley.

Buck Pike to Black Combe and the Duddon Estuary.

The Scafells with their heads in the cloud.

Great Carrs and Swirl How.

The view from the summit of Dow Crag.

Dow Crag from Buck Pike.

Brown Pike and Blind Tarn.

Fletcher surveys the valley below.

Heading steeply down to Blind Tarn.

Coniston Old Man across The Cove.

Down at Cove Bridge.

During this walk we stopped by to say hello to Charmer, his gravestone is still visible if you know where to look.

Fletcher and Dougal said hello to this kindred spirit too.

Great Gable

Walked on 15/03/2016

Start point: Wasdale Head (NY 186 084)

Wasdale Head – Beck Head – Great Gable – Westmorland Cairn – Great Hell Gate – Napes Needle – Moses Trod – Wasdale Head

Distance: 5.3 miles Total Ascent: 1036 metres Time Taken: 4 hours 30 minutes Start Time: 10:00

Weather: Warmer than of late, 7-15C

I hadn’t planned to walk today but the weather looked fabulous first thing this morning so I decided to head for Wasdale and Great Gable. I wasn’t disappointed, there was the predicted wall to wall sunshine and superb clarity all around. A great day to be on the fells!

Wasdale classic.

A different angle.

Great Gable, the fell we will climb today.

Lingmell and the Scafells reflected.

Wast Water was lovely and calm at the top end today.

Hardly a ripple.

On the track past St Olaf's Church, Great Gable ahead.

Crossing Gable Beck.

Wasdale Head field system.

Kirk Fell and Beckhead Tarn from the start of the climb. It was a case of skirting the snow and ice on this one.

Kirk Fell and the Mosedale fells from the summit.

The view across Sprinkling Tarn from the summit. Nice to meet two StridingEdge fans up there, the boys had bit of a photo call!

The summit.

Looking north, Skiddaw and Blencathra in clear view.

Ennerdale.

The Westmorland Cairn.

Lunch with a view (mine was Wast Water, Fletcher's was me eating!).

The way down.

The Napes.

Scafells looking good in the sunshine.

Napes Needle.

A cracking day.

The Lion Kings.

Looking back to Gable from the bottom.

Looking across to Red Pike.

Rosthwaite Fell via Combe Gill

Walked on 29/02/2016

Start point: Strands Bridge (NY 249 135)

Strands Bridge – The Combe – Combe Door – Combe Head – Stonethwaite Fell – Rosthwaite Cam on Rosthwaite Fell – Bessyboot on Rosthwaite Fell – Big Stanger Gill – Stonethwaite – Strands Bridge

Distance: 7.1 miles Total Ascent: 762 metres Time Taken: 4 hours 30 minutes Start Time: 09:00

Weather: Cold wind, wintry. 4C

Today’s walk was up to Glaramara (or it was supposed to be – read on to find out why it didn’t quite turn out that way!) via Combe Gill. It is certainly a quiet way to climb but then again it is normally fairly quiet on the fells when conditions aren’t particularly good in winter.

Looking back to Borrowdale at the start of the walk.

Glaramara and Combe Gill ahead.

Looking back to distant Derwent Water and Skiddaw.

There was a cold, raw wind today and I was hoping for some shelter once in the combe.

In The Combe, Combe Gill ahead.

Combe Gill - the climb is to the right of the ravine and is easier than it looks.

Looking back from the climb...

...and from higher up.

At Combe Door the weather suddenly became very wintry, here looking to the Langdales through the rapidly moving clouds.

Combe Head.

The view from Combe Head.

Anyone who has been here knows that Glaramara is only a stone's throw away yet I didn't really fancy going for it today...

...and these were the main reason. It was so cold - I had full winter kit on, these two had jackets on but Glaramara can wait for a warmer day. It will still be there in summer!

Close up on the Gables.

Stonethwaite Fell (Dovenest Crag).

Looking back to Combe Head.

Rosthwaite Cam from Stonethwaite Fell.

A view across to Fleetwith Pike from Rosthwaite Cam.

Tarn at Leaves with Bessyboot, the summit of Rosthwaite Fell, the high point in the centre ground.

Bessyboot above frozen Tarn at Leaves.

Looking back on the route just walked from Bessyboot.

A face in the crowd - colourful Herdwicks in Borrowdale.

From a walk around Torver Back Common on 4th March...Coniston Old Man in full winter coat.

Long Moss.

Winter on Torver Common.

Coniston Water and snow laden skies.

Whinlatter Round

Walked on 03/02/2016

Start point: Darling How (NY 181 255)

Darling How – Brown How on Whinlatter – Whinlatter Top – Tarbarrel Moss – Ullister Hill – Lord’s Seat – Broom Fell – Graystones – Darling How

Distance: 7.1 miles Total Ascent: 564 metres Time Taken: 3 hours 20 minutes Start Time: 10:30

Weather: Overcast but clearing, 6C.

The Whinlatter fells make an excellent compact walk and the going is pretty easy with it being over mainly grassy sections – with a few boggy bits thrown in for good measure. The higher fells still had their diminishing winter coats on but there was no snow on these lower slopes today.

It started off a bit dull today, here looking at the un-named secondary top of Broom Fell, Widow Hause to the left.

The path to Whinlatter through Aiken Plantation - the trees are growing thick and fast now but a cairn marks the way at the foot of the wall and it is easy enough to follow.

Out into the clearing.

looking into the Vale of Lorton.

Brown How, the summit of Whinlatter. Grisedale Pike is lost in mist.

Heading for Whinlatter Top.

Lord's Seat.

The path to Lord's Seat from Ullister Hill.

The cloud is lifting a bit now over Grisedale Pike.

Barf from Lord's Seat - not for us today though.

The path to Broom Fell.

A glimpse of Bassenthwaite Lake.

Broom Fell...

...and some interesting rays.

Enjoying the sunshine now boys?

The descent to Widow Hause, Graystones beyond.

Looking back to where the previous photo was taken from on the steep climb to Graystones.

Clearing nicely to the south now.

Dougal and Fletcher up close and personal on Graystones summit.

Graystones, looking towards Skiddaw.

Looking across to Whinlatter.

Aiken Valley.

The steep way down.

Lord's Seat.

On 18th February, I was going for a wander up to Hard Knott to catch the sunset, however the cloud dropped a bit low for there to be any views from up there. Here is the meeting sun from Border End.

Nice haircuts! Nice jackets!!

The Fletchinator.

Once back to the road and below the cloud, things started to look a little more promising. Here Fletcher views the long and winding road.

A beautiful sunset.

Thermo-nuclear!

On Saturday 27th February I had the opportunity for a quick walk with the boys to Dent above Cleator Moor. The weather wasn't up to much really but it was an interesting walk and once more there was no-one around, this being on the western bring of the Lake District National Park.

Dougal and Fletcher enjoyed the run, especially being coatless and fancy free!

Bowfell

Walked on 20/01/2016

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

Old Dungeon Ghyll – Rossett Gill – Rossett Pike – Angle Tarn – Esk Hause – Esk Pike – Ore Gap – Bowfell – Three Tarns – The Band – Old Dungeon Ghyll

Distance: 9.2 miles Total Ascent: 986 metres Time Taken: 6 hours Start Time: 09:00

Weather: Cool and clear. 2°C

All I can say about today is wow! What a fantastic day to be out on the fells, the sunshine made it really warm so I was in shirt sleeves for most of the walk and there was snow – lots of snow – everywhere. The views were stunning, this really was day to remember and ones like this are all too few and far between.

On the way past, a beautiful pink hue on the Coniston fells from Torver.

The Langdale Valley was frozen and mostly in mist this morning but this was the view on emerging.

Heading for Stool End, Crinkle Crags caught in sunshine.

The head of Mickleden, Rossett Pike (our first port of call today) in the sunshine

Crossing Mickleden Beck.

The Langdale Pikes towering above Mickleden.

The sun is coming out now and there is a lovely blue sky.

Looking back along the frozen valley.

Heading for Rossett Gill climbing up in the centre distance.

The way to go.

Looking back from the climb...

...and a bit higher...

...and on and on. The going was quite arduous at times, the path was lost under knee deep snow so it was a best estimate only for the route.

Rossett Pike from the top of Rossett Pass.

The frozen summit of Rossett Pike looking along Langstrath.

A close up on Blencathra.

Mickleden from the Mickleden cairn. Dougal found a Philips screwdriver atop a rock here...if anyone's lost one, let me know (and more to the point, why?)!

Dougal and Fletcher were enjoying the conditions today.

Esk Hause (between Great End and Allen Crags) looks an easy target from here but it was not as straightforward as it looks. Frozen Angle Tarn can be seen below the first section of rocks, then there is a climb and a further descent before another climb all in knee deep, soft snow.

Looking back the other way to Rossett Pike from the fist climb, blazing a trail.

These two were fed up waiting for me!

Angle Tarn.

A beautiful winter wonderland.

Climbing to Esk Hause a big bank of cloud was slowly spreading southwards.

The view from Esk Hause.

You may well gaze in wonder Fletcher my lad!

Great End, Great Gable and beyond.

The Scafells.

View? What view?

The Scafells from Esk Pike summit.

Derwent Water and Skiddaw from Esk Pike.

Bowfell ahead.

What a day!

Descending to Esk Hause.

Climbing to Bowfell.

The Scafells from the summit.

A close up of Scafell and Scafell Pike.

Looking across 3 Tarns (which looks like no tarns today) to Crinkle Crags.

The Great Slab and beyond.

Looking back to the summit from the descent.

Heading down to 3 Tarns, Fletcher looks like he is sliding down.

The Scafells from the tarns.

Pike o' Blisco from The Band.

Descending The Band, Great Lansdale already back in the shadows.

The setting sun on the Langdale Pikes.

(Not) Hard Knott sunset

Walked on 19/01/2016

Today’s walk was intended to be up to Hard Knott, however the weather put paid to that idea as Hardknott Pass was shut due to the ice and snow. It was too late to do much else than give the dogs a run on the lower slopes on a walk up from Cockley Beck. I did gain a bit of height to witness tonight’s beautiful sunset…and I guess it gave me an idea for tomorrow’s walk!

Harter Fell.

A cold looking Duddon Valley.

Looking down to Caw and Stickle Pike.

Esk Pike and Bowfell.

Close up on Esk Pike.

Little Stand.

Wrynose Pass.

Dougal sings for his supper!

The dying embers as the sun drops behind Harter Fell

A beautiful winter scene.

Looking back along the valley to Little Stand and Crinkle Crags.

Holme Fell

Walked on 18/01/2016

Start Point: Hodge Close (NY 315 016)

Holme Fell from Hodge Close

Distance: 1.7 miles Total Ascent: 165 metres Time Taken: 1 hour Start Time: 14:30

Weather: A wintry 2°C

There has been plenty of snow around Cumbria and the Lake District this weekend with some fabulous winter weather to go with it. I managed to miss all that being busy with all sorts of other things so today when I managed to get out, the day was very different to the weekend. Gone were the blue skies and winter wonderland, the south Lakes was transfrormned into a very overcast scene. It was a real winters day with mist hanging around and not a breath of air plus with all the snow dampening down any noise it made for a quite eerie walk. It was enjoyable though, Fletcher and Dougal certainly enjoyed being in the snow today.

Wetherlam from Hodge Close.

Walking along the track from Hodge Close.

At the (frozen) reservoir, Ivy Crag left and Holme Fell summit right.

Walking around the reservoir.

The climb to Holme Fell.

Frozen Lakeland from the climb.

Holme Fell summit.

Fletcher & Dougal don't look too impressed but that is because I have stopped them frolicking in the snow for a minute - the giddy kippers!

Fletcher found this on Holme Fell - someone is climbing all the Birketts +1 in 2016 to raise money for Cancer Research. More info at www.542in2016.org.uk

You can just about make out Coniston Water. When I got here I realised I had (annoyingly) lost my lens cap - I don't know what it is about Holme Fell because this exact same thing has happened before I seem to recall!

Back to the summit, looking the other way.

Holme Ground below, Tilberthwaite beyond.

Ivy Crag looking to Tarn Hows beyond. Aha, so there it is - lens cap found...the snow made it easier to spot thankfully!

The cairn on Ivy Crag.

Looking across to Holme Fell summit.

Looking down to the first reservoir.

The second reservoir is also frozen.

Brrr - time to go!

Greenup Round

Walked on 06/01/2016

Start point: Stonethwaite (NY 262 137)

Stonethwaite – Great Crag – Low Saddle of Coldbarrow Fell – High Saddle of Coldbarrow Fell – Ullscarf – Greenup Edge – Low White Stones – High Raise – Sergeant’s Crag – Eagle Crag – Stonethwaite

Distance: 10.6 miles Total Ascent: 975 metres Time Taken: 6 hours Start Time: 08:30

Weather: Mist on top, at least it was dry! 7C

I wanted to do a decent walk today as it feels like ages since I have been on a long one. Much of this one is a trudge over boggy ground at the best of times but it seemed like hard work today with that and the navigation required in the mist proving a little tricky at times – I must be getting rusty! I managed to walk round in circles on Ullscarf and High Raise so I guess I’d better keep practicing…

Dawn over Eagle Crag.

Following the track from Stonethwaite.

The sun is still rising as I exit the woods at Lingy End.

I like the way the sun is shining through between Eagle Crag and Sergeant's Crag.

Looking into the far reaches of Borrowdale.

The view from the northern end of Great Crag, I think all today's round can be seen from here (which is more than could be said when I was actually on them!).

Base Brown and Brandreth.

Dock Tarn.

All is peaceful here.

Reflections.

Climbing the wall to High Crag.

Coldbarrow Fell and Ullscarf seem to be disappearing fast lads!

A fabulous glimpse into Langstrath from the climb.

Langstrath.

On Low Saddle looking to Watendlath Tarn and Derwent Water. Things turned distinctly colder here with a raw wind blowing and the mist constantly swirling. Time to layer up.

A hole in the sky looking from High to Low Saddle - and that was about it for views for a good while.

High Raise.

Suddenly back out of the flag descending towards Sergeant's Crag.

Sergeant's Crag ahead and it looks like it is sunny over Skiddaw.

On Sergeant's summit. I bumped into someone who recognised us, the first person I had seen all day.

Looking back to Sergeant's Crag from the wall corner on the way to Eagle Crag.

Big Douglas and Little Fletcher looking like they have had a thoroughly good time in the mud.

The Eagle of Stonethwaite.

Back into Greenup, Eagle Crag was descended on the south side today.

Heading back to Stonethwaite. On the way there were many scars in the hillside that showed the power of the water that has recently been flooding the area with some of the path washed away as well. Close to Stonethwaite we bumped into locals Gill and Trevor who also follow the site.

Stickle Pike

Walked on 01/01/2016

Start Point: Kiln Bank Cross (SD 215 933)

Kiln Bank Cross – Stickle Tarn – Stickle Pike – Kiln Bank Cross

Distance: 1 mile Total Ascent: 105 metres Time Taken: 30 minutes Start Time: 08:30

Weather: Colder than of late with a stiff breeze, 2°C

Having to work throughout Christmas and being on call has some advantages I guess – there was no partying or drinking for me on New Year’s Eve which meant it was no problem getting up early to catch the first light of 2016 (before I went to work again!). Although not a spectacular sunrise by any stretch of the imagination it was nice to be the first one up there in 2016 and it was certainly a lot colder than it has been recently – almost like winter it was! Happy New Year to all, here’s to a great fell walking 2016…

Just about enough light to see the Duddon valley at the start of the climb.

Stickle Tarn.

The path to the top.

Looking back to Caw and the Coniston fells.

Dougal and Fletcher enjoying the (very) fresh air.

Great Stickle and the Duddon Estuary.

Dougal sheep spotting, Black Combe and Whitfell in the distance.

Looking across the summit to Harter Fell with a dusting of snow on the Scafells.

The Duddon Valley.

A Caw panorama.

Gummer’s How

Walked on 23/12/2015

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 15 minutes Start Time: 14:10

Weather: Some sunny intervals, 10°C

It was great to see a little glimmer of sunshine today after all the recent damp weather and Connie certainly needed energising ready for Father Christmas to pay a visit in a couple of days time! A great little walk this one is…apart from the mad fell cows that live up there!

It was nice to see a bit of sunshine and blue sky on the climb to Gummer's How. On the way up (and down) we had to avoid the pesky Gummer's How herd of cows and of course we had the two cow magnets in tow!

It was predictably very busy at the summit, however we waited and took our moment and had the summit to ourselves after 10 minutes or so.

Looking north from the top.

Connie McMahon aged 14 on Gummer's How.

Fletcher, Connie and Dougal - at least Connie would keep still for more than a second!

A portrait of Connie.

Night boat to Cairo.

Dougal keeps an eye on proceedings.

Windermere.

Setting sun.

Sunburst.

Connie enjoys the view on the descent.

Golden glow, The Hoad Monument at Ulverston visible bottom right.

See, I told you the cows were on the fell! This photo was taken by friend Ian Allington who spotted us carrying out the cow avoidance tactics on the climb.

On Christmas Eve I went to Keswick via Kirkstone Pass - this is the quickest way through from Bowness at the moment due to the A591 closure. This photo of Troutbeck Park offered a glimmer of brightness to a soggy Lake District.

Glenridding (and the rest of Cumbria) is open for business!

Lot's of work has been/is being done on the flooded beck.

Ullswater from the top of the lake.

The tide line - way above the usual water line.

Derwent Water was also looking full - the gate and the fence usually seen in this shot have disappeared.

At the boat landings.

These two don't seem particularly bothered though!

Grey Friar via the south-west ridge

Walked on 11/12/2015

Start point: Troutal, Duddon Valley (SD 234 983)

Troutal – Troutal Fell – Grey Friar south-west ridge – Grey Friar – Fairfield col – Seathwaite Tarn – Troutal

Distance: 6.1 miles Total Ascent: 643 metres Time Taken: 3 hours 30 minutes Start Time: 11:20

Weather: Cold wind. 7°C.

There was an arctic blast again today with snow and hail falling on the higher ground and the wind was biting to say the least. It was very quiet on the fells, I didn’t see a soul anywhere but I guess a lot of Cumbrians have fair bit of clearing up to do after the floods unfortunately.