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.

The start of the walk heading for Browside.

The grass gully that climbs to the south-west ridge.

Steeper than it looks.

Looking back down from the top.

There was the odd fleeting bright spell but the wind was a bit raw up here.

Looking over Seathwaite Tarn.

Harter Fell across the Duddon Valley.

The south-west ridge.

Dow Crag and Seathwaite Tarn.

Brim Fell and The Old Man.

Sunburst.

On the summit plateau.

Swirl How to The Old Man.

Grey Friar summit.

Windswept Dougal and Fletcher.

Looking back towards the way just walked from the summit.

The view from the north-west cairn.

Looking towards The Langdales from Matterhorn Rock.

Which way Fletcher? Looking across the Fairfield col to Great Carrs and Swirl How.

Descending into Calf Cove.

Dow Crag beyond the prominent perched boulder.

'Big perched boulder, Calf Cove' (Grey Friar 6)

Looking up Tarn Head Beck from the old mine workings.

Tarn Head Beck.

Down at Seathwaite Tarn.

There wasn't a soul around today.

The dam wall.

2015 Floods

Walked on 06/12/2015

I hoped I would never have to post photos like these again after the remarkably similar floods in 2009 but unfortunately I do and this is my small part of the story. The good people of Carlisle, Keswick, Cockermouth, Appleby and Kendal (and many places in between) fared much worse than we did in the south west of Cumbria – my heart goes out to them all. Today’s photos are all iPhone photos sorry, that’s all I had.

I took this one on Saturday afternoon on the way to Bowness - the River Leven looks high here but it does get higher as you will see later on.

The reason for going to Bowness was to take sandbags and try to stem the flood waters - although not deep the water was running from the hillside behind then through the shop from back to front in this photo. The sandbags were in place to stop it going into the other half of the shop. Next door in Villa Positano was much worse, they had a full waterfall through the restaurant and next to them the Bodega Bar was also flooded right through. There was so much water coming through, they called the Fire Brigade to help pump it out.

They only had a fleeting visit though - rightly enough they had bigger fish to fry tonight. Anyway, I had an interesting evening sweeping water from the shop until it seemed to subside enough for me to feel easy enough to leave it. I left for home via Windermere and across to Kendal as I thought it would be better on the main roads - hmm, let's just say my heart was in my mouth through Bannerigg and Ings! When I got to the A591 roundabout it was shut so there wasn't really a way to go. I cut across the top of Kendal and had a go along the Underbarrow road but just before Underbarrow the road was impassable to to deep flooding, even in our 4x4. Strangely enough, I was flagged down there by a paramedic who had been waiting for the MRT to pick her up for over an hour as she was supposed to be on duty in Kendal so of course the least I could do was take her there so that she could carry out the good work that was needed in and around Kendal. Kendal itself was completely blocked due to the flooding and not really fancying the journey back to Windermere in those conditions, there really was nowhere for me to go. The nearest option was to get a room at The Gateway Inn but (of course) there was no room at the inn. Kindly they let me and 20 other stranded motorists sleep in their bar area where they provided duvets etc so a great big thanks to them from me and the rest of the unexpected guests.

Up at the crack of doom on Sunday and bolstered by tales of relatively flood free roads from the arriving staff at the inn, I headed back to Bowness to check out the shop hoping the damage was not too bad. Miracle of miracles - the shop was dry so after a couple of hours we managed to re-open as did the others affected by flooding on Ash Street, Bowness. I was however, mindful of all the people in Cumbria that have been affected by the flooding in their homes - it is tragic, just awful.

The photos I took on the way home are all reminiscent of the 2009 floods, the water is just as high. at the time it was said that it could never happen again. I certainly did not expect to see water levels this high in my lifetime. This is Bowness with the lake so high it is up over the main road.

The ticket offices for the ferry are under water as is the TIC (again) just out of view.

The A592 just past the marina is blocked and there are a coupe, of cars that didn't make it. The rest of the A592 was like a cars graveyard, littered with those that did not make it through.

Windermere marina.

Flooded again.

Down at Newby Bridge, I knew what to expect.

The Swan Hotel under water.

Newby Bridge and the River Leven.

Anyone familiar with Kin Toffee Vodka that we sell in our shop? Well this is where it is made - I talked to Mick and Judith for a while and they were typically sanguine about it all with a 'business as usual' attitude from them. That is the Cumbrian spirit (in more ways than one)!

At Backbarrow, the road is understandably closed.

Once again the River Leven is over the bridge and the Whitewater Hotel is once again flooded...

...as are the holiday lets.

These two don't let a bit of water get in the way of a good ride on the east side of Coniston!

The River Crake at Lowick - the tress show the normal line of the river. At least those downstream at Spark Bridge did not get flooded this time.

Stickle Pike

Walked on 27/11/2015

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: 09:10

Weather: Breezy, 10°C

The weather was really closed in and downright miserable this morning – we went to Stickle Pike with not too much hope of a dry walk but miraculously I reckon we got this done in the only dry half hour of the day. Always a nice jaunt up there though whatever the weather.

Heck Fell across the valley.

Stickle Tarn (spot the dogs?).

The path to the summit - steeper and further than it looks in this photo.

When I set off I could't even see Caw but when I looked behind the clouds had cleared to at least give a view.

A similar view from close to the summit.

Looking across to the main summit from the southern one...

...and the other way to Great Stickle and the Duddon Estuary.

Fletcher and Dougal.

The main summit cairn.

Caw and Stickle Tarn from the descent.

The Duddon Valley, Harter Fell with its head in the clouds and Green Crag to the left.

Ever had that sinking feeling? By the time we got down 5 minutes later the clouds had closed back in and the heavens opened - perfect timing Dougal!

Coniston Old Man and Brim Fell Rake

Walked on 25/11/2015

Start Point: Walna Scar road (SD 289 970)

Walna Scar car park – Boo Tarn – The Old Man of Coniston – Brim Fell – Brim Fell Rake – Boulder Valley – Walna Scar car park

Distance: 4 miles Total Ascent: 647 metres Time Taken: 5 hours Start Time: 08:00

Weather: Wet and windy, clearing. 10°C

Today I had a walk with Clive Hutchby who is currently updating his 4th Wainwright Book ‘The Southern Fells’ – naturally I was keen to have a look at The Old Man and Brim Fell Rake with him as I have walked both once or twice in the past. The initially poor weather thankfully cleared up after a short while but the wind remained quite chilly at times. If you haven’t checked out the latest Wainwright book updates, they are fantastic and Clive has made a great job of bringing them bang up to date. Signed copies are available here (the cover photos are okay too 🙂 )

What a dull start to the day with general murk and dreariness around. Looks like there is another shower heading our way across Little arrow Moor.

Conditions were bad enough for us to get our waterproof gear on close to the start of the climb - we stopped below the small rocky knoll that is central in this photo (Limestone Haws).

Come on, put 'em up!

Buck Pike and Dow Crag across The Cove.

An unexpected (but welcome) burst of sunshine.

I think Dougal has seen another dog down there.

Lost in it.

Looking across to Brown Pike, Blind Tarn below.

Clive climbing The Old Man route.

Crepuscular rays over Coniston. We sat for a while and had a fine tasting brew near to where Angus and Casper ended up.

A fine view across Low Water.

Looking over to Wetherlam from the summit of The Old Man.

Deserted Old Man summit.

Heading for Brim Fell following the ridge.

Looking back to The Old Man from Brim Fell.

The Old Man from the start of the top section of Brim Fell Rake.

It was a bit breezy here!

Great How Crags.

Suddenly, the sun is out over Levers Water.

A similar but different view to Great How Crags.

Dougal and Fletcher seem to enjoy the sunshine.

On Raven Tor.

The upper section of Brim Fell Rake.

Heading for Low Water.

The view over Boulder Valley from the lower section of Brim Fell Rake, taken from the opening of 'cave' on Brim Fell 3 - it is actually an old mine level.

Fletcher and Dougal wondering where all the boulders are.

Looking up to the lower section of Brim Fell Rake - the central grassy shelf running diagonally left down to right. It is steeper than it looks!

Low Water Becks falls.

The Pudding Stone.

Old mine workings at Crowberry Haws.

Orrest Head

Walked on 22/11/2015

Start point: Windermere (SD 414 987)

Orrest Head (OF) from Windermere

Distance: 1.3 miles Total Ascent: 105 metres Time Taken: 45 minutes Start Time: 15:30

Weather: Cold. 4ºC

Just time for a quick jaunt up to Orrest Head tonight to catch the dying embers of today’s winter sunshine. At least I remembered the camera and battery!

Moon rising over the Howgills.

The view over Windermere to the Langdale Pikes.

The Far Eastern fells.

The golden boys.

Windermere sunset.

The dying embers of the day.

The Coniston fells.

Yewbarrow

Walked on 21/11/2015

Start Point: Overbeck Bridge (NY 168 068)

Overbeck Bridge – Bell Rib – Great Door – Yewbarrow (South Top) – Yewbarrow (North Top) – Dore Head – Over Beck – Overbeck Bridge

Distance: 3.9 miles Total Ascent: 580 metres Time Taken: 2 hours 30 minutes Start Time: 08:30

Weather: Cold, windy on top, 2°C

There was a bit of a change in the weather today and it was completely different to the wet and windy weather of the last week – clear and bright with snow lying from around 300m. When I got to Wasdale, I stopped to take a couple of photos of the classic view but…there was no battery in my camera. Schoolboy error! Too late to go back so it was on with the walk anyhow, therefore I apologise if today’s photos are not up to the usual quality, they were taken with an iPhone (we still enjoyed the walk anyway!).

The Wasdale classic view.

Bell Rib, Yewbarrow.

Climbing towards the snow line.

Looking across to Middle Fell.

Wast Water from the steep climb.

Great Door.

Amen to this.

A lovely view across to Lingmell, Scafell Pike and Scafell from the Yewbarrow ridge.

Fun and frolics in the snow.

Snowy Red Pike.

Kirk Fell and Great Gable from the summit of Yewbarrow.

Walking the ridge, Pillar to the left and distant Skiddaw ahead.

Good job Fletcher and Dougal are all fur and fluff, the wind was chilly today.

Kirk Fell and Great Gable.

Looking towards Seatallan.

Looking back towards the summit, the sun glinting on Burnmoor Tarn and the Irish Sea beyond.

The Scafells.

Kierk Fell from the edge of Stirrup Crag.

Pillar above Mosedale.

Dougal - The Lion King - contemplates the tricky descent to come.

Made it! Down at Dore Head Tarn.

Pillar from the same place.

Stirrup Crag.

A great view through to Sty Head.

A penny for them Fletcher, heading back to Wasdale.

Looking back to Dore Head, plenty of snow around today.

Black Fell

Walked on 13/11/2015

Start point: Knipe Fold (SD 391 994)

Black Fell from Knipe Fold

Distance: 3.4 miles Total Ascent: 215 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 15 minutes Start Time: 09:30

Weather: Strong wind, frequent heavy showers. 6C

There has been lots of ‘weather’ around all week – rain, wind, hail – you name it. This morning didn’t seem so different when I set off in full waterproofs but I thought it didn’t turn out so bad in the end really…

Hmmm, today didn't seem to be too promising. There were frequent heavy hail showers and the sky was duller than dull as I headed for the top of Black Fell.

A dusting of snow on Helvellyn and Fairfield.

...when I turned around I could hardly believe it! The wind had blown through the cloud and there was blue sky and the odd bit of sunshine around.

Looking across to Bowfell and The Langdale Pikes.

Sunshine on The Old Man.

Looking back to Tarn Hows and Coniston Water.

Where are we?

Lingmoor Fell lit up by the sun.

It was all I could do to stay upright the wind was so strong - here is a fleeting moment of sun and clouds that tells the story of the day quite well.

The summit looking to Coniston.

Close up on Helvellyn and Fairfield.

What's the weather like Fletcher?

Dougal takes it a little more regally than Fletcher.

A wider view of the Eastern fells.

The Fairfield Horseshoe.

Drama over Windermere.

The south east cairn.

Lake District autumn tour

Walked on 15/10/2015

To all the Striding Edge followers who wondered why I have ‘disappeared’ – an explanation! I have been really busy of late with work, shops etc so there have been quite a few walks, it is just that they haven’t made it onto the site yet. Most updates are done at the time on Facebook and Twitter where the photos are easier to upload at the time. The website, however, takes time so being strapped for it recently the posts have not quite made it onto here yet. Hopefully I will start working backwards from here to fill in some of the gaps.

Enough of that – this week the Autumn weather has been fantastic so today’s gallery is from a tour around some of the great places in the Lake District, hopefully shown off to best effect by the weather.

Looking across Windermere to the Langdale Pikes.

...and to the Coniston fells.

Boats at Waterhead.

Misty Derwent Water.

A similar view from Friar's Crag.

Friar's Crag.

Catbells panoramic.

High Crag and High Stile reflected in Buttermere.

Haystacks and the pines.

Similar but closer.

Buttermere Pine reflections (this one found fame by being used on the national BBC weather the same evening!).

Butter mere tree in the sunshine, looking towards Fleetwith Pike.

Dougal and Fletcher were certainly enjoying the sunshine today.

Middle Fell

Walked on 14/10/2015

Start Point: Greendale (NY 144 056)

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

Distance: 3.2 miles Total ascent: 525 metres Time taken: 1 hour 45 minutes Start time: 08:30

Weather: Warm and clear. 13°C

The fabulous weather from this week continued today and it was well worth a visit to Wasdale for a walk up to Middle Fell. The light was just perfect and with the colours really starting to show it made for a lovely morning to be walking the fells.

Beautiful early light at Greendale.

Buckbarrow and Casper Gully.

The path and a straight up contrail.

Looking back down - the sky suddenly clouded over for a while from here.

A well earned drink on the climb. This pool always reminds me of Casper, a favourite watering hole of his.

Scafells silhouette.

...and from higher up, the sun lighting up Wast Water.

The summit of Middle Fell.

You may well be bigger than me you young pup but let's see your tongue!

Looking towards the West Cumbrian coast.

Haycock.

Down at Greendale Tarn.

Not quite warm enough for a swim today - the sunshine is deceptive as it was a cool wind.

The descent alongside Greendale Gill.

The classic view of Wasdale.

Middle Fell.

Kelly Hall Tarn sunset

Walked on 12/10/2015

A few photos from a sunset walk around Kelly Hall Tarn on a lovely evening.

Gorgeous colours at during the 'golden hour'.

The Old Man reflected.

Coniston Old Man close up.

Looking good in the setting sun.

Fletcher and Dougal.

Kelly Hall Tarn sunset.

The tarn from higher up.

Lonesome Pine.

Days end.

Coniston Old Man

Walked on 27/09/2015

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 – Below Beck Fells – Walna Scar car park

Distance: 4.1 miles Total Ascent: 630 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 45 minutes Start Time: 07:30

Weather: Bright, sunny and warm. 16C

What a gorgeous morning, the sun was certainly shining this morning and the fells were glowing with it – time for one of our favourites.

Sunrise over Coniston Water.

Perfectly calm and a rising mist.

The Bell.

The Old Man.

It was a gorgeous morning.

Brown Pike ahead.

Across The Cove to Dow Crag.

Brown Pike and Blind Tarn.

Fletcher and Dougal are leading the way.

Looking across to Black Combe.

The four of them (regular viewers will understand...).

Looking down on the tourist path and Low Water from The Old Man.

The Scafells from The Old Man summit.

The weary traveller.

Fletcher leads the way.

Brim Fel is all ours this morning.

Looking back to The Old Man.

Swirl How with distant Skiddaw beyond and distant Blencathra to the right.

Levers Water.

Raven Tor.

The Black Sail ridge and Wetherlam.

Low Water reflections.

Alright Fletchaaaa?

Wetherlam across Boulder Valley.

Reflected Coniston from the east side of the lake.

The Circuit of Devoke Water

Walked on 15/09/2015

Start point: Birker Fell road (SD 171 977)

Birker Fell Road – Rough Crag (Birker Moor) (OF) – Water Crag (OF) – White Pike on Birkby Fell (OF) – Yoadcastle (OF) – Woodend Height (OF)– Seat How (Birker Moor) (OF) – Birker Fell Road

Distance: 5.4 miles Total Ascent: 686 metres Time Taken: 2 hours

Weather: Cloudy but warm. 17oC.

It’s a long time since I completed this circuit (8 years!) but I quite fancied it today – the going is relatively easy and it is certainly quiet with decent views all around. This one comes well recommended…

Firtsly, the Tour of Britain cycle race visited Cumbria on Thursday 10th September so it seemed rude not to visit – we actually saw it in two places, the climb from Plumpton and then later on the climb from Langwathby. Excellent weather for an excellent afternoon’s viewing.