Coniston

Walked on 17/03/2006

Start point: Coniston (SD 303 976)

Coniston – Walna Scar road – Brown Pike – Buck Pike – Dow Crag – Goat’s Hawse – Coniston Old Man– Coppermines Valley – Coniston

Distance: 9 miles Total Ascent: 1000 metres Time Taken: 4 hours 30 minutes

Weather: Snow and gale force winds, 3oC

Today’s weather was the most severe I can remember. There was deep snow all along the Walna Scar road with even deeper snow and gale force winds along the Dow Crag ridge. When I eventually reached The Old Man, I bailed out of the intended route along to Swirl How early – conditions were that bad. (Apologies for the quality of some of the photos, conditions weren’t conducive to great ones!).

The Bell from the Walna Scar car park - no chance of getting a car up here today.

Boo Tarn.

Locals not impressed with the weather.

Angus leads the way over Cove Bridge. The snow was knee deep in places up the Walna Scar road with a fresh covering of snow hiding previous tracks.

My favourite shelter says Angus. This is where I stopped to put crampons on - I knew that the wind would pick up as we reached the top of the Walna Scar pass and I didn't fancy trying to get my gear on in the wind and snow.

An icy Walna Scar pass.

The wind really did pick up as we made our way to Brown Pike - it was gale force. Carrying the snow with it, it really began to sting my face and eyes and it was extremely cold.

The top of easy gully on Dow Crag. It was one step forwards, two sideways and two backwards here - extremely severe conditions with a freezing, biting wind.

Frozen nose.

The wind carried on unabated - on Goats Hawse it was ferocious, blowing up the wind tunnel formed by Dow Crag and The Old Man over Goat's Water.

Horrendous!

Goat's Water.

Dow Crag.

Not happy - too cold.

Ascending the ridge to the Old Man it was a complete white out and I knew the game was up. I had intended to carry on to Swirl How but it would be crazy to do so in these conditions. I didn't stop here apart from a quick photo; let's get down.

Low Water - I passed a chap here who was descending after giving up on reaching the summit, despite being less than 100m from the top. A wise move I think.

Coppermines Valley.

The Wetherlam Ridge.

Coniston Water.

Looking back up the Coppermines Valley. Just before I took this photo, I bumped into a chap wearing a leather jacket and open necked shirt with trainers on. I told him how bad it was, but he carried on regardless - not a wise move. I hope he made it back okay. Footnote: Someone died up there that afternoon, fortunately not the inappropriately attired guy I bumped into.

Beacon Fell

Walked on 16/03/2006

Start point: Brown Howe car park on the Torver – Greenodd road. (SD 290 910)

Beacon Fell (OF) from Brown Howe

Distance: 3.75 miles Total Ascent: 382 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 30 minutes

Weather: Snowy with snow showers, 3oC

The original intention today was to complete a circuit of the Coniston fells – when I reached Coniston this morning, there was a heavy snowstorm which stopped me from going; I was worried about getting home again. As it happened, it cleared up later, although it had started snowing yet again when I set off for Beacon Fell and I could see there were snow clouds over the high fells, which occasionally cleared briefly to allow at least some views.

Winter on Beacon Fell.

The summit ahead.

The Coniston fells appear from a snow shower - I should have gone up there!

Wainwright's rocky gully has turned into a snowy gully.

Coniston Water.

Dow Crag, The Old Man in a snow shower and Wetherlam.

A monochromatic view of the Coniston fells.

The summit of Beacon Fell.

Black Combe.

Looking back along the summit ridge.

Caw.

'Sparkly Tarn' lives up to its name (remember?).

...and the treasure was still there!

The way back along the Cumbria Way...

...usually boggy, now frozen.

Stickle Pike

Walked on 15/03/2006

Start point: Kiln Bank Cross (SD 215 933)

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

Distance: 1 mile Total Ascent: 153 metres Time Taken: 45 minutes

Weather: Snow, clearing clouds. 0oC

The road from Broughton Mills to the Duddon Valley was finally cleared of snow this afternoon, so I was lucky to be able to get up there for a quick walk up to Stickle Pike. There were no footprints or evidence that anyone had been over there in the snow, which shows just how much it has been cut off since Sunday. The knee deep snow served as a good reminder how tough and physically demanding it is walking in these conditions and gave me food for thought for a planned longer walk tomorrow. I expect there to be even deeper snow in places on the Coniston fells.

The way ahead - blazing a trail to Stickle Pike in the virgin snow.

...Apart from a fox that has wandered this way before me.

Caw.

Stickle Tarn.

The route to the summit - no path and knee deep in snow.

Not knee deep for the light footed fox though!

Looking along the Duddon Valley to Harter Fell.

Harter Fell gets a rose tint from the low sun.

The summit of Stickle Pike.

There isn't much shelter for these inhabitants, toughing it out on the cold, windy summit

Great Stickle and the Dunnerdale Fells.

The main summit from the southern cairn on Stickle Pike.

Stickle Tarn and Caw with the snow-laden Coniston fells appearing behind - tomorrow's destination, I think.

Stickle Pike summit, left, and Caw right. Have a look at the same walk last summer 27oC warmer!

Coniston Old Man

Walked on 09/03/2006

Start point: Walna Scar road (SD 289 970)

Walna Scar car park – Boo Tarn – The Old Man of Coniston – Low Water – Walna Scar car park

Distance: 4 miles Total Ascent: 580 metres Time Taken: 2 hours

Weather: Mist. 5oC

Believe it or not, it’s not always good weather in the Lake District! Today was one of those days where the mist and murk hung low on the fells and this short walk started and finished in those conditions, so no views today. There was, however, a little celebration at the top of The Old Man today…

A brief glimmer of hope as the mist lifted to give a glimpse of Torver Common below.

At least we are on our own up here today Angus - normally this summit is busy!

Happy Birthday Angus - 10 today!

The descent was treacherous on the snowy, icy paths.

A ghostly, half frozen Low Water.

Looking a bit damp now.

Waterfall on Big Hill.

High Tove

Walked on 08/03/2006

Start point: Armboth (NY 306 172)

Armboth – High Tove – Middle Crag (465) – Shivery Knott (466) – Watendlath Fell (467) – Armboth Fell – Fisher Crag (468) – Armboth

Distance: 6 miles Total Ascent: 704 metres Time Taken: 2 hours 50 minutes

Weather: Rain. 8oC

The snow has virtually disappeared and the blue skies of last week have gone again. The warm front brought with it rain and general dreariness – not wonderful conditions for a walk, but at least we got some fresh air for our walk up to the central band of fells along the High Tove – Ullscarf ridge. These fells are renowned for their wetness and general bogginess at the best of times, so you can imagine what conditions were like today!

Great Dodd, Watson's Dodd and Stybarrow Dodd across Thirlmere from the climb up to High Tove.

Great Dodd.

It may be raining, but it's still icy cold up here.

Looking back to the Dodds again from further up the climb.

Browncove Crags on the side of Helvellyn shows above the low lying clouds.

A damp Angus has a lie down on High Tove.

High Seat from High Tove.

A distant Causey Pike appears from the mist with Catbells right of centre.

Looking into Langstrath.

High Seat and High Tove from Middle Crag. I managed to walk past this first time and had to double back!

It's a bit damp on Shivery Knott now Angus!

Still on Shivery Knott, looking north east at the clouds advancing on us. It was heavy rain from now on.

Fisher Crag.

An all too brief glimpse of Thirlmere looking to Great How from Fisher Crag.

A ghostly reflection of Deergarth How island on Thirlmere.

Great How.

Fisher Gill.

Duddon Estuary

Walked on 04/03/2006

Roanhead

Not a fell walk, but Angus had a run on the beach at Roanhead on the Duddon Estuary late this evening. There are good views across the Estuary to the southern Lakeland fells from here and all have snowy tops today with the snow showers visible, swirling on and around the fells. Brrr, it’s cold here! (To see how clear it was looking the other way from Black Combe earlier in the morning, check out the visitors page).

There's something over this way that is better than the view to the Coniston fells!

The Coniston fells.

Black Combe.

The Scafell range. Notice the snow storm coming from the left, shortly to obliterate the view.

Nice here.

Golden glow, golden sands.

Walking on water.

Black Combe, Millom in the foreground.

A close up of the Coniston fells.

Helvellyn

Walked on 03/03/2006

Start point: Dunmail Raise (NY 329 111)

Dunmail Raise – Willie Wife Moor – Helvellyn – Nethermost Pike – High Crag – Dollywaggon Pike – Grisedale Tarn – Raise Beck – Dunmail Raise

Distance: 7.4 miles Total Ascent: 1000 metres Time Taken: 3 hours 50 minutes

Weather: Cold with sunny intervals and snow showers. -4oC

Blimey, it was cold this morning! It was -8C when I drove through Grasmere for an early start up to Helvellyn from Dunmail Raise. The slog up Willie Wife Moor took longer than I thought and when I reached the snow line at 650 metres, the going became even tougher with the iced over snow making walking difficult. Once on the summit of Helvellyn, I put my crampons on for security and enjoyed the high level traverse of the snowy ridge.

Looking along a part frozen Thirlmere to Skiddaw.

Early morning sunlight on Helm Crag and Steel Fell with the Coniston fells in the distance.

Close up of the Coniston fells.

Skiddaw and Skiddaw Little Man.

Grasmoor and Eel Crag.

Looking over Steel Fell to the Langdales and High Raise.

"Where's me hair bobble?"

Catstycam and Swirral Edge from Helvellyn, Ullswater to the right.

Angus checks out the snowy Helvellyn ridge where there is an angry looking sky.

The summit of Helvellyn.

Ullswater with Cross Fell and The Pennines looking amazingly close.

Helvellyn.

A frozen Red Tarn and Striding Edge.

Looking down on Striding Edge.

Panoramic Striding Edge.

Red Tarn and Catstycam.

Walking the ridge to Nethermost Pike.

Striding Edge from the approach to Nethermost Pike.

Snowy lines and cornices.

Helvellyn, Catstycam and Striding Edge.

The mountaineer, Sir Angus Hilary.

Esk Pike, Scafell Pike, Great End, Lingmell and Glaramara from Nethermost Pike.

Further along the ridge, walking to High Crag.

Looking back along the Helvellyn ridge.

Saint Sunday Crag.

A panoramic shot of Saint Sunday Crag and Fairfield.

Seat Sandal and the Coniston fells from the old fence post that marks the top of the steep path down to Grisedale Tarn.

Fairfield and a frozen and snowy Grisedale Tarn.

This is a steep way down.

Blue sky over Fairfield. That was the last of the good weather - the sky turned dark and the snow came with a vengeance. By the time I got back to Dunmail Raise the snow was severe and continued throughout my journey home. Looks like I timed that one just right!

Icicles on Raise Beck.

High Raise

Walked on 27/02/2006

Start point: Grasmere (NY 337 076)

Grasmere – Goody Bridge – Helmside – Steel Fell (464) – Greenup Edge – Brownrigg Moss – Low White Stones – High Raise – Sergeant Man – Codale Head – Brownrigg Moss – Calf Crag – Gibson Knott – Helm Crag – Grasmere

Distance: 11 miles Total Ascent: 1000 metres Time Taken: 5 hours

Weather: Dull and grey with the snow showers. 5°C

Today’s walk was from Grasmere with a circuit of Greenburn, also taking in High Raise and Sergeant Man. There was lots of snow about today with mini-blizzards on the higher sections of High Raise and Sergeant Man.

Looking across to Helm Crag from the steep ascent to Steel Fell.

Lots of OFC members and dogs on the way up to Steel Fell.

Looking across to the snow capped Helvellyn ridge across Dunmail Raise.

Seat Sandal.

Looking back down Steel Fell to Helm Crag with Grasmere beyond with the snow falling now.

Steel Fell summit.

Thirlmere from Steel Fell.

Helvellyn across an un-named tarn on the ridge to Gibson Knott.

Brownrigg Moss with Greenup Edge in the distance - the route to High Raise.

An icy beck on Low White Stones.

The central fells and Bassenthwaite Lake.

Steel Fell just beneath the clouds from Low White Stones.

Langstrath from High Raise.

Angus complete with snowy beard on High Raise.

A snowy High Raise summit.

Bow Fell from High Raise.

Crinkle Crags from a frozen tarn below Sergeant Man's summit.

Pavey Ark and Harrison Stickle from Sergeant Man.

On the edge of Sergeant Man, Stickle Tarn below.

A snowy Saint Sunday Crag and Fairfield contrast against Dollywagon Pike and Seat Sandal with Steel Fell in the centre.

The Lion and The Lamb from the top of the Howitzer, the summit of Helm Crag; Grasmere and Loughrigg Fell beyond.

Grasmere from The Lion and The Lamb.

Easedale.

Helm Crag from Easedale.

Irton Pike

Walked on 26/02/2006

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

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

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

Weather: Dull and grey with the odd snow flurry. 5°C

We had a late afternoon walk up to Irton Pike today to try and work off the Sunday lunch. It was a bit grey and cold but there are great views to Wasdale from here even in the failing light.

Looking east over Miterdale and Eskdale to Harter Fell from Irton Pike summit.

Muncaster Fell over Parkgate Tarn.

Sellafield and the west Cumbrian coast.

Connie, Louise and Angus on Irton Pike.

Buckbarrow and Seatallan with Haycock beyond.

A panoramic view of Wasdale.

Whin Rigg with Great Gable in the left distance.

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

Buckbarrow, Middle Fell and Yewbarrow in the middle distance, Latterbarrow is in the foreground.

Colourful trees and the steep slope we climbed to the summit of Irton Pike.

It may have been a short walk, but I ran three times further than you did - round and round in circles!

Caw

Walked on 24/02/2006

Start point: Kiln Bank Cross (SD 215 933)

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

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

Weather: Grey, dull and a bitterly cold wind with the odd sunny spell. 3°C

I managed to have a short walk up to Caw this lunchtime; the wind was biting and the weather was constantly changing with quick moving clouds and showers. The views were non-existent at the summit, yet by the time I had descended less than 100 metres, the views were suddenly revealed.

Looking across the Duddon Valley to Hesk Fell. Even this lowly fell has a slight dusting of snow on top.

There was a bitterly cold wind at Long Mire.

...and it was even colder on the summit of Caw.

I had almost given up hope of any views today, it was so grey and dull when I reached the summit. You can just about make out Harter Fell beyond the trig column and the view to the nearby Coniston fells wasn't much better.

I didn't hang around for too long on the summit and set off down the snowy western face.

I don't think Angus knew what to make of the cold white stuff!

Not too far down, the sun suddenly burst through he clouds, here looking towards the Duddon Estuary.

Now I could see the Coniston fells! A snowy Dow Crag is central to this shot with Buck Pike and Brown Pike to the right with the top of The Old Man in view behind. The Walna Scar road can be seen to the right of the photo.

The Coniston fells.

Grey Friar, Great Carrs and Swirl How. Seathwaite Tarn lies in the hollow below Grey Friar.

A Duddon Valley panorama; the Scafells in the distance through the valley between Harter Fell and Grey Friar.

Esk Pike, Bow Fell and Crinkle Crags.

Scafell Pike, Ill Crag, Esk Pike and Bow Fell.

The Scafell range from Caw.

Harter Fell with Wallowbarrow Crag in the foreground.

Walking back along Park Head Road to Stickle Pike; Angus is coming to see where I am!

Stickle Pike.

Middle Fell

Walked on 17/02/2006

Start point: Greendale (NY 144 056)

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

Distance: 3 miles Total Ascent: 560 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 30 minutes

Weather: Generally overcast but getting brighter through the afternoon. 8°C

I had another short walk in Wasdale this afternoon, the weather brightening up nicely by the end and the clouds lifting from the higher tops by the time I returned to Greendale. It was surprisingly warm on this walk although the higher fells still sport snow capped peaks.

A snow topped Great Gable at the head of Wast Water.

Middle Fell, today's objective.

Buckbarrow at the start of the walk.

The Screes - Illgill Head on the left and Whin Rigg on the right.

Who's a handsome boy then? A remarkably clean Angus - this must be at the start!

Angus leads the way along Greendale Gill.

Greendale Gill is roaring today.

Plenty of pools for a dip and a drink.

Greendale Tarn.

A misty topped Haycock.

Looking down on Greendale Tarn from the steep climb up to Middle Fell.

The view from Middle Fell - Kirk Fell and Great Gable behind Yewbarrow with Glaramara in the distance and Lingmell in cloud to the right.

Glaramara over Yewbarrow.

Lingmell and Scafell lost in cloud and the head of Wast Water.

The Ravenglass Estuary from Middle Fell.

Angus on Middle Fell.

Red Pike from Middle Fell, Low Tarn in the centre.

The Screes looking dark and angry.

Lingmell, Scafell and The Screes.

A close up of Lingmell.

The clouds started to lift by the end of the walk and the sun shone on occasions - who could resist this classic shot along Wast Water?

Holme Fell

Walked on 16/02/2006

Start point: Glen Mary Bridge (NY 321 999)Glen Mary Bridge – Holme Fell – Hodge Close – Oxen Fell – Black Fell – Tarn Hows – Glen Mary Bridge

Distance: 7.3 miles Total Ascent: 660 metres Time Taken: 2 hours30 minutesWeather: Dull and overcast, turning to rain. 5°C

More grey skies this morning and it was quite cold – the higher tops all had a dusting of snow on them. At lower level, that turned to rain – at least the rivers and falls were looking good!

Yew Tree Tarn.

A beck flowing into Yew Tree Tarn.

The Langdale Pikes with a dusting of snow from the top of Uskdale Gap.

Close up of Pike o' Stickle and Harrison Stickle.

Pike o' Blisco.

Wetherlam has snow too, but is under a blanket of cloud.

Coniston Water from Holme Fell.

Looking north over Hodge Close.

Hodge Close quarry.

High Oxen Fell farm.

Cold Pike, Pike o' Blisco and Blake Rigg from Oxen Fell.

Lingmoor Fell from the climb to Black Fell as the rain sets in.

Windermere from Black Fell.

The Tarns, Tarn Hows.

Looking down from the top of Tom Gill waterfall.

Tom Gill waterfall.

High Rigg

Walked on 13/02/2006

Start point: Legburthwaite (NY 318 195)

Legburthwaite – Wren Crag (460) – High Rigg (Birkett) (461) – High Rigg (Naddle Fell) (462) – Legburthwaite – Castle Rock of Triermain (463) – Legburthwaite

Distance: 6.45 miles Total Ascent: 803 metres Time Taken: 2 hours 40 minutes

Weather: Grey and dreary. 8°C

The blue skies have disappeared again and it was back to drizzle and general greyness for a walk over lowly High Rigg this morning. The views weren’t great today but the walk was pleasant enough with rain setting in during my ascent of Castle Rock.

The last summit of the walk from the first - looking across St John's in the Vale to Castle Rock on the way to Wren Crag. The highest point is the rocky knoll on the left.

Looking north along St John's in the Vale, Legburthwaite below.

Looking south to Great How, the main A591 road to the left and Thirlmere to the right.

Blencathra under cloud from Wren Crag.

Thirlmere and Raven Crag.

Looking along the High Rigg ridge.

Bassenthwaite Lake in the distance with Whinlatter to the left and Dodd to the right. Skiddaw is covered by cloud on the extreme right.

Bleaberry Fell and The Benn.

Now there's confusion - Birkett names this as High Rigg, Wainwright names the summit further north as High Rigg. Birkett calls the Wainwright High Rigg...Naddle Fell! I'll stick my tongue out to that one.

Thirlmere from High Rigg (Birkett).

Blencathra from High Rigg (Wainwright) or Naddle Fell (Birkett).

St John's in the Vale church.

Snowdrops in the churchyard.

Looking across to Bram Crag.

St John's in the Vale looking south, Castle Rock is in the centre distance.

Woodland walking.

The weather really closed in as I made my way to Castle Rock (also known as Castle Rock of Triermain as it features in Sir Walter Scott's epic Arthurian poem, The Bridal of Triermain). It looks a bit brighter over Thirlmere through the drizzle.

High Rigg from Castle Rock.

St John's in the Vale from Castle Rock.

Bow Fell

Walked on 10/02/2006

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

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

Distance: 11.4 miles Total Ascent: 1331 metres Time Taken: 4 hours 20 minutes

Weather: Cold at first, but warming up nicely in the sunshine with clear, blue skies. -2°C to 4°C

Angus set an absolutely blistering pace today, he was like a young pup for the tough walk up to Bow Fell from Great Langdale! The ‘come on’ bark was an almost constant noise and I think he was happy to be out in the sunshine, as was I. He was recognised on Esk Pike today – I think fame is going to his head!

Walking along Mickleden, Bow Fell up to the left, Rossett Gill in the centre and the first target of the day, Rossett Pike, on the right.

Looking up to Pike o' Stickle and Loft Crag - the Langdale Pikes.

Pike o' Stickle and the 'axe factory' screes.

Blue skies and sunshine - lovely.

Looking back along Mickleden to the Langdale Pikes from the ascent of Rossett Gill.

The steep Rossett Gill path.

It's still freezing out of the sun on the side of Bow Fell.

Rossett Pike from the top of Rossett Pass.

Angus, your tongue has grown longer with the pace you have set!

Looking back to the Langdale Pikes and Rossett Pike from Angle Tarn.

Looking east to Helvellyn over a frozen tarn on Tongue Head.

Skiddaw overlooking Keswick and Derwent Water from Allen Crags.

Pillar, Great Gable and Green Gable over Sprinkling Tarn.

...and a wider view.

Looking north over to the Buttermere fells from Esk Hause.

Upper Eskdale.

Langstrath from Esk Pike.

The view from Esk Pike.

The Duddon Estuary and the Furness peninsula from Bow Fell - I can see my house from here (okay, perhaps not technically correct - it is actually the other way round!). Caw and Stickle Pike are in the middle distance.

Scafell and Scafell Pike from Bow Fell.

...and closer up.

Heaven indeed - lying by Three Tarns in the sunshine with the highest land in England behind for a great view.

The Scafells over one of the (frozen) Three Tarns.

Side Pike and Lingmoor Fell from the descent of The Band.

Great Langdale from The Band.

Wetherlam

Walked on 09/02/2006

Start point: Tilberthwaite car park (NY 306 010)

Tilberthwaite – Steel Edge – Wetherlam – Wetherlam Edge – Birk Fell Man on Birk Fell (459) – Tilberthwaite Gill – Tilberthwaite

Distance: 5.2 miles Total Ascent: 700 metres Time Taken: 2 hours 30 minutes

Weather: Clear with an icy wind. 2°C.

I hadn’t intended to go out today, but you know what it’s like – the sun is shining, the sky is clear blue, the dog has to be walked…What better than a walk up old favourite Wetherlam? Crystal clear views everywhere today and Angus bumped into a ‘mirror’ as well!

Coniston Old Man from Torver.

Wetherlam from the same place. It seems like a good place to go.

Out of the shadows of Tilberthwaite heading for Wetherlam.

Looking back over Tilberthwaite to the eastern fells.

It's nice in the sun Angus.

The climb up Steel Edge - Angus is camouflaged on this one.

Looking out over Coniston Moor.

Icicles on Steel Edge.

Looking down Steel Edge.

Coniston Old Man.

Great How Crags and Swirl How.

Coniston Water.

A panoramic view to the east from Wetherlam. Select on the image for a larger version.

No chance of a swim or a drink in this frozen tarn!

Looking over to the Coniston fells from another frozen summit tarn.

It was sooo cold on the summit, with an icy wind that cut right through every layer of clothing.

Great Carrs above Greenburn.

The Scafells, Crinkle Crags and Bow Fell with Cold Pike and Red Tarn in the foreground.

Bow Fell.

Scafell.

Pike o' Stickle.

Fairfield.

Looking down an icy Wetherlam Edge with Little Langdale Tarn in the centre. Teacherous in places, Angus certainly did a bit of slip-sliding down here.

Crinkle Crags and Bow Fell with Pike o' Blisco in the centre and the Glaramara ridge beyond.

Seeing double? Mirror image? No, it's another fell walking Beardie!

I don't know how I missed Birk Fell Man (a Birkett summit) all the other times I have walked this way, but I did! This view of Crinkle Crags, Bow Fell and Pike o' Blisco is from there.

The Langdale Pikes, Blea Tarn visible bottom right.

Wetherlam with Wetherlam Edge on the right.

Blake Fell

Walked on 08/02/2006

Start point: Lamplugh (NY 089 209)

Lamplugh – Owsen Fell (452) – Burnbank Fell (453) – Loweswater End on Carling Knott (454) – Carling Knott (455) –Blake Fell (456) – Sharp Knott (457) – High Hows (Lamplugh) (458) – Lamplugh

Distance: 6.7 miles Total Ascent: 812 metres Time Taken: 3 hours

Weather: Dull with sunny intervals. 5°.

There was sunshine around the periphery of the Lakes today, but all the fells seemed to be under cloud. I had a walk in the far north-west, above Loweswater which gave some fine views for some quite lowly tops. Not all is friendly for walkers in this area though, as you will see…

The track from Lamplugh to Owsen Fell.

...but you're not allowed up there. What if I am walking 'The McMahon's' today?

The sun shines on Blake Fell and Sharp Knott, the way of descent later.

This is a Lake District famous thing on the summit of Burnbank Fell; the metal straining post is quite well known too...!

Looking across the Solway Firth to Criffel in Scotland.

Angus on Burnbank Fell.

Looking over to the Loweswater Fells.

Whiteside and Grasmoor from the Loweswater End of Carling Knott.

Looking across to Mellbreak, a glimpse of Crummock Water to the left.

Loweswater from Carling Knott.

A panoramic view of Loweswater.

Red Pike and High Stile, their heads in the cloud.

The clouds catch the top of Grasmoor.

The view from Carling Knott, Kirk Fell and Pillar in the clouds on the horizon.

The crowded mountain scene on the way to Blake Fell, Fleetwith Pike is between Mellbreak and High Stile.

Knock Murton and Cogra Moss from Blake Fell.

Fleetwith Pike at the head of Buttermere.

The forest path on the way to High Hows.

Blue sky now looking at Owsen Fell from High Hows.

Contented with the walk?

Gowbarrow Fell

Walked on 07/02/2006

Start point: Aira Force car park (NY 398 206)

Aira Force car park – Aira Force – Hind Crag – Bernard Pike – Green Hill (450) – Gowbarrow Fell (451) – High Force – Aira Force car park

Distance: 4 miles Total Ascent: 614 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 45 minutes

Weather: Starting off dull and overcast but quickly turning wet and wild. 8°C.

The weather has returned to dull and wet this week and today’s walk was a circuit of Gowbarrow Park taking in Aira Force waterfall. The heavens opened when I was up on Green Hill, backed by a strong wind so I was glad to get down to the relative shelter of High Force. Ten minutes later and I think I would have missed the views altogether.

The dramatic Aira Force.

...and looking down from the bridge across it.

The head of Ullswater from Green Hill.

Glenridding Dodd, Birkhouse Moor and Sheffield Pike.

The Ullswater Steamer passes Silver Bay.

Birks and Saint Sunday Crag tower over Keldas and Glenridding.

Place Fell across Ullswater.

Hallin Fell with Loadpot Hill in the distance.

A leaden sky looking across Ullswater; behind me the views had disappeared as 'weather' arrived.

It was wet and wild now on the summit of Green Hill, looking towards Gowbarrow Fell.

The summit of Gowbarrow Fell with Little Mell Fell beyond.

A 'moving' High Force...

...and a 'frozen' one.

High Force.

Coniston Old Man

Walked on 04/02/2006

Start point: Walna Scar road (SD 289 970)

Walna Scar car park – Boo Tarn – The Old Man of Coniston – Low Water – Walna Scar car park

Distance: 4 miles Total Ascent: 580 metres Time Taken: 4 hours

Weather: Misty and murky, valley level. Clear above 450m. 5°C.

Another temperature inversion was predicted for today, so Connie and I set off for the summit of Coniston Old Man in the mist to try and get some sunshine above the grey, murky conditions below. This was also a milestone for 5 year old Connie – her highest fell yet – by far, and a great achievement for her. Alas, the conditions were not as good as yesterday as the temperature in the valleys had warmed up, so although we got above the hazy, mist layer into the sunshine, there wasn’t the great waves of thick cloud that I witnessed yesterday. Eskdale looked the place to be – there was plenty of inversion going on over there.

Where are we off to then?

With backpack, teddy and all.

Above the mist layer now, Brown Pike and Buck Pike ahead.

A great view of Buck Pike and Dow Crag.

...and closer up.

Dow Crag.

A hazy view of Coniston from above the quarry. Remarkably, to the top right, Ingleborough and Whernside can be seen above the cloud layer over in Yorkshire.

The hazy, mist layer still persists to the south, here looking towards Walna Scar with the mist over Torver High Common.

Strange atmospheric conditions; there is almost an inverse mirror of Coniston Water by the cloud bar above.

Harter Fell with Eskdale beyond in inversion.

The ridge to Brim Fell and beyond from The Old Man gets a bit of cloud cover.

Made it! Connie at the summit of The Old Man of Coniston.

Looking across to Eskdale, the peaks appearing above the cloud with the mist swirling on and off the Scafells on the extreme right.

Eskdale Inversion.

The clouds moving rapidly on and off the Scafells.

Slight Side across Eskdale.

Mickledore between Scafell and Scafell Pike.

Scafell Pike with Esk Buttress and Pen in the sunlight and Ill Crag further to the right.

The Scafell Pikes.

Now they're almost clear.

Looking across to Wetherlam with Low Water below with Levers Water above.

Scafell completely clear now.

Sunny again on the summit.

A frozen Low Water...

...and a frozen path as we head past it.

On the edge of Low Water we had to test the ice with stones to listen to the noise and check how thick it was!

The sun on Wetherlam as we head below the cloud layer again.

Passing one of the many becks.

Helvellyn

Walked on 03/02/2006

Start point: Wythburn (NY 324 136)

Wythburn – High Crag – Nethermost Pike – Helvellyn – Helvellyn Lower Man – Swirls – Wythburn

Distance: 8.2 miles Total Ascent: 1233 metres Time Taken: 3 hours 20 minutes

Weather: Misty and murky, valley level. Clear above 700m. 3°C.

The conditions looked right for a temperature inversion today, so I was determined to get high enough to get above the cloud. Thankfully I did and was rewarded with splendid views across the low lying clouds.

The path through the forest from Wythburn.

Icy and misty on the way up - a bit grim.

Suddenly out of the mist into sunshine and blue sky.

Looking south from the path to High Crag.

Bow Fell and the Scafells.

Looking south into the sun from High Crag to Dollywagon Pike with Fairfield behind. Beyond is a sea of cloud.

The Coniston fells and Harrison Stickle with the Crinkle Crags behind.

The view from High Crag.

Nethermost Pike and Helvellyn.

Saint Sunday Crag across Grisedale, Hard Tarn below.

On the path to Helvellyn.

Striding Edge.

Catstycam.

The cirque of Helvellyn summit with Skiddaw beyond.

A panoramic view from Helvellyn - select on the image for a larger version.

Select on the image above to see a larger, annotated version.

Swiiral Edge, Catstycam, a frozen Red Tarn and Striding Edge.

Bow Fell.

Great Gable.

Not bothered about the view?

Approaching Helvellyn Lower Man.

White Side, Raise and the Dodd's.

Skiddaw.

Great Gable and Pillar.

Bow Fell, Esk Pike and the Scafells.

Descending from Helvellyn Lower Man.

Angus.

A fleeting Brocken Spectre in the centre distance (couldn't get a decent shot of it!).

Helvellyn Gill.

The cloud clears in the forest above Thirlmere.

Wythburn Church.

Loughrigg Tarn

Walked on 31/01/2006

Loughrigg Tarn

Weather: Overcast and cold. 0°C

I don’t think much would touch yesterday’s walk to Scafell Pike, but Angus had to be walked today so I opted for a low level walk around a freezing Loughrigg Tarn this morning. What a difference a day makes! The sky was overcast, the blue skies are gone. A nice little run round for Angus, but even he wouldn’t swim today – and who can blame him!