Blea Rigg via Whitegill Crag

Walked on 16/04/2015

Start point: New Dungeon Ghyll Car Park (NY 295 064)

New Dungeon Ghyll – Whitegill Crag (ravine) – Blea Rigg – Sergeant Man – High Raise – Thunacar Knott – Harrison Stickle – Pike Howe – New Dungeon Ghyll

Distance: 6.4 miles Total Ascent: 778 metres Time Taken: 4 hours 15 minutes Start Time: 08:30

What a fantastic morning, the sky and light were excellent today and it was a great day to try out a scramble up to Blea Rigg using the Whitegill Crag ravine. If you like it steep and rough, then this is the way for you. Using this route I hardly saw a soul all morning (only from afar using the more popular paths) but I did bump into Striding Edge stalwarts Pat & Emrys on the way down – nice to see you both up there today.

Looking along Langdale from the path above Millbeck - what a beautiful and clear morning.

The way up today via the Whitegill Crag ravine. I'm not sure if the token on top of the rock has some significance!

Steep and rocky.

A wider view of Whitegill Crag.

Looking down, Lingmoor Fell across the valley.

The view from higher up...

...and from the top.

Looking across to the Langdales.

I had a bit of fun looking around for some of the items mentioned by Wainwright in the Blea Rigg chapter today - this is the sheepfold taken from 'small shelter on top of crag' (Blea Rigg 8).

...and this is the tarn a little further up on the map.

Blea Rigg summit.

The Shelter Stone on the top of Blea Rigg (Blea Rigg 12)

Codale and Easdale Tarns.

Looking in the opposite direction to the Langdale Pikes.

The miniature pool (Blea Rigg 11).

At least someone has found a use for it.

Pavey Ark and Stickle Tarn.

Sergeant Man from the east.

Crinkle Crags and Bowfell from Sergeant Man.

A beautiful pool on High Raise.

Skiddaw and Bassenthwaite Lake from High Raise.

Bowfell, the Scafells and Great Gable from High Raise.

Fletch and Dougal looking very regal with new haircuts.

Thunacar Knott.

Hello you two.

Windermere from Harrison Stickle.

Pavey Ark and Stickle Tarn (and way beyond).

What a great view from Harrison Stickle looking in the opposite direction.

Lots of families around today which was great to see.

The view from Harrison Stickle - Crinkle Crags and Bowfell beyond Loft Crag and Pike o' Stickle.

Harrison Stickle from Pike Howe.

Loft Crag and Harrison Stickle seperated by Dungeon Ghyll.

Whitegill Crag (the lower peak). The path used at the start of the walk was below the Larch plantation.

The Langdale Pikes looking radiant.

Coniston (again!)

Walked on 07/04/2015

Start point: Walna Scar road (SD 289 970)

Walna Scar car park – Boo Tarn – The Old Man of Coniston – Brim Fell – Levers Hawse – Great How – Swirl Band – Swirl How – Prison Band – Swirl Hawse – Levers Water – Boulder Valley – Walna Scar road

Distance: 6.2 miles Total Ascent: 770 metres Time Taken: 4 hours Start Time: 06:15

Weather: Bright, sunny and windy above the clouds. 7C

The same fells on a different day – the prediction was for a further temperature inversion to the south and west today, so where better than Coniston? I particularly wanted to see the sunrise across the inversion, always a special sight so I was glad I made the effort to get up early and witness this magical spectacle.

The Coniston Fells route map

This was the sunrise, it was a little disappointing at first as there were clouds below and above. I was surprised at how low the cloud was as I climbed above it just out of Coniston village.

That's better, as the sun shone through things certainly changed with this beautiful warm glow. The inversion clouds started to lift as it warmed, almost following me on the climb to The OId Man.

This was just fabulous to watch and it was an ever changing scene with the movement of the clouds and fog.

Wow!

I only took about 100 photos of the sunrise (!) so it has been hard to whittle them down to a handful.

The sun climbs higher and you can see the lifting cloud looking like crashing waves on the sea.

It is turning into a beautiful day now but conditions were different to yesterday. As it was earlier in the day it was a lot cooler but it was also surprisingly windy at the top...so it was jacket and gloves back on.

The view to the south west.

The Scafells from The Old Man.

Looking down on Low Water and Levers Water.

Looking across Brown Pike and Blind Tarn to Black Combe.

Coniston summit silhouette.

Dougal keeps an eye on proceedings.

I told you it was windy!

Dow Crag from Brim Fell.

Heading for Great How Crags and Swirl How across Levers Hawse

Glinting Levers Water.

Brim Fell and Dow Crag from Levers Hawse.

Old Man, Brim Fell and Dow Crag from Little How Crags.

Lingmoor Fell standing proud from Swirl How, Silver How and the vale of Grasmere beyond.

Greenburn and the Tilberthwaite Fells.

Taking a dip in Levers Water.

The Old Man and Raven Tor from the dam wall.

Brim Fell End marked the end of the clear air before the descent into the clouds.

On the edge of the lifting clouds.

Heading into Boulder Valley.

The cloud was beginning to lift further with the heat of the day and was pouring across Levers Water.

Time Lapse video of the inversion

Coniston

Walked on 06/04/2015

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: 2 hours 30 minutes Start Time: 08:15

Weather: Bright, sunny and warm above the clouds. 10C

The predicted weather forecast turned out to be correct today – the low lying fog was due to stay put whilst up above there would be sunshine. It was fabulous day up there, really warm and a different world to that at valley level. I’m glad I made the effort to get up there as good weather hardly seems likely until we got there.

Coniston Old Man Route Map.

Climbing above the fog.

Wow, what a beautiful day!

A sea of cloud...

...as far as the eye can see.

Looking across The Cove to Dow Crag.

Brown Pike.

That's the Walna Scar Road below. It was really warm now - no jacket required!

Looking up the climb to The Old Man (find Dougal?).

Fab-u-lous.

A lone figure below gives some scale to the extent of the temperature inversion.

Black Combe and the Whit Fell group stand clear of the cloud beyond brown Pike.

Low Water and beyond.

All alone on the summit, not bad for a Bank Holiday Monday.

Looking across Coniston Village (below the cloud somewhere).

Fletcher and Dougal like to demonstrate how hot it is with their tongues!

Looking to the Scafells.

The Old Man of Coniston.

The trig. column.

The view to the south west.

Harter Fell.

Looking back to The Old Man from the ridge to Brim Fell.

Brim Fell ahead.

The Scafells from Brim Fell.

The Old Man from Brim Fell.

Green Crag and Harter Fell.

Skiddaw and Blencathra beyond Great Carrs and Swirl How.

The northern face of The Old Man from the descent of Brim Fell.

Wetherlam and the Black Sails ridge.

Levers Water.

Low Water.

The Old Man.

Looking down on the old mine works.

Beautiful colours in the sunshine.

Turquoise Low Water.

Low Water reflections.

Dougal and Fletch.

I think I know where the two boys will be heading shortly.

You guessed it!

Low Water panorama.

Heading back down the miners track.

I left the main path and walked through the workings where I picked up an old miners track which avoided the crowds. It was fantastic and din't look like anyone had used it for 100 years - one day I will take fix the fells up there and show them what a properly graded path looks like.

Walking the path kept me in the sunshine for a while longer too.

The distant view was to the Welsh mountains - the Glyders and Carneddau - almost 100 miles distant as the crow flies.

Come on boys, we are going in...

Blawith Knott

Walked on 03/04/2015

Start point: Woodland Fell road (SD 256 879)

Blawith Knott (OF) from the Woodland Fell road

Start Time: 16:30 Weather: Sunny spells. 7C

There was a chance of a quick walk with the boys to Blawith Knott on this Good Friday afternoon, thankfully the weather cleared a little after a completely miserable day. Although still quite overcast, there was the odd glimmer light…

Black Combe from Giant's Grave.

Brighter skies over Millom.

Dougal and Fletcher.

A hole in the sky.

Dark and brooding sky looking across to the Coniston fells.

Snuggling up on the summit.

Blawith Knott.

Piercing shafts of light.

The Duddon Estuary.

Gummer’s How

Walked on 01/04/2015

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: 20 minutes Start Time: 15:00

Weather: Very windy, 5°C

It was pretty windy today even at valley level, of course this was even worse higher up (which I was expecting) but I took the dogs up to Gummer’s How which is an easy walk at any time. Of course it turned into a quick sprint complete with snatched photos – at least the fresh air was refreshing!

Blue skies at the start of the walk, but they were fleeting...very fleeting!

Looking down on Lakeside and the foot of Windermere.

The wind was gale force now at the summit column of Gummer's How.

Snow, hail, sleet - we had it all!

I lost my face!

Hanging on for dear life - come on, run.

This was the 'view' on the way down.

Kirk Fell

Walked on 18/03/2015

Start point: Wasdale Head (NY 186 084)

Wasdale Head – Gavel Neese -Beck Head – North Top of Kirk Fell – Kirk Fell – Wasdale Head

Distance: 4.4 miles Total Ascent: 747 metres Time Taken: 3 hours 15 minutes

Weather: Sunny but hazy, warming nicely but cold on tops. 10C in valleys.

Today I ended up on a fell I hadn’t set out to climb – I had in mind to climb Great Gable but when I climbed to Beck Head I remembered that Kirk Fell was one of the ones that Dougal hasn’t yet done (there aren’t many!) so as it was so near I decided to go for it. The sun was quite warm at times but the views were hazy – can’t grumble though, I think winter is over now and we will soon be in shorts. I walked part of the way to the foot of Gavel Neese with StridingEdge fan John – a Lord no less!

Kirk Fell from the track past St Olaf's Church.

Great Gable, like a smoking gun!

It looks like she will erupt, taken from Gavel Neese.

Kirk Fell across Beck Head and Beachhead Tarn - here I changed my mind and decided to climb Kirk Fell.

Great Gable from the climb.

There were some lingering patches of snow, here on the North Top of Kirk Fell.

Looking across Kirkfell Tarn to the main summit.

Hazy Pillar.

Kirkfell Tarn was still frozen.

Sunny but hazy looking across to the Scafells.

Looking back to the North Top and Great Gable.

Great and Green beyond North.

Mono Scafells.

Close up on Gable.

Dougal and Fletcher on Kirk Fell.

The Mosedale fells, from Red Pike to Pillar.

Yes Dougal, that is the way down.

Mosedale.

Yewbarrow.

It's that fell again - Great Gable from the steep descent.

Blah!

Looking down on Wasdale Head.

Looking back up the steep, steep path.

Kirk Fell from the bottom.

The packhorse bridge at Wasdale Head.

Tarn Crag

Walked on 04/03/2015

Start point: Sadgill Bridge, Longsleddale (NY 483 057Sadgill Bridge, Longsleddale – Grey Crag(Longsleddale) – Tarn Crag (Longsleddale) – Brownhowe Bottom – Sadgill Bridge, Longsleddale

Distance: 5.8 miles Total Ascent: 767 metres Time Taken: 4 hours 20 minutes Start Time: 09:20

Weather: Cold with long sunny spells. 4&c;C

Today I had a meeting with Clive Hutchby who has edited Wainwright Book 1, The Eastern Fells (more of that below) so we decided on a walk on the Far Eastern Fells which is the book under revision at the moment. When we arrived at Sadgill the weather was looking very promising and stayed pleasingly wintry pretty much all of the way round apart from a couple of heavy hail showers. The snow ceratinly lit up the scenery today showing this area in its best light. The only downside to that was the deep snow hid the worst of the boggy bits so on the odd occasion we were past boot depth in snow and mud.

On Saturday 4th April the Eastern Fells will be launched in Keswick Love the Lakes with the same happening on Sunday 5th April at Love the Lakes Bowness on Windermere. We would love to see you there – Clive Hutchby will be signing and the furry fiends Fletcher and Dougal will both be in attendance. If you cannot make it, you can pre-order a signed copy complete with the launch weekend stamp (shown above the book in the photo) here

Tarn Crag Route Map

Looking good at the start of the day at Sadgill.

Longsleddale.

Looking across Sadgill and Longsleddale.

The easy gully - slippery today.

Climbing higher - looking back down the gully.

The head of Longsleddale from Great Howe.

The lights went out for a while and there was a sleety-haily shower.

Looking back to Great Howe as the clouds pass over.

Grey Crag ahead.

The view from the climb.

Shipman Knotts, Kentmere Pike and Harter Fell from the fence crossing.

The summit of Grey Crag.

looking back to Grey Crag from the climb to Tarn Crag. I managed to get a bootful of water on that bit!

Fletcher spots Lee (who we chatted to on the climb) heading for Tarn Crag. He just wants to round us all up!

The summit of Tarn Crag.

The survey column on Tarn Crag.

...and looking the other way.

Blazing a trail.

Kentmere Pike across Longsleddale.

Harter Fell.

Rough Crag and Kidsty Pike through the gap..

High and mighty - Fletcher and Dougal.

Kentmere Pike.

The rugged eastern face of Kentmere Pike.

Fabulous winter conditions on the fells, looking from Brownhowe Bottom.

Brownhowe Bottom, looking back along the path used in descent.

Back on the main track it was really warm now - a very Spring like 9C.

The view back into Longsleddale.

Brock Barrow

Walked on 02/03/2015

Start Point: High Nibthwaite (SD 294 897)

Brock Barrow from High Nibthwaite

Distance: 1.5 miles Total Ascent: 175 metres Time Taken: 40 minutes Start Time: 10:15

Weather: Heavy snow showers, 1°C

Everywhere I went this morning there were heavy snow showers with it settling on the roads in many places. I ended up deciding on a short walk to somewhere that was not too high given the wind strength down at valley level and ended up getting a pleasant surprise with the way the weather turned out. Given the earlier conditions I don’t think I could have asked for any more.

An open invitation to StridingEdge fans - what are you doing at Easter? It would be great to see you at the launch of the latest Wainwright book update.

I didn't hold out much hope for this short walk, this is what it was like most of the morning and it continued as I set off towards Brock Barrow.

Lo and behold - 5 minutes later the wind had blown away the snow shower and there was a blue sky up there!

The Crake Valley from the climb.

Near the top now and there is a wintry view to High Bethecar to the east.

At least I can almost see the snow clad Coniston fells from the top now.

Looking down on High Nibthwaite and Allan Tarn.

The two of them - ready to pounce.

The summit cairn.

Heading for the secondary summit, The Old Man and Wetherlam beyond.

Coniston Water.

Look into the eyes...

Yes, I can smile.

Looking across to Caw and leaden skies.

The eastern side of Coniston Water on the way down.

The Gormley statue is now imprisoned.

Beacon Fell from a full Coniston Water.

Haystacks

Walked on 04/02/2015

Start point: Gatesgarth (NY 195 150)

Gatesgarth Farm, Buttermere – Warnscale Bottom – Haystacks – Scarth Gap – Scarth Gap Pass – Warnscale -Gatesgarth Farm, Buttermere

Distance: 4.74 miles Total Ascent: 575 metres Time Taken: 3 hours 15 minutes Start Time: 10:15

Weather: Cold and mainly clear. 2°C

What a gorgeous morning it was today – the sunrise was perfect and I timed it just right to get some fantastic reflection shots on Derwent Water. After clicking away for a good while at different locations I went over to Buttermere for a climb to Haystacks. It was amazingly quiet, there wasn’t a soul around and I only passed one person on the descent – another great winter walk.

Skiddaw at dawn.

Ashness Jetty.

Looking across the jetty to Skiddaw.

Coledale fell reflected.

Derwent Water has a mirror finish today.

At the landings.

Catbells panorama.

A seat with a view. This one is in our shops on canvas now.

Catbells...again.

...and again. This one is in our shops on canvas now.

Buttermere reflections.

Haystacks.

High Crag and High Stile.

High Crag and High Stile at the start of the walk.

A room with a view - Warnscale Bothy.

Out of the climb and on to the path to Haystacks. Someone has turned the sun off and replaced with cloud.

Great Gable across Blackbeck Tarn.

Fleetwith Pike.

What's to do Fletcheroo?

Pillar across Innominate Tarn.

A panoramic view of Innominate Tarn.

Great Gable.

Climbing towards the summit.

The view from the summit of Haystacks.

Pensive Dougal.

High Crag from Haystacks.

The monarch of the glen.

The frozen summit tarn.

Pillar across Ennerdale.

Striations in the snow.

A gorgeous view of Seat and High Crag.

The path (!) on the way down.

Langdale Circuit

Walked on 02/02/2015

Start Point: New Dungeon Ghyll Car Park (NY 295 064)

New Dungeon Ghyll – Stickle Tarn – Harrison Stickle – Thunacar Knott – High Raise – Sergeant Man – Stickle Tarn – New Dungeon Ghyll

Distance: 5.6 miles Total Ascent: 723 metres Time Taken: 4 hours 30 minutes Start Time: 08:00

Weather: Cold with high cloud, 2°C

The Langdales were oh so cold today but it was great to be out in winter conditions again. The freeze thaw cycle had made some places quite treacherous, the path to Stickle Tarn was especially so and required spikes to safely climb. These were swapped for crampons to climb up to Harrison Stickle on the eastern face. Once on the tops there was an icy chill and surprisingly for this area I never saw a single soul until I was back to lower reaches.

Sunrise over Great Langdale.

Looking ahead up the climb to Stickle Tarn.

Looking down from higher up - the path was treacherous sheet ice, microspikes were required for the rest of the climb to Stickle Tarn.

Climbing higher.

Pavey Ark across frozen Stickle Tarn.

Winter sky.

Pavey Ark from the dam.

Heading for Harrison Stickle.

Stickle Tarn from the climb to Harrison.

Looking across to the western face of Pavey Ark.

The climb was icy.

The view to the east.

Nearly there.

Harrison Stickle.

Looking across Pike o' Stickle and Rossett Pike to the Scafells and Great Gable.

Bowfell and The Band.

The Coniston fells.

The view from Thunacar Knott.

Bowfell.

Langstrath from High Raise.

Distant Skiddaw and Blencathra.

The summit of High Raise.

Looking south.

Dougal checks which fells he has ticked off - all of them in this photo I think!

Esk Pike, Scafell Pike and Great End.

Sergeant Fletcher and Sergeant Dougal.

Sergeant Man.

The way down.

Inquisitive Fletcher.

Mono Pavey Ark.

Harrison Stickle and Pavey Ark from the descent.

Looking back to Sergeant Man and the ridge descended. There is a touch of blue in the sky now.

Pavey Ark, Jack's Rake running diagonally right to left across the face.

Harrison Stickle and the route climbed.

The Langdale Pikes.

Blencathra via Hall’s Fell Ridge

Walked on 22/01/2015

Start Point: Threlkeld (NY 318 256)

Threlkeld – Hall’s Fell Ridge – Blencathra (Hallsfell Top – Gategill Top – Blease Fell) – Threlkeld

Distance: 4.8 miles Total Ascent: 734 metres Time Taken: 3 hours 10 minutes Start Time: 10:30

Weather: Cold and clear, 0°C

I really wanted to climb Blencathra in these conditions after I spotted it in the sunshine when passing the other afternoon. This was a day on the fell to remember and the sort that doesn’t come around too often. Wainwright said that the climb to Blencathra via Hall’s Fell Ridge is the finest way to any mountain top in the Lake District and I have to say I agree with him, especially on a day like today.

I couldn't resist this shot on my way past, the sunrise was looking so good over the Leven Estuary that I had to turn around and get this photo.

Likewise, I paid a visit to Derwent Water to see this sight - it was very cold but worth it for this view.

Following the wall above Threlkeld on the way to Hall's Fell.

Looking across to Clough Head.

Hall's fell ahead, the path can just about be made out snaking up the fell.

Crossing Gate Gill.

Knott Halloo on Gategill Fell from the climb.

The skies were a changing as I climbed. Looking across to Great Gable in the distance (towards the right of the photo) it looked as though there was a cloud inversion.

The Mell Fells and frozen ground.

Climbing Hall's Fell.

Looking across to Gategill Fell top.

Blencathra summit from Hall's Fell.

At the foot of Hall's Fell Ridge - time to get the crampons on.

Following the ridge the conditions were fantastic - hardly a breath of wind, clear blue skies and lots of snow...just magic.

...yet every time I looked behind conditions were changing and it looked as though we were on for a full blown inversion.

Dougal - the King of the Fells.

Onward and upward.

Looking back down the ridge.

The curve in the ridge.

This is what a good day on the fells looks like!

Cloud coming in.

Made it! All alone on the summit.

The view to the south from the summit.

...and looking to the west.

The summit ridge.

The Dodds and the Helvellyn ridge.

Looking back to the main summit from Gategill Fell.

Looking down, the mist constantly swirling around.

That's a seat with a view.

Looking south again, the cloud dropping into the valleys.

Looking down from above.

Dougal on Blease Fell.

Looking down from heaven.

Grisedale Pike and the north western fells from the descent.

Dougal does a spot of tracking.

Heading back to Threlkeld.

Loughrigg Fell

Walked on 19/01/2015

Start Point: Tarn Foot, Skelwith Bridge (NY 345 039)

Tarn Foot – Ivy Crag – Loughrigg Fell – The How – Loughrigg Tarn – Tarn Foot

Distance: 2.7 miles Total Ascent: 270 metres Time Taken: 2 hours Start Time: 07:45

Weather: Cold. 3°C

This morning turned into a right old palaver – firstly I set off for Helvellyn but the local weather said that east would be cloudy all day as I set off so I decided upon Coniston. When I made it to the start of the Walna Scar Road, I couldn’t stand up as there was that much sheet ice around and the wind was really strong and chilled to the bone as soon as I got out of the car. So with discretion being the better part of valour, I turned back and decided that Loughrigg looked a good bet for a decent sunrise. The walk was great and the weather was good up there, hardly any wind and a magical sunrise…but – on the way down I slipped and fell full on my camera with the side of my ribcage and that is something that does hurt! As I walked away from Loughrigg Tarn, I realised that my polarising filter was missing so I had to retrace my steps back to the northern end of the tarn where (thankfully) I found it lying in the snow. Flipping heck!

A pre-dawn view of Wetherlam from the climb to Loughrigg.

Windermere, still before dawn.

Sunrise, but there is a large bank of cloud to the east hiding the sun for now.

The snowy Langdale Pikes take on a pinkish tinge.

The clouds were changing by the minute.

Looking across Grasmere to Dunmail Raise.

It was fabulous to see the changing colours on a morning such as this.

Pink Wetherlam now too.

Looking back to the summit cairn as the sun climbs higher.

Windermere.

Back to the top - beautiful.

Even Dougal and Fletcher bask in the morning sunrise.

A wider view from the summit.

Elterwater and Great Langdale.

Grasmere.

A wintry scene.

Loughrigg Tarn.

A wide view across Loughrigg Tarn.

Loughrigg Tarn reflections.

Perfect.

A view of the Langdales from the higher path.

Feeding time.

Torver Common

Walked on 18/01/2015

We had a wander around Torver Common this afternoon, it was lovely up there and the wind was biting but the sunset was lovely.

The Coniston fells looking immaculate over a frozen Kelly Hall Tarn.

Looking across the tarn to the west.

...and again from a little higher.

Immaculate looking Coniston fells.

Torver Common.

Coniston fells panoramic.

Long Moss, Fairfield looming in the background.

Coldy old Coniston Water.

Frozen Long Moss.

The Old Man - close up.

Dougal and Fletcher enjoying the sunshine (but perhaps not the biting wind!)

One cloud in a clear blue sky.

The sun is beginning to set now.

Back at Kelly Hall Tarn.

At the end of the day.

A rosy glow.

Walla Crag

Walked on 17/01/2015

Start point: Love the Lakes, Keswick (NY 266 233)

Love the Lakes, Keswick – Springs Road – Springs Wood – Rakefoot – Walla Crag – Derwent Water – Love the Lakes, Keswick

Distance: 4.9 miles Total Ascent: 322 metres Time Taken: 2 hours Start Time: 12:30

Weather: Frequent wintry showers. 3°C

The weather has turned wintry once more with plenty of snow around, especially in the northern lakes. There were lots of snow/sleet/hail showers around today and I decided to to a walk from the convenient base of our shop in Keswick to Walla Crag as the views from there are superb.

On the way to Keswick, a view across Windermere from Low Wood to The Langdale Pikes.

This roadside view across Derwent Water will be familiar to those who have visited Keswick following the A591and looked through the gate when descending Castlerigg Brow. This view was the decider for today's walk!

Winter wall on the climb to Walla Crag.

Causey Pike.

A fabulous panorama across Derwent water emerges during this climb.

Blencathra.

Bleaberry Fell.

Blencathra obscured by one of the many heavy winter showers.

Clough Head and The Dodds are getting a bit of blue sky.

Dougal and Fletcher don't seem too sure about the snow!

Looking along to Bassenthwaite Lake from Lady's Rake.

Behind you Dougal!

Brooding fells during a snow shower.

It's passed now.

Hello young Fletch.

Winter panorama.

All clear again across Derwent Water.

Sunburst in Borrowdale.

Bleaberry Fell from the descent.

...a couple of minutes later, all sunny again.

From there, the weather turned worse and became constant. Derwent Water was pretty full as this shot of the Millennium Stone and into Borrowdale shows, it was well away from the path today.

The Dunnerdale Fells

Walked on 12/01/2015

Start Point: Kiln Bank Cross (SD 215 933)

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

Distance: 2.5 miles Total Ascent: 235 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 15 minutes Start Time: 15:00

Weather: A cold wind, 6°C

I had the chance of a swift walk with the dogs at the end of the afternoon so I had a wander around some of the Dunnerdale fells. It turned out to be a stunning sunset, something that didn’t look like it would happen until the very end so I am glad we braved the cold wind and went for it!

Whirlwind on Stickle Tarn.

Passing beneath Stickle Pike.

Stickle Pike from the northern end of the Tarn Hill ridge.

Oooh - great sky looking over to Black Combe from Tarn Hill.

Stickle Pike and Caw from one of the tarns.

Heading for Great Stickle.

Looking back to Tarn Hill.

Great Stickle sunset.

Dougal and Fletcher.

The Duddon Estuary from Great Stickle. It looks as though the trig column has only been undercoated, it used to be bright white!

Black Combe.

Another Stickle Pike view.

Caw after sunset.

Black Combe has gone thermo-nuclear!

The Dodds

Walked on 09/01/2015

Start Point: Dockray (NY 393 215)

Dockray – High Row – Randerside – Great Dodd – Watson’s Dodd – Stybarrow Dodd – White Stones on Green Side – Hart Side – Birkett Fell – Brown Hills – Swineside Knott – Watermillock Common – Common Fell – Round How – Bracken How – Dockray

Distance: 10.7 miles Total Ascent: 775 metres Time Taken: 4 hours 40 minutes Start Time: 09:45

Weather: Windy with sunny spells, very cold on the tops, 4°C

Today was supposedly the calm before the storm, but I don’t think the weather necessarily knew that as once on the tops, the wind was howling and I ended up with more layers on than an onion. A very enjoyable round this was and it has been a year or two since I have been that way so it was good to get up there again. There wasn’t a single soul to be seen today apart from the lady farmer at High Row who took a shine to Fletcher – I think she had designs on him becoming a working dog up there – it was a good job he did’t gear otherwise I think he would have put his application form in!

The promise of a decent day looking back over Dockray from the climb to High Row.

Hole in the sky - the clouds were fairly whizzing along which told the tale of how things would be on the tops.

You go that a-way and I'll go this a-way! Great Dodd ahead.

The view from Randerside across Clough Head to Blencathra.

A diusting of snow now looking back from the climb to Great Dodd.

Once on the top of Great Dodd, the wind was fierce and piercing. I ended up with two pairs of gloves on, two hats and two insulated jackets and my fingers were too numb to take photos at one point.

Heading for Watson's Dodd.

The Vale of Keswick from Watson's Dodd.

Great Dodd from Watson's Dodd.

Clouds skitting over the tops across Thirlmere.

Heading for Stybarrow Dodd.

Watson's Dodd and Great Dodd from the climb to Stybarrow Dodd.

Frozen on Stybarrow Dodd (let it go, let it go...)

Mono shot looking across to Raise and Helvellyn.

You want some?

Raise from the path to White Stones.

Stybarrow Dodd.

Hart Side ahead.

The summit of Hart Side.

Ullswater from Birkett Fell.

The plaque in the summit cairn - the only summit I can recall that actually has a name plaque on it!

Dougal kept wanting to climb this wall for some reason - but we aren't going that way Dougal!

On Brown Hills.

A great view across Ullswater to Place Fell.

The head of Ullswater.

Dougal watching the world go by.

Common Fell looking to Little Mell Fell.

Constantly shifting sky.

Hallin Fell across Ullswater.

Before I knew it, the sun was setting and the sky taking on a pinkish tinge.

Caudale Moor

Walked on 06/01/2015

Start Point: Caudale Bridge (NY 402 115)

Caudale Bridge – Caudale Quarry – Caudale Moor – Hartsop Dodd – Kirkstonefoot – Caudale Bridge

Distance: 3.9 miles Total Ascent: 625 metres Time Taken: 2 hours 15 minutes Start Time: 09:45

Weather: Wet and windy (mostly), 4°C

The wind did howl and the rain did pour this morning for our walk to Caudale Moor. I had intended to go further on this walk but it was so wet and cold I’d had enough after I reached Hartsop Dodd. I think Fletcher came of age today with his first taste of some proper fell weather!

Looking to Middle Dodd - up until this point it had been absolutely chucking it down but the sky here shows the promise of a decent morning...perhaps.

Today's route up to Caudale Moor.

High Hartsop Dodd.

Looking down the strange deep groove that is a feature of this climb.

At Caudale Quarry looking across to Hartsop Dodd.

Kirkstone Pass and Red Screes, walking in a blizzard now.

Looking to Hartsop Dodd with a glimpse of Brothers Water and Ullswater into Patterdale.

The view from Caudale Head.

Damp dogs on Stony Cove Pike, the summit of Caudale Moor. I think Fletcher has found a good hiding place from the wind and rain behind Dougal.

Heading for Hartsop Dodd, just follow the wall.

Twa dogs at the summit of Hartsop Dodd (full of cheery smiles too!), the old post marking the summit.

A view into Dovedale.

Brothers Water from the steeper than steep way down from Hartsop Dodd and the only bit of sunshine to be seen all day.

Sunshine and rain.

Watching me watching you.

Gummer’s How

Walked on 04/01/2015

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 Start Time: 15:00

Weather: Cold and grey, 4°C

It was a grey old day today and it remained unerringly cold so I took Connie and the dogs up to Gummer’s How at the end of the day – it didn’t turn out too badly as there was a decent sunset to make a nice backdrop to the walk.

An interesting late afternoon sky.

The setting sun.

Connie, aged 13, on Gummer's How.

Gummer's How.

Connie, Fletcher and Dougal above Windermere.

This planet is on fire!

The Hoad, Ulverston ends the day in a blaze of glory.

Stickle Pike

Walked on 03/01/2015

Start Point: Kiln Bank Cross (SD 215 933)

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

Distance: 1 mile Total Ascent: 105 metres Time Taken: 40 minutes Start Time: 15:00

This morning was really poor, the weather was quite damp and dreary but later on the clouds cleared and there was just enough time for a sprint up to Stickle Pike for a glorious sunset.

Wall to wall blue sky, almost unbelievable after a really poor and wet morning.

Not a lot of snow around (on the south facing slopes at least) looking across to the Scafells. Only Esk Pike seems to have a dusting of the white stuff.

Caw and the lengthening shadow of Stickle Pike.

Stickle Tarn.

Once up onto the top it was gorgeous on Stickle Pike.

The setting sun looking across to Black Combe.

Dougal and Fletcher were loving it in the golden sunshine.

A wider view from the southern summit.

The Duddon Estuary.

...and a wider view looking over to High Furness.

Another family were enjoying the vista this evening.

Black Combe sunset.

The Duddon Valley.

Lingmoor Fell

Walked on 08/12/2014

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

Blea Tarn – Bleatarn House – Lingmoor Fell – Lingmoor Tarn – Side Pike – Blea Tarn

Distance: 3.2 miles Total Ascent: 390 metres Time Taken: 2 hours Start Time: 08:00

Weather: Cold wind, clear spells, 5°C

Dougal was in for the op that any male wouldn’t like to think too much about today (gulp!) so it was down to young Fletcher to be #1 Fell Dog for the day. They were big paws to fill but Fletcher had no problems carrying it off – today he experienced snow and ice for the first time. Winter has struck on the high ground and the wind was icy cold, through to the bone on the tops but when the leaden skies cleared, what fabulous views there were to be had.

A brief sunny spell at the start of the walk lights up Blea Tarn.

Blake Rigg across Blea Tarn.

Wetherlam and a burst of sunshine through a stormy sky.

Bowfell and Rossett Pike across a sunny Oxendale Pass road.

The snow clad Lansdale Pikes set off Side Pike quite nicely from the climb.

Bleatarn House below looking to Bowfell.

It looks a bit ominous over Coniston way.

A cold climb to the summit...

...and even colder when we got there with a raw wind blowing - not a place to hang around today.

The view to Windermere.

Looking across Lingmoor Tarn and the Langdales are in for more snow.

Mono Langdales.

A strange hue across Oxendale.

Pike o' Blisco.

Side Pike and Bowfell.

As if by magic...on the climb to Side Pike through the squeeze, the sun came out. That's better Fletcher.

The Langdale Pikes.

Clearing skies.

Looking from the end of Side Pike, along the wall to Lingmoor Fell.

The view from Side Pike top.

Close up on the Langdales.

The fabulous view across Blea Tarn. Later, on the way home I expected a decent sunset so went over Wrynose (where cars were turning back because of the icy conditions) and up Hardknott Pass for a quick climb to Border End.