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.

Harter Fell.

The end of day glow over the Scafells.

Looking into Upper Eskdale.

A penny for them, Fletcher.

Scafell and Scafell Pike.

At the end of the day.

Dying embers.

Brock Barrow

Walked on 28/11/2014

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: 09:00

Weather: Overcast, 6°C

Should I, shouldn’t I, should I, shouldn’t I…oh, go on then – time was very short this morning and I did intend to have a low level walk with the boys around Coniston somewhere but then was magically drawn skywards by diminutive Brock Barrow. It was a bit drab and a bit cool but watching Fletcher made me smile – it wasn’t so long ago (July 11th to be exact!) that he climbed this as a small pup and I worried whether it would be too much for the little fella. Now he is as big as Dougal and positively bounded up here…he’s going to be a fine fellwalking dog that Fletcher.

Beacon Fell across Nibthwaite.

On the way - Fletcher is watching Dougal...in the bracken somewhere!

Allan Tarn from the steep climb.

The cairn looking to Caw.

Ready to pounce.

Fluffy Fletcher.

It's a bit grey over the southern end of Coniston Water.

Onto the secondary summit.

The Watcher.

Down at Coniston Water.

Caermote Hill

Walked on 26/11/2014

Start Point: Bothel (NY 182 388)

St John’s Hill – Caermote Hill – Caermote Roman Fort – Bothel

Distance: 4.2 miles Total Ascent: 183 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 45 minutes Start Time: 09:30

Weather: Overcast, 8°C

I managed to kill more than one bird today – I needed to be in the north Lakes, Fletcher was keen to get out (so he tells me!) and I have never done Caermote Hill. It turned out to be a boggy mess, more of a walk through farmers fields than a fell walk. It was nice to be in a new area though but given the distance from home, I don’t think I will be back in a hurry!

Looking back to Bothel. I should have had wellies on today, not boots - much of the walk was through squelchy mud.

On St John's Hill, Caermote to the right. Over the wall are earthworks known as the Battery but there is no access and not a lot to be seen from ground level. The flat area where I took this picture from is the site of a beacon.

The memorial boulder, Caermote Hill.

The summit of Caermote Hill, Binsey (under cloud) in the background.

Bassenthwaite Lake.

Dougal and Fletcher - young Fletcher has evidence of his culinary delectation around his mouth (hint: it comes from sheep and is readily available on the fells - ugh, Fletcher!)

Skiddaw and moody clouds.

Caermote Hill from the Roman fort.

Tilting at windmills - above Bothel.

It was dusk when I was passing Bassenthwaite Lake but it looked so calm and tranquil, Dodd reflected in this shot.

Skiddaw massif panorama.

Looking south.

...and north.

Reflected colours.

Blengdale Horseshoe

Walked on 24/11/2014

Start Point: Greendale (NY 144 056)

Greendale – Blengdale Forest – Sampson’s Bratfull – Stockdale Moor – Caw Fell – Little Gowder Crag – Haycock – Pots of Ashness – Seatallan – Cat Bields – Glade How – Buckbarrow – Greendale

Distance: 13 miles Total Ascent: 1067 metres Time Taken: 6 hours 30 minutes Start Time: 09:30

Weather: Sunny spells, 8°C

I knew this would be a long one today so hopefully I would time it right to use the daylight to best advantage. The going over Stockdale Moor is a bit of a trudge to say the least and it seems to go on forever – the highlight was coming over Seatallan to the sunset, it was just fantastic. This route will feature in a future edition of Trail magazine.

A bit overcast but still gorgeous in Wasdale

Ancient walled track above Windsor Farm

There was an interesting crossing of the River Bleng as the stepping stones at Sergeant Ford are long gone and it appears there is no way across without getting your feet wet. I used the downstream side of the water gate downstream of this crossing, it worked a treat.

Blengdale with Haycock's top in cloud and Seatallan to the right

Sampson's Bratfull gains an addition. Stones dropped from the apron of a giant as he strode across the moor so legend has it - I bet he got his feet wet!

There are lots of antiquities and old cairns on Stockdale Moor. It is tough going along here with the tussocky and boggy grass, it gave the curse-o-meter an airing anyway - did you hear me?

Seatallan

Little Gowder Crag and Haycock

Which way Dougal?

The Scafells finally out of the cloud

Hanging Stone (also gaining an addition!)

Aeroplane wreckage on Caw Fell

Caw Fell. It certainly looks a lot brighter to the north, looking across to the High Stile ridge.

Heading for Little Gowder Crag

Ennerdale

Hair raising for the boy

My best pal waiting patiently, taking it all in

Caw Fell

Caw Fell and Little Gowder Crag from the climb to Haycock

Steeple and Scoat Fell from Haycock

Seatallan and Blengdale

Blengdale

Haycock from Pots of Ashness

...and from the climb to Seatallan

Yewbarrow lit up by the sunshine. Such are the short days at this time of year I could feel the sun setting as I climbed Seatallan as the skies were reddening, the shadows growing longer and the temperature noticeably dropping.

Stockdale Head

A wider view

Great Gable

Great Gable and the Scafells lit by the setting sun

Close up on the Scafells

What a handsome chappie

Seatallan

Seatallan sunset

You may well gaze in wonderment Dougal my lad!

Cat Bields - as the sun went behind the cloud it was like the lights had been dimmed considerably, so it was a case of getting down before darkness finally fell

The Screes

Silver How

Walked on 13/11/2014

Start Point: Grasmere Church (NY 336 073)

Grasmere – Allan Bank – Silver How – Kelbarrow – Grasmere

Distance: 2.75 miles Total Ascent: 325 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 15 minutes Start Time: 10:00

Weather: Overcast, windy, 12°C

Time for another short walk with Fletcher in tow today, he seems to enjoy the outdoor life and it is interesting to watch him grow when everything is new – crossing a stream, climbing a stile etc are all part of the fell walking experience and something you take for granted but having a new new boy along for the walk reminds you that there are always new hurdle to overcome. It was pretty windy up on the top today too, Fletcher overcame that new experience by barking at it!

Helm Crag

A wider view

Looking back to Grasmere from the path above Allan Bank

Helm Crag, Seat Sandal and Fairfield (in cloud)

The Helvellyn ridge is also under cloud beyond the Lion and the Lamb

Heading for Silver How and there is a solitary figure on the top. When we got there he recognised us ( actually when I say 'us' I mean 'them'!)

Silver How summit

Looking in the opposite direction over Great Langdale

Dougal checks out all the bodies of water he can see - Grasmere, Rydal Water, Windermere, Loughrigg Tarn and Elter Water with Loughrigg Fell central

It was a bit breezy up there young Fletcher!

Blimey Fletcher, I think you've gone and done it now!

The steep descent

Grasmere and Rydal Water

Heading back to Grasmere

Deepdale Round

Walked on 10/11/2014

Start Point: Deepdale Bridge (NY 399 144)

Deepdale Bridge – Deepdale – Greenhow End – Fairfield – Cofa Pike – Saint Sunday Crag – Gavel Pike – Lord’s Seat – Deepdale Bridge

Distance: 7.3 miles Total Ascent: 915 metres Time Taken: 4 hours 30 minutes Start Time: 09:15

Weather: Overcast with showers, 8°C

The promised clear weather never materialised today, in fact it was the opposite as the clouds and clag closed in as the day went on. I was looking forward to this one as a new route for me, I must go back and do it on a fine day as I think the views would be brilliant from Greenhow End. This route will feature in a future edition of Trail Magazine.

Aw...just look at that little face! Fletcher, now with full fell dog haircut!

Fletcher, full of smiles! On Sunday 9th November I took the dogs out but it was hammering it down in the south Lakes.

Dull at Brown Howe, Coniston Water.

We ended up back at Burney for a quick fell walk. We were completely sodden! On with today's walk...

Place Fell from Deepdale Bridge. There was a glimmer of light and it was looking (dare I say it?) promising.

Arnison Crag above Lane Head

Looking back along the track, Angletarn Pikes up to the right...somewhere

Dougal...down...wait...down...wait...wait...wait...good lad! Dougal posing on the old stone bridge crossing Coldcove Gill

Deepdale Beck

Mart Crag reflected in a small tarn. Above Mart Crag (in the mist) is Greenhow End, today's route of ascent

A bit damp and a bit steep climbing up Greenhow End, looking back into Deepdale. There wasn't much to take photos of for a good while after this. Dougal was recognised on Fairfield by a couple of StridingEdge fans, I helped a chap get the right path from Fairfield to Cofa Pike and Dougal was again recognised on the climb to St. Sunday!

Nothing to see on St. Sunday (apart from big Doogs!)

Heading down to Lord's Seat and a break in the clouds

On Lord's Seat, Birks in the distance

Looking back up to Lord's Seat and Gavel Pike. It was a bit of a boggy mess descending from here and we were sodden for the second day running! On the way back from our shop in Bowness...

Sunshine across Windermere!

Blawith Knott

Walked on 17/10/2014

Start Point: Woodland Fell road (SD 256 879)

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

Distance: 2 miles Total Ascent: 156 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 15 minutes Start Time: 14:15

Weather: Unseasonably warm, 19°C

The weather was quite strange this afternoon, it really warmed up and the sun was shining so I made use of it to have a quick walk up to Blawith Knott. When I arrived it was 19°C and the walk was completed in shirt sleeves – it was a real throw back to summer. By the end of the walk it had turned into a different day though, the brooding clouds eventually turned to rain although the warmth continued. I’ve just bought new hat and gloves though they won’t be needed just yet by the looks of things.

At the Giant's Grave

These two seem to know the way!

Light and shade - the Coniston fells don't appear to be fairing as well as us

Aye, aye - the windswept look for Fletcher

It was indeed a strange mix - really warm with big dark clouds to the west and blue skies to the east

At the western cairn on Blawith Knott

Dougal shows Fletcher what a proper fellwalking tongue should look like

We are still in the sunshine, but not for long I think

The path past Angus Tarn to Tottlebank Height

That is the view to Coniston Water from Tottlebank Height

Wool Knott in the sunshine, beyond is the darker shape of Beacon (Fell)

A dip in Angus Tarn for the boys

Darker skies now on the return leg - 5 minutes after getting in the car it started to rain (so good timing really)

Middle Fell

Walked on 15/10/2014

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: 09:15

Weather: Breezy, cold on top, 12°C

Today was another chance for Fletcher to get out on to the fells, this time on something a little more rugged than previously. Middle Fell is a fantastic walk with great views yet not too long for the youngster. I must say he carried it off with aplomb and I am pleased to report he absolutely loved it. He was fine off the lead, only needed a couple of check words to stay away from the sheep and when we got to the top the pair of them were running around barking madly and playing games. Nice one Fletch!

Early sky at Greendale

The sun lights up Buckbarrow and Casper Gully

The breeze was starting to pick up a bit even on the lower slopes

Fabulous changes in light and shade on the climb to Middle Fell

At the summit the breeze has really picked up!

The view to Yewbarrow and the Scafells from the summit

Close up on the Scafells, those clouds on top were constantly shifting

Sing Fletcher, sing!

Walking the Middle Fell ridge with Haycock, Scoat Fell and Red Pike in view

A different angle on the Scafells

Looking down on Seatallan and Greendale Tarn

Dougal does the route planning

Looking back along the ridge to the summit cairn

Yewbarrow

Descenfding to Greendale Tarn

Haycock and Scoat Fell peer over the top of the col

Descending into Greendale

Middle Fell from Wasdale

The classic view of Wasdale

Coniston Round

Walked on 13/10/2014

Start Point: Walna Scar road (SD 289 970)

Walna Scar road – Coniston Old Man – Brim Fell – Levers Hawse – Grey Friar – Great Carrs – Swirl How – Prison Band – Swirl Hawse – Levers Water – Boulder Valley – Walna Scar road

Distance: 8.5 miles Total Ascent: 968 metres Time Taken: 4 hours 30 minutes Start Time: 07:15

Weather: Breezy, cold on top, 12°C

Today’s walk involved an early start to take in a round of the Coniston fells. It was a solitary walk today and there was no-one around and that wind was oh-so cold, I think I have forgotten what it can be like given all the recent warm weather we have had – brrr! This walk will feature in an issue of Trail Magazine soon.

Firstly, a few sunset shots from last night, 12th October...Black Combe.

West Coast sunset.

A beautiful evening. On with the walk...

Sunrise contrails

Moon over Walna Scar

Black Combe, Brown Pike and Blind Tarn

Looking across Low Water to Wetherlam from The Old Man

Sky above the summit cairn

There was lots of cloud flitting across the tops today, here it can be seen blowing across Swirl How to the right

Looking back to The Old Man

You won't get lost on this path with a proliferation of cairns

Looking back from Brim Fell

Brim Fell

Great How Crags and Swirl How - I traversed across about halfway up the climb to head for Grey Friar

Brim Fell and Dow Crag from the traverse

I like the way the cairn mirrors the fells on Grey Friar

Bit windy Dougal?

The Matterhorn Rock

The WW2 memorial

Grey Friar from Great Carrs

Swirl How, The Old Man, Brim Fell and Dow Crag all in a row

Atmospheric happenings over the Scafells and Bowfell

The descent of Prison Band, Wetherlam ahead

Crossing Levers Water

Into Boulder Valley

Modern day industry continues at Coniston

Wasdale Head Show and Shepherd’s Meet

Walked on 11/10/2014

Today was the annual show at Wasdale Head – this shepherd’s meet is over 100 years old and is one of the latest (if not the latest) show of all in the Lake District. The weather turned out to be really good in the end, much better than was forecast or expected.

Drama over the showground.

Kirk Fell looking good as the sun comes out.

The two fells dogs were getting a bit of attention and recognition today.

A great (gable) backdrop.

Shepherd's Crooks - the show winners.

Herdwick ram.

There'll be no messing with him!

The Herdwick show ring.

Connie and the boys on the old packhorse bridge.

Lingmell and the Scafells.

The classic view.

Fairfield Horseshoe

Walked on 02/10/2014

Start Point: Rydal (NY 365 062)

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

Distance: 10 miles Total Ascent: 1180 metres Time Taken: 5 hours Start Time: 07:35

Weather: Beautiful, warming up nicely to 17°C

The weather experts weren’t wrong today, it was an absolutely gorgeous morning for a walk around the Fairfield Horseshoe – one I haven’t done (unbelievably) since 2007. There wasn’t anyone around either until two thirds of the way when we met one or two people. I think this is the last day of the long hot summer as the weather is set to turn over the next few days…

Early morning mist on Windermere, from Waterhead

View along the jetty

What a beautiful sunrise

Inversion over Ambleside and Windermere from the climb to Nab Scar

Climbing to the sun, it is a gorgeous morning

This view was behind me so frequent stops were required to check it out

Misty trees

A great view across Rydal and Grasmere to the Coniston fells and across to Bowfell

The sun is starting to burn away the early mist

Heron Pike from Nab Scar

Looking back to the Coniston fells, Coniston Water is distant left

Clear as clear can be on Heron Pike - Dougal seems to be enjoying himself as well

Heading for Rydal Fell, Great Rigg and Fairfield ahead

Looking to Rydal Head - Great Rigg, Fairfield and Hart Crag in view

Hart Crag reflected

Lapping up the good weather

Great Rigg

Grasmere and the Coniston fells

Fairfield from Great Rigg

Heading for Fairfield but with a peek across Grisedale Tarn to Helvellyn

Cofa Pike and St. Sunday Crag from Fairfield

A great view of Dollywaggon Pike, Nethermost Pike and Helvellyn from Fairfield

Dougal in pensive pose

Windermere and two sentinels of Rydal Head. I'll give you two guesses where Dougal is!

On Hart Crag

Looking the other way towards Patterdale

High Pike from Low Pike

Crinkle Crags and Bowfell across Rydal Water

The outward leg of the Fairfield Horseshoe from Rydal Park

On the way back we met up with Louise and Fletcher at Fell Foot. He is growing by the day!

Loughrigg Fell

Walked on 25/09/2014

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: 1 hour 15 minutes Start Time: 09:10

Weather: Warm and wet, 17°C

My only full day off in September (a month of fantastic warm sunshine) and it was dull and drizzly. Not to worry, fresh air and solitude is good whatever the weather. This was Fletchers first outing to a notable fell – Wainwright number one for him.