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.

It was a bit damp and drizzly today

Windermere just about visible

Looking across to the summit of Loughrigg Fell from Ivy Crag

Two hungry hippos at the tarn

Wainwright fell #1 for Fletcher

Looking towards Grasmere and Dunmail Raise

Loughrigg Tarn

Loughrigg Tarn sans Langdales

Looking back along the track to Loughrigg

Devoke Water

Walked on 13/09/2014

Start Point: Birker Fell road (SD 171 977)

Birker Fell Road – Rough Crag (Birker Moor) (OF) – Water Crag (OF) – Seat How (Birker Moor) (OF) – Birker Fell Road

Distance: 3 miles Total Ascent: 190 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 15 minutes Start Time: 14:00

Weather: Warm but overcast, 19°C

I had enough time for a quick walk around Devoke Water this afternoon – it is guaranteed to be far from the madding crowd up here even at the weekend.

Firstly, a few photos from this week (they are available to view on Facebook at the time they are taken if you want to keep up to date). Windermere sunset.

Heaven.

Moon over Helvellyn.

Martian landscape or the west coast of Cumbria?

Setting sun.

Fun and frolics in the last bit of daylight.

Harter Fell and Green Crag. It was a bit of a funny day being really warm hazy and overcast.

Fletcher progress report: he is off the lead on the fells and loving it! He is such a good lad, sticks by my side and not particularly interested in sheep - only out of curiosity really. He is going to be a fell maestro for sure...

Hazy Scafell.

Above Devoke Water.

Heading for Water Crag.

Rough Crag from Water Crag.

Fletcher.

Tongue competition.

Woodend Height and Yoadcastle.

Seat How.

Devoke Water swimming club.

Walking on water.

The old boathouse.

Devoke Water from Seat How.

'Look what I've found!' - not sure of the significance of this on top of Seat How.

Gimmers - a face in the crowd.

Caw and the Coniston Fells

Walked on 01/09/2014

Start Point: Kiln Bank Cross (SD 215 933)

Seathwaite – Park Head Road – Caw (OF) – Pikes (OF) – White Pike – White Maiden – Walna Scar (OF) – Walna Scar Road – Seathwaite

Distance: 7.8 miles Total Ascent: 773 metres Time Taken: 3 hours 20 minutes Start Time: 13:00

Weather: Generally overcast, 17°C

The weather was supposed to clear later in the day, unfortunately that never materialised but I was enjoying the fresh air so much I extended a planed shorter walk to Caw by linking it to the Coniston fells. It was an unusual route but it was worth it to see if it could be done (the answer is yes, but recommended? Probably not!).

Seathwaite and Wallowbarrow Crag from the Park Head Road.

Seasonal fungi.

Climbing the track, Fox Haw ahead.

Looking back along the Duddon Valley, Bowfell at its head. Shortly after this the path doubles back on itself to climb Caw.

Climbing through the old quarry workings.

Dougal decides the route for the rest of the day.

Black Combe and Stickle Pike from Caw.

The next stop was Pikes, a conspicuous peak between Caw and White Pike, here looking back towards Caw from the summit.

I've never linked Caw with the Coniston fells, so why not? I went for the mine workings central in this photo - it was a bit boggy to say the least!

Harter Fell and the Scafells from the quarries on the slopes of White Pike.

A steep climb brought me to the top of White Pike.

A reverse view of one of the photos from above, looking back to Caw.

Coniston Water from White Maiden.

The route walked from Walna Scar. From here, I descended the Walna Scar road back to the old workings and back the boggy way I came to descend back into Seathwaite.

Dunnderdale Fells

Walked on 23/08/2014

Start Point: Kiln Bank Cross (SD 215 933)

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

Distance: 2.5 miles Total Ascent: 235 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 30 minutes Start Time: 16:00

Weather: Bright and breezy, 17°C

It was another lovely afternoon and I took the chance of a late walk to get up amongst the Dunnerdale Fells. This area is always beautiful, reasonably quiet and easy for me to get to for a shorter walk. This route will appear in Trail magazine later this year.

Twin peaks - Great Stickle and Stickle Pike from Broughton Mills.

Caw from the climb.

Stickle Tarn - beautiful.

Bring me sunshine.

Looking along the Duddon Valley to the high fells.

Caw and Grey Friar (in shadow) across Stickle Tarn.

Stickle Pike towering above the path.

The path to Great Stickle, the fell to the left.

The Matterhorn shape of Stickle Pike - it looks fantastic from the south.

The view from the climb to Great Stickle.

This couple I met were enjoying the views from Great Stickle today.

Looking towards the Duddon Estuary.

Great Stickle from Tarn Hill.

A lovely view across a tarn.

At the top of Tarn Hill.

Dougal and (windswept) Fletcher.

On the edge of the Tarn Hill ridge. In the clearing below right, where the path joins the area without bracken there is a small stone circle.

The stone circle.

Rainbow over Caw.

Scafells to Bowfell and Crinkle Crags with Harter Fell in the foreground from the foot of Stickle Pike.

Looking across virtually the whole route from the south top of Stickle Pike.

Stickle Pike summit.

Holme Fell

Walked on 07/08/2014

Start Point: Hodge Close (NY 315 016)

Holme Fell from Hodge Close

Distance: 1.7 miles Total Ascent: 165 metres Time Taken: 1 hour Start Time: 08:50

Weather: Lovely, 17°C

What a glorious morning – so nice that I had to stop at a couple of places for an opportune photo or two on the way to Coniston. Holme Fell is fabulous at this time of year with the visually lovely and fragrant Ling in abundance.

The view from the Scott Memorial.

Reflected trees.

Calm water looking across to Wetherlam.

Similar but different.

The old reservoir at the foot of Holme Fell.

The view across to the Langdale Pikes.

The summit of Holme Fell with lots of fragrant Ling all around.

Looking along Coniston Water.

A heathery view.

Dougal.

Wetherlam.

The view to Fairfield and the eastern fells.

Back down at the reservoir.

The smaller second reservoir.

Ivy Crag left, Holme Fell right.

Latterbarrow

Walked on 05/08/2014

Start Point: Colthouse (SD 360 988)

Latterbarrow (OF) from Colthouse

Distance: 1.5 miles Total Ascent: 143 metres Time Taken: 1 hour Start Time: 10:35

Weather: Warm and muggy, 20°C

We have been away for a couple of weeks to sunnier climes so today was the day to spring the two heroes from holidays at the kennels. We kept the walk short and sweet to suit young Fletcher and it was really quite warm up there today. It was hard to believe how much Fletcher has grown over the last couple of weeks whilst Dougal seems to have shrunk due to another summer haircut!

Tranquil Esthwaite Water.

The Coniston fells from the start of the climb to Latterbarrow.

A close up, from higher up.

Connie is growing up too quickly.

Give me something to chew!

'Are we there yet?'

Wansfell and the Far Eastern fells across Windermere.

Summer haircut number 2!

I don't think Connie will be picking Fletcher up like this for much longer!

The obelisk on Latterbarrow.

Fletcher in pastures new.

An amazingly rare photo of the two of them being still (almost), looking the same way (almost) and looking at the camera (almost)!

Blencathra via Gategill Fell

Walked on 21/07/2014

Start Point: Threlkeld (NY 318 256)

Threlkeld – Knott Halloo – Gategill Fell – Blencathra – Doddick Fell – Threlkeld

Distance: 4.2 miles Total Ascent: 733 metres Time Taken: 3 hours Start Time: 08:40

Weather: Boiling, 22°C

It was another beautiful morning to continue the fantastic summer weather we have been enjoying recently. This walk to Blencathra from Threlkeld has a bit of a gruelling start with the climb to Knott Halloo on Gategill Fell being steeper than steep! Nice to bump into StridingEdge fans John Unsworth and Lily up on the summit today too. This walk will feature in an edition of Trail magazine later this year.

Early morning Windermere.

Four in a row, the Fairfield fells in the distance.

Bowfell and Langdale Pikes reflections.

Grasmere.

Grasmere panorama.

Helm Crag.

Derwent Water (1)

Derwent Water (2) + geese! On with the walk...

Bright and green on Gategill Fell. Knott Hallo is the lump on the skyline to the right.

Looking across to Blease Fell.

The steep climb to Knott Halloo was hard work in this baking sunshine.

Knott Halloo.

Gategill Fell Top from Knott Halloo, the rock turret right of centre.

Hot work for the Dougalster.

This is a mighty fine ridge.

This is a mini Striding Edge according to Wainwright.

Looking back down from the steep section near the top.

The ridge from the top - Knott Halloo is the furthest point on the ridge to the right.

The back o' Skiddaw.

The view to Derwent Water and the north western fells.

Central is the Doddick Fell ridge, the one I will use in descent.

Gategill Fell and the ridge recently ascended from the summit of Blencathra.

Dougal at the summit.

Looking back to the summit from the top of Doddick Fell.

Looking down the Doddick Fell ridge from Doddick Fell Top.

Doddick Gill.

It was thirsty work today.

Gate Gill - dry as a bone.

Brock Barrow

Walked on 11/07/2014

Start Point: High Nibthwaite (SD 294 897)

Brock Barrow (OF) from High Nibthwaite

Distance: 1.5 miles Total Ascent: 175 metres Time Taken: 1 hour Start Time: 13:30

Weather: Boiling, 25°C

Today seemed as good a day as any to get out on the fells with young Fletcher – of course, with him being so young it had to be short and sweet but he seemed to take to it okay even in the hottest of summer conditions. It was absolutely gorgeous up there today, certainly the warmest weather I have been out in for a while.

All is bright and all is green at the start of the walk from High Nibthwaite.

Looking across Allan Tarn.

Brock Barrow - lots of heat and lots of flies for us to contend with today.

The Coniston fells from the top of Brock Barrow.

Made it Fletcher - good lad!

Fletcher has more than a hint of Casper about him.

Heading for the second cairn.

Hot!

A fabulous view of Coniston Water and the fells.

Keeping an eye on things.

Back down at Coniston Water.

That looks like a good place to be.

Fletcher is a swimmer!

Our old friend keeping an eye on proceedings.

Esk Pike

Walked on 09/07/2014

Start Point: Cockley Beck (NY 246 016)

Cockley Beck – Moasdale – Lingcove Beck – High Gait Crags – Yeastyrigg Crags – Pike de Bield – Esk Pike – Ore Gap – Bowfell – Three Tarns – Shelter Crags – Crinkle Crags – Stonesty Pike – Little Stand – Ulpha Fell – Cockley Beck

Distance: 9 miles Total Ascent: 1013 metres Time Taken: 6 hours Start Time: 07:30

Weather: Lovely, 21°C

It was perfect summer weather for a walk up to Esk Pike from Cockley Beck – this is definitely the quiet way to do these fells and I didn’t see anyone until 3 Tarns and then one or two on Crinkle Crags. By the end I was completely boiled, but hey – not complaining! This walk will feature in Trail magazine later this year.

First sight of the Scafells from Moasdale this morning - lovely.

Scafell and Scafell Pike before heading down to cross Lingcove Beck.

The south ridge to Esk Pike in the foreground.

Close up on Scafell Pike, Scafell to the left and Ill Crag to the right.

Scafells panorama.

Fine views from High Gait Crags.

Mono Pike.

The King of the Fells and the fell that is king.

Looking back along the ridge to Hard Knott and Harter Fell.

The Lion King.

Climbing higher across Yeastyrigg Crags.

Looking across Pike de Bield to the Scafells. Further along from Pike de Bield is a large cairn (marked 'memorial cairn' on 2nd edition Wainwright's), the brass plaque on it says 'Gerry Charnley 1929 - 1982.

Langstrath from Esk Pike summit. Esk Pike and Bowfell were swirling in and out of the mist all morning and it was a shock to hit the cold air.

Heading for Bowfell across Ore Gap.

The dark outline is the south ridge of Esk Pike (just climbed) and beyond is the finest view of the Scafells of all, taken from Bowfell.

The Great Slab of Flat Crags and the Langdales.

Crinkle Crags across Three Tarns.

Down at the tarns and a chance for Dougal to cool off.

Pike o' Blisco, Windermere beyond from Crinkle Crags.

The highest swimmer in England at 854m in Crinkle Crags Tarn.

Rounding Long Top, Dougal checks out the way across the fifth (or first!) Crinkle and over to Stonesty Pike and Little Stand.

Great Langdale.

Stonesty Pike summit - I think Birkett got the wrong one when he chose it.

Beautiful weather and pools on Little Stand.

The Duddon Valley from the descent of Little Stand.

Looking back up from the road - there is a way down somewhere!

Coniston Fells

Walked on 07/07/2014

Start Point: Walna Scar road (SD 289 970)

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

Distance: 7 miles Total Ascent: 862 metres Time Taken: 4 hours Start Time: 07:30

Weather: Some sunny spells, cool on top with showers, 16°C

The Coniston fells were shrouded in mist when I set off and they were in and out of the clouds all morning as the sun tried its best to shine through. It is a great ridge walk from The Old Man to Swirl How and a fair while since I have done it – I’m glad I did today as I enjoyed it and saw no one this Monday morning.

Looking a bit grey at the start of the walk.

...as so often happens, away from the fells it is blue sky here looking over Boo Tarn.

The Cove.

Coniston Water.

Boiling clouds to the east, on the Ill Bell ridge.

Brown Pike and Blind Tarn catch the sun.

Low Water from The Old Man.

he summit of The Old Man - no one here but me and Dougal (and of course we paid a visit to Angus and Casper).

Brim Fell.

Great Carrs, Swirl How and Great How Crags across Levers Hawse.

Seathwaite Tarn, Harter Fell to the right.

Brim Fell and Dow Crag from Little How Crags.

Levers Water and Coniston Water beyond.

The ridge just walked from The Old Man to Brim Fell, Dow Crag to the right.

Pensive Dougal.

Swirl How from Great Carrs.

Nearly all in one shot - the Coniston fells from Great Carrs.

The Royal Canadian Air Force memorial on Great Carrs, Grey Friar beyond.

Swirl How.

Dougal looking for the Scafells - they are over to the left and have been lost all day.

Descending Prison Band, Wetherlam ahead.

Down at Levers Water.

Brim Fell end from a dry looking Levers Water. About 30 seconds after this photo the heavens opened to make a very damp end to the walk through Boulder Valley.

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