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.

Beacon Fell

Walked on 26/06/2014

Start Point: At the end of the minor road from Brown Howe (SD 281 916)

Beacon Fell (OF) from Tottle Bank

Distance: 2 miles Total Ascent: 200 metres Time Taken: 50 minutes Start Time: 09:30

Weather: Grey. 15°C

It was completely different weather today to that of Monday – gone was the lovely sunshine to be replaced with general murk and dreariness. Early on it was drizzling too but that soon cleared as we headed up to Beacon Fell for a bit of fresh air.

Parkamoor Jetty (in the drizzle) looking across to Beacon Fell.

Side view of the jetty.

Beacon Fell ahead as Dougal negotiates the long grass and bracken.

Climbing the gully to the top.

Coniston Water from Beacon Fell. The treasure tin is still there.

Dougal in a thoughtful pose.

Descending to Beacon Tarn, Wool Knott at the head of it.

Walking on water.

The only view of the Coniston fells this morning through the grey murkiness.

Yewbarrow

Walked on 23/06/2014

Start Point: Overbeck Bridge (NY 168 068)

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

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

Weather: Boiling, 21°C

Summer is here in a big way and today it was really warm early on and beautiful conditions for a walk up to Yewbarrow. Today I took out my new camera for the first time to give it a whirl, hopefully I can do it justice when I get used to it (it is a Nikon D610 with a 24-85 lens for those that are interested in such things).

Early morning in Wasdale.

Looking up to Bell Rib on the south end of Yewbarrow.

Great Door.

Looking over to Seatallan (yours truly, bottom!).

The Scafells.

Walking the ridge along Yewbarrow, Red Pike to the left.

Stalwart of the fells in classic pose.

Looking down on Wast Water and The Screes.

Burnmoor Tarn.

Kirk Fell and Great Gable from Yewbarrow summit.

Swirling skies.

Dougal was tripping over his tongue in this heat.

Pillar across Dore Head.

Red Pike and Pillar from the north top.

Kirk Fell.

Dougal checks the way down Stirrup Crag - the simple answer is...it is straight down.

Looking back up from the bottom.

Pillar from Dore Head.

Middle Fell from Over Beck.

Looking back on the descent.

Portrait of Dougal.

Dropping Crag and Bell Rib on the return.

The Scafells in full sunshine now.

A final view of Yewbarrow.

Scafell Pike via Pen

Walked on 11/06/2014

Start Point: Jubilee Bridge (NY 213 011)

Brotherilkeld Farm – Lingcove Bridge – Great Moss – Pen – Scafell Pike – Mickledore – Lord’s Rake – Scafell – Slight Side – Catcove Beck – Brotherilkeld Farm

Distance: 10 miles Total Ascent: 1178 metres Time Taken: 7 hours Start Time: 10:50

Weather: Murky, 16°C

I had a full day available today so I wanted to do a good long walk – I did think the weather would turn out better than it did but it was still good to be out and walking in mist has its own merits of complete solitude, even on the popular fells such as this.

Heading into Upper Eskdale and the mist was lying quite low on the fells. I was hopeful of it getting out later.

Walking alongside the River Esk. This is a lovely and peaceful part of the lakes in any weather.

Cascades on the Esk.

Lingcove Bridge.

...and a view of the bridge from a little higher up the path to Great Moss.

On the climb to Pen - the briefest glimpse of Scafell.

Esk Buttress - and that was it for views for a good while. I climbed the steep path to Pen (the top took a bit of finding as I could hardly see my hand in front of me!) then over to Scafell Pike.

Heading down to Mickledore.

Looking back to Scafell Pike - the blue sky did appear (if only fleetingly).

Pulpit Rock from the foot of Lord's Rake. I was surprised to see how much the path from Mickledore to Lord's Rake has eroded recently.

Lord's Rake.

The chock stone is still standing although there seems to be more large boulders around it. Up on Scafell it was as misty as it was on the Pike - I chatted for a while to a couple who were completing their 214 up there, congratulations to both.

Dougal, my ever faithful friend.

Looking back to Scafell from Long Green. There were lots of Brocken Spectres to see along here with the sun trying to shine through.

Slight Side summit.

Slight Side from the descent.

Amazing how I can see Pen from here yet couldn't earlier when I was stood next to it!

Slight Side again, from further down.

I spy!

Harter Fell across Brotherilkeld and it turned into a lovely evening.

Raven Crag

Walked on 16/05/2014

Start Point: Thirlmere (NY 307 190)

Raven Crag from Thirlmere

Distance: 1.2 miles Total Ascent: 255 metres Time Taken: 1 hour Start Time: 17:30

Weather: Warm with sunny spells, 18°C

On to the second walk of the day up Raven Crag and the sun was shining over Thirlmere when I got there to make conditions just about perfect.

Watson's Dodd above the tree tops.

Skiddaw, resplendent in the evening sunshine - from the final section of the climb to Raven Crag.

Looking down on Thirlmere and across to the Dodds.

Dougal on a lofty perch.

Helvellyn across Thirlmere.

That completes my fourth recorded round of the Wainwright's so time for a celebratory selfie!

Blencathra across High Rigg.

A panorama of the two giants, The Benn in the foreground.

Handy of someone to drag this sign up to the summit so I know where I am now.

Beda Fell

Walked on 16/05/2014

Start Point: Martindale Old Church (NY 434 184)

Beda Fell from Martindale

Distance: 2.4 miles Total Ascent: 346 metres Time Taken: 1 hour Start Time: 15:30

Weather: Warm with sunny spells. 18oC

Today I was due to have a short walk to complete a round of the Wainwright’s…until I double checked and realised I actually had two to complete, unfortunately not in the same vicinity. The first one to visit was Beda Fell before a drive round to Raven Crag.

Beda Fell from Christy Bridge.

Howegrain Beck.

Looking back towards Hallin Fell from the ascent.

Ullswater from Beda Fell.

The Mell Fells through the gap.

Beda Head, the summit of Beda Fell.

Dougal puts his best foot forward.

The Nab in mono.

A panorama of the High Street ridge.

On the descent.

Illgill Head

Walked on 13/05/2014

Start Point: Miterdale (NY 146 011)

Miterdale – Irton Fell – Whin Rigg – Illgill Head – Robin Gill – Miterdale

Distance: 8.7 miles Total Ascent: 728 metres Time Taken: 4 hours Start Time: 09:20

Weather: Overcast, clearing slowly, 15°C

Today’s walk was across the top of ‘The Screes’ over Whin Rigg and Illgill Head. There are great views from the edge of the screes across Wasdale but the valley walk on the return leg isn’t that great, it being very enclosed and the way I went was quite boggy. All the better for testing new boots then…

Han Wag Tatra's from Alex at The Keswick Boot Company (opposite Love the Lakes in Keswick). Top service from the main man - I will report back on their performance after a bit of use.

Fletcher will be with us soon, here he is playing with his sister (the brown one). He already looks full of mischief!

Sign at the start of the walk. The answer to the question is 'lots' by the look of it...

Miterdale Forest from the Irton Fell ridge. Lots of tree felling here, the photo below shows how it was in 2011 with the trees to the right of the photo. The photo above was taken at the middle point of the three tree sections.

Miterdale Forest in 2011

Whin Rigg from Irton Fell.

Greathall Gill.

Looking back to Muncaster Fell and the Ravenglass Estuary.

Whin Rigg.

Seatallan and Middle Fell across Wast Water.

Great Gully on Whin Rigg.

Standing on the edge.

A panorama of the way ahead.

Dougal decides the best way to get to the tarns with the clear path leading to Illgill Head.

Looking back to Whin Rigg, the mist swirling on and off the ridge.

Middle Fell.

Red Pike, Pillar, Yewbarrow, Kirk Fell and Great Gable all in view now.

Illgill Head summit.

Mono Wasdale.

Yewbarrow.

Dougal the sheep spotter.

Burnmoor Tarn, Eskdale Fell beyond. I descended via Robin Gill which turned out not to be the best way with hindsight - it is easier to descend to the east of Tongue Moor.

Crossing Little Grain Gill.

Looking back along Robin Gill.

This place will look different in a year or two with the amount of trees planted.

All around were carpets of Bluebells, a lovely sight.

Selside Pike

Walked on 29/04/2014

Start Point: Roadside parking near the head of Haweswater (NY 479 119)

Mardale – Old Corpse Road – Selside Pike – Captain Whelter Bog – High Howes (Mardale) – Artle Crag – Branstree – North Ridge – Hollow Stone – Mardale

Distance: 4.7 miles Total Ascent: 506 metres Time Taken: 2 hours 30 minutes Start Time: 08:20

Weather: Sunny and warm, 17°C

What a gorgeous day it turned out to be today – there was an early mist but once the sun burned through it was really warm so I was down to shirt sleeves and it really did feel like a summer’s day. It was just about perfect and the sort of day I have been dreaming about for the last 12 months!

A misty start to the day over Haweswater.

The mist was quickly burning off as the sun rose higher.

Panorama from the start of the climb of the Old Corpse Road.

Haweswater.

Looking back along the Old Corpse Road - the nearest ridge is the one used in descent.

Selside Pike summit.

Descending from Selside Pike - High Howes is straight ahead and Branstree central.

Looking back to Selside Pike.

Nothing to see on High Howes apart from two old grey monuments.

Passing between the two small tarns with the survey pillar central.

Haweswater Aqueduct survey pillar.

Looking back to Selside Pike and High Howes from Artle Crag - you can see the survey pillar and one of the small tarns centre right.

One of the cairns on Artle Crag.

Dougal puts the thoughtfully provided Branstree drinking bowl to good use.

The summit of Branstree - nothing much to see here either!

High Street and Blea Water.

The impressive north eastern face of Harter Fell.

Surveying the scene.

Dougal loving the warm sunshine.

A panorama from Branstree.

Haweswater.

Giant eagle shadow over Riggindale?

Rough Crag, High Street beyond.

How it ended up at the head of Haweswater when all the mist was gone.

Helm Crag

Walked on 28/04/2014

Start Point: Roadside parking near to Helmside (NY 332 096)

Helmside – Greenburn – Pike of Carrs – Gibson Knott – Helm Crag – Bracken Hause – Greenburn – Helmside

Distance: 4 miles Total Ascent: 442 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 30 minutes Start Time: 10:45

Weather: Calm but dull, 13°C

The weather wasn’t too great again this morning, in fact the sky was leaden but it was perfectly still. Most of the higher (and the lower!) tops were lost in mist but we didn’t fare too badly up on the Helm Crag ridge.

Helm Crag

A panoramic view of Grasmere to start.

Greenburn.

Helm Crag and Green Burn.

Greenburn Bottom looking a bit murky.

Gibson Knott, looking to Helm Crag.

Dougal checks out what is down in Far Easedale.

The climb to Helm Crag.

Looking back to Gibson Knott.

The Howitzer.

The Dog, the Lamb and the Lion.

The Lion and the Lamb.

Looking down on Grasmere.

Steel Fell from the descent back to Greenburn.

Caw

Walked on 27/04/2014

Start Point: Kiln Bank Cross (SD 215 933)

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

Distance: 3.5 miles Total Ascent: 300 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 20 minutes Start Time: 10:15

Weather: Overcast, windy on top, 13°C

We had a short walk up to Caw this morning – a great little fell with views all around yet you hardly ever see anyone up there. Also, there is news of a new member of the StridingEdge.net team…

At just four weeks old, this little Beardie puppy will soon be joining our household. His name will be Fletcher.

Scafell and Harter Fell from the Park Head Road.

Dougal seems interested in the goings-on further along the track.

The Duddon Valley.

Caw.

The track across Long Mire, heading up to the right in this photo.

Long Mire = Long Tongue.

HDR shot from the climb.

A panorama from the summit of Caw.

Dougal checks out the Coniston fells.

The Scafells, Esk Pike and Bowfell from Caw.

Black Combe from Caw.

...and looking in the opposite direction.

The Duddon Estuary from the descent.

Stickle Pike and Black Combe.

Crossing Old Park Beck.

Ancient wall, ancient track.

Robinson

Walked on 14/04/2014

Start Point: Buttermere (NY 176 170)

Buttermere – Hassness – Robinson – High Snockrigg – Buttermere

Distance: 4.3 miles Total Ascent: 700 metres Time Taken: 3 hours Start Time: 08:30

Weather: Long sunny spells, 11°C

Today’s walk was from Buttermere up to Robinson the steep way from Hassness. The weather was changeable though there were long sunny spells. Once on the top of Robinson the cloud closed in and it was back to hat and gloves in the cold wind.

Buttermere was very quiet this early in the morning.

No cars and no people around by the church.

Walking the lakeshore path.

High Stile.

The rock tunnel.

Climbing above Hassness, looking across to Pike.

High Stile feels close enough to touch from here.

A lovely view.

Similar, but higher up.

Goat Gills.

The clouds were on and off the western fells.

This path is steep!

From Wainwright's The North Western Fells, Robinson 8: 'A young rowan has secured a precarious foothold on this crag. Can it survive? Will some kind reader write to the author in 1970 and say it is still alive and well?'. In the 2008 Jesty updated version, it was stated as still there and now known as 'Wainwright's Rowan'.

Fleetwith Pike in black and white.

Haystacks.

High Crag and Stile.

Flatter ground on the way to the summit.

Sunshine on Honister Pass.

There wasn't much of a view when I got to the summit!

Mountain dog views Crummock Water and Loweswater.

Knott Rigg in the sunshine.

Robinson from High Snockrigg.

Dougal, ready for action!

Whiteless Pike.

The sun is out...now!

Bannerdale Crags

Walked on 04/04/2014

Start Point: Mungrisdale (NY 361 303)

Mungrisdale – East Ridge – Bannerdale Crags – Bowscale Fell – Bowscale Tarn – Bowscale – Mungrisdale

Distance: 6.7 miles Total Ascent: 560 metres Time Taken: 4 hours Start Time: 07:45

Weather: Overcast, 10°C

Today we had a walk up the east ridge of Bannerdale Crags. The views weren’t so great and neither are the photos but the fresh air and the silence was. This route will feature in Trail magazine in the August edition.