Brock Barrow

Walked on 05/04/2013

Start point: High Nibthwaite (SD 294 897)

Brock Barrow (OF) from High Nibthwaite

Distance: 1.5 miles Total Ascent: 175 metres Time Taken: 40 minutes Start Time: 17:25

Weather: Cool. 5oC

Casper enjoyed it so much the other day I thought I’d give him the opportunity of another jaunt to a small fell, it was good to have him back although nothing has changed – he is still officially retired unfortunately.

High Nibthwaite and Beacon Fell.

Over Allan Tarn to Blawith Knott.

Brock Barrow.

There's still life in the old dog yet.

The Coniston fells from Brock Barrow.

A burst of sunshine over the Crake Valley.

Coniston Water and fells.

Old pals.

Brock Barrow.

The second summit ahead, Wetherlam beyond.

The call of the wild.

Time for a swim (for Casper and Dougal, not me I hasten to add!) down at Nibthwaite.

The Old Man at the head of Coniston Water.

He's keeping a watchful eye on proceedings.

Blawith Knott

Walked on 03/04/2013

Start point: Woodland Fell road (SD 256 879)

Blawith Knott (OF) from the Woodland Fell road

Start Time: 13:40 Weather: Cold wind but sunny. 8oC

Time for a quick walk up to Blawith Knott with Connie, Casper and Dougal today. The wind was biting up there but it was nice to have the company and a fellwalking reunion.

Giant's Grave and snowdrift.

On the climb.

A panoramic view from Blawith Knott.

StridingEdge.net reunion - Connie, Dougal and Casper.

The view over Beacon Fell to the north east.

The Coniston fells HDR.

Casper - good to be back.

The Duddon Estuary.

Black Combe from Blawith Knott.

It was quite windy up here today and that made it feel pretty cold.

Blawith Knott from the bottom.

The Langdales

Walked on 25/03/2013

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

New Dungeon Ghyll – Stickle Tarn –Harrison Stickle – Dungeon Ghyll – New Dungeon Ghyll

Distance: 2.8 miles Total Ascent: 635 metres Time Taken: 3 hours Start Time: 09:50

Weather: Freezing cold wind, deep snow drifts. 2oC

The snow in Cumbria has been well documented with plenty being dumped on the coast – inland there is still a lot around but the roads are mainly clear. Up on high, the strong winds have made the snow drifts very deep – waist deep in many places today.

It was cold in Great Langdale first thing this morning.

At the foot of the climb to Stickle Tarn, at least there was a glimmer of blue sky.

On the frozen path.

Looking back down and across to Lingmoor Fell with frequent snow showers blowing in.

Crossing Stickle Ghyll...under the snow somewhere!

Harrison Stickle across part frozen Stickle Tarn.

Looking across Lingmoor and the Coniston fells.

I had in mind to climb Pavey Ark by the North Rake but you can see here how much snow is around the tarn where the path normally is. All that lovely white snow was knee to waist deep so I headed up to the higher ground (to the right in this photo) but even that was tough going along the undulations so I gave it up as a bad job thinking the North Rake would be full of snow as well. One chap and then a couple went that way - fair play to them, they did make it across as I could see them later on from up on high but for me the risks outweighed the benefits of going that way today.

Fell and sky.

Plan B was to climb Harrison Stickle up the west face - you can see the path heading diagonally right upwards, below the crags. As it turned out, I didn't follow that path either as it was also deep with snow! I climbed the gully directly to the right of the smaller second dark area.

The snow picks out the line of Jack's Rake on Pavey Ark running from bottom right diagonally across to the left.

A view of Easy Gully on Pavey Ark.

Stickle Tarn from the climb.

Climbing the gully and the equipment required to get there. There was a fierce wind blowing as I reached the top.

A change of tack was required here - the usual path goes through the gap below the summit which is full of snow in this photo so I ended up climbing the north face instead - straight up to the right in this photo.

Great Langdale from Harrison Stickle.

Dougal, aka the windometer, accurately reflects conditions on the top.

A fabulous view over Lingmoor Fell and Blea Tarn but there was a wild, wild wind up here.

The Coniston fells.

Big Pike o' Stickle and Little Pike o' Dougal from the descent.

A splash of colour looking back up.

Loft Crag.

Dungeon Ghyll. From here, things got more than a little interesting and great care and caution was required. I would not recommend going this way until conditions abate - there were deep drifts of snow and great layered slabs along the path and I must admit the thought of an avalanche focussed my mind on the descent.

Past the worst bit and descending towards Pike Howe.

Still windy looking up to blue skies above Harrison Stickle.

Lingmoor Fell.

Great Langdale.

Side Pike.

Winter Langdale Pikes.

Catbells

Walked on 13/03/2013

Start point: Hawes End (NY 247 212)

Hawes End – Skelgill Bank – Catbells – Hause Gate – Allerdale Ramble – Hawes End

Distance: 3.7 miles Total Ascent: 451 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 30 minutes Start Time: 10:00

Weather: Cold and clear. 2oC

What a beautiful day for a short walk up to Catbells, I would love to have continued and done the Newlands Round today but any walk is better than none. There were views for miles today which was accompanied by a sometimes bracing wind.

There was a fine view across Windermere to the Langdales today.

Close up.

Blencathra across Derwent Water at the foot of the climb to Catbells.

A panoramic view.

Causey Pike.

What a beautiful morning looking across Derwent Water.

Yes Dougal, I am hurrying up.

Skiddaw.

A panoramic view. Select on the image to see a larger version.

The twin peaks of Skelgill Bank and Catbells.

A panoramic of the Newlands Valley. Select on the image to see a larger version.

Bass Lake and Swinside.

The Vale of Keswick.

The path to Catbells from Skelgill Bank.

A grand climb.

The view from the top.

Newlands from the summit.

A panoramic view from Catbells. Select on the image to see a larger version.

Hindscarth and Robinson.

Little Town below.

The lion has moved from Trafalgar Square.

At Hause Gate.

Blencathra looming large.

A panorama from the Allerdale Ramble path - it is starting to cloud over now.

I like the way Keswick is picked out in the sunlight in this mono shot. Talking of mono shots...I have had this photo printed on to some huge 1500mm x 500mm top quality canvases and it looks fantastic. E-mail me if you fancy one (select on it to see a larger version)...

Silver How, Grasmere

Walked on 04/03/2013

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: 10:50

Weather: Murky and misty. 4oC

It was a murky morning, the sun was ever threatening and did indeed come out much later (i.e. when I went home!). This is a nice enough walk though and there seemed to be one or two out and about enjoying the fresh air.

A Grasmere panorama, from Allan Bank.

Helm Crag.

Murky and misty looking across to Heron Pike.

Climbing higher.

Grasmere and Loughrigg.

Caught in the act!

The path to Silver How.

No Langdales view from Silver How summit.

Dougal, the fell dog.

Grasmere and Rydal Water.

Dougal waits for me, surveying his kingdom.

The Monarch of the Glen.

Blencathra via Sharp Edge

Walked on 27/02/2013

Start point: Scales (NY 349 272)

Scales – Sharp Edge – Blencathra (Atkinson Pike – Hallsfell Top – Scales Fell) – Scales

Distance: 4.5 miles Total Ascent: 642 metres Time Taken: 2 hours 45 minutes Start Time: 08:10

Weather: Sunny, warm in the sunshine. 8°C

Yet another beautiful day here with sunny blue skies all around. Today we climbed Sharp Edge up to Blencathra, the reminder that it was still winter was on the north face of the edge where the ice was treacherous to the unwary.

Warning: Do not attempt Sharp Edge in winter conditions unless you know what you are doing. Never take a dog that way.

Moon setting over the north western fells.

Derwent Water at dawn...it was so cold down here, -7C, my fingers were really numb even with gloves on.

Catbells. Onwards and upwards...

Mousthwaite Comb.

Looking back down and across to Clough Head on a gorgeous day.

Sharp Edge ahead.

Scales Tarn.

Climbing towards Sharp Edge.

At the foot of the climb.

On Sharp Edge. The north face (to the right in this photo) was icy and treacherous.

A panoramic view climbing the edge.

The 'awkward place'.

Looking down Razor Edge.

Made it! The view from the top.

Skiddaw from Atkinson Pike.

A beautiful day up on the top of Blencathra.

The White Cross looking to the Coledale fells.

The frozen summit tarn.

Dougal - walking on water?

Blencathra.

Dougal on the summit of Blencathra.

The Vale of Keswick and beyond.

Looking across Derwent Water and down on Love the Lakes, Keswick.

The Coledale fells across Gategill Fell.

Looking back from the descent.

Sharp Edge in profile.

Blencathra with the saddle in view from Scales Fell.

Fabulous.

Castlerigg Stone Circle panoramic, Blencathra beyond.

Hard Knott

Walked on 25/02/2013

Start point: Hardknott Pass summit (NY 230 014)

Hardknott Pass – Border End – Eskdale Needle – Hard Knott – Hardknott Pass

Distance: 1.6 miles Total Ascent: 188 metres Time Taken: 1 hour Start Time: 14:40

Weather: Sunny. 8°C

Sunshine was all around today and it was really quite warm and pleasant too. Today I was with Dougal alone, even on this relatively short and easy walk, as I have retired Casper from fell walking. His age has caught up with him now and he can no longer manage to wander the fells with us – sad but true. He will be retiring in comfort though with the knowledge he has led a great life getting to places other dogs can only dream of; we have spent many happy hours together. In the future I think he will be joining the Love the Lakes team as Chief Shop Dog so I think he will be regaling all and sundry with his tales from the fells should he be asked!

Wrynose Pass.

A wider view looking across the Duddon Valley to the Coniston fells.

Border End.

What a beautiful day and warm enough for shirt sleeves (for a while anyway as once over the top of Border End there was an icy wind blowing down the valley so fleece, hat and gloves were required!).

The head of Eskdale from frozen Border End.

...and again, from further along.

Looking along the Eskdale Valley into the bright sunshine.

Dougal checks out the fabulous view...or is he looking for Casper?

A panoramic view of the Scafells from Border End. Select on the image to see a larger version.

Esk Pike and Bowfell, Eskdale Needle at the bottom of the photo.

A wider panorama.

Slight Side and Scafell.

The approach to Eskdale Needle.

The Needle is in a fantastic situation overlooking Upper Eskdale and The Scafells.

Eskdale Needle from the south.

The Steeple.

Climbing to Hard Knott.

Scafell Pike, Broad Crag and Ill Crag with the lower subsidiary summit of Scafell Pike, Pen, foremost.

Esk Pike.

I think those clouds look great but have a look at the photos to see how quickly they change, they are different in every one!

Hard Knott summit.

As above, so below looking to Grey Friar across a frozen pool.

Ulpha Fell (Little Stand) along the Duddon Valley.

Spring has sprung in Dunnerdale.

Middle Fell

Walked on 22/02/2013

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: Cold and overcast. 2°C

It was so cold up there today – to the bone in fact – and not a day for hanging around for too long. Wasdale though, as ever, was beautiful.

Wasdale.

A mono version.

The Scafells from Greendale.

Greendale Gill.

Buckbarrow.

The summit of Middle Fell.

The Scafells.

Kirk Fell, Great Gable and the Scafells over Yewbarrow.

Dougal and Casper on Middle Fell.

It was cold and icy up here.

The fell dog in his natural environment, Haycock beyond.

Seatallan and part frozen Greendale Tarn.

I can hear voices down below.

Greendale Tarn.

Icy Greendale Gill.

I took a wander over by Joss's cairn on the side of Buckbarrow, here looking to Middle Fell.

The Screes and Wast Water.

Heading back down to Greendale.

The Screes panoramic.

Greendale Gill.

Skiddaw

Walked on 19/02/2013

Start point: Gale Road End (NY 281 253)

Gale Road End – Skiddaw Lesser Man – Skiddaw Little Man – Skiddaw – Jenkin Hill – Lonscale Fell – Lonscale Pike – Latrigg – Gale Road End

Distance: 8.5 miles Total Ascent: 860 metres Time Taken: 4 hours 30 minutes Start Time: 07:00

Weather: Beautiful sunshine above the haze. 5°C

I was up early again today to catch the sunrise and it was well worth it to see the beautiful rising sun across a temperature inversion. Once above the haze layer the air was very clear – a fantastic and memorable day to be out on the fells.

The Hawell Monument, pre-dawn.

The Coledale fells and a pinky pre-sunrise sky.

The sun appears on the horizon.

A sunny glow above the haze.

A warming glow.

Climbing higher, a fabulous sunrise and inversion to the east.

Skiddaw Little Man in the dawn glow.

Blencathra and the view to the east.

Skiddaw Lesser Man.

Skiddaw Little Man looking down to Lesser and the Helvellyn massif beyond.

Dougally Doo...no Casper today so you are on your own lad.

Clear skies now above the layer of haze.

The Ullock Pike ridge.

Catbells to Scafells.

Mono layers.

On the summit plateau looking down on Little Man.

The Ullock Pike ridge and Bassenthwaite Lake, beyond there is a heavy covering of cloud across the sea.

What a fabulous day.

The air was very clear and hardly a breath of wind today.

Well worth taking a photo or two.

The back o' Skidda.

Skiddaw summit.

The Lakeland giants across Derwent Water.

Descending to Lonscale Fell.

The mist is clearing a bit as the sun warms up.

Warmer, but not that warm.

Skiddaw from Lonscale Fell.

A panorama of loveliness.

Blencathra from Lonscale Pike.

The view from Lonscale Pike.

The steep descent.

Following the track back toward Latrigg, the green hill on the left.

The Coledale fells from Latrigg.

A.W?

Skiddaw from Latrigg.

Gummer’s How

Walked on 12/02/2013

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: 10:50

Weather: Cold and grey. 2°C

It was cold and grey this morning with no signs of any brighter weather when we set off to Gummer’s How. There were plenty of families up there agian today enjoying the fresh air – and the invasion of cows!

Lakeside on a grey day from the start of the path to Gummer's How.

Roadblock - easy to get past in your own, not easy with two furry cow magnets in tow.

Phew, made it! Connie checks out the view.

I spy people.

Connie, aged 12.

There is still a bit of snow and ice lingering on the northern side.

Windermere.

Connie, Casper and Dougal.

A glimpse of the sun.

Coniston Old Man

Walked on 08/02/2013

Walna Scar road (SD 289 970)

Walna Scar car park – Boo Tarn – The Old Man of Coniston – Brim Fell – Brim Fell Rake – Low Water – Below Beck Fells – Walna Scar car park

Distance: 4.3 miles Total Ascent: 630 metres Time Taken: 2 hours 30 minutes Start Time: 09:30

Weather: Cold with a strong wind on top. 3°C

The weather turned out much better than I thought it would today – it was a proper winter’s day up on The Old Man, all blue sky and snow, just lovely. That was a good choice Casper lad!

The Coniston fells looking good from Torver.

A spontaneous outbreak of sunshine on the climb to The Old Man.

Brown Pike in sight. Just after this I stumbled on some ice and my bottle fell out of the side pocket on my rucksack - it was just great to watch it slide down on the ice and snow for 30 metres. Curses were issued.

Walna Scar and Brown Pike.

Buck Pike and Dow Crag across The Cove.

Casper and Dougal hold paws.

The view over Coniston and Windermere beyond.

Sunshine and blue sky approaching the summit.

A fabulous view over Low Water to Wetherlam and beyond from the top.

A panoramic view from The Old Man of Coniston. Select on the image to see a larger version.

The summit of The Old Man.

A lovely winter view of The Scafells.

It was beautiful up here...

...beautiful but cold, I should add.

The boys on the summit.

The Coniston fells.

Looking back to the summit cairn.

Dow Crag and Harter Fell.

Brim Fell with Bowfell putting in an appearance in the background.

Old Men?

Brim Fell.

A panoramic view from Brim Fell, select on the image to see a larger version.

Looking across Grey Friar from Brim Fell.

At the top of Brim Fell Rake.

Loving it now, it was just a fantastic winter's day up here.

Blazing a trail down the rake.

Levers Water, Black Sails and Wetherlam.

Insurance on the steep descent.

Low Water and The Old Man from Raven Tor.

Low Water.

The descent through the old mine workings.

Grisedale Pike

Walked on 06/02/2013

Start point: Braithwaite (NY 227 237)

Braithwaite – Kinn – Grisedale Pike – Hobcarton Head – Hopegill Head – Sand Hill – Coledale Hause – Coledale – Braithwaite

Distance: 7 miles Total Ascent: 843 metres Time Taken: 3 hours 30 minutes Start Time: 10:15

Weather: Cold with a strong wind. 3°C

With a break in the weather and a bit of sunshine around, Grisedale Pike looked very tempting from Keswick today wearing its best winter coat. The predicted weather as for high winds with a wind chill of -18C and so it turned out in the end – I didn’t fancy the full Coledale round once I had been up high for a while so took the valley route from Coledale Hause. As the old saying goes “Half a Coledale is better than no Coledale at all”! Once again it was just me and young Dougal whilst Casper stayed at home in the warm – sensible boy!

Before the walk...a wintry view along Windermere from Bowness Bay.

Skiddaw from Braithwaite.

A panoramic view of Skiddaw.

Causey Pike beyond Barrow from the climb to Kinn.

Cold Coledale.

Grisedale Pike.

Dougal checks out the climb.

Sail in mono.

Sunshine and cloud.

Eel Crag and the Coledale Valley.

The climb to Grisedale Pike up Sleet How...spot the Dougal?!

Kinn, Skiddaw and the Vale of Keswick.

Climbers ahead on Sleet How.

Looking back down from Sleet How.

The summit of Grisedale Pike - with a bitter, strong wind, it really was as cold as it looks.

A winter panorama.

The view across Outerside and Causey Pike.

Grasmoor beyond Hobcarton Head.

Dougal surveys the head of Coledale.

On the descent, first heading for Hobcarton Head then Hopegill Head up to the right.

Lovely winter scenery but oh-so cold.

Walkers on Hobcarton Head give some scale to the scene.

Looking back to Grisedale Pike, Skiddaw beyond from Hobcarton Head.

Grasmoor.

Hopegill Head and Ladyside Pike.

Grisedale Pike from the climb to Hopegill Head.

Whiteside and a glimpse of Crummock Water from Hopegill Head summit.

Wandope.

The cloud is starting to cover the fells to the south and east now.

Eel Crag from Sand Hill.

Skiddaw and Blencathra along the Coledale Valley.

Force Crag mine.

Black Fell

Walked on 30/01/2013

Start point: Knipe Fold (SD 391 994)

Black Fell from Knipe Fold

Distance: 3.4 miles Total Ascent: 215 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 15 minutes Start Time: 09:00

Weather: Strong wind. 7oC

There has been little chance for me to get out on the fells over this last couple of weeks but today there was an opportunity but the weather forecast seemed to scupper any plans I had. Today’s mission was to beat the forecast rain, hail, thunder…

The boys are back in town! Heading along the lane from Knipe Fold.

Black Crag, the summit of Black Fell to the left and the south east cairn to the right.

Looks a bit dull over the Coniston fells.

Windermere.

Esthwaite Water over the south east cairn.

It was a little breezy today.

Eye, eye Dougal.

Black Crag on Black Fell.

A wider view.

Looking across the wall towards Ambleside and beyond.

Lingmoor Fell with the Langdale Pikes under the cloud somewhere.

The Fairfield Horseshoe.

Coniston Water and Tarn Hows visible across the trig. column.

Esthwaite Water.

A bleak house.

A Windermere panorama from the cairn.

Looking back up to the column.

Wetherlam, clear of cloud for now.

Knipe Fold contre-jour.

Wetherlam, Steel Edge and Wetherlam Edge

Walked on 16/01/2013

Start point: Tilberthwaite car park (NY 306 010)

Tilberthwaite – Steel Edge – Wetherlam – Wetherlam Edge – Birk Fell Man on Birk Fell – Tilberthwaite Gill – Tilberthwaite

Distance: 4.2 miles Total Ascent: 648 metres Time Taken: 3 hours 30 minutes Start Time: 09:25

Weather: Freezing. -1oC

There is plenty of snow around to quite a low level at the moment and the valley roads are treacherously icy in places. I left Casper at home today (by the fire, of course!) as he feels the cold these days (he is no spring chicken) and with young Dougal by my side climbed to Wetherlam via Steel Edge and descended by way of treacherous Wetherlam Edge. It was a bit of a monochrome day with no contrast between the sky and the snow covered land making the task of getting decent photos even harder than usual!

The Coniston Fells from Torver.

It was a freezing cold day, here looking back over Tilberthwaite.

Wetherlam across Tilberthwaite Gill.

Tilberthwaite, the winter wonderland.

Winter sky over Morecambe Bay.

The way to the top of Wetherlam via Steel Edge.

Steel Edge. Crampons were required to climb it this morning.

Looking back down Steel Edge.

The view to Coniston Water.

The Old Man (and the young!) and Brim Fell.

A panoramic view of the Coniston fells, select on the image to see a larger version.

The Langdale Pikes from the summit of Wetherlam.

Dougal snow-beard.

The descent of Wetherlam Edge was quite hairy in places - I had crampons on at the top but there wasn't really enough snow for them so I ended up with spikes on and an ice-axe for this one.

Mist forming in Greenburn below on the descent of Wetherlam Edge.

Crinkle Crags, Bowfell and Pike o' Blisco with Greenburn Reservoir below.

A distant view across freezing Lakeland to Helvellyn and Fairfield.

Looking back up Wetherlam Edge.

Wetherlam.

The Langdales from Birk Fell.

Passing the Larch trees in Tilberthwaite.

Wetherlam Edge.

Steel Edge. Select on the image to see an overlaid route.

The Scafells

Walked on 10/01/2013

Start point: Brackenclose (NY 182 074)

Brackenclose – Brown Tongue – Scafell Pike – Ill Crag – Broad Crag – Great End (and return) – Mickledore – Hollow Stones – Brackenclose

Distance: 7.5 miles Total Ascent: 1247 metres Time Taken: 6 hours Start Time: 06:45

Weather: Sunny above the clouds. 3oC

With the ridge of high pressure sitting over the Lake District and the persistent fog at lower levels there was a very good chance there would be a temperature inversion today which fortunately proved to be correct. I set off early from Brackenclose to try and catch the sunrise from the roof of England and I am glad I did, it was a fantastic morning to have the highest peaks in the land all to myself with some stunning views.

Just made it in time - sunrise from the summit of Scafell Pike.

What a beautiful morning with a big temperature inversion sitting over most of the Lake District.

This was interesting to watch, the cloud is pouring over Sty Head into the valley between Great Gable and Great End. In the distance are Skiddaw and Blencathra.

Summit view.

A panoramic of the cloud inversion. Select on the image to see a larger version.

Red sky at the trig. column and an inversion over Buttermere in the distance.

Scafell Pike summit positively glowing, from the southern cairn.

Mickledore and Broad Stand.

Scafell panorama.

Looking along Upper Eskdale to Caw, Harter Fell and Green Crag.

Black Combe and Whitfell above the sea of cloud.

Glowing sun.

The Grasmoor and Dale Head groups of fells beyond the Gables.

Far reaching tentacles.

The descent from Scafell Pike to Broad Crag, Ill Crag to the right and Great End.

Scafell Pike from Ill Crag.

Scafell Pike and Ill Crag (and Casper!) from Broad Crag.

Sunny on Great End.

The view to Skiddaw and Blencathra over Sprinkling Tarn.

Skiddaw with High Spy central with Seathwaite Fell summit at the very bottom of this photo.

A panoramic from Great End. Select on the image to see a larger version.

Looking across Rossett Gill to Great Langdale.

Dougal and Casper are loving it.

Looking back along the Scafells from Great End.

Ocean of dreams - Caw and Harter Fell.

A fabulous view on a fabulous day.

Lowly Stickle Pike has put in appearance beyond Harter Fell.

Crossing the Broad Crag col, the cloud was pouring into Upper Eskdale.

Another chance to sit and watch with wonder, the cloud pouring across Pen then floating up towards me.

Back on Scafell Pike with sunshine and loveliness all around.

Descending to Mickledore.

This icy descent is not for the faint hearted.

Pulpit Rock.

Descending to Wasdale.

Yewbarrow.

Wast Water. On the way home, I had to see what the view was like from Stickle Pike looking the other way...

...unfortunately conditions had changed a little but there was still a nice inversion over the Duddon Valley with the Scafell in view top left.

Caw.

Holme Fell

Walked on 07/01/2013

Start point: Hodge Close (NY 315 016)

Holme Fell from Hodge Close

Distance: 1.7 miles Total Ascent: 165 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 15 minutes Start Time: 10:50

Weather: Murky but dry. 8oC

The first walk of 2013 and the weather is as it was last time I was out – dark and murky. I can’t grumble, at least it was dry and the air was fresh although taking photos when it is like this is not the easiest thing as it is just so dark.

Note: This walk marks 10 years since I took the first photos on this site on the Langdales on 7th January 2003 (although the website didn’t start until a year later). What a journey it has been, I hope you will stay with us for the next 10 years!

Hodge Close Quarry.

Holme Fell ahead...somewhere.

Misty trees.

Fleeting views from the boggy climb.

Clearing mist over Tilberthwaite.

Dougal and Casper on top of Holme Fell.

Ivy Crag.

There are fell walking cows over there!

Reservoir.

Mono reflections.

Wetherlam makes the briefest of appearances.

Swansong on Yew Tree Tarn.

Orrest Head

Walked on 19/12/2012

Start point: Windermere (SD 414 987)

Orrest Head (OF) from Windermere

Distance: 1.3 miles Total Ascent: 105 metres Time Taken: 30 minutes Start Time: 09:20

Weather: Cold wind, overcast. 5ºC

Just enough time for a quick walk up to Orrest Head this morning, I thought it would be wise to get up there as early as possible before the predicted high winds and accompanying rain. There was an icy blast up there to remind us that it is still mid-winter…

Today was one of those grey winter days (the dark days) when it never seems to get light so this walk was pretty much in the gloom with no distant views - this one is looking across Windermere village to Windermere.

A panoramic view - you don't have to get so far from the road to see a good length of the lake. It was no wonder the Victorians decided this would be a good place for a tourist stopping place.

Climbing higher.

A panoramic of the top of Orrest Head.

The Far Eastern fells from the top.

Mono view.

There is a new view indicator courtesy of The Wainwright Society and Windermere Town Council and what a good job they have made of it with a lovely piece of etched slate.

Windblown Dougal and Casper on the top, it was pretty cold up here.

Looking across to School Knott.

Dougal checks out the northern reaches of Windermere.

The return to Windermere.

Wansfell

Walked on 10/12/2012

Start point: Troutbeck (NY 409 032)

Troutbeck – Nanny Lane – The Hundreds – Wansfell – Wansfell Pike – Nanny Lane – Troutbeck

Distance: 3.7 miles Total Ascent: 350 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 30 minutes Start Time: 09:50

Weather: Sunny with snow showers. 4ºC

More cold weather today and it was sunny around the fringes of the Lake District but many of the higher tops were shrouded in cloud; cloud that looked heavily snow laden. Even lowly Wansfell had a good few snow flurries blowing across whilst I was up there but in between there were some decent views.

At the start of Nanny Lane.

Ill Bell across the fields.

Following the walls...

...right to the end.

Sunshine and snow clouds.

On the summit of Wansfell.

Windermere and Wansfell.

Caught in the sun - Dougal and Casper.

It's behind you! A snow storm blowing in.

Looking across Ambleside....all was good until I realised I had dropped a glove so made a return to Wansfell summit. Luckily it hadn't blown away, so not too bad.

Wansfell Pike ahead.

Kirkstone Pass.

Looking back to Wansfell.

Across Ambleside, Loughrigg and Lingmoor to Crinkle Crags, Bowfell and the Langdale Pikes.

A panoramic view from Wansfell Pike. Select on the image to see a larger version.

Close up on Bowfell and The Langdales.

Crinkle Crags and Bowfell.

Mono Windermere in the bright sunshine.

Heading back to Troutbeck.

Helvellyn

Walked on 05/12/2012

Start point: Wythburn (NY 324 136)

Wythburn – Birk Side – High Crag – Nethermost Pike – Helvellyn – Nethermost Pike – Dollywaggon Pike – Wythburn

Distance: 5.8 miles Total Ascent: 924 metres Time Taken: 3 hours 30 minutes Start Time: 06:40

Weather: Freezing, some cloud and a cold wind. 0ºC

I seem to be following a bit of a pattern here with heading out early, chasing the sunrise but I find it is well worth it. Today’s views were just jaw dropping with the sun lighting up the fells with some fabulous colours. The wind was very strong making it feel like a bit of an Arctic expedition at times and I was well layered up for this one.

Helvellyn Route Map

First light, the moon still high in the sky.

Climbing to High Crag, trying to make it in time for the sun coming over the horizon.

Made it, and well worth the effort it was too.

Big cornice lit up with a lovely pink hue by the early morning sun.

The Coniston fells.

Looking back to High Crag.

There was a strong, cold wind blowing up here as Casper and Dougal will tell you.

A jaw dropping sunrise, just fabulous.

A panoramic view from Nethermost Pike, select on the image to see a larger version.

Pink snow looking to Helvellyn from Nethermost Pike.

Catstycam and Striding Edge.

Cornice on Helvellyn and the climb to the cross shelter. Time to get the crampons on from here, there was snow on ice and it was quite treacherous in places.

My original intention was to drop down and cross Striding Edge, however I reckoned it would be a little tricky today especially with this wind so I gave it a miss.

It has calmed down a little now looking down on Striding Edge.

The view from Helvellyn. Select on the image to see a larger version.

A brand new white coat for Catstycam.

The cross shelter.

The summit of Helvellyn.

Spindrift on Helvellyn.

It was quite fierce at times!

Striding Edge from the summit.

Swirral Edge.

Swirral Edge to Catstycam.

Heading back across the summit plateau.

Snowbeard has a piece of my banana!

Having a quick coffee in the cross shelter Dougal decided he would become the King of Helvellyn. People often ask how Dougal and Casper manage in the snow but remember, they are fell bred and the fells are a Beardies home turf.

At the Gough Memorial.

Of course, I can't resist another view of Striding Edge!

A panoramic view of Striding Edge. Select on the image to see a larger version.

Blue skies now the sun is up but it still oh so cold.

The view to the west from Nethermost Pike.

Seat Sandal.

Grisedale, frozen Hard Tarn below.

Sun, shadows, cloud and cornice.

Fairfield.

The summit of Dollywaggon Pike.

A lovely, windblown view.

Great Gable to Pillar across Ullscarf.

Bowfell to the Scafells.

A panorama from Dollywaggon Pike. Select on the image to see a larger version.

From the descent of Dollywaggon Pike.

At the ruined sheepfold on the descent - I managed to lose the path here, I couldn't see it anywhere!

This will do though, Thirlmere and Skiddaw from the descent.

Coniston Sunrise

Walked on 30/11/2012

Start point: Walna Scar road (SD 289 970)

Walna Scar car park – Coniston Old Man – Brim Fell – Goat’s Hawse – Dow Crag – Buck Pike – Blind Tarn – Walna Scar car park

Distance: 5.3 miles Total Ascent: 780 metres Time Taken: 3 hours Start Time: 07:20

Weather: Freezing, some cloud. 0oC

It has been really cold and clear for the last couple of days so I wanted to get high on a fell to catch a glorious sunrise this morning and I wasn’t disappointed with the one I got – the view from the Old Man was fabulous this morning, one to remember for a while.

Pre-dawn on the climb to The Old Man and the sun is still below the horizon.

Getting lighter as I climb higher, the valleys below are covered in mist.

Sunrise, first sight of the sun over the horizon.

The view down from the climb.

Mono Coniston Water, partially frozen, and Windermere beyond covered in a thick blanket of cloud.

Black Combe and Brown Pike glowing in the early sunshine.

Morecambe Bay with Heysham Power Station visible looking along cloud covered Coniston Water and the Crake Valley.

The full moon over Dow Crag.

Martian mountains?

Winter Hill on the horizon floating above a sea of orange cloud.

A panoramic view from the summit.

The view over Low Water and Levers Water.

The sun has risen into cloud now looking across layers of valleys.

The Old Man summit view.

Silhouetted cairn.

No one was around this early (of course!).

The face of Dow Crag - at this point I wasn't sure where I was heading next and seemed to do quite a bit of aimless wandering, watching the conditions unfold to work out the best way to go.