Silver How

A cold wintry day, quite foggy as we drove from Staveley to Grasmere. Parked at near the Garden centre and had the obligatory coffee in the newly refurbished cafe there. We took the road from Grasmere to Elterwater and after a few hundred yards took a foot path left heading up the slopes of Silver How. The day was crisp and cold, the higher peaks to the east were blanketed with a bright covering of snow lit by the low sun in a light blue sky. An easy path gained height gradually bending left and soon contouring above a wall heading south. As the wall fell away at a junction of paths we took our usual route turning back on ourselves, up a steep gully previously a scree slog but now we were impressed by a much welcomed path had been constructed. Last time we we were here the route was lined with 'Helibags' full of boulders for path making. Near the top of the gully we took a rest admiring the view across Grasmere to the white snow clad summit of Heron Pike contrasting with the fog, clinging to the valley floor over Windermere. Views like this infrequent but breathtakingly beautiful.
There were a few couples at the top of Silver How and being such a glorious day we set straight down along the broad ridge and stopped for sandwiches under Lang How sitting in the weak sunshine from the south. Continuing west towards Blea Rigg my plan was to take this in before descending to Easdale. However it seemed to take for ever crossing the undulations to Blea Rigg having crossed Castle Rigg we very nearly had our first real argument on all of these walks. The light was getting ldim the sun lower and lower in the sky and the temperature dropping. Eventually and probably I have to admit correctly, we made the decision to descend to Easdale tarn missing out Blea Rigg. A soon as we dropped into the shadows on the north flank of the ridge the path became icy, the biting cold stung on our face and bodies depite our winter gear. This felt like proper winter walking. We were glad for a rest at the tarn before completing the circuit down to Grasmere, still in daylight. (which made me have one little moan that we could really have taking in Blea Rigg as well!)

Time 4hrs 30mns
Grade Excellent

Memories

• Snow capped tops, fog bound valleys


• Icy cold descent

Completed 69 To go 145

Low Fell and Fellbarrow

"We might not make it to the top" were the mutterings I heard behind me, almost lost in the noise of the wind across the field, just 5 minutes into our walk. True, it was windy - as forecast- and I was mindful of the fact it is often the wind rather than mist or rain that can be the reason for abandoning a walk, however there weren't many dangers on Felbarrow so on we plodded. Our route started from Thackthwaite farm and the plan was to head up to Fellbarrow and then along the ridge to Low Fell. As we ascended the old drovers road we we sheltered for a while but were always aware of the howling westerly gusts above us and occasionally blowing us around the path. A change of plan, we would do Low Fell first then at least walking along the ridge to Fellbarrow we would have the wind behind us. Being a relatively new area of the Lakes for us, we were able to make out some of the western fells across Loweswater and Crummock water and further on, the higher Buttermere fells in cloud. A lot of walking still to do!
The path took us all the way to the summit of Low Fell a small summit but a dramatic difference in the wind speed from about 3 ft below the summit where we could just stand up compared to the top itself where we had to crawl up as there was no chance of standing. A quick retreat, retracing our steps to a kissing gate where we headed left across the fell side to the rounded ridge which led us down then up to Fellbarrow. We held on to each other approaching the summit cairn to help prevent us doing a Mary Poppins! As we turned back from the summit the sleet had started blowing horizontally into our faces and we descended quickly to find the style over the fence which was the point at which we could drop down for a more sheltered walk back to the car. As we cross the final field before the farm another gust of wind nearly blew us off our feet reminding us of the initial mutterings at the start of the walk, but we had done it!

Time 2 hrs 30 minutes
Grade Excellent These lower fells get usually tackled in poor weather. This would also be an excellent, but quite different walk, on a sunny summer's afternoon.

Memories

• Wind particularly the difference 3ft made ob Low fell
• A lot more Wainwrights to tackle

Complete 68 To Go 146

Binsey and Dodd (two seperate walks)

The forecast was bad. Waking up feeling as though flu was about to flatten Elspeth it was touch and go whether an outing would be feasible today. However after a little gentle persuasion about blowing cobwebs (and viruses) away we headed for a taster of what the day would be like - Binsey. The most northerly of the Wainwrights seemed ideal for the conditions. We parked at Binsey Lodge on the road between the Castle Inn and Ireby. A straightforward track took us up from the south east directly to the summit. On the top a transient patch of brightness flooded the flat countryside westward and on to the coast. However to the south the real dramatic dark clouds over the northern fells gave a truer picture of the prevailing conditions. By some good fortune, the rain stayed off while we were on the hill and the wind although strong, posed no problems.

The descent was by the same route(but obviously, in reverse), just back to the car when the rain started.

Time 40 mns

It was still only 10.00am, the cobwebs and viruses having been blown away, were now all set for another outing, albeit, I agreed, nothing too strenuous. What better than Dodd with the Sawmill tearoom at the bottom. A warming coffee was consumed as the rain became heavier but our resolve was strong and protected by waterproofs from the start we followed the green trail up through the woods. No more than 500 yds into the walk two deer ran across the path in front of us. No need for map reading here although occasionally the green post were a little confusing being situated at a junction of paths without any direction of which path to take. However using common sense i.e. heading upwards through the forest paths, the trail avoided the large metalled track for the most part and we soon reached the col between Dodd and Carl Side. A magnificent vista opened before us to the south . Not the glorious sun drenched panorama that one usually visualises with the term 'magnificent vista' but the much more atmospheric dark fells highlighted by occasional beams of sunshine penetrating the clouds, spotlighting white curtains of rain showers, giving the depth to the whole scene.

A short climb up the south shoulder soon took us to the summit with more views over to the dark western fells again with each individual group of ridges, Barrow and Outerside, Causey Pike and Crag Hill clearly demarcated by the lighting from the clouds and showers in the distance. The rain persisted so quickly we descended down the western side of the hill back the the golden colours of the forest with an incredibly bright rainbow appearing ahead of us.

Time 2 hrs

Memories

• Golden colours
• Atmospheric views
• Two deer in Dodd Wood
• Rainbows

Grade: Excellent day

Completed 66 To Go 148

Black Fell

This was another walk on the lower fells which surpassed expectations. We decided to take in Tarn Hows and parked at the southern end in the National Trust car park. Another sunny but windy day we walked with the masses around the western side of the tarn. An outdoor art exhibition (FRED) was being held in throughout Cumbria and one of the exhibits, a large floating feather, "Feather Flotsam", was at Tarn Hows. It really looked so natural floating on the water. Not at all out of place and at different times looking like a feather or a swan. It certainly was stimulating much comment from the passers by.

We left the main path at its northern end over a style following the Cumbria Way (we were on this in the north lakes yesterday) to meet the main track heading between Oxen Fell and Borwick Lodge. We turned right on the track for a short spell and then left it heading left trough the Iron Keld plantation, most of which had been cleared. Once leaving the boundary wall of the plantation a path (no marked on our map) immediately headed up the hill to the right and proceeded effortlessly to the summit.
The vista across to the western hill along this path was dramatic. Crystal clear lighting showed off the dramatic Wetherlam, Crinkles, Bow Fell and Langdales etc to their magnificent best. From the summit the contrasting picture to the east was of the softer lakeland hills of the Kentmere and Fairfield ranges (from this angle) the distant Pennine hills and the lakes of Windermere and Esthwaite water. To the south Tarn Hows and it's feather was in view. We spent the best part of an hour up here, visiting both cairns and relaxing in the sun before retracing our steps and completing the circuit of Tarn Hows.

Time 3 hours
Memories

• FRED (the white feather)
• Mountain views

Grade Excellent

Completed 64 To Go 150

Longlands Fell, Great Sca Fell, Knott and Brae Fell

Managed to park and the small hamlet of Longlands despite the road being closed for roadworks and a long diversion through Uldale. The sun was shining as we set off but the forecast was sunshine and showers. We headed eastwards along the Cumbria Way and soon left the main track along a small but distinct path up to the north ridge of Longlands Fell and soon up to the summit. The wind was getting stronger but on descending to the col towards Lowthwaite fell we were sheltered and stopped for lunch, greeting the only couple we met on the whole walk. The path skirts Lowthwaite fell to joint the main track up Charleton Gill and the ascends up to Little Sca Fell initially (which could easily be mistaken for the summit in mist), and then on to Great Sca Fell. We were fortunate to be in sunshine most of the time but to the west we were acutely aware of a wall of low, thick black cloud and rain heading our way. Such was the clear forewarning of the inclement conditions that we were able to put on our waterproofs and get out the compass in dry sunshine knowing that it would not be a waste of time. Skiddaw was in the mist most of the time but now, even Binsey across the valley was obscured. Soon after leaving Geat Sca Fell the mist came down, the temperature dropped and the horizontal sleet stung hitting our faces. It was enough to consider abandoning the ascent of Knott. However conditions like this on the hill pose an exciting challenge against the elements and a test of navigation, so on we went. There is a path leading up to Knott but quite indistinct in places amongst the peaty terrain and compass bearings, first south then south east, were a great comfort to hep us to the summit cairn. No view, just the required kiss on top and the retraced our steps to Great and Little Sca Fell where we came out of the mist to see a distinct track north to our final summit of Brae Fell.
The path off Brae Fell was heading North East, and knowing we had to aim for Longlands we decided to go 'off piste' and head straight down the grass slopes to meet the Cumbria Way where it fords Charleton Gill - no problems but quite a grassy trudge which we were glad we were not ascending. The rain now was well set in and we arrived back at the car drenched.

Time 4 hrs

Memories

• Navigation on Knott
• Watching the weather close in from the west
• Isolation

Grade excellent

Completed 163 to Go 151

Helvellyn, Catstye Cam, Birkhouse Moor

The good weather could not last much longer so a good time to do a classic walk, Helvellyn via striding edge. Starting from Glenridding I thought there could be no problem with the route but was mistaken as we climbed out of the village and found ourselves on the path leading up to Lanty Tarn. An unexpected and unintentional detour it was too late to retrace our steps and we were pleasantly surprised by the peaceful tarn amongst the trees. The plan now was to join the path up from Patterdale which we were able to find with only slight descent by taking a path to the right of the main route and heading for the trees on the Grisedale side of the slope (taking care not not return to Glenridding!). One problem with this detour was that my original plan of taking in Birkhouse Moor on the way up had now to be revised. Once on the main path we knew it would be a long steady haul up to the Hole in the Wall, the summits of Nethermost Pike and Dollywagon Pike on the main ridge appeared a long way off. However we eventually reached the junction of our path and the path coming off Birkhouse Moor and were now back on the original planned route.
Striding edge needs no introduction to anyone who has walked in the Lake District. Today was a perfect day for a safe traverse of the ridge. No wind, dry and high clouds. We reached the first airy slab of rock to traverse which was negotiated without difficulty. Elspeth then decided to take the walkers path on the north flank of the ridge whilst I, now in my element, continued carefully along the knife edge. We met again at the col just before the last pinnacle. From past experience we knew there was a difficult scramble to descend coming off this stretch, so today, we took the path descending now on the southern flank, rounding the difficulty and then back up to the ridge. Now there was just the mater of the steep climb up to the summit plateau.
Views on top were fair. Although the cloud base was high the fells to the west looked dark with no distinctive features. To the east the eye was drawn to our proposed descent via Swirral edge and then, shall we shan’t we, Castye Cam. Descending Swirral edge was a slow process, of necessity, but we soon reached the point where we had to decided – down to Red Tarn or up to top number 58. We were tired but it looked (and was) an easy ascent well worth it for the pointed summit which could be seen from miles around. We retraced our steps to get to the path down to Red Tarn rather than descending the south east ridge. The next choice was to descend by Red Tarn beck or via Birkhouse Moore. Then latter won the day being, as I explained, the more direct route. Only a slight ascent was needed as we followed the good path over the Moor with a slight detour to the summit Cairn. Although there was plenty of daylight left, the atmosphere was now that of an autumnal evening as we descended to Mires Beck followed by the stony staircase back to Glenridding.
A tiring but very satisfying day.

Time 7 hrs
Memories

• Unintentional detour at the start
• Perfect conditions for Striding Edge
• Summit of Catsycam

Grade Excellent

Completed 59 To Go 155

Hallin Fell

One would expect this little fell to be in the category of 'one of those fells that needs to be done but not expecting anything too special'. Nothing could be further from the truth on one of the most glorious days we have had in the Lake District - and there have been many.



The sun was out as we took the Ullswater Steamer from Glenridding to Howtown. A delightful sail around the base Place Fell. On landing we took the path over the bridge, by Ullswater for a few hundred yards, a short distance along a tarmac road then headed left gently rising over the lower slops of Hallin Fell towards the hause at Martindale. Just before the hause we turned right up a wide grassy heading directly upwards. There seem to be many paths of the fellside but this was just before the main direct path and kept to the right until reaching the top. Not a big climb but once at the considerable summit cairn the vista opening before us was terrific. I doubt if many people could claim to be alone on the summit of Hallin Fell in glorious sunshine, there was not a soul in sight.
We ate our sandwiches just down the hill near the small cairn to the left. Initially the dark clouds to the west made the view rather two dimensional but occasionally, with changes in the cloud and the light, the perspective of the hills developed and one could easily distinguish the tops in front of one another. To the east we could plan our routes up Steel Knotts and Beda Fell for future days.
We descended direct to the hause, visited the delightful church at Martindale then, banishing thoughts of rushing another summit before the ferry back, took the path skirting the northern ridge of Steel Knotts back down to Howtown in time for a coffee at the Howtown Hotel before a leisurely stroll back to the steamer.


Time 3hrs (leisurley!)


Grade Excellent


Memories

• A wonderful relaxing day

Competed 56 To Go 158

Whin Rigg and Illgill Head

From our base, Meadow Cottage in Staveley, it took us the best part of two hours to reach the start point at Woodhow Farm at the southern end of Wastwater. However the incredible views as we drove from Broughton, over Ulpha Fell to Eskdale more than made up for the length of the journey. The sky was clear and the panorama of the southern Lakeland fells was breathtaking.

Not being familiar with the Wastwater fells we decided to explore the tops above the Wastwater Screes. The walk starts through an old iron kissing gate immediately opposite Woodhow farm. The path descends to the river and after a short distance crosses a delightful stone bridge. Now following the south bank of the river we were bathed in glorious sunshine and decided to stop for lunch (only 10 minutes into the walk). Such a peaceful sunny spot we could have spent all afternoon relaxing, but there were some hills to be climbed. Taking the path towards the fell we headed for the left bank of Greathall Gill, up across a meadow and then over a stile in the wall.

Here the main ascent begins through the bracken on a good path, steep but at all time incredibly satisfying as Wastwater and the surrounding hills gradually come into view. From the valley was sound of tree felling in the background with the buzz of chainsaw followed by the creak and clunk of the trees as they fell. We soon gained the ridge, after a couple of stops on the way up and our first summit was now not far heading north east along the ridge. There are 2 possible cairns on Whinn Rigg indicating the summit. We had already decided to return by the same route so bagged the western top an the way up and the eastern top on the way back. The route to Illgill Head along western edge of the summit ridge was spectacular with all the exhilaration of shear drops down to Watwater on your left and the safety of flat moorland on your right. On the top of Illgill Head, it is imperative to follow Wainwright's advice and walk 35 yards eastwards form the cairn (no more or you are over the edge!) an admire the stunning scenery. We could see what wonderful walks we had in sroe over the Mosedale horseshoe an other tops to the northwest of Wastwater.
We took the more direct path back to Whinn Rig, this time the views were different, over the Furness fells and the Irish Sea, but no less spectacular. Descending back to the valley, clouds were beginning to form over western hills making Yewbarrow, Gable and Pillar ,which on the way up were sunny and inviting, now much more menacing.

Time 4 hrs 30 mns

Memories

• Wonderful weather for late September


• Spectacular Wastwater fells

Grade Excellent

Completed 55 To Go 159

Ling Fell

The last time we were in this area, to climb Sale Fell, the weather was awful driving to the start but it stopped raining as we got out of the car and stayed dry just until we arrived back when it poured down again. No such luck this time. We had a couple of hours to spare having dropped our daughter and a friend off in Keswick to visit Puzzlingplace . Ling fell seemed and was an ideal excursion. We drove up by Bassenthwaite lake and turned off by the Pheasant Inn through Wythop Mill and parked at Burthwiate. Full waterproof gear from the off, we set off along the gently rising grass terrace skirting the north east and north of the fell. Always taking the upper fork when there was a choice we skirted above Wyhtop Mill and eventually turned back on ourselves heading upwards and then eastwards again until just below the summit when a narrow track head dierctly up to the top. As we gained height the rain became heavier and the wind, which was thankfully behind us as we ascended, became stronger. The top was no place to dwell. In driving rain we decided to head north, straight down the hillside the rain now directly in our faces until we reached the shelter of the terrace not far from the car. We were soaked -memories of the day we climbed Latrigg.

Time 55minutes

Memories

• Wet

Grade Excellent walk if you need to kill a couple of hours in Keswick

Completed 53 To go 161

Hartsop Dodd and Caudale Moor

We were determined to complete this walk having been blown off it a few weeks previously with high winds. A good bright day when we set off from the car park just above Hartsop, through the kissing gate and down to the right crossing the river as though heading up Pasture beck. Instead of turn up the valley we entered the field ahead through a gate, to start the steep grassy climb to the left of a wall, over a style and up to the northern ridge of Hartsop Dodd. After a short rest we climbed the ridge. Seen from the valley, driving from Patterdale towards Kirkstone pass three impressive ridges sweep down off the summit plateau of Caudale More. All look very inviting for the hill walker and I have always wanted to ascend each of them. The western most ridge to Caudale Head we have done previously (in complete mist), the middle ridge was today’s walk and the most eastern ridge over Grey Crag was another walk to look forward to.


We rested just below the summit of the Dodd for a sandwich admiring the views over to Place Fell, Angle Tarn Pikes and Brock Crags satisfyingly being able to say “we’ve been there”. Further a field other summits we had climbed Glenridding Dodd and Sheffield Pike plus many others still to do. The weather was glorious, warm with an interestingly cloudy sky but plenty of blue patches. At the Hartsop Dodd cairn Caudale Moor looked distant but it didn’t take long, after a short descent, to climb up to the summit at Stoney Cove Pike. This was where I realised the Wainwright Book was back at the car. Was this the Wainwright Summit or was it the distinctive cairn over to the west at Caudale Head? There was no question, we had to walk across the summit plateau to the other top. (On getting back tot the car found we needn’t have done this but the walk along the top was immensely enjoyable). Retracing our steps to Stoney Cove Pike along the summit wall, which, from our previous experience, is an extremely useful landmark in the mist, we were amazed by the number of seagulls both on the ground and circling high above.
Descending east, now, down to Threshthwaite Mouth the path became quite rocky and steep in places but at the col the sun was out and the air was still. We sat bathing in the sunshine - Thornthwaite Crag ahead looked a steep ascent but a definite possible detour from our original plan. However, we had other committments in the evening so resisted the temptation and headed down to Pasture Beck.

A good choice for only 10-15 minutes after leaving the col, I looked behind and it had disappeared in thick black gloomy clouds, the tops all around no longer in sight, the seagulls circling high above. There was a definite atmosphere of impending doom relieved only by the bright sunshine in the valley to the north. Suddenly a loud clap of thunder echoed around the valley followed by a chorus of bleating sheep. No time to linger, we quickly got our waterproofs out before the heavens opened and we trudged back to the car, very wet but content after a walk with such variety.

Time 4 hrs

Memories
· Sudden change from sunbathing to being soaked
· Seagulls
· Views over our previous tops

Grade Excellent


Completed 52 To go 162

Nab Scar, Heron Pike (Great Rigg) ,(Fairfiled), Hart Crag, Dove Crag, High Pike, Low Pike.

One advantage of summer walking is being able to start a later in the morning, knowing that it will not be dark until 9.30ish pm. So we started form Ambleside at 11.30, aware that we had a long walk ahead of us but there was no need to hurry.
The walk starts with a stroll through Rydal park. Our destination ahead was clouded in mist from Great Rigg onwards. It was a warm sultry type of day. Our first planned stop was a the coffee shop in Rydal Hall. We arrived just behind a rambling club so it took an age to get served but was well worth it – the best scones in the Lake district. Stocked up we marched on, passed Rydal Mount and then left up the path on the south west ridge of Nab Scar. The hillside was covered with beautiful foxgloves amongst the bracken.

Views down to Rydal water and Loughrigg beyond opened up as we climbed. Once on Nab Scar the first arm the horseshoe opened out with the next summit Heron Pike seeming high and distant but soon reached on a good path, Great Rigg and Fairfield in the distance were still shrouded in cloud. Off Heron Pike it is a lovely ridge walk down and then up to Great Rigg but the temperature was getting cooler as we gained height. We were walking at about cloud level now , the mist coming and going, the summit of Fairfield visible one minute and covered in black cloud the next. As we reached the top the, it latter conditions that prevailed, cold misty and windy – so we took shelter in one of the stone shelters (very effective) for our lunch. The Rydal scones had done a great job getting us this far.
No one in sight – unusual as there have commonly been several groups up when we have been here before. Just as we were leaving the cloud cleared giving us great views across to the Helvellyn ridge and perhaps, more importantly, good views of the path across to Hart Crag. I have had to use the compass several times on the top of Fairfield to get the correct rout of the summit. Refreshed after lunch it was a great walk along the tops, descending a little before the next climb but still very windy, a marked contrast from the warm sticky weather when we had set off. Previously we have skirted round the summit of Hart Crag but this time, no short cuts allowed. Quite a rocky descent from Hart Crag then followed the wall up to Dove Crag, getting the views across to Patterdale and the eastern fells bathed in sunlight with fantastic cloud shadows on the fellside, but the western fells remained dark and sinister in cloud. We were just on the border but unfortunately, mainly out of the sun. Because of the strengthening wind we kept on the lee (left)side of the wall from Dove Crag as we started the long treck back to Ambleside over High Pike and Low Pike. The descent can be made on either side of the wall. Again the summits are often bypassed when completing the horseshoe but both had to be climbed today a particularly nice detour up Low Oike which looks as though it may involve a scramble but the path skirts around any difficulties.
We had now moved into the sunny side of the weather system and a, warm sunny evening stroll took us down over low Sweden Bridge, tired and weary back to the car park at Ambleside College.

Time 7hrs 15mns
Memories
· Foxgloves
· Weather changes
· Sunny to the east Dark and cloudy to the west
Grade Excellent
Completed 50 To go 164

Lingmoor Fell

We had stayed the night at the Britannia Inn in Elterwater having met up with my brother Graham and his friends the previous night. Lingmoor Fell seemed, and was, a good choice for a Bank Holiday Monday walk before we all went off in our different directions back to reality.

After a hearty breakfast we left Elterwater on the road heading south for a short distance then bared left up a bridleway over to Little Langdale. One of our party, John, an ornithologist fascinated us with his keen sense of hearing and observation pointing out different birds and birdsongs as we walked through the woods. The Wetherlam range opened up before us as we reached the crest of the spur and soon down the other side we took the path to the right near Dale End, heading up Lingmoor. Shortly after joining the path John pointed out a tiny small yellow dot on a bush about 500 yards away. It took a good pair of binoculars to for us to see, never mind identify, what we were assured was a Yellow Hammer.

It was a glorious day, the fell was deserted and the climb up to the Lingmoor ridge and along it's crest, a delight. At the top the views were incredible, the light much clearer than the previous day. We decided that there was time for us to complete the ridge walk and drop down to the head of Langdale before walking along the valley back to Elterwater. The wind, like yesterday,was beginning to blow but shelter was to be found walking by the summit wall as we headed west. Having dropped down to the col below Side Pike the wind was now quite blustery. Not deterred, Graham Nigel and John, the intrepid three, "without showing a morsel of fear", continued across the mauvais pas under Side Pike (actually an interesting squeeze between the rock face and large rocky outcrop) to complete the full ridge walk. I accompanied Elspeth down to the safety of the lower slopes on the path to the left before this and we met up again on the path leading up from the Langdale NT campsite.

We walked back along the Langdale valley, a journey normally done by car, keeping all the time on the lower northern slopes of Lingmoor, much of the time on the Cumbrian Way. Instead of crossing the bridge at Chapel Stile we kept on the right bank of the river through the woods back to Elterwater... Looking for wood warblers!

Time 4hrs 15 minutes
Grade Excellent
Memories

• Bird spotting
• Good company
• Excellent round trip

Completed 44 To go 170

Red Screes

We have driven over Kirkstone pass numerous times but never started a walk from here. Our initial plan was to do a circuit from Hartsopp Village, over Hartsopp Dodd. The walk started beautifully in sunshine with a blustery wind but was soon curtailed as we reached the north ridge of Hatsopp Dodd when a fierce persistant wind hurled up the valley across the ridge making standing upright almost impossible, never mind climbing the ridge. Despondent we retraced our steps in the knowledge that we have now had to admit defeat not only on Gowbarrow Fell previously but now also on Hartsopp Dodd - I doubt if many walkers can make this claim.

Red Screes from Kirkstone pass is a straightforward climb on a well marked path through the rocky slopes on it's eastern flank. One particular section could have been tricky if the rocks were wet but no problem today in the sunshine. We met the wind again on reaching the summit plateau but not nearly as strong as earlier in the day. A great summit for views in all directions. Caudale Moor looked particularly calm across the pass.

We decided against dropping down to Middle Dodd before returning to the car. The car park at Kirkstone was now full as one would expect on bank holiday Sunday.

Time 1 hr 30 minutes

Grade Excellent (Considering)

Memories

• Good walk rescuing the day form a disppointing start

Completed 43 To go 171

Grey Cragg (Sleddale Fell)

Yesterday we walked from our base, Meadow Cottage in Staveley up to Brunt Knots and looked across the Longsleddale valley to toady's fell. A good walk to keep away form the bank holiday crowds in the central fells. We started in the afternoon, a glorious day the aim being a short stroll up Gray Crag and then across to tarn Crag and down the quarry road. Unfortunately this was not to be. A combination of underestimating the effort required to reach Grey Crag, a rapid darkening of the skies and the knowledge that being caught up here in mist would have been quite a challenge, meant that only our first summit was attained. Set off from Sadgill and headed straight up Great Howe initially keeping to the left wall as suggested in the Wainwright book. After a steep grassy climb we reached the upper corner of the field on our left and could see the hurdle that Wainwright had described as 'difficult to negotiate' now had a stile.
Heading up through the easy gully another wall was reached with paths both right and left. We took the left which took us above a rocky outcrop and eventually had to scramble over the wall to reach the upper fell. Heading up , no path now we reached Great Howe and joined the correct path we would have been on if we had taken the right hand fork.
Moorland opened up in front of us but it took us quite a while to be able to identify the summits across the boggy expanse. In hindsight I can now confirm Grey Crag is to the right, The pointy crag directly in front is unnamed and the higher summit to the left with the obvious pillar, is Tarn Crag.
Quite hot now after the struggle up the grass we crossed the flat very boggy moorland becoming more tired. The clouds had darkened giving a thundery, sultry feel and we both felt that we probably had overestimated the time it would take to get around both summits. Once over a stile just below the climb up to Grey Crag, the path headed right directly for the summit. It had taken us 2 hrs to get here (with stops). Tran Crag seemed a good way in the distance the weather was potentially changing so, without any argument we decided to retrace our steps back to the valley.

Time 3 hrs
Grade Potentially excellent
Memories

• Away from the crowds on Bank Holiday Monday
• First walk of the year in shirt sleeves
• Underestimating the effort required

Completed 42 To go 172

Barrow and Outerside

A small broad ridge encompassed by the higher fells of Causey Pike, Sail Crag Hill and Grisedale Pike is the setting for a great lower level walk
The start was from the road along the Newlands valley, just beyond the first cattle grid having left Braithwaite. Really warm in the valley, set off with cagoules etc packed away in the rucksack. A short track took us up the hill diagonally to the right towards the edge of the trees and then followed the wall upwards heading for Braithwiate. At it’s highest point the path along the broad ridge of Barrow ascended to the left heading south east. No problems with route finding, the track heads directly for the summit. Wonderful views opened up; to the left across to Cat Bells and Maiden More, to the right Grisedale Pike. A classic Lakeland hill for false summits but eventually as we gained height the views of the distinctive knobbles of Causey Pike ahead indicated the true summit was not far off. By now a cold wind had really got up. This was the cause of the major disappointment of the day. Up to now, Elspeth and I had celebrated reaching each summit with a kiss. I stopped to take a photo of the Causey Pike ridge just below the summit fully expecting Elspeth to wait for me at the top.

Alas no. The wind was too strong and cold to wait (so she says) and on reaching the top she was already 200ft down the other side of the hill. All my shouts to come back were carried away by the wind.
From Barrow the path ascending Stile End was easily visible. Previously when we had done this walk we had contoured around Stile End but this time we decided to take it in, a good decision as it continued between Stile End and Outerside lead us through the boggy ground without mishap. A short steep ascent and we were soon on the top of Outerside - this time celebrated the appropriate manner.
We continued straight ahead off Outerside south west and descended across the boggy lower fell towards the main track leading down from High Moss to Stoneycroft back in the Newlands valley. Quite a trek back down this stony track with the Cat Bells ridge ahead and a stark contrast between the lush green of the fields in the Newlands valley and the barren fellside of Cat Bells above the drystone wall enclosures.

Time 3 hours

Grade Excellent

Memories

• First summit without a kiss!
• Lush valley floor

Completed 41 To go 173

Great Mell Fell

A late afternoon walk having visited the excellent art studio at Blencarn in the Eden valley. Started at the track heading clockwise round the hill near Brownrigg farm. Just up the track we took the first style over the fence on the right marked by a National Trust sign. The obvious path lead straight on, now clockwise, climbing gently round the base of the hill. Through the woodland we saw a red squirrel scampering through the undergrowth above us. After about five minutes following the path we decided it was time to head upwards and followed an indistinct path up directly towards the brow of the fell.After a steepish climb through the trees on very soft ground, sheltered from the wind, we soon hit on the path to the summit, passing windswept trees testimony to the elements over the years. Behind us the Eden valley was bathed with sunlight despite dark clouds all around. The summit, marked by a small cairn revealed marvelous views particularly across to the hills at the southern end of Helvellyn ridge. Headed down retracing our steps initially southwest and then on reaching the trees skirting around the wood on a good path down to the track we started on an then back to the car.

Time 1hr 10mns
Grade Excellent short walk for late afternoon
Memories

• Windswept trees

Completed 39 To go 175

Gowbarrow Fell

Our previous attempt at this delightful little summit was aborted about one month ago, accompanied by my brother and his wife. On a blustery day we were driven back by gale force winds after turning the corner at Yew Crag heading north towards the shooting box.

Today, however, was a completely different story. No wind, cold but dry and the surrounding higher fells snow capped. From the National Trust car park at Aira Force we took the path towards the falls with about 20 Japanese tourists. They followed us across the lower bridge and worryingly kept following us until they realised that we possibly did not have the same destination in mind and asked us the way to the waterfall. Having put them right we cross the stile and headed up the path above Lyphuls Tower towards Yew Crag and then round the corner to the now ruins of what was the shooting box. Ullswater was as calm as a pond. The Ullswater steamer left a tranquil rippling wake as it glided up the lake.Views across to the snow capped Pennines in the distance added to the peaceful atmosphere contrasting sharply from the hustle and bustle at the car park we had left.
Following the path, we contoured around the fell and, on reaching the shooting box, continued along the path to the left following the wall the summit mound soon appeared in front of us. Although very boggy in places the path was easy to follow and after a gentle ascent we were soon admiring the views across to the Helvellyn range, Skiddaw and Blecathra and over to High Street from the summit.
Continuing south from the summit, again on easy but boggy ground, we followed the path towards Green Hill and a little before the cairn headed directly down the slopes to Aira Force.

Time 2 hrs 15 mns
Grade Excellent
Memories

• The contrast in weather between our previous outing and today
• Peace and tranquility

Completed 38 To go 176

Sour Howes, Sallows

We tackled these two summits from the Dubbs road. The morning was bright and clear but there were warnings of wintry showers later on. Parking on the road between Ings and Troutbeck we walked the gentle track passed Dubbs reservoir (beware, an Adder breeding gound!) heading for the junction with the Garburn road heading up from Troutbeck. Just before the junction a style over the wall on our right lead on to the open fell. Although this was not our intended route it seemed a good option, to head up to Sour Howes first.
The weather began to change and as we climbed the slopes, the wind got up and the snow came down wiping out the view across the valley. The path was variable but soon we reached the ridge, cross a wall via another style and struggled in the now near blizzardconditions, north, on to the summit of Sour Howes. Sheltering from the wind Sallows seemed a good distance away through the snowflakes but it didn’t take long to drop down to the wall at Moor Head and follow the wall up the slopes crossing it and then heading west to the summit. The snow had now eased but the wind was still high and the sun was appearing.
Didn’t linger on Sallows but got good views of the left hand fork of the Kentmere Horseshoe before heading west back to the wall but this time instead of turn back towards Sour Howes, we followed it to the right to meet the Garburn road further up (at the gap in the wall described in Wainwright).
Fortunately we resisted the temptation to head straight down the hillside to meet the Garburn road lower down as we were later to discover that barbed wire would have prevented us from getting on to the track.
Had a super lunch stop by the gap in the wall, sitting against the corner of two wall, sheltered from the strong cold northerly wind but with the warm sun in the south, on our faces.
The route back was straight forward following the track towards Troutbeck and then bearing left back on to the Dubbs road.

Time 3hrs 15minutes

Grade Excellent

Memories
Snow

Completed 37 To go 177

Armboth Fell, High Tove

Parked at Armboth car park down by Thirlmere and took the path over the road, through an unusual sliding (rather than hinged) gate, passed the obvious "12' balanced boulder" sketched in Wainwright's book and up the wide gully between the trees heading for High Tove. The weather was fine and bright although and icy cold wind blew from the north. On reaching the open fell, a little way above the top corner of the trees on our left, we left the main path and crossed the stream heading for Armboth Fell. Soon we were tramping through boggy ground, any hint of a path soon disappearing, so we made a beeline for the summit which despite the undulating nature of the fell was easily found, marked by a small cairn. Sheltering from the wind, just south of the top, we sat for lunch accompanied by flurries of snow admirng views to the west across to Gable and Pillar.
We had been warned not to head directly for High Tove because of marshy ground but to traverse the moorland to the west to reach the middle ridge and the turn north by the fence. I don't think our route gained any advantage as the ground was saturated, a good test for our boots which remarkably kept our feet dry. From High Tove the weather all around seemed to be closing in so we took the direct descent down to Armboth (needless to say, across the bog) and retraced our steps between the trees passed the balancing boulder.




Our descent was accompanied by heavy snow, sleet showers interspersed by warm episodes of sunshine.
Back at the car the we had glorious views along Thilmere, north to Blencathra, at one minute in the bright sunshine and the next shrouded in mist and showers.


Time 2hrs 30minutes


Grade Excellent

Memories:

• Bog


• Sunshine and snow showers


• Initial views from on reaching Arboth Fell

Completed 35 To go 179

Little Mell Fell

Weather not so good today. Strong winds forecast so the higher fells were not an option.
A short walk was planned on Little Mell.
Wainwright described a 30 minute outing to the top of the fell from the hause between Cove Park and Lowthwaite.
Opening the car door soon warned us of the strength of the wind, almost blowing the door off its hinges. 'Never mind - only a short outing' we thought.
Followed an obvious track directly up to the summit but the wind was relentless fortunately behind us on the ascent. On the summit mound we were battling to stay upright and did not linger for the views over Ullswater. The descent, now into the wind, was very hard work. We made more of a zig zag down to try and get some respite but were glad to be back at the car.
Any plans to do Great Mell Fell were soon overruled.

Time 25 minutes!

Grade An excellent blow!

Completed 33 - To go 181

Grey Friar and Great Carrs

Another glorious day for mid Feb. A cold and frosty morning with glorious clear views driving from Staveley to Ambleside along the back roads via Troutbeck and then to Chesters at Skelwith Bridge (yes for another pre walk coffee) and then to the top of the Wrynose pass.
Set off at the top of the pass, looking for the path marked on the OS map heading diagonally up to Wet Side Edge. As is common, the start of the path was nowhere to be seen, maybe because the ground was covered with frost and icy patches on the northern facing slopes. However, we soon found it after climbing about 300ft and followed it gently up to the ridge, the sun continuously just above the brim of the ridge, in our eyes but keeping us warm, our shadows following behind. Once on the ridge the amphitheatre opened up before us with Wetherlam, Swirl How and the Carrs, silhouetted against the low bright sunshine. The grassy ridge was a delightful ascent to just under Little Carrs then a track to the right took us, contouring under Great Carrs, to the coll between Great Carrs and Grey Friar. One final ascent and soon we were on the grass and rocky summit, almost lunaresque in appearance. The sun to the south west beamed over the Irish sea.


The Scafells to the north west looked both imposing and gentle at the same time. Imposing with the details of their cliffs highlighted by the shadows yet gentle in the warm winter sun with no cloud or wind. An idyllic place for an extended lunch stop with not a soul around .
Another peak to climb so time to move on and retrace our steps east to the col. Here we met two other couples ascending, so the top would not have been our own if we had stayed for much longer.

Once at the col we continued in a straight line up the grassy slope of Great Carrs, a line which took us directly to the memorial to 8 RAF airmen who lost their lives when their Halifax Bomber crashed in 1944 just below the summit ridge.
Once on the ridge we were now looking down into the amphitheatre, all it’s walls still in shade from the, sun now lower in the sky. Decided against a trip to Swirl How and set off along the ridge edge down to Little Carrs and beyond to the grassy ridge we ascended. Although using the same route for ascent and descent, the two could not have been more different. Now, on the way down, the views to the north changed with each few hundred feet. First the Scafells dominated the skyline but soon their tops were tucked away behind Crinkle Crags and again, these were soon to be obscured by Cold Pike as we descnded the ridge. The pointed peak of Bow Fell remained conspicuous for most of the time. Our shadows now marched on before us, sometime 50 – 60 ft long depending on the contour of the land.
We did not follow the path down to Wrynose but kept on the ridge until level with our car and headed directly down the frost and in places icy, slopes.

Time 3 hours 30 mns

Grade Excellent

Memories Views and the general ambience of the summit of Grey Friar


Completed 32 - To go 182

Troutbeck Tongue

Another great day. Sunshine all day, we started the walk in the afternoon with the low sun flooding the Troutbeck valley. From Troutbeck, just beyond the Queen’s Head pub, a short descent to the valley floor took us to a gentle, flat walk along the valley bottom heading for the Tongue, across Ings bridge. Approaching the farm we took the path, signposted to High Street, (but definitely not intending to go that far) across the meadow, through a kissing gate and onto a the trackat the base of the Tongue which skirted around to the right. After passing through a gate we headed up the hill, north of the wall and soon found a steep track heading directly up toeards a stile in a newish looking fence and then on up to the summit.
Enclosed on all sides by bigger fells the experience was wonderful. To the east the huge steep grassy slopes of the left hand spur of the Kentmere Horseshoe. To the south west, further away, Wansfell and to the north and west the masses of Red Screes and Caudale Moor. We stayed on the ridge heading north for 5 to 10 minutes before heading staight down to the right by a fence, back to the track we had left early running by Hagg Ghyll but higher up the valley.
Back on the valley floor to the village, the sun had now set behind the hills resulting in an icy cold end to an excellent short afternoon excursion.

Time 2hrs 30mns

Memories The quiet tranquil Troutbeck valley in a warm wintry sun.

Grade Excellent short walk


Completed 30 - To go 184

Loft Crag, Pike O’Stickle, Thunacar Kott, Pavey Ark

This walk is dedicated to my mother-in-law Christine who passed away on 10th February 2008.


What better walk to celebrate the life of my mother-in-law. One of my favourite Lake District areas and a beautiful sunny February day. Parked at the National Trust car park just after the New Dungeon Ghyll hotel, and succumbed (yet again) to the warmth of a hot coffee before the walk. The route we decided was one we have walked several times, starting up the path towards Stickle tarn but soon turning left towards Dungeon Ghyll and then after crossing the ghyll ascending the path keeping the deep ravine on our right. Ahead, visible from a distance, were a group of people, one with a bright yellow jacket which we were soon to realise were mountain rescue volunteers on a training exercise, rescuing a ‘casualty’ in Dungeon Ghyll and waiting for a helicopter, which duly arrived a few minutes later, circled around for a while and then headed off into the distance.


The weather was amazing, like summer, climbing up the fell wondering why I was carrying all my winter gear. We stopped for a while soaking in the sun and the views, on the broad grassy shelf after the first steep climb, and then continued up the obvious path to the gap between Harrison Stickle and Loft Crag. Turning left and then up left again our first summit was reached with fantastic views across Langdale to the fells beyond. The sun bright and low in the sky and a misty haze in the valleys below emphasizing the contours of the hills extending beyond.
Next stop, Pike O’Stickle a short stroll westward above the Langdale valley with an interesting scramble to the summit (always met with ‘why am I doing this again! ’ from behind). However the reward today was out of this world, the views south as described previously and to the north the peak of Skiddaw poking out of the wintry haze in the valley.






A place to linger for some time before heading off the pointed summit on across the moorland to Thunacar Knot, an easy tramp aided by the frozen ground underfoot as opposed to the usual bog.
I have never visited Thunacar Knott before and was glad the weather was clear, not only because I am sure finding it in mist would have been quite an ordeal and also to be able to visualise the landscape across to Sergent Man and Blea Rigg.
A short walk to the west, no path, took us to Pavey Ark, swarming with people but nonetheless a magnificent perch to look down on to Stickle tarn below.
The next decision was whether to take in Harrison Stickle before descending. Heading across the bouldery path, Cristine would have been proud that common sense prevailed and we decided that, because of weary legs and the realisation that we were still in winter, despite the weather and dark would descend quite quickly, we decided to pick our way down the eroded path to Stickle tarn and then on down the main route to the valley.


Time 5 hrs 30mns

Memories A wonderful day dedicated to the memories of Christine
Grade Excellent

Completed 29 - To go 185

Latrigg

A wet windy day. Initial thoughts whilst driving towards Ambleside was a walk up Lingmoor but, with the rain lashing down and the rough water of Windermere looking more like the sea than a lake, we made the desicion to drive on up to Keswick and tackle Latirgg.
Unfortunately the weather got worse as we drove north. On reaching the car park at Ornathwaite we knew we had made a sensible choice. Full waterproof gear on, we set off down the path heading for Keswick. A short way along, the route to the top headed off up to the leftand soon joined the other " reduced mobility" path (what a good idea) comming up from the car park. Now we were walking directly into lashing rain, very sore on the face and dripping wet to the skin despite the waterproofs. Soon reached a bench from which on a good day glorious views over Keswick would have opened up. Today nothing! The path now heading north westish traversed the summit and heading down the grassy slopes became very slippery. The pleasure of the easing and now being sheltered from the wind soon diminished with one lack of concentration, a loss of grip on the rigth foot and bump down on to the mud flat on my back. Fortunately no anatomical damage, just shaken pride and tron waterporrf trousers - which weren't living up to their name anyway.

Soon the track back to the car park came into sight just below and doubling back on ourselves we headed back for shelter. The slopes of Skidaw were only visible upto about 300ft above then thick mist. However we still saw folk heading up the mountain. Are we soft or are they stupid?

Time 50 minutes
Grade Excellent short walk for bad weather

Memories Very very wet . New waterproof trousers needed!

Completed 25 To Go 189

Angletarn Pikes and Brock Crags

Parked at the car park just down the main road from Hartsop. The temperature showed 3 degrees in the car and the weather looked gloomy, the wind was gusting and patches of snow on the fells - an excellent day for a walk. We decided on a relatively easy walk keeping to the lower tops. Donning full winter gear we walk down the road towards Hartsop and then immediately left after taking the small lane into the village. A good road, then track, lead us towards Ullswater with the route up towards Boredale Hause visible heading up to the right, ahead This motorway track leads all the way up the hill to Boredale Hause where we had been a few months ago coming off Place Fell sitting in glorious sunshine. Not today. On the hause our route turns back on itself crossing a stream and heading south up its right bank to a small hiatus between two knolls when the path turns to the left cross another stream heading to Angel tarn.

The weather remained wintry but occasional view across the valley revealed a snow bound Helvellyn glowing in sunshine for a moment with Catstye Cam at it's side shining covered with snow like icing on a cake. A few seconds of wishing we had chosen that walk soon disappeared when the clouds shaded the sun, the sleet started coming down, the wind buffeted us along the path and the Hevellyn range showed returned to it's previous ominous features.

The fell immediately to the left now was our first goal. No path, we headed directly up between the crags to the summit ridge. With high winds, this was no place to to stop so we retraced our steps off the summit and instead of returning to the path follwed various sheep tracks and paths south heading directly for Angle tarn which soon came in to view below.
Once back on the main path we headed towards Satura Crag when the weather deteriorated with very strong gusty winds and face stinging hail stones. So bad we held on to each other to stay upright cries of 'I am not going up that next b****y hill' soon blew away in the wind. I have to say I was glad we were only at 1500ft and not on Helvellyn.
The hail settled and after reaching the wall at Satura Crag we left the path and followed the wall westerly to find a snug little junction of two walls where we were able to sheltter for our ham butties.

The wind was still high, so after lunch a quick trip to the top of Brock Crags across bog (but with one nice patch of snow, admittedly only about 30ft high, to kick steps in).
Again not the weather to take in the view from the summit, we headed back to our lunch stop wall and set off south down the hill. Across the valley the imposing mass of Grey Crag with its mosaic of snow, grass and rocks seemed almost in touching distance. We soon found the path marked on the 1:25000 map winding down the side of the hill towards Hartsop and reached the valley to complete a low level but exhilarating winter walk.

Time 4hours
Grade Excellent

Memories Snow covered Catstye Cam unexpectedly gleaming in the sun
Sheltered lunch stop

Completed 24 To go 190