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Ennerdale

On Thursday the weather was so wet not a single photo was taken! Today conditions brightened by late morning & the dogs needed walking, so off to Ennerdale.

May 11, 2012

Photos: 42

Rannerdale Bluebells

May 9, 2012

Photos: 48

Loweswater & it's Wildlife

May 8, 2012

Photos: 32

Magpie Mine with Angela

A welcome invitation to join Angela Clarke for a walk today saw us setting off from White Lodge car park in rather damp & dreary weather. After a very muddy ascent of Deepdale we ate lunch at Magpie Mine, making use of a dry millstone for seating. Just as we finished eating the rain came down, so a rather wet descent to Sheldon followed. Approaching Ashford in the Water the rain ceased, allowing us to enjoy the lovely views. From there we walked up Pennyunk Lane to Monsal Head in improving weather conditions. A lovely walk along Monsal Dale took us back to the car.

Apr 23, 2012

Photos: 58

Monsal Head to Bakewell

I had intended to walk up on Longstone Edge today, but frequent showers were forecast so a more sheltered route was chosen. Setting off from Monsal Head I joined the Monsal Trail to walk through Headstone Tunnel & then on towards Bakewell. Brightening weather brought about a change of heart & a change of route!

Apr 21, 2012

Photos: 43

Ravens Dale, Cressbrook Dale & Peter's Stone from Litton

Another walk from 'White Peak Walks. The Northern Dales' by Mark Richards that surpassed my expectations. A slight change to the planned route as I wanted to avoid the road walk back to Litton. At Peter's Stone, rather than continuing up Cressbrook Dale to Wardlow Mires, I decided to back track to the stepping stones & return to Litton via Tansley Dale.

Apr 20, 2012

Photos: 88

Ilam Country Park, Musden & Calton

A very gloomy morning saw us heading south for a wander around Ashbourne. After lunch we drove to the nearby village of Ilam, which is pronounced "Eye-lam"! Ilam Hall, which is a National Trust property, is now used as a Youth Hostel. I left David in the hall's tea shop & walked through the country park to Musden, then followed the sinous wooded valley up to the village of Calton.

Apr 2, 2012

Photos: 28

Minninglow Car Park to Birchover via Gratton Dale & Elton

Another linear walk for Bailey & I today, but no collection required as our route ended back at the caravan.

Apr 1, 2012

Photos: 32

Linacre Reservoirs

A grey morning with the threat of rain, no point in going up high. David wanted to go to Chesterfield, so he left me at the nearby Linacre Reservoirs for a different kind of Derbyshire walk. There are 3 reservoirs at Linacre, built between 1855 and 1904. In spring, the woods around the Reservoirs are carpeted with bluebells.

Mar 31, 2012

Photos: 52

Five Dales from Peak Forest

A linear walk today. David dropped me off at Peak Forest on his way to Buxton. Bailey & I then walked through 5 lovely dales to reach our pick up point at Miller’s Dale Station.

Mar 29, 2012

Photos: 59

Chrome Hill... Jill's Birthday Walk

A Peak District walk for Jill's birthday. The morning dawned bright & sunny, but unfortunately the clouds were gathering as we set off from Hollinsclough. A day of rapidly changing weather conditions which made photography rather challenging. The day was slightly marred by David sustaining a nasty injury to his finger :( so an ascent of Parkhouse Hill was shelved, one to do again someday.

Mar 19, 2012

Photos: 58

Clough Wood, Winster & Rowtor Rocks

A walk from the caravan that was made up as I went along.

Mar 17, 2012

Photos: 43

Walks on Stanton Moor

Three short walks on Stanton Moor

Mar 6, 2012

Photos: 43

The Monsal Trail, Railway Tunnels & Brushfield

This walk should have been titled 'Water cum Jolly Dale & Brushfield from Monsal Head' another route from Mark Richards White Peak Walks, The Northern Dales. However, before leaving the Monsal Trail to descend to Cressbrook Mill I was tempted by the recently opened railway tunnels & decided to walk through them instead. Above Litton Mill I rejoined my original route.

Mar 5, 2012

Photos: 64

Crich Stand & Birchen Edge, but not at the same time!

A day of mixed weather, skies as black as your hat alternating with bright sunshine. A short walk for a first time visit to Crich Stand, is followed by another wander along Birchen Edge from Robin Hood to look at Nelson's Monument & Three Ships.

Mar 3, 2012

Photos: 33

Robin Hood's Stride & the Hermit's Cave

Having moved the caravan up to Birchover the previous day I take a walk to a couple of favourite local landmarks, it felt good to be back. During the walk I found a geocache, I think I'd quite enjoy searching for more of these.

Feb 24, 2012

Photos: 22

Abney, Shatton Lane & Offerton from Leadmill near Hathersage

Another lovely route from 'White Peak Walks. The Northern Dales' by Mark Richards. Woodland, rivers, valleys, moorland & stunning views this walk had it all ..... thoroughly enjoyable.

Feb 23, 2012

Photos: 58

A Walk from Chatsworth to Edensor, Beeley & Rabbit Warren

Not so much sunshine for this walk, but dry & mild. I decided to walk from the caravan to the lovely estate village of Edensor. From there I went up to Calton Houses, down again to Calton Lees, then on to Beeley. From the village I climbed through woodland to the moors above & then meandered back through Stand Wood.

Feb 21, 2012

Photos: 35

Padley Gorge & Bole Hill Quarry

The last time I walked up Padley Gorge I noticed a sign to Bole Hill Quarry. This time we decided to investigate & found a delightful quiet haven amongst the old quarry workings, which are now a nature reserve.

Feb 19, 2012

Photos: 34

Chatsworth Park

After arriving for a stay at the CC Site in Chatsworth Park, Bailey & I take a walk to enjoy the sunshine & beautiful surroundings.

Feb 18, 2012

Photos: 15

A Winter Wonderland Walk from Stamford

With overnight temperatures at home in excess of -12.6C a local walk to enjoy the frosty conditions seemed like a good idea. A magical 7 miles, this was winter at it's best.

Feb 10, 2012

Photos: 79

Profile Photos

Album for profile photos

Dec 23, 2011

Photos: 2

Esk Pike & Bowfell, my 214th Wainwright Summit

The last day of my holiday & only 2 Wainwrights left to complete my round. After meeting up with Dave, Jill & David at the Old Dungeon Gill we set off along Micklenden. The cloud was low but it was dry & not too windy, by the time we reached Angle Tarn the views started to open up. Excitement increased as we summited Esk Pike, only 1 to go! After lunch we set off for Bowfell, but before too long the cloud level dropped again & we approached my final summit in poor visibility. A guard of honour was formed & the magical 214th summit claimed. We celebrated with copious Whoo Hoos & mince pies provided by Jill. As we were about to leave the summit a group of lads appeared & took a photo of our group. After a wet descent via Three Tarns & The Band we adjourned to the Old Dungeon Gill for a celebratory drink. The weather could have been better, but the same cannot be said for the company :o) Many thanks to David, Dave, Jill & David for making my special day extra special! Whoo Hoo!!

Nov 3, 2011

Photos: 73

Lingmell

Only two walks & three fells to go! A bright start to the day as I set off once again on the drive round to Wasdale. I had intended to walk up Lingmell by the path above Piers Gill, but as I was alone I decided to take the quicker option of another straight up ascent. It is rather a long, steep ascent & the summit is not viewed until Goat Crags is reached. From there I set off for the lovely tall slender cairn on the Western end of Lingmell, this is not the summit but is a cairn I have wanted to see for a very long time. I was not disappointed, it's beautiful & I took far too many photos there before setting off for the true summit. Once again the cloud came down for my summit shots. I stopped for lunch on the way down to Lingmell Col, then descended by the Brown Tongue path beside the Gill. Tea & cake at the Wasdale Head Inn ended another lovely day on the fells.

Nov 1, 2011

Photos: 59

Glaramara

The forecast for today was dire, but looking out of the window it didn't look that bad. All my remaining Wainwrights are in Book 4 The Southern Fells, the closest of them being Glaramara, so off I go. Heavy rain as I drive over Honister almost makes me turn back, but luckily I keep going to arrive in a dry Seatoller. Leaving the carpark I take the track opposite Mountain View for an ascent over Thornythwaite Fell. Once again the clouds descend as I approach the summit! As there are several cairns up here I do as usual & visit them all. I had intended to descend via Rosthwaite Fell, but I decided to return by my outward route in case the conditions worsened ..... but of course the cloud base lifted after I left the summit!

Oct 30, 2011

Photos: 44

Scafell & Slight Side with John

Setting off from Brackenclose we took the direct route up the slopes of Scafell. It was rather steep, but the hardest part as far as I was concerned was the traverse across the rocky higher slopes for a birds eye view of Lords Rake. A wonderful sight indeed, but not a route I ever intend to take! The summit of Scafell was clear as we approached, but we turned North at the cross marker & headed towards the spectacular Scafell Pinnacles. Lunch was to be taken atop The Table, but it was rather breezy so we settled for a nearby sheltered spot. Back to the summit of Scafell, now in cloud, then off through the mist towards Slight Side. From there we took a mostly off path route of descent in the direction of Burnmoor Tarn. Along the way we found a very interesting crash site with a memorial & quite a lot of wreckage lying around, even John didn't know this was here! After some bog hopping we finally headed back to Brackenclose on good paths to end a wonderful day, spent in brilliant company.

Oct 28, 2011

Photos: 70

Branstree & Selside Pike

Better weather was forecast for the Eastern Fells today, but after the long drive round to Mardale Head it didn't look that bright. However, once I reached the cloud covered summit of Branstree the sun was trying to break through. Blue skies on the way to Selside Pike had me whooping for joy, luckily no one was around to hear except for the dogs who are used to my strange behaviour! The views from the descent on the Old Corpse Road are stunning. This was a walk I really enjoyed, with the added bonus of completing Book 2 The Far Eastern Fells.

Oct 26, 2011

Photos: 52

Red Pike, Wasdale

Off to Wasdale today for an ascent of Red Pike, one of my four remaining summits in this area. Setting off from Overbeck Bridge I followed the beck up to Dore Head. Looking up at Stirrup Crag on Yewbarrow it doesn't seem long since we braved that spectacular climb. Once up on Red Pike the cloud came down, obscuring most of the views. There seems to be a recurring theme here! I had hoped to find the cairn that is known as The Chair & think I was pretty close, but I decided to press on to the summit in case the conditions worsened. Whilst walking along the ridge in thick mist towards the summit a guy appeared who was not sure where the summit cairn was, so he stuck with me & my Satmap until we found it! Lol I then took an off path route of descent down towards Low Tarn.

Oct 25, 2011

Photos: 47

Hart Side

Another very grey day, but at least it's dry & quite warm. Today I climb Hart Side from Dockray & return by the same route to complete Book 1, The Eastern Fells.

Oct 23, 2011

Photos: 25

Great Calva & Bakestall

Grey skies & very windy today. I think the Northern fells will offer the best protection, so it's off to Peter House Farm for an assault of Great Calva & Bakestall. Very windy & wet on Great Calva. I descend over Little Calva & eat lunch in a sheltered spot whilst I decide if I can manage the very steep climb back up to Bakestall. Mission accomplished, to complete Book 5, The Northern Fells.

Oct 21, 2011

Photos: 18

Castle Crag

First walk of the holiday, an afternoon stroll from Rosthwaite up Castle Crag to exercise the dogs.

Oct 20, 2011

Photos: 27

Grey Crag & Tarn Crag, Longsleddale

It's a long drive down Longsleddale to Sadgill from the places that we usually stay in Lakeland, so whilst we were based near Kendal I really wanted to walk these two summits. We set off in grey conditions, but the weather soon worsened. Job done, but a very soggy, boggy walk. It took 3 days to dry the boots out! Nicer weather the next morning for a walk in the woods beside the River Kent before leaving for home.

Sep 21, 2011

Photos: 36

The Kentmere Horseshoe

Sep 20, 2011

Photos: 61

Yewbarrow via Stirrup Crag

The last day of our holiday & the forecast is poor, but we decide to take the bull by the horns & tackle Yewbarrow via Stirrup Crag. It's a wet drive to Wasdale which doesn't bode well, but after a gloomy start the weather just keeps on improving throughout the walk. A day to remember, not just for the walk but also for the fact that I somehow managed to loose a favourite pair of gloves & a Platypus mouthpiece!

May 30, 2011

Photos: 52

Low Lorton & Roger's Belated Birthday Bash

We have moved the caravan to Low Lorton for 3 nights, where we are joined by Sherran & Bill, as we have been invited to Roger's 60th birthday BBQ at Loweswater. His actual birthday was at Christmas, not the best time of year for a BBQ, so he decided to also have an 'Official Birthday'...like the Queen! After a wet & miserable morning, as if by magic the clouds disappeared & the sun shone from a blue sky. A wonderful time was had by all, thanks for inviting us Ann & Roger.

May 28, 2011

Photos: 38

An Exciting Route to Kirk Fell & Pillar

After meeting up with John Paterson & his dog Polly at Wasdale Head, we set off for Kirk Fell via Beck Head. An 'interesting' descent to Black Sail Pass was followed by the High Level Route to Pillar, via Robinson's Cairn and the Shamrock Traverse above Pillar Rock. Not the best of days for photography, although we did see some sunshine on Kirk Fell. A spectacular route & a fantastic day on the high fells.

May 27, 2011

Photos: 66

A grey day on Green Crag

May 26, 2011

Photos: 43

Goodbye Birchover, Hello Ravenglass

It's time to bring our caravan back from Birchover for the summer, but first a few days in Cumbria.

May 24, 2011

Photos: 37

Troutbeck Tongue & Time to go Home

The knees were playing up a bit by now, so Troutbeck Tongue seemed like a good idea for my last walk of the week. A very nice walk in weather that was brighter than it looks. The only downside of this walk were the unfriendly dogs at Troutbeck Park Farm who went for Bailey :o( the walking poles came in handy & he escaped unscathed! There are also photos from our accommodation & quite a few of the beautiful Herwick lambs that we were surrounded by. The two movie clips show our preferred evening viewing...better than TV any day!

May 13, 2011

Photos: 95

Great Carrs & Grey Friar with Jill & Nigel

After a wet morning I met up with Jill & Nigel on Wrynose Pass for an afternoon walk to Great Carrs & Grey Friar. We climbed up via Wet Side Edge which lived up to it's name. The summit of Great Carrs was reached without difficulty, but in the mist, rain & hail Grey Friar wasn't so easy to find! Our careful navigation finally paid off & we reached our goal. A lovely meal & some welcome warmth at The Three Shires Inn, in Little Langdale, ended another excellent outing.

May 12, 2011

Photos: 25

Mungrisedale Common

Today was the only day that we could meet up for a walk with Ann & Roger this week & due to time constraints it had to be a reasonably short one. So what better on such a nice day as an assault on mighty Mungrisdale Common ;o) Not many people relish doing this fell, in fact AW himself describes it thus "To add to it's other failings, Mungrisdale Common does not lend itself to illustration. Most fells have at least one good aspect, but the Common, from whatever side it is seen, has no more pretension to elegance than a pudding that has been sat on'' Which begs the question, why did he pick it as one of his 214 Wainwright summits?! Anyway, luckily for me the weather was good & the views excellent so this was yet another fell in this area that I enjoyed much more than I expected to. Maureen was delighted to achieve new heights on her two replacement knees & Ann very kindly returned to the cars with her after our lunch stop, leaving Roger, the 4 dogs & I to complete our bid for the summit.

May 11, 2011

Photos: 33

Rosset Pike with John

The plan for today was to climb Bowfell by the climber's traverse & the Great Slab, then to hopefully go on to do Esk Pike & Rosset Pike. With a wet start & high winds forecast we decided to play safe & start with Rosset Pike, going on to do the other two summits if it wasn't too windy. Unfortunately the forecast was right, the wind on the tops was high & extremely gusty, so with safety in mind we opted for the one summit with a return route via Stake Pass.

May 10, 2011

Photos: 47

Great Cockup & Meal Fell

May 9, 2011

Photos: 25

Gray Crag

Gray Crag on a grey day? It certainly started off that way, but things soon brightened up nicely. Another one of my 'one off' Wainwrights bites the dust :-)

May 8, 2011

Photos: 35

Back to the Lakes for the OFC 10th Anniversary Dinner

A rather last minute trip up to the Lakes to attend the OFC 10th Anniversary Dinner at Mary Mount Hotel in Borrowdale. A very special event, many thanks to those who made it possible. It was wonderful to meet friends old & new, just a shame that there wasn't more time to chat to everyone. A week's stay in Easedale followed....well, I couldn't come straight back home could I?!

May 7, 2011

Photos: 29

A Windy Day on Win Hill

It's a glorious sunny day, although quite windy. Off to Ladybower Reservoir & another new summit for Jill, Win Hill. A really lovely walk up to the top, & then on to Wooler Knoll, returning along the beautiful Woodlands Valley.

Apr 30, 2011

Photos: 75

Padley Gorge, Higger Tor, Carl Wark & the Longshaw Estate

It's Royal Wedding Day, so we decide to take advantage of the fact that there will be fewer people out walking than is usual on a bank holiday. Finding a parking space at Grindleford Station was a doddle & we only saw a handful of people afoot until the afternoon. A really lovely walk through steep woods & moorland.

Apr 29, 2011

Photos: 67

Clough Wood at Bluebell Time with Jill

Jill has come to spend a few days at Birchover. As soon as we are settled in it's off for a walk through the wonderful display of bluebells in Clough Wood.

Apr 24, 2011

Photos: 26

More 'Sites of Meaning'. A walk from Middleton-by-Youlgrave

A walk to complete my photographic collection of the eighteen 'Sites of Meaning' markerstones. http://www.sitesofmeaning.org.uk/

Apr 18, 2011

Photos: 51

Taddington & Brushfield

Another walk from Mark Richards' White Peak Walks, The Northern Dales. The route should start from The White Lodge picnic site off the A6, but we chose to start from the village of Taddington

Apr 17, 2011

Photos: 56

A Circuit of Chatsworth with Lorraine

Lorraine drove down from Yorkshire to Birchover today to join Bailey & I for a walk around Chatsworth Park. This was her first visit to the area, so it was nice to be able to show her the sights.

Apr 16, 2011

Photos: 71

Birchen, Gardom's & Baslow Edges

A walk from Robin Hood up onto Birchen Edge, across to Gardom's Edge & then to Curbar Gap. There I met David for lunch before Bailey & I headed back to Robin Hood via Baslow Edge.

Apr 15, 2011

Photos: 44

'Sites of Meaning' markerstones for the millennium & Arbor Low.

A walk from Youlgrave in search of 'Sites of Meaning' Followed by a visit to Arbour Low Stone Circle. Sites of Meaning are a millennium project of Middleton and Smerrill in the Derbyshire Peaks. http://www.sitesofmeaning.org.uk/index.htm

Mar 20, 2011

Photos: 69

The Dragon's Back & more with Lorraine, Lin & Chris

Today Bailey & I met up with fellow OFC members Lorraine, Lin & Chris for a wonderful walk in the Staffordshire Peaks. After a coffee at Longnor Craft Centre, we set off for our first peak of the day Chrome Hill. Several ups & downs later we descended down Dowel Dale & then it was up again over the airy ridge of Parkhouse Hill. Crossing the slopes of Hitter Hill we arrived at The Quiet Woman, just in time for liquid refreshment, the couple who turned up a short while later were not so lucky! Then it was off again for the last summit of the day High Wheeldon before returning to Longnor.

Mar 19, 2011

Photos: 89

Stanton Moor & Clough Wood

Two short walks, the first on Stanton Moor & the second to Clough Wood on the day we left for home.

Mar 18, 2011

Photos: 29

Round & About in the Derbyshire Peaks & Dales

A selection of photos taken over a period of a couple of years during short walks & car tours in the Peak District.

Feb 21, 2011

Photos: 88

Higger Tor, Carl Wark & Burbage Rocks

A short weekend in The Peaks & a lovely sunny Saturday walk on Hathersage Moor for Bailey & I.

Feb 12, 2011

Photos: 55

A Walk from Monyash with Jill & David

Jill & David join us for a walk from Monyash along the Limestone Way to One Ash Grange Farm. Dropping down through Cales Dale, we returned to Monyash along lovely Lathkill Dale.

Jan 23, 2011

Photos: 36

Stanton Moor Sunset

We were back at Birchover for the weekend & at the end of a sunny Friday I'm up on Stanton Moor hoping for a colourful sunset.

Jan 21, 2011

Photos: 38

Snowy Peakland

Another overnight trip to the Peaks to collect our caravan from Glossop. Unfortunately I only had time for a couple of short walks, which was rather frustrating in such wonderful winter conditions. Quite a few of these photos were taken from the moving car.

Dec 5, 2010

Photos: 36

A Cold Weekend in the Peaks

We had to take our caravan up to Glossop from Birchover for a service this weekend. I was looking forward to a couple of days walking in an area I'd rarely visited, but the good old British weather had other ideas! We left home for Birchover in sunshine, but woke on Saturday morning to a covering of snow. After walking Bailey we towed the van up to Hayfield for 2 nights stay, with only one slightly scary section of road to deal with on the way! There was virtually no snow as we headed north west, but boy was it cold! It was -10 that night & everything froze solid. By the time we'd sorted that out it was too late for a long walk, so I devised a route from Hayfield up over Lantern Pike & back to the caravan. Very nice it was too. Luckily the snow held off & we got to Glossop ok, but there was plenty of the white stuff waiting for us back home.

Nov 26, 2010

Photos: 64

Dove & Dowel from Hollinsclough

This is another walk from Mark Richards' 'White Peak Walks. The Southern Dales'. We start from Hollinsclough, which used to be famous for it's silk weaving industry. Following the rather muddy shelf path North of the village we soon reach Washgate Bridge, a delightful packhorse bridge. Mark's description of the cobbled lane that rises from the bridge states .... ''unadulterated by wheeled traffic (cross-country motorcyclists please note) it remains as functional as when first laid''...Unfortunately that does not apply nowadays, it has been ripped to pieces! Two trail bikers were tearing up & down it whilst we were there, such a shame! Beyond Booth farmhouse we deviated from the intended route down Dowel Dale, as the call of Chrome Hill was too strong to resist! Access was prohibited when the book was written. Up & over the Dragon's Back we went, to rejoin the route back to Hollinsclough. A glorious walk on a lovely day.

Nov 7, 2010

Photos: 47

A Linear Peakland Edge Walk

A wonderful walk along Baslow, Curbar & Froggett Edges on a beautiful Autumn day.

Nov 6, 2010

Photos: 46

A Walk from East Carlton on a Stunning Autumn Day

A lovely 7 mile walk in Northamptonshire with Sherran & Bill. Setting off from East Carlton Countryside Park we joined the Jurassic Way & headed for the village of Wilbarston. From there we went up to the old RAF Desborough Airfield, Wellington Bombers were flown from there during World War II. After a short road walk we followed an old Green Lane all the way to the village of Middleton, a distance of several miles. We then returned to East Carlton through the Countryside Park & ended a lovely walk with tea & cake at the visitor centre.

Oct 17, 2010

Photos: 64

High Pike (Caldbeck)

Time to bid a sad farewell to Loweswater, but there's unfinished business to attend to before we leave Lakeland. When I was forced to make a swift descent from Carrock Fell yesterday I said I'd be back...I just didn't expect it to be quite so soon!

Oct 4, 2010

Photos: 27

Carrock Fell

After a late start & a short shopping expedition in Keswick it was gone 2 o'clock by the time Maureen & I reached the Caldbeck Fells. We decided to drive up the beautiful Caldew Valley & enjoyed a picnic by the river before I set off for Carrock Fell. I had intended continuing to High Pike, but just as I reached the summit of Carrock Fell my route ahead was suddenly obscured by low cloud. Given the late time of day, I quickly decided to descend by the shortest route. Typically, when I was half way down the fellside the cloud lifted & the sun came out! But better to be safe than sorry.....I shall be back!

Oct 3, 2010

Photos: 21

Harter Fell (Eskdale)

Most of the family went off this morning for a Thomas the Tank Engine day on the Ravenglass and Eskdale railway, otherwise know as 'Lal Ratty'. Surprisingly, David decided to accompany me on an ascent of Harter Fell. It's some time since he was last on a mountain! A lovely walk in better weather than the rather gloomy photos portray! After the walk we stopped off at Dalegarth Station for a very nice cup of tea & a not so nice piece of cake!

Oct 2, 2010

Photos: 45

Bannerdale Crags & Bowscale Fell

Today I met John Paterson in the village of Mungrisdale for a walk to Bannerdale Crags & Bowscale Fell. We ascended Bannerdale Crags by the East Ridge, which was a wonderful route. A lot of the higher fells were under cloud today whilst we walked in lovely sunshine, so we made the right choice.

Sep 30, 2010

Photos: 39

The Priest's Hole Cave, Dove Crag, Little Hart Crag & High Hartsop Dodd

A great walk in the company of Jill, Nigel & Andrew Leaney. Starting from Cow Bridge we set off up Dovedale for the scramble up to The Priest's Hole Cave. Once up into the low clouds there were no views, but that in fact did make the cave feel very atmospheric! The rest of the walk was undertaken in murk with no views to speak of until we approached High Hartsop Dodd. Unfortunately, the photos are a bit of a disaster not only due to the damp low cloud & mist but also to the fact that my camera lens was misted & smeared for most of the walk! Fantastic to get up to the Priest's Hole Cave, in those conditions we would never have found it without Andrew's expert guidance. It was such a shame that the stunning views this walk provides were not in evidence, but a wonderful day to remember all the same.

Sep 28, 2010

Photos: 53

Whin Rigg & Illgill Head

The forecast today was for better weather to the south west, so we set off for Wasdale where we climbed Whin Rigg & Illgill Head. No brilliant sunshine, but a very pleasant day & certainly a lot better than it was in other areas. After the walk we enjoyed a very nice meal at The Strands Inn, Nether Wasdale.

Sep 27, 2010

Photos: 35

Beda Fell

A late start on the first day of our holiday so it's off to Ullswater for a walk up Beda Fell, one of the several 'one off' Wainwright summits that I have yet to do. A nice surprise after the walk was the chance to meet up with Jo Hall for a cup of tea in Pooley Bridge.

Sep 26, 2010

Photos: 38

A foray from Folkingham in search of a lost Princess.

Today we walk with Sherran & Bill from the lovely village of Folkingham which is on the edge of the Fens. The route visits a memorial to a tragic Welsh Princess.

Jul 25, 2010

Photos: 29

A Stunning Sunset & A Walk from Swinstead

Jill is here for the weekend & on Friday evening we wandered across the fields to watch the sun set in a blaze of glory. The next morning we set off on a rather hot & humid local walk.

Jul 24, 2010

Photos: 40

Two walks with Jill in East Yorkshire

An overnight visit to Jill's in very hot weather. Not a very long stay but we managed two walks, the first of which turned out to be well over 9 miles in length.

Jun 20, 2010

Photos: 64

Caw Fell, Haycock, Scoat Fell and Steeple

A wonderful walk with John & Polly to round off my holiday. A lovely walk in sunshine along the beautiful valley of Ennerdale was followed by a climb through thick, scratchy heather to the summit of Caw Fell. There the wind increased & the temperature dropped so we ate lunch in the shelter of the Ennerdale Wall. We followed the wall to the busy summit of Haycock & then on to Scoat Fell. Pillar was calling me, but it will have to wait for another visit! Our final summit was Steeple, a truly glorious airy peak & a fitting finale to an absolutely fantastic holiday.

May 31, 2010

Photos: 72

7 Far Eastern Fells with Dave & Josie

A wonderful walk from Hartsop with Dave & Josie, taking in the summits of Brock Crags, The Nab, Rest Dodd, Rampsgill Head, High Raise, Kidsty Pike & The Knott. A long walk with some steep ascents, there were some very tired feet after the long final descent to Hartsop! An absolutely fantastic day, spent in the best of company.

May 30, 2010

Photos: 62

Ullscarf

A wander with the 3 dogs, mostly off path, from Watendlath to the summit of Ullscarf. Rain had been forecast, but it was a glorious day. A day of peace, broken only by the song of Larks & with not another soul in sight. The notorious peat bogs were firm enough to walk on after the prolonged dry spell, so I think I chose the right time for tackling this fell! A rather special walk for me as this summit was my final one of Book 3 The Central Fells.

May 28, 2010

Photos: 59

Grike, Crag Fell, Whoap & Lank Rigg

Another walk with John & Polly today. A lovely walk over the rolling fells of Grike, Crag Fell, Whoap & Lank Rigg. We set off from the Cold Fell Road in rain, but before long the waterproofs were off & were not needed again. What looked as if it might be a rather dismal day changed to one of sunshine & fleeting shadows. A most enjoyable walk, especially the stunning views of Ennerdale from Crag Fell. Three more new Wainwright summits for me!

May 27, 2010

Photos: 44

Greendale Round with StridingEdge.net

Today twenty one Stridingedge.net followers met up with Sean, Casper & Dougal to walk the Greendale Round. Despite the rather mixed weather conditions, an absolutely wonderful day was had by all of us. Wasdale is just glorious & the views from Middle Fell, Seatallan & Buckbarrow were fantastic, if a little cloudy. They were all new summits for me, which was a real bonus. It was Rob's birthday & he very kindly provided some sweet treats to round off our lunch, followed by a 'Happy Birthday' chorus from us all. The highlight of the day was to meet Joss Naylor & his 3 dogs on the summit of Buckbarrow! What an interesting & amazing man, a real legend of the fells. The walk ended all too soon, but was followed by a drink at The Screes with plenty of time for chatting & hilarity. What a fantastic day it was!

May 26, 2010

Photos: 86

Rannerdale & Scale Hill

Rather a gloomy day today, so only two short dog walks. The first was to Rannerdale to see the famous bluebells. This is the first time I have ever been here at the right time of year to see them & I was not dissapointed. Not the best conditions for photography unfortunately, I meant to return in sunshine but never found the time! The second little walk was up through Lanthwaite Wood to the summit of Scale Hill, marked on the map as Brackenthwaite Hows. A lovely spot with good views all around.

May 25, 2010

Photos: 28

High Tove, Armboth Fell & Raven Crag

After meeting up with John & Polly at Watendlath, we set off for the summit of High Tove. Nearby Armboth Fell was quickly achieved, a rather uninspiring summit! We then carried on to Fisher Crag, not a 'Wainwright' but much more inspiring with stunning views over Thirlmere to the Helvellyn range. After lunch on the summit we descended to Armboth & followed the delightful shoreline path. Close to the dam we climbed steeply through woodland to the summit of Raven Crag where we enjoyed yet more stunning views. A slight detour to Castle Crag Hill Fort was followed by a moorland crossing & re-ascent of High Tove before dropping down to Watendlath. Three new summits for me & a wonderful walk to start off my holiday. There was a bit of a surprise on the drive back down to Ashness Bridge & I don't just mean the well known viewpoint!

May 24, 2010

Photos: 59

Loweswater

Photos of locals & views taken at Loweswater during my 10 day 'dog sitting' holiday. The last few photos were taken on the morning of June 2nd, a date that will long be remembered with great sadness by Cumbrians & all those who love this very special corner of England.

May 23, 2010

Photos: 44

Chee Dale

I'd been meaning to walk along Chee Dale for some time but for some reason I wasn't overexcited by the idea. Once there I was delighted to realise what a wonderful riverside route it was. The highlight of the walk for me were the two long stretches of large stepping stones. Not a route to try when the river's high though!

May 8, 2010

Photos: 52

Parkhouse & Chrome along a Dragon's Back

Today I met up with fellow OFC member Angela Clarke for the first time. We started our walk from Earl Sterndale & ascended Parkhouse & Chrome Hills, then up to High Edge before returning by Dowel Dale & Upper Edge. I had already been up both Parkhouse & Chrome, but this was my first proper walk in this lovely area. Nice weather & good company made for an excellent day out.

May 7, 2010

Photos: 37

Springtime Wanderings

Apr 21, 2010

Photos: 83

Chelmorton & Deepdale

A more gentle route today as David was joining me for my birthday walk. This is another route from Mark Richards' 'White Peak Walks'. His route starts from Wye Dale car park, but we decided to set off from Chelmorton where there is a nice pub for liquid refreshment at the end of the walk.

Apr 9, 2010

Photos: 52

Derwent Edge

A lovely linear walk from Strines Bridge up onto Derwent Edge. After visiting Back Tor & Lost Lad I followed the edge past Dovestone Tor, the Salt Cellar & White Tor before descending to Ladybower Reservoir by the old packhorse trail. Then I walked to the dam & my collection point at Fairholmes car park.

Apr 8, 2010

Photos: 83

Magpie Mine

Magpie Mine, in Derbyshire, is probably the best example in the UK of a 19th century lead mine. It has a fascinating history spanning more than 200 years. Every era of working has left its mark on the Magpie Mine site. The most obvious feature is the Cornish Engine House, dating from 1869. The adjacent circular chimney was built in 1840 to serve an earlier engine, but then re-used. The square chimney was also built in 1840 to serve a winding engine of which all trace has now disappeared. A flue was built to connect the chimney to the 1869 horizontal winding engine, easily identified by the winding drum on the outside of the engine house. Just in front of the Cornish Engine House is the Main Shaft, marked by the steel headgear and cage dating from the 1950's operation. The corrugated iron shed housed the winder and has the distinction of being one of only three corrugated iron buildings in the country to be accorded Scheduled Monument status.

Apr 7, 2010

Photos: 22

Doll Tor Stone Circle

Doll Tor, occasionally known as the Six Stones, is a small stone circle near Stanton Moor. Dating from the Bronze Age, the circle consists of six standing stones. The site was excavated in 1852 by Thomas Bateman, and again from 1931 to 1933 by J. P. Heathcote. During this second excavation, three stones were smashed and later repaired with cement. In 1993, unknown visitors rearranged the stones to create a more complete but historically inaccurate circle. It was later restored to something close to its original appearance, two fallen stones being re-erected.

Mar 28, 2010

Photos: 22

Birchover to Youlgreave with Sherran & Bill

A rather late start as Sherran & Bill had travelled over from Peterborough for the day, so a linear walk seemed a good idea. It was their first visit to Birchover & I wanted to show them some of the local points of interest. We set off on a circuit of Stanton Moor (no photos from there) then explored Rowtor Rocks. After that we headed over to The Hermit's Cave, then onto Robin Hood's Stride before finally descending to Youlgreave.

Mar 28, 2010

Photos: 20

Eldon Hole

Eldon Hole is one of the Seven Wonders of the Peak. It was considered to be the largest pothole in Derbyshire & used to be feared as the entrance to a bottomless pit or even to Hell itself. It is 20ft wide and about 100ft long at the surface but it's steep sides drop to over 200ft. There are tales of people being lowered into it, coming back out as gibbering idiots & of a goose belonging to a local woman that flew down into the hole when chased. It's said to have emerged three days later at Peak Cavern in Castleton with its feathers singed having been to Hell and back! In the 1700s a traveller was murdered & thrown into Eldon Hole. The hole was descended in 1780 by a geologist who reported that it was not bottomless. In 1958 a farmer lost a prized heifer which fell to its death, he considered blowing up the hole to seal it. Many years ago Eldon Hill, at 1540 ft, was thought to be where elves lived. Local people stated that there are 'elves on t'hill' hence the name Eldon Hill.

Mar 26, 2010

Photos: 42

A Birthday Walk on Stanage Edge

The last walk of our holiday had to be up high as it was someone's special day! The sun was shining so what better than a wander along Stanage Edge. Although I'd been up on the edge a few times before, this was my first visit to High Neb & Crow Chin. Stanage Edge is the largest of the gritstone edges that overlook Hathersage at approximately 4 miles in length.

Mar 19, 2010

Photos: 50

Thors Cave, Grindon & Wetton Hills

This route was taken from White Peak Walks, The Southern Dales by Mark Richards. Although this walk starts off in Derbyshire it does at some point cross into Staffordshire. Thors Cave is an old favourite of mine, I first visited it many years ago.

Mar 18, 2010

Photos: 47

An Evening Stroll on Baslow Edge

Today we had a morning walk on Stanage Moor, but I left the photography there to Jill. After some gift shopping & light refreshments, we drove up to Cubar Gap for a stroll along Baslow Edge as the sun was setting.

Mar 17, 2010

Photos: 16

Mam Tor

A lovely morning saw us on Mam Tor before it got too busy. The amount of people increased as we progressed along the Great Ridge & we ate lunch on Lose Hill surrounded by folk. As always it was a wonderful walk & good to get up high the easy way!

Mar 16, 2010

Photos: 28

Two Short Peak District Walks

First a morning walk on Mother's Day with David. Down through Clough Wood, then across to Winster where we had a drink at The Old Bowling Green before returning to Birchover. Not a long walk but there are a lot of ups & downs. The next day Jill arrived & after lunch we set off on a walk to see some of the local sights.

Mar 14, 2010

Photos: 30

Baslow, Curbar & Froggatt Edges with Lorraine

Today I met up for the first time with Lorraine, a fellow member of the OFC. Setting off from Grindleford Station, our intended route was to join the path beside the River Derwent at Grindleford following it to Calver & then up onto Baslow Edge. However, Grindleford was swarming with folk taking part in the Grindleford Gallop so a change of plan seemed a good idea. Climbing up to Hay Wood we found a route below the edges that passed through several areas of lovely woodland. We then made our way up to the Wellington Memorial on Baslow Edge where we enjoyed a bite to eat. Our return route followed Baslow, Curbar & Froggatt Edges, where we were overtaken from time to time by Grindleford Gallopers. We then descended back down to Lower Padley through Hay Wood.

Mar 13, 2010

Photos: 67

Magical, Mystical Stanton Moor

At first glance Stanton Moor is just a small area of moorland with a stone circle & some lovely views over the surrounding area. Delve a little deeper & it turns out to be so much more. After a year of wanderings on the moor I have found it to be a magical place. To Druids it is a sacred site & large gatherings occur for the summer solstice, also for naming ceremonies & pagan weddings. There are many standing stones on the moor, also hundreds of carved stones & dozens of small disused quarries. Nearly every time I visit I find something new, it's a very special place & has become dear to my heart.

Mar 10, 2010

Photos: 101

A March to Fort Henry

A beautiful frosty, blue sky morning saw Bailey & I setting off on a good walk of over 10miles. Starting from the pretty village of Exton in Rutland, we walked through Exton Park on the Viking Way & down to the village of Greetham. From there we made our way to Greetham Valley & then back into the park for lunch at Fort Henry, encountering a couple of re-routed footpaths on the way. I could have returned to Exton from here, but the sun was still shining so I extended the walk & carried on down to Horn Mill trout hatchery & along a lovely hidden valley back to the village.

Mar 2, 2010

Photos: 54

Has Spring Sprung?

After what seems like weeks of misty grey days at last the sun is shining. So the camera accompanies me on my morning Bailey walk.

Mar 1, 2010

Photos: 18

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