Thursday 22 May 2014

Hayeswater Loop - A few in the Far East

Taking advantage of the continuing high pressure, a quick dash into the Far Eastern Fells from Hartsop. For baggers this is an ideal route, as the final four tops can be bagged in less than half an hour! As the day progressed it unfortunately slowly clouded over.

Gray Crag from Hartsop...

Wednesday 21 May 2014

Keskadale Circuit - Robinson & Co.

The Newlands Valley is amongst my favourites in the lakes and is home to the popular Newlands Horseshoe, but a smaller often overlooked horseshoe can be made of Robinson and the two smaller Wainwrights of Knott Rigg & Ard Crags.

Robinson & High Snab Bank...

Around the Old Man - Coniston Eight

A friend had asked me to take him around the Kentmere Horseshoe, I agreed but as I had only been over these again the week previous I was relieved when at the last minute he changed his mind, selecting the Coniston Fells. As he is only half way through the Wainwrights he was quite keen to tick off all eight despite the rather disappointing low cloud.

Copper Mine Valley, will it clear???

Wednesday 14 May 2014

Caves, Circles, Castles, Tables & even a Henge

Another visit to Lacy's Caves and a few other attractions dotted around Little Salkeld & Penrith, an escape from the Lakes on a bank holiday...

Previous visit to Lacy's Cave

Lacy's Caves, situated beside the River Eamont...

Cunswick Scar & Scout Scar - Still cheating!!

Another two outliers, I would have liked to follow Wainwrights full route over these but for now I only had time for a quick dash, taking advantage of the free LDNPA car park in a small quarry near the antenna on the Kendal to Underbarrow road. There's more parking at the access road to the mast, both of which where quite busy for a mid week morning & it seemed a popular walk for Kendal's dog walkers.

Looking back at the antenna near the car park... 

Friday 2 May 2014

Identity crisis on Little Lingy Hill

Sometimes hill lists collide, one may side with the OS, another may go with what is obvious on the ground -  Little Lingy Hill is one of those tops caught in this uncertainty. Birkett places it to the more prominent lump above Iron Crag, while the Synge list sides with the OS and plumps with an insignificant bump in Miller Moss.

I've previously visited these tops before, even the boggy insignificant Synge summit has been crossed whilst taking a shortcut across Miller Moss (not recommended) but to describe this as a Lakeland Summit is stretching the dictionary definition of a 'summit'.

A friend has asked me what the ascent of  Roughtongill is like so its a little photo heavy, its not a difficult climb but when the gill is in spate or in winter conditions it should be approached with care.

It should be noted that the LDNPA has placed a restriction of mineral collection in the area described by this walk to preserve the rare minerals for the nation, its ok for United Utilities to use the mineral rich mine spoil to repair pot holes on there track, or samples to slowly be washed down the valley. A successful prosecution can lead to a £20,000 fine, I've seen a few threatening signs in Hay Gill - but the only attempted prosecution was above the Plumbago Mines in Borrowdale. 

The valley of Dale Beck is worth a visit...