This page chronicles my trekking around the beautiful Lake District, completing the 214 Wainwright peaks in a 12 month period - between 12 July 2014 and 12 July 2015. I will be updating this page as I go along.
#1 - Binsey (a Northern Fell)
completed on 12 July 2014
It was a really warm day, although a little overcast, we started the walk from a small road, just over 1km SE from the peak and followed a defined track up the fell. Reaching the top, there were two defined cairns and a trig point, I took the opportunity to "plank" on top, and took a few pictures with my family (and fellow walkers).
#2 - Lingmoor Fell (a Southern Fell)
completed on 15 July 2014
The weather couldn't seem to make its mind up - alternating between sunny and humid, and breezy and overcast. We started at Blea Tarn, walking along the road and then following a path along a wall up the hill, then crossing at a stile and following a fence all the way up to the summit at Brown How (or as I kept on saying, "How now brown cow.") The path between the style and the summit was fairly steep with loose slate, so we all struggled a little to keep our footing - and had to be really careful coming back down. With the dog (a large Rhodesian Ridgeback) there was nowhere for him to cross at the stile, and dad needed to lift him over - so if you don't think you can lift your dog, I wouldn't recommend the route we took!
#3 - Holme Fell (a Southern Fell)
completed on 15 July 2014
This route was much improved by the fact that there was plenty of shelter under woodland on the ascent! We followed a gully more or less to the top, and then ascended the right hand peak (Holme Fell). Beautiful views of Coniston Water greeted us from the summit. On the way down, we met a quartet of retired hikers and self-proclaimed "hill baggers", all heading to the peak of this under-valued Wainwright.
#4 - Black Fell, or Black Crag (a Southern Fell)
completed on 15 July 2014
We ascended this peak via a circuit, starting at Oxen Fell High Cross on the A593, and following a bridlepath past Arnside Intake and then up through the Iron Keld plantation. From the wall at the northern side of the plantation to the summit, it felt a lot further than the 500m suggested by the map, and there was a bit of confusion about which direction we were supposed to be going. At the top, I made a point of enjoying the trig point, and we took quite a few really good pictures and then enjoyed a leisurely stroll down Park Fell and Hollin Bank. A short jaunt along the road took us back to the car!
#5 - Blencathra (a Northern Fell)
completed on 16 July 2014
Unfortunately no picture for this one! Ascended in very thick mist/low cloud from Scales Farm, and then up the valley to Scales Tarn. We attempted a climb up Sharp Edge, but we quickly realised that it was too dangerous to complete this climb in such low visibility and when the rocks were so wet. So, climbing down, we went around the western side of the tarn and up a steep hill. After about 700m, and a steep ascent, we took a sharp left (and had a debate about navigation, which I won) and I took us up to the summit. At the time, however, we weren't confident that it was in fact the summit, as we couldn't see more than 5m in front of our faces, and could not see a cairn. The circle on the ground seemed a bit mysterious, and the weather was taking a turn for the worse, so we decided to quickly return to the car, this time down Scales Fell, and as we got closer to the road, the cloud shifted and gave us some lovely views of the valley. When we got home, we google-imaged pictures of the summit, and lo-and-behold there is a circle on the ground of Blencathra - we just couldn't see the cairn through the mist. Another Wainwright bagged.
#6 - Barrow (a North-Western Fell)
completed on 20 July 2014
Don't let the grey skies deceive you, today was very warm! We climbed Barrow from Braithwaite, the first in a small circuit round via Sail (see #10) and then our walking cut short because we ran out of water for the dog. This fell was bigger than it looked - but probably more because I had always been under a false impression about which bit was the top (clearly I was a victim of wishful thinking.) At the top of this fell, we met a lovely couple (who I regret I didn't get the names of, but their dog was called Honey) and spent a while chatting - the lady was on her 200th Wainwright! I've got quite a way to go before I'm even close, but have everything to aim for. There was a really distinctive path up this Wainwright, so no issues navigating.
#7 - Outerside (a North-Western Fell)
completed on 20 July 2014
Now, with this one, I'll be honest, we did get a bit confused. This is Outerside (take 2), and it turns out that where we thought we were the first time wasn't Outerside at all. We took a path up the NE side of this fell, and we were very glad we did. When traversing the way down the other side, it was very steep and fairly craggy, albeit with a clear path. The views from this fell were fantastic, with Grisedale Pike hiding under a thick belt of cloud.
#8 - Causey Pike (a NW Fell)
completed on 20 July 2014
For this peak, we felt the best ascent was from much further up the valley, and then following a path which took us diagonally across the fell. At its steepest side, Causey Pike was not much more than a cliff face, and the prospect of falling off the top was a fairly scary one (we kept close eye on the dog!). One of the more popular fells we've been to, with quite a lot of people at the summit.
#9 - Scar Crags (a North-Western Fell)
completed on 20 July 2014
A short walk along the ridge from Causey Pike, Scar Crags were nowhere near as difficult as I thought they were going to be. There were fantastic views to Force Crag mines (and the new "settling ponds" which clean the water and smell like rotten eggs if you get close, but *look* like little swimming pools from the top of a mountain). A couple of small cairns marked the summit, and there was a clear view to our next destination - Sail.
#10 - Sail (a North-Western Fell)
completed on 20 July 2014
Behind me, in this picture, you can see Crag Hill. This was to be the next destination on today's journey had the weather been cooler, and there been more streams around for the dog. Ascent was via a zig-zag path, (as my dad kept telling me, 18 little stints in walking) and I was constantly updated on how many we had to go as we went up. At the top, there is a small cairn before you reach a flat summit with what we assumed was a cairn, fairly small and surrounded by bog. I drew a sailing boat on my whiteboard - maybe it would make sure I didn't drown in the bog?
#11 - Grike (a Western Fell)
completed on 22 July 2014
We ascended this peak from Ennerdale Bridge and were up on the peak by 8:30am - trying to avoid the sun where we could! Had to crack the sunglasses out for the first time this holiday. The walk up was tiring, but we feasted on wild bilberries (like blueberries) and enjoyed resting next to a gorgeous waterfall as we climbed the hill on the way up.
#12 - Crag Fell (a Western Fell)
completed on 22 July 2014
We walked along a well established path from Grike to Crag Fell along a wall - which made this fell almost a pleasure to visit. Views to Ennerdale were spectacular and we could see all the way to Scotland! Weather was hot, hot, hot! Applying suncream all the time!
#13 - Lank Rigg (a Western Fell)
completed on 22 July 2014
We wandered down Crag Fell and past a tree plantation that had recently been removed - it seemed a bit apocalyptic, but I imagine within a few years there will be some native trees growing in this area. We climbed Whoap (which unfortunately wasn't a Wainwright) and then could clearly see the trig point that marked the summit in the distance. We followed a fairly distinct path to the summit, taking a few breaks on the way up. Took a planking shot at the top of this one - taking advantage of the available pun: Lank Rigg = Plank Rigg.
completed on 22 July 2014
We ascended this peak from Ennerdale Bridge and were up on the peak by 8:30am - trying to avoid the sun where we could! Had to crack the sunglasses out for the first time this holiday. The walk up was tiring, but we feasted on wild bilberries (like blueberries) and enjoyed resting next to a gorgeous waterfall as we climbed the hill on the way up.
completed on 22 July 2014
We walked along a well established path from Grike to Crag Fell along a wall - which made this fell almost a pleasure to visit. Views to Ennerdale were spectacular and we could see all the way to Scotland! Weather was hot, hot, hot! Applying suncream all the time!
completed on 22 July 2014
We wandered down Crag Fell and past a tree plantation that had recently been removed - it seemed a bit apocalyptic, but I imagine within a few years there will be some native trees growing in this area. We climbed Whoap (which unfortunately wasn't a Wainwright) and then could clearly see the trig point that marked the summit in the distance. We followed a fairly distinct path to the summit, taking a few breaks on the way up. Took a planking shot at the top of this one - taking advantage of the available pun: Lank Rigg = Plank Rigg.
#14 - Caw Fell (a Western Fell)
completed on 22 July 2014
From Lank Rigg, this was an interesting one. We went back via Whoap along the path we came on to a wall that led all the way to Caw Fell. We had a rest on some crags on the way, using my lovely new stove to make a much needed cup of tea, and then powered on to the summit. When we got up to the top, we weren't quite sure which side of the wall we needed to be on, so we hopped over a few times - got there eventually!
#15 - Haycock (a Western Fell)
completed on 22 July 2014
The walk to Haycock was fairly simple - we followed a wall down through a dip, over Little Gowder Fell and then up to Haycock. The last 300m was fairly rocky, and the warm weather had brought out a plethora of midges, wasps and hornets. We didn't stop for too long!
#16 - Scoat Fell (a Western Fell)
completed on 22 July 2014
Blinking in this picture, sorry! Once again, a fairly simple ascent. The wall took us down a dip and then up Scoat Fell. We took the corner of the wall, with Cairn and shelter as the top, but there were lots of cairns out and about. From here onwards was Steeple!
#17 - Steeple (a Western Fell)
completed on 22 July 2014
This one was a bit scary - the cloud had come down and the only path there seemed a bit precarious, with what seemed like a sheer drop either side. Only 10 minutes of climbing from Scoat Fell, it wasn't too difficult, with a bit of a scramble towards the top. Dad didn't come all the way to the top with me - he doesn't like heights!
#18 - Red Pike (a Western Fell)
completed on 22 July 2014
The cloud had come down, giving a well needed reprieve from the glaring sun, and we had to go on a bearing until we found the path from Scoat Fell. We gingerly made our way up, as the drop into the valley looked a bit frightening, but gained confidence as we went. We met a man with his two daughters at the summit, and another really nice family that were going wild swimming.
#19 - Haystacks (a Western Fell)
completed on 23 July 2014
The ascent from Wasdale Head was a bit frustrating - we ascended the valley by Kirk Fell to the Black Sail Pass, and then down nearly to Black Sail Hut at the bottom of the valley, crossing on a footbridge, before following the river up the valley and then climbing a path by a stream to gain height on Haystacks. We followed the boundary posts, taking a break to enjoy Innominate Tarn.
"All I ask for, at the end, is a last long resting place by the side of Innominate Tarn, on Haystacks, where the water gently laps the gravelly shore and the heather blooms and Pillar and Gable keep unfailing watch. A quiet place, a lonely place. I shall go to it, for the last time, and be carried: someone who knew me in life will take me and empty me out of a little box and leave me there alone. And if you, dear reader, should get a bit of grit in your boot as you are crossing Haystacks in the years to come, please treat it with respect. It might be me." - A. Wainwright
completed on 6th October 2014
On the first day that I arrived on my October trip, my dad and I decided to stay fairly low due to horrible weather. We ascended Rannerdale Knotts from Buttermere and came back down the way we came. I hadn't quite worked out the intricacies of packing my bag yet, so my whiteboard pens ended up soaked through with rainwater and they could barely work well enough to be seen on my whiteboard - but I got there, and will definitely be returning in May for the bluebells!
On the first day that I arrived on my October trip, my dad and I decided to stay fairly low due to horrible weather. We ascended Rannerdale Knotts from Buttermere and came back down the way we came. I hadn't quite worked out the intricacies of packing my bag yet, so my whiteboard pens ended up soaked through with rainwater and they could barely work well enough to be seen on my whiteboard - but I got there, and will definitely be returning in May for the bluebells!
#21 - Fleetwith Pike
completed on 6th October 2014
It had dried up by lunchtime, and dad and I parked in Honister Slate Mine car park, ascending Fleetwith pike via the mines. It was a lovely walk with some magnificent views - fairly gentle all things considered! This is a walk that will be bringing me back again and again, definitely a favourite.
#22 - Grey Knotts
completed on 7th October 2014
Ascended from Honister Slate Mine car park (having paid £5 for the days' parking) and we followed a wall all the way to the summit, closely followed by a group of dutch walkers - though they were a bit further behind by the time we reached the top.
Ascended from Honister Slate Mine car park (having paid £5 for the days' parking) and we followed a wall all the way to the summit, closely followed by a group of dutch walkers - though they were a bit further behind by the time we reached the top.
#23 - Brandreth
completed on 7th October 2014
About 1km from Grey Knotts, this was a very easy Wainwright to 'tick off'. The terrain was grassy and scattered with rocks, and a fair few cairns - it was a bit difficult to work out which one was in fact the top, so we visited them all. Lovely and sunny at this point, even cracked the sunglasses out!
#24 - Green Gable
completed on 7th October 2014
Genuinely 'Green,' which was a welcome feature, as dad and I had been making jokes all day about the fact that Pillar didn't look like a pillar, and Kirk Fell might have been named when Captain Kirk fell over? Gently inclining on the ascent (at least compared to it's big brother behind).
Genuinely 'Green,' which was a welcome feature, as dad and I had been making jokes all day about the fact that Pillar didn't look like a pillar, and Kirk Fell might have been named when Captain Kirk fell over? Gently inclining on the ascent (at least compared to it's big brother behind).
#25 - Great Gable
completed on 7th October 2014
A bit of a scramble up, having to use both hands and feet on a number of occasions. But while the ascent was a challenge, the views were worth it, and the descent was worse. We took a bearing on a 'right of way' marked by cairns, but ended up descending via a rather lethal scree slope...
#26 - Kirk Fell
completed on 7th October 2014
...but ended up at the base of Kirk Fell safe and sound. We followed boundary posts for this ascent as visibility became a real problem - at its worst, we couldn't see more than 5m ahead of us due to dense cloud.
...but ended up at the base of Kirk Fell safe and sound. We followed boundary posts for this ascent as visibility became a real problem - at its worst, we couldn't see more than 5m ahead of us due to dense cloud.
#27 - Dodd
completed on 8th October 2014
An enjoyable walk, and probably one of the first Wainwrights that I ever completed about 15 years ago. Legs aching from the day before, we had decided to give ourselves a bit of a rest, and we were glad we didn't go any higher as there was a rather brisk wind up at the top!
#28 - Whiteless Pike
completed on 10th October 2014
I left my youth hostel at 4.45am on my first solo walk of this mission. With dense cloud and no sunlight, navigation was a real challenge and I ended up taking bearings and pacing distances for the entire ascent. I was very glad to get to the top!
I left my youth hostel at 4.45am on my first solo walk of this mission. With dense cloud and no sunlight, navigation was a real challenge and I ended up taking bearings and pacing distances for the entire ascent. I was very glad to get to the top!
#29 - Wandope
completed on 10th October 2014
Up a ridge from Whiteless Pike, visibility had barely improved - only a bend in the path and a couple of bearings made me confident that I had reached the top of this Wainwright - I think I may return one day in better weather to see what it actually looks like and to see if I can find the cairn!
#30 - Crag Hill (Eel Crag)
completed on 10th October 2014
This is one I had done in summer 2013, in much better weather and planked for the first time. This time, it was raining, miserable, and somebody had piled stones on the trig point, making planking (if not impossible) very uncomfortable, so I avoided it. Didn't stay long - very cold!
This is one I had done in summer 2013, in much better weather and planked for the first time. This time, it was raining, miserable, and somebody had piled stones on the trig point, making planking (if not impossible) very uncomfortable, so I avoided it. Didn't stay long - very cold!
#31 - Grasmoor
completed on 10th October 2014
I reached this fell at 8 o'clock in the morning, with sun breaking through the clouds, and I was incredibly happy to be there! After a phone call to my mum and a couple of celebratory texts that I'd already done 4 fells that morning, I took a moment to enjoy the views of the walk that I was yet to do.
#32 - Hopegill Head
completed on 10th October 2014
Up Sand Hill, and over to Hopegill Head, this wasn't anywhere near as difficult a walk as I had expected. I loved the view over to Ladyside Pike, and despite the fact that it isn't a Wainwright, I will definitely be walking that one sunny day in future.
Up Sand Hill, and over to Hopegill Head, this wasn't anywhere near as difficult a walk as I had expected. I loved the view over to Ladyside Pike, and despite the fact that it isn't a Wainwright, I will definitely be walking that one sunny day in future.
#33 - Whiteside
completed on 10th October 2014
In one word - lethal! Rain had made the walk over the ridge a real challenge, and I was reinforcing every step with two poles and taking it very slowly. Definitely a walk for a dry day.
#34 - Grisedale Pike
completed on 10th October 2014
Raining and miserable, the views over the craggy drop-offs on the ascent had given me a little vertigo, I must admit. The interesting thing was somebody that I met on the way down: a man had decided to go for a walk in his work attire (button-up shirt and black trousers, with work-shoes) and an umbrella - simply bazaar!
Raining and miserable, the views over the craggy drop-offs on the ascent had given me a little vertigo, I must admit. The interesting thing was somebody that I met on the way down: a man had decided to go for a walk in his work attire (button-up shirt and black trousers, with work-shoes) and an umbrella - simply bazaar!
#35 - Knott Rigg
completed on 11th October 2014
Beautiful weather - I walked up the Newlands Valley to Newlands Hause and ascended via the signposted footpath. It took a lot longer than I thought it would and there was no really obvious summit cairn, so I improvised, took some bearings to make sure I was at the top and took my pictures.
#36 - Ard Crags
completed on 11th October 2014
Along the ridge from Knott Rigg, and with some beautiful views. Weather stayed lovely, but a couple of looming clouds gave me pause, and I hot-footed it back to Buttermere, dodging a shower or two along the way.
Along the ridge from Knott Rigg, and with some beautiful views. Weather stayed lovely, but a couple of looming clouds gave me pause, and I hot-footed it back to Buttermere, dodging a shower or two along the way.
#37 - Catbells
completed on 13th October 2014
One of my favourite walks, I've done Catbells a fair few times. I ascended up Skelgill bank, which always deceives me into thinking I'm there before I get anywhere near the top, but made good time regardless and got some great pictures.
#38 - Maiden Moor
completed on 13th October 2014
This was a new one for me, I ascended from Catbells, and passed a few walkers on the ascent. Once again, this one had no really obvious top, but I found the cairn eventually and it was good enough for me! I think my favourite bit about this fell was how much it reminded me of Dartmoor - and all of the walks that I completed on Ten Tors. It wasn't a huge incline, and that was something that I really appreciated.
This was a new one for me, I ascended from Catbells, and passed a few walkers on the ascent. Once again, this one had no really obvious top, but I found the cairn eventually and it was good enough for me! I think my favourite bit about this fell was how much it reminded me of Dartmoor - and all of the walks that I completed on Ten Tors. It wasn't a huge incline, and that was something that I really appreciated.
completed on 13th October 2014
Now, this one had a very very very obvious cairn! I had stopped off at Blea Crag for a snack on the way, and had seen this cairn in the far distance - it was practically a beacon. A very friendly couple who were staying near Grange took my photo for me - thank you!
#40 - Dale Head
completed on 13th October 2014
I descended High Spy and made my way to Dale Head tarn, which I skirted around, and then took a bearing up the side of this fell. I could see a path, but it looked largely made of small chippings which usually do a number on my ankles, so I followed sheep tracks instead and made really good time doing it.
I descended High Spy and made my way to Dale Head tarn, which I skirted around, and then took a bearing up the side of this fell. I could see a path, but it looked largely made of small chippings which usually do a number on my ankles, so I followed sheep tracks instead and made really good time doing it.
#41 - Hindscarth
completed on 13th October 2014
This was a very enjoyable walk across from Dale Head, along a ridge and with the summit clearly in sight - always a great feature of any walk. I didn't stay for long due to winds picking up, but took a couple of snaps before leaving.
#42 - Robinson
completed on 13th October 2014
Wind was a real problem on this fell, causing my camera to fly all over the place. While ascent had been no problem, I can see no enjoyable way to go down this one, except for the way I came up. I descended via High Snockrigg (very marshy) and down to Buttermere (very steep).
Wind was a real problem on this fell, causing my camera to fly all over the place. While ascent had been no problem, I can see no enjoyable way to go down this one, except for the way I came up. I descended via High Snockrigg (very marshy) and down to Buttermere (very steep).
#43 - Mellbreak
completed on 14th October 2014
A gentle walk after the previous day's marathon - I walked to Scale Bridge and towards Scale Force, crossing the river and ascending Mellbreak on it's southern side. Beautiful views across Crummock Water and Buttermere can be found on the ascent, but not from the summit.
#44 - High Crag
completed on 15th October 2014
I completed this walk with a new friend, Tony, and we ascended via Scarth Gap and over Seat where we had elevensies - or tensies as the case may be. Very steep and daunting, but rewarding once we got the height.
I completed this walk with a new friend, Tony, and we ascended via Scarth Gap and over Seat where we had elevensies - or tensies as the case may be. Very steep and daunting, but rewarding once we got the height.
#45 - High Stile
completed on 15th October 2014
Lots of cairns along the top, and we visited most to make sure we could truly claim to have been to the highest point. Fantastic views could be found down both the Ennerdale Valley and down to Buttermere, this fell truly does leave you spoilt for choice.
#46 - Red Pike (Buttermere)
completed on 15th October 2014
Here's Tony! Once we had the height at High Stile, coming across to Red Pike was no trouble at all. The shelter was welcome though, as the wind was really starting to pick up and it was getting rather cold.
Here's Tony! Once we had the height at High Stile, coming across to Red Pike was no trouble at all. The shelter was welcome though, as the wind was really starting to pick up and it was getting rather cold.
#47 - Starling Dodd
completed on 15th October 2014
Two cairns grace the top of this fell, one of stone and one of steel. Boundary posts had been bundled up and made some kind of impression of a cairn which was really quite interesting. This was a great walk, and a change of terrain to what I had been used to.
#48 - Great Borne
completed on 15th October 2014
My lasting memory of Great Borne is being chased by what we think was a red grouse on the descent (very territorial apparently!). Planking as usual, and there were some breathtaking views - the stones were warm in hue, and made it a perfect mix of moor and beach, supplemented by sea views.
My lasting memory of Great Borne is being chased by what we think was a red grouse on the descent (very territorial apparently!). Planking as usual, and there were some breathtaking views - the stones were warm in hue, and made it a perfect mix of moor and beach, supplemented by sea views.
#49 - Walla Crag
completed on 17th October 2014
A well known 'beauty spot', I chose to do this one as I only really had a couple of hours to do a walk and I knew it was going to rain. I ascended from Castlerigg (well, Keswick, then via Castlerigg) and I really saw why it is so popular - Derwent Water looked fantastic, and it's a fairly easy walk to achieve the stunning views across to Catbells.
#50 - Low Fell
completed on 20th October 2014
A couple of months ago, I wrote about my ascent up Barrow, where I met a woman called Sharon, her husband Simon and their dog Honey. I completed this walk with Sharon and Honey, and it reminded me how fantastic it is to meet people out when walking. Low Fell gifted us with beautiful views over Loweswater, but clouds were clearly coming in.
A couple of months ago, I wrote about my ascent up Barrow, where I met a woman called Sharon, her husband Simon and their dog Honey. I completed this walk with Sharon and Honey, and it reminded me how fantastic it is to meet people out when walking. Low Fell gifted us with beautiful views over Loweswater, but clouds were clearly coming in.
#51 - Fellbarrow
completed on 20th October 2014
The standard plank, as expected, but I must admit that it isn't as fun in wind and rain! We followed fences for the most part on the ascent, and had an argument with some barbed wire and a wall on the way down when we were trying to access a bridge.
#52 - Great Crag
completed on 22nd October 2014
From Rosthwaite, this was a lovely walk, albeit a bit marshy. A National Trust sign, well intentioned, did little good to help me know where to go through a wetland area, as the sign seemed to be pointing to a path next to it going straight across, but instead referred to a stone path that circled the field. Regardless, I made it with dry feet.
From Rosthwaite, this was a lovely walk, albeit a bit marshy. A National Trust sign, well intentioned, did little good to help me know where to go through a wetland area, as the sign seemed to be pointing to a path next to it going straight across, but instead referred to a stone path that circled the field. Regardless, I made it with dry feet.
#53 - Grange Fell
completed on 22nd October 2014
Now, I personally think three summits for one fell is a bit greedy, but that may just be me. I went to 2 of them, Brund Fell ("the highest") and King's How (that Wainwright says is "deservedly the best well known") and have left Ether Knott for another day.
#54 - Graystones
completed on 23rd October 2014
Of all my walks this October, Graystones was probably the least enjoyable. Unrelenting steep incline following a wall in biting rain and wind, with a little dog that refused to walk, it seemed like we'd never reach the top. When we did, we couldn't see a thing. Fantastic. (Insert sarcasm here)
Of all my walks this October, Graystones was probably the least enjoyable. Unrelenting steep incline following a wall in biting rain and wind, with a little dog that refused to walk, it seemed like we'd never reach the top. When we did, we couldn't see a thing. Fantastic. (Insert sarcasm here)
#55 - Broom Fell
completed on 23rd October 2014
Still raining, still windy, but at least the dog walked this time! This is Chris, my friend from Thornthwaite, and his little princess Pip. Pip had sussed that if she sat down, Chris would give her a lift - I wish I had someone who would do that for me! Saw a couple of fell runners on the way up.
#56 - Ullock Pike
completed on 24th October 2014
I absolutely adored this walk. From behind the Ravenstone Hotel alongside Bassenthwaite Lake, I ascended Ullock Pike from it's ridge. I was really rewarded by a flock of migrating geese that made my day, just adding to the elation of having good weather!
I absolutely adored this walk. From behind the Ravenstone Hotel alongside Bassenthwaite Lake, I ascended Ullock Pike from it's ridge. I was really rewarded by a flock of migrating geese that made my day, just adding to the elation of having good weather!
#57 - Long Side
completed on 24th October 2014
Still remaining dry, and with some gorgeous views, Long Side was a pleasure to walk. Unfortunately, I cracked my compass on the summit cairn and got covered in the fluid - smelt like petrol and gave me a bit of a headache! Luckily the distinct paths made it so that I didn't need to use the compass for the rest of the walk.
#58 - Carl Side
completed on 24th October 2014
Carl Side tarn was a little bit of a let down, more of a puddle than what I'd call a tarn. Carl Side itself was also a little underwhelming, though good views made up for it. It was a fairly rounded top, with a decent size cairn (although nothing like that of Dale Head or High Spy). I met Steve (pictured in Skiddaw's summit picture) and we ascended Skiddaw together.
#59 - Skiddaw
Carl Side tarn was a little bit of a let down, more of a puddle than what I'd call a tarn. Carl Side itself was also a little underwhelming, though good views made up for it. It was a fairly rounded top, with a decent size cairn (although nothing like that of Dale Head or High Spy). I met Steve (pictured in Skiddaw's summit picture) and we ascended Skiddaw together.
completed on 24th October 2014
Third time lucky with this one! Previous attempts while growing up took me up White Stones and up the tourist path from Latrigg car park, but never to the top. Heavy winds hit on the summit, but it remained dry and with clear views - I was really glad to have got there, and a little teary.
Third time lucky with this one! Previous attempts while growing up took me up White Stones and up the tourist path from Latrigg car park, but never to the top. Heavy winds hit on the summit, but it remained dry and with clear views - I was really glad to have got there, and a little teary.
#60 - Little Man
completed on 24th October 2014
Having parted ways with Steve, I followed a path down from Skiddaw, I almost bypassed Little Man and had to go back on myself when I saw it on my right. I followed a wall for the last kilometer or so, and it led me all the way to the summit.
Having parted ways with Steve, I followed a path down from Skiddaw, I almost bypassed Little Man and had to go back on myself when I saw it on my right. I followed a wall for the last kilometer or so, and it led me all the way to the summit.
#61 - Lonscale Fell
completed on 24th October 2014
The rain had hit by the time I reached Lonscale, and I didn't linger long - mainly due to the lack of view. It was a fairly easy fell navigationally, following a wall after leaving Little Man and sticking with it until I reached the summit.
The rain had hit by the time I reached Lonscale, and I didn't linger long - mainly due to the lack of view. It was a fairly easy fell navigationally, following a wall after leaving Little Man and sticking with it until I reached the summit.
#62 - Latrigg
completed on 24th October 2014
This is known as a fairly easy fell, and I really enjoyed it as a rounding off of my challenging day. I followed a path, almost curling my way around the side of the hill. I called my dad from this one, and felt very under appreciated - personally, I think he was just jealous of the fact that I was up in his beloved Lakes! The views back over Skiddaw and to Ullock Pike were gorgeous!!
This is known as a fairly easy fell, and I really enjoyed it as a rounding off of my challenging day. I followed a path, almost curling my way around the side of the hill. I called my dad from this one, and felt very under appreciated - personally, I think he was just jealous of the fact that I was up in his beloved Lakes! The views back over Skiddaw and to Ullock Pike were gorgeous!!
#63 - Ling Fell
completed on 25th October 2014
On my last weekend in the Lakes, I stayed with Sharon, Simon and Honey, and we walked two fells on the Saturday. It was incredibly windy and we were walking against it for the most part, making it fairly difficult walking, but the company was fantastic and we enjoyed ourselves in spite of it.
On my last weekend in the Lakes, I stayed with Sharon, Simon and Honey, and we walked two fells on the Saturday. It was incredibly windy and we were walking against it for the most part, making it fairly difficult walking, but the company was fantastic and we enjoyed ourselves in spite of it.
#64 - Sale Fell
completed on 25th October 2014
We had so many laughs on this walk! It had dried up a little and although it was still very windy, we were able to enjoy ourselves a lot more. We walked around the fell in a manner that I would liken to peeling an apple, but it allowed us to see a panorama of beautiful views - especially those over Bassenthwaite!
We had so many laughs on this walk! It had dried up a little and although it was still very windy, we were able to enjoy ourselves a lot more. We walked around the fell in a manner that I would liken to peeling an apple, but it allowed us to see a panorama of beautiful views - especially those over Bassenthwaite!
#65 - High Rigg (a Central Fell)
completed on 25th December 2014 (CHRISTMAS DAY)
Walked and went geo-caching on Christmas Day with the family (behind me in the picture is a glimpse of my sister Rebekah) and the dog. It was very chilly, and we could see Blencathra and Skiddaw covered in snow, although we didn't get any on High Rigg. This was a fairly enjoyable walk - albeit steep to begin with - and I really enjoyed the bumpy nature of the top, with lots of nooks and crannies to explore!
#66 - Raven Crag (a Central Fell)
completed on 26th December 2014 (Boxing Day)
Dad, Zorro and I set out midmorning, and it was fairly cloudy and a little cold. We were hit by a couple of showers, but were blown away (figuratively) when it started snowing within minutes of reaching the top! None settled while we were there, which was just as well as it may have made it slippy on the descent.
#67 - Great Mell Fell (a North Western Fell)
completed on 27th December 2014
Walking with my parents, sister and a good friend, Jenn, on a very snowy day in December. There were beautiful views over the Helvellyn range which was covered in snow and really put us in the festive spirit. Not too difficult and really rewarding - one to recommend.
#68 - Little Mell Fell (a North Western Fell)
completed on 15th January 2015
Walking with my boyfriend Chris (you will see that I walked Greystones and Broom Fell with him in October) in the snow. It was horrifically windy and I almost lost my hat, but it stayed behind us and pushed us up to the summit, nearly pushing me over more than once. It was a fantastic day, and gave me another opportunity for my usual trig-point plank. I was very surprised that it stayed dry for us! And not a soul in sight.
#69 - Gowbarrow Fell (a North Western Fell)
completed on 15th January 2015
Gowbarrow was an interesting one - we walked past Aira Force, spiralling around the fell. Once again, the wind was with us and gave us a helpful shove as we wandered up. I had to rush to get this planking shot as a horde of children were incoming!
#70 - Barf (a North Western Fell)
completed on 13th March 2015
After 2 months away from the fells, I was put in at the deep end, taking Pip for a walk, and being forced to carry her up the steep ascent of Barf. Nevertheless, it was a very pretty fell in dry weather without too much of a breeze - beautiful views over Bassenthwaite and back to Derwent Water.
#71 - Lord's Seat (a North Western Fell)
completed on 13th March 2015
A short walk from Barf, Lord's Seat was a treat! The terrain got a little peat-y at times, but was overall very enjoyable. Good views with minimal effort.
#72 - Whinlatter Brown How (NW Fell)
completed on 13th March 2015
This one was a little more difficult navigationally, with no direct route from Lord's Seat to the summit. I used a route via Ullister Hill and through the woods, then following a wall that led from a track to the top of the fell (having to hop a fence or two along the way).
completed on 27th December 2014
Walking with my parents, sister and a good friend, Jenn, on a very snowy day in December. There were beautiful views over the Helvellyn range which was covered in snow and really put us in the festive spirit. Not too difficult and really rewarding - one to recommend.
#68 - Little Mell Fell (a North Western Fell)
completed on 15th January 2015
Walking with my boyfriend Chris (you will see that I walked Greystones and Broom Fell with him in October) in the snow. It was horrifically windy and I almost lost my hat, but it stayed behind us and pushed us up to the summit, nearly pushing me over more than once. It was a fantastic day, and gave me another opportunity for my usual trig-point plank. I was very surprised that it stayed dry for us! And not a soul in sight.
completed on 15th January 2015
Gowbarrow was an interesting one - we walked past Aira Force, spiralling around the fell. Once again, the wind was with us and gave us a helpful shove as we wandered up. I had to rush to get this planking shot as a horde of children were incoming!
completed on 13th March 2015
After 2 months away from the fells, I was put in at the deep end, taking Pip for a walk, and being forced to carry her up the steep ascent of Barf. Nevertheless, it was a very pretty fell in dry weather without too much of a breeze - beautiful views over Bassenthwaite and back to Derwent Water.
completed on 13th March 2015
A short walk from Barf, Lord's Seat was a treat! The terrain got a little peat-y at times, but was overall very enjoyable. Good views with minimal effort.
completed on 13th March 2015
This one was a little more difficult navigationally, with no direct route from Lord's Seat to the summit. I used a route via Ullister Hill and through the woods, then following a wall that led from a track to the top of the fell (having to hop a fence or two along the way).
Hi Katie,
ReplyDeleteIt was lovely to meet you and your dad today on Barrow summit. I'm impressed with your mission to do the Wainwrights and will follow your blog to see how you're getting on!
I'm near to completion myself, with 14 more to go which is another 9 walking days for me. I plan to finish on Great End on my birthday in early September, I've been doing them for several years as we used to live in Sussex so a long way to come!
If you're up here on your own and need somewhere to stay when you're doing the North/North West Fells you're welcome to stay here if you need to. We live in a cottage in a village just outside of Cockermouth and I'd be happy to ferry you to your start point or accompany you on a walk if you fancied some company :o)
In the meantime, good luck and we hope you manage to achieve your 13 miles of Lakeland fells today, despite the heat and humidity!
Very best wishes,
Sharon x