Catbells and beyond - a magical day
The prospect of bright blue skies and snow underfoot was enough to entice me out on the hills again last Friday.
I chose a walk I'd not done before over Catbells and along to Dale Head at the end of the Newlands valley. It proved to be a mixed day weather wise, a classic day on the Lakeland fells.
Pictorialy I think this is one of the best blogs I've done....
Starting from Hawes end below Catbells on the shore of Derwent Water. Stunning views over to Skiddaw above Keswick
It's a realtively short climb up here, but it's location is second to none and is a very popular walk. A bit higher and Blencathra appears on the right.
Looking over Hawes End below (it's an outdoor adventure center), just can't get enough of this view!!
On the other side is the magnificent Newlands valley, still holding onto the early morning frost. The peak in sunshine is Causey Pike, a walk I did and blogged with Albert a few years ago, stunning.
The lower mound on Catbells is Skellgill Bank, the main summit lies ahead.
Wonderful colours looking back to Skellgill from the bottom of the rocky climb to the summit.
A small figure on the top of Catbells and the steep rocky route up.
The same guy on his way down with the most wonderful view for company.
The old chap on the left here was chuffed to bits at reaching the top, a real personal acheivement, and reminded me of one of the reasons we do this fell walking thingy :-)
Over Catbells summit and that view again..
Blencathra over a frozen puddle after leaving the summit.
That view again... no apologies...
Catbells as we reach the snow line.
Fell runners against the backdrop of the Borrowdale fells. The cloud was back and it felt like snow...
Snow covered Helvellyn range in the distance from Maiden Moor.
Our ascent from Blea Crag, a great view point beyond Maiden Moor.
The chilly summit of High Spy. I had every stitch of clothing I had on me here, it was baltic!!
The next destination is Dale Head.. just follow that red line... if it only it was that easy up the steep and snow covered hill side.
Eel Crags on Maiden Moor as I take a breather on the steep steep climb... and a hint of sunshine again!!
A look back down the slope and Dalehead tarn at the bottom.
Phew.. the half way mark at Dale Head crags, just a sharp turn up here to the summit...
Almost there and amazing views into the dappled Newlands valley. Can you spot the two climbers at Dale Head Crags below??
Finally, Dale Head summit, the turning point of todays walk, 7 miles in!
The impressive summit cairn at Dale Head and you can see our route up along the crags in the distance. It was lovely again now in the sunshine, but a cool breeze.
Big views from the top! The nearest ridge is Fleetwith Pike, High Stile Ridge with a hint of sunshine in the middle, and glorious Pillar at the back.
The homeward leg, just follow that red line again, easy peasy this hill walking aint it!!! Can you see the picnicers? What a great place for lunch!!
We're heading off over Hindscarth, the nearest ridge, in the distance is Robinson, but not today for us.
Blue skies and crisp snow underfoot, simply big grin material..
The snow filled shelter on Hindscarth with dale Head beyond. The new boots had held up fine with new insoles to reduce the volume in the boot. It was about now though that they were starting to burn, so I took off boots and socks and stood barefoot in the snow to cool them down :-) Good job there was no one watching ...
Our ridge walk home clearly defined now, and you can just make out the start of our walk at the distant ridge on the right.. a long trek back!
Further along and home doesn't appear to be getting much closer!! We're aiming for that small bobble at the end and Catbells in the distance bathed in late evening sunshine.
Finally at the valley floor, and a look back at Dale Head at the top of the valley.
One last look at the start of the long road home. I made a bit of a blunder here, instead of simply heading left and following the path, I chose to go via the road and ended up putting about 3 miles on the journey! Brilliant Ian.. simply brilliant!!
Thanks for joining me on a memorable day out.
Catbells 1480ft, Maiden Moor 1890ft, High Spy 2142ft, Dale Head 2470ft, Hindscarth 2385ft, about 13 miles with the detour at the end...
Here's a link to the same pics on picassa if you want to view larger..
https://picasaweb.google.com/114677408398025520004/DaleHeadHorseshoe?authuser=0&feat=directlink
Ian
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Quite excellent pictures, Ian. A fantastic day, with glorious sunshine. Think ah'll get the boots out for a trip up the Cairngorms. Been out on my bikes too much, neglecting days out like these.
Bet yer still glowing, inside and out!
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I think you're right Ian, one of your bestest yet!!
I think it could be the mixture of snow with those gorgeous colours, not to mention the breathtaking views. Just wow!!
I do hope this doesn't do a disappearing act too!! (shut up Vivien!)
Thank you so much for sharing.
Viv
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Agree with you Ian, you have somehow managed to surpass your normal (very high) standards here - the light is just amazing, add the smattering of snow & some wonderful colours - too many to pick any one from a number of very fine landscapes. TOP BLOG.
Lona "You did not come into this world, you came out of it, like a wave from the ocean. You are not a stranger here." Alan Watts
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Hi Ian another stunning Photoblog you have certainly taken us on a journey and it"s a pleasure to share it with you as usual. Those scenes are simply brilliant and you have captured them brilliantly many thanks for posting best wishes BoB.
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Yup, everyone a cracker, beautiful shots but I've just gone cold
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Your not kidding about the best pictures yet,all your blogs are great Ian,but this one is something else
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Fantastic colours and views, great blog.
Ray
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It really does look better on Picasa....don't know why.
Great blog though how about a repeat in May ?
Liked .......obviously
Jim
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Well done Ian,some fantastic pictures.I think you are right it is the best blog i have seen you produce,it's always a pleasure to view your pictures,thanks for posting.
Ron.
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Blimey Ian, it'll be Everest next. These are wonderful. I took a deep breath of the crisp icy air as I surveyed the white snowy peaks, the golden sunlit bracken slopes and the deep blue skies. Makes my dog-walking look a bit puny! Superb Ian, just superb.
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More cracking winter lanscape. One question. How does the snow know where to stop and draw the line on the mountains?
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A great blog indeed probably your best Ian but Fuji doesn't do it justice.
Glad you left the link in. Look on Picasa people and be blown away.
Dave.
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A fantastic blog with some stunning photos love the ones at the beginning with the mountains in the back ground. thanks for sharing a little bit more of your world Ian.
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How wonderful - and lucky you to be able to do this. Armchair walking is not nearly as good and you have to be there to appreciate the views, BUT this is a very close thing and as near as I am now gonna get. So Thanks Ian - a wonderful walk and a glorious 'breath of fresh air'.
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Incredibly beautiful. Thanks for sharing these.
Laurie
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In your words, "big grin material" the pure joy of sharing these fabulous views, certainly gives a feeling of well being, peace and harmony. Thank goodness you didn't include a shot of your sweaty feet.
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Some great shots - what a wonderful walk - we hope to come up your way and do some walking this year
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You know Ian i was just thinking (yes that was the noise you heard) that it was about time you had a new pair of boots, we cant have our star bogger running around with sub standard gear he`s got to have nice warm cloths and boots on up the likes of the dales in this weather , as allways Ian all of your shots are outstanding and your narrative full of detail and a touch of humour , thank you for sharing you blog with us look forward to join you once again on your next walk.
Kenny the Grumpy Granda. PS my favourite shot is the one with the the old chap and is a reminder to us all not to give in.
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Stunning Ian, simply stunning !
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Amazing, Ian! I am always surprised by the hikes that you take us on. The locations, views, commentary and quality of photos are always over the top! Thanks for sharing your love of the English countryside...
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Stunning as always, Ian. Good to see the blogging seems to be working again
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one word 'stunning' i would of used 2 words but its a family site
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Awesome, breath-taking scenery portrayed by your stunning photography Ian. Fabulous colours and contrasts. The hills are alive with glorious beauty and it must feel amazing to absorb the views from such wonderful vantage points. The pictures paint a billion words. Thanks for compiling and sharing Ian. (Glad you managed to compile and hope the other photos return soon) Look out Malta ! Here we come soon !! LOL
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I think that you are right, Ian lad. It probably is your best blog yet. You have got some top notch images here along with your usual informative commentary. I will never be able to get up into the hills but your blogs are the next best thing. Thanks for that.
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Stunning photos Ian and really great blog
Favorite shot is The same guy on his way down with the most wonderful view for company.
Regards
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I agree. The views and colours are fantastic. I liked the picnic spot, only one problem there's no where to park the car. lol. The coffee gets cold quickly out there.
Thanks for sharing with us again Ian.
Christine
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Yet another wonderful blog.... stunning scenary & great shots... wonderful colours & light :)
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Breathtaking !! The best I have seen ever. Nature is wonderful and you have captured it so well.
Alice.
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Great photoblog, stunning photos.
Perfect light, great colours and landscapes.
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Not only was I blown away with the stunning photographs, so was my comment I left here last night, my comment obviously disappeared in a black hole, I however returned for a second view and another go at leaving a comment. Ian if you are not careful, this shade of green you keep turning me is going to stay with me and I'm going to have to change my name to "Grotbags".
Thank you for sharing.
regards
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Ha ha, thanks Anne, you know you're going to have to come back and visit us sometime, once it's in your blood it's there forever!!
Thanks v much
Ian
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wow Ian - this really does show how beautiful the Lake District is - the colours and views are stunning - roll on May (so you can take some more and show them to those of us that can't climb that far!!!!)
Thank you again for sharing
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Stunning as usual, a belter.
Stu.
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Magnificent vistas. Doesn't better than this.
Martin
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Beautiful blog Ian. The area you walk in is sooooo different from my Aussie summer bushwalks. We never walk in snow, in fact we hardly ever even see it, let alone walk in it! The colour contrasts are just stunning, deep blue to white to green to yellow. Perhaps one day we will visit UK and try some of your walks. Can you tell me exactly where these walks are?
Thanks,
Bob
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Hi Bob, this one starts from close to Keswick in the north of England from the bottom of Catbells on the west side of Derwent Water.
Thre is some wonderful landscapes in the Lakes. They aren't the biggest hills but they have their own magic due to the close proximity to each other where the scottish highlands are wide and far.
Glad you enjoy them, if you came over you certainly won't be disappointed.
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Great shots.
This time will pass.
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Thanks for sharing.I recall High Spy in the snow.1985 I think,me my dad and Ben,a Welsh Collie.You've taken some beautiful shots there.Next time,I'll get the knee strapped.Best wishes.