One man and his dog

[johnkaysleftleg]

DAY ONE

A 4 AM start is never easy but It is something I'm fairly used to given my photography obsession. This time however the reason was dropping off Nicola and Grace at Newcastle airport for a weekend in Paris. Hugs and kisses over with I returned to the car containing Hughie the Westie and headed off over the A69. My initial plan for the weekend was to get some photos of sunrise over Hadrian's Wall but an unpromising forecast turned into a gray dull dawn and as a result I ended up drinking my flask of tea at Steel Rigg car park and no more.

As a result of the lack of time spent at the wall I turned up at Sandwick really quite early and had the chance of a little nap waiting for Jimmy, the only fellow walkhighlander I expected to meet today. Sure enough Jimmy arrived on time and following introductions, suited and booted we set off on a blustery overcast morning. As forecast the cloud lowered and the rain started and didn't let up for the duration of the walk. This combined with a fierce wind made conditions difficult at times but the excellent company more than made up for it meaning that overall it was still an enjoyable day. Not many pics I'm afraid, just a couple with my phone.

Hughie looking unimpressed on Place Fell

An all too brief burst of light over Sheffield Pike

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Typically the clouds parted around tea time so I headed out again for the very short wander up Latrigg to try and nab some photos of the sunset. It was very windy that made things tricky but I still managed a few shots I was happy with.

Rays over Blencathra by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Lakeland Evening by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Keswick from Latrigg by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Latrigg Sunset by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

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DAY TWO

A far more acceptable start time than yesterday saw me trundling down to Ullswater for the main day of the meet. The weather certainly looked more promising than yesterday but still with plenty of wind and cloud. Soon enough every body who had stated their intention to attend turned up and our party of eight humans and two dogs set off up Grisedale. Initially the cloud was down on the tops of the Helvellyn ridge but as we made our way up this wonderful lakeland valley it lifted above the summits. I've never walked up Grisedale before but with St Sunday Crag rearing up at one side and the Scalloped Helvellyn ridge on the other it makes for a magnificent walk in.

Just past Lanty's Tarn by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

On the way up Grisedale by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Looking up Ruthwaite Cove by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

We paused at the Ruthwaite Climbing lodge for a bite to eat before starting the steep ascent to the first target of the day in the shape of Dollywaggon Pike. I've been up Dollywaggon before but when climbed from this direction via its east ridge, also known as the tongue, it's a completely different fell with a real sense of occasion upon reaching the summit.

Looking down Grisedale by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Cofa Pike and Fairfield by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Cock Cove by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Nethermost Pike and Striding Edge by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Nearing the top of Dollywaggon Pike by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

St Sunday Crag from the top of the Tongue by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

The most noticeable thing about getting to the top was the wind which was blowing strongly from the west. This didn't pose any problems for the easy amble up to Helvellyn summit via Nethermost Pike but was raising concerns about the proposed descent via Striding Edge. A conflab ensued with the outcome being that as people where standing on the crest of the ridge it couldn't be that bad so off we set, apart from Jimmy and Darren that is who decided to bag Catstycam via Swirral Edge.

Catstycam and Striding Edge by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Catstycam and Red Tarn by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Red Tarn and Striding Edge by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Our reading of conditions was spot on and the wind dropped immediately upon leaving the summit, sheltered by the main mass of the mountain. I wasn't sure just how I would react to the exposure on the edge but in all honesty it wasn't that bad and I found Striding Edge to be great fun and very atmospheric with the clag now hovering just above.

Atmospheric by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Striding Edge by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Excitement over we headed off to find a shivering Jimmy and Darren at the hole in the wall before the simple trek to a very windy Birkhouse Moor. A few group shots and we were off to the pub for a pint and a chinwag. A great day was had by all and I'd like to thank Jimmy, Darren, Pam, Trudie, Emily, Simon, Richard and of course Charlie the dog for joining me on Hughie on this fine route up and down Helvellyn. Hopefully there will be a next time.

Clag on the Edge by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Ullswater from Birkhouse Moor by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Hughie on Birkhouse Moor by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Lakes Meet up Spring 2014 by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

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DAY THREE

With the forecast looking exceptional for Monday my only problem was where to walk I toyed with the idea of a cross border raid to do the Hart Fell horseshoe but decided to stay in the Lakes. With Jimmy planing on a Kentmere Round and Richard thinking of the Coledale Horseshoe both these options where tempting but I eventually stumped for climbing Scafell Pike via Grains Gill returning by the corridor route. This meant I would be able to bag a couple of Hewitts in the shape of Ill and Broad crags without bagging anymore Wainwrights without Grace and Nicola.
The forecast turned out to be spot on and it was a blissful cool but sunny morning at Seathwaite as me and Hughie set off up towards Stockley Bridge. Once this was passed the ascent started in earnest and the last two days where weighing heavy on my legs. Hughie on the other hand was full of beans and getting frustrated by my frequent photo stops but even he was happy to have a snack overlooking Sprinkling Tarn. I was alone for quite a while at this wonderful place that is full of atmosphere. To my left loomed the tremendous North face of Great End where my family's Lakeland odyssey should come to a conclusion in around 18 months time.

Starting out by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Stockley Bridge by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Great End by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Red Rock White Water by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Looking back down Grains Gill by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

The steady climb continued up to Esk Hause, with the impressive Esk Pike looking tempting, and up onto the boulder strewn plateau of Scafell Pike. Finally England's Highest Point came into view but on the way I diverted towards the Hewitt of Ill Crag. Quite why this top isn't a Wainwright is a mystery that will never be solved, with a fine profile from Eskdale and a decent amount of re-ascent from neighboring fells It's hard to explain the omission. It becomes barely forgivable once the truly stunning summit view of Great Moss and Eskdale is taken into account.

The Langdales by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Lingmell by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Great Gable by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

The Pike finally comes into view by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Ill Crag View by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Next in line was perhaps the roughest summit in the district, Broad Crag. Although the top lies just around 50 meters from the main path it's an awkward scramble over large boulders until the summit plinth is reached.

The Pike from Broad Crag by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

The final pull up to Scafell Pike looked like hard work from here but perhaps it was the relief of exiting the boulder field that saw my fairly romp up (for me ) towards the roof of England. As I approached the summit with it's inevitable throng I remembered reading that the South summit had great views and very few people so I veered off and had lunch at this breathtaking spot over looking Eskdale with many of England's greatest mountains seen beautifully.

Hughie sticking his tongue out by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Great Moss by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Bowfell and Ill Crag by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Scafell by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Eskdale Panorama by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Click to see bigger or follow link below to see full size version

https://www.flickr.com/photos/johnkaysleftleg/13933877383/sizes/o/

England's Highest Dog by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

It was while descending towards the Lingmell Col that I noticed Hughie somewhat lagging behind. I though at the time it was just the stones on the path so he got himself a bit of a carry down to the col but even then he continued to move slowly. Although he was better on grass I think a case of sore paws was being exacerbated by a bit of a pull in one of his back legs.

Contrasts by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Great Gable and Styhead by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Top of Piers Gill by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

This made for a slow way down with a fair few carries but even a wee Westie gets heavy after a while. Things where not helped by me missing the arrows signifying the correct way and dropping down very loose and steep ground for around 100 meters before realizing something was amiss

Lingmell and Piers Gill by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Doh! by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Once I corrected my mistake the way was easy all the way back to Seathwaite including stopping to admire Styhead tarn for a while. It was still steady going with Hughie struggling and I must admit to the shine being taken off the day as I was a bit concerned about him. (Hughie had made a full recovery by Tuesday Evening meaning I can look back on the walk a lot more fondly now)

Looking down to Wasdale by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Great End and Styhead Tarn by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

This route quite rightly is considered a classic with great variety and visits to some of the most stunning parts of the district. On a day like this it was a truly wonderful walk to undertake with the views from Ill Crag and the south summit of Scafell Pike being some of the best I've seen anywhere. A fitting conclusion to an excellent but tiring weekend.

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[clivegrif]

That looked like a great trip! Decent weather (apart from day 1....) amongst some of Lakelands finest mountains, what more could you ask for?

Great pictures as ever, and I hope little Hughie's putting his feet up after all that exertion.

[johnkaysleftleg]

That looked like a great trip! Decent weather (apart from day 1....) amongst some of Lakelands finest mountains, what more could you ask for?

Great pictures as ever, and I hope little Hughie's putting his feet up after all that exertion.

Certainly was Clive, two of the best walks I've ever done. Both me and Hughie have had a lazy week and the little fella is fine now. Back to the hills soon hopefully.

[mrssanta]

looks lovely. glad to hear that Hughie is fine.

[Ibex]

As soon as I saw 48km on the walk distance, my immediate thought was 'poor Hughie and his little legs'.
Looks like a lovely was to celebrate, I mean commiserate the going away of your missus and kid.

More wonderful photo's. The one of the Langdales and the Piers Gill one in particular are brilliant.
The moody Striding Edge shot is great too, as well as the variated light over the various ridges. Great stuff!

Hope Hughie recovers well. He's got a few left to complete yet.

[simon-b]

A memorable trip, Anthony. I'm glad you were impressed with The Tongue and Striding Edge. That looked like an excellent day on Scafell Pike. I was impressed by the way Hughie's four little legs hopped over the boulders going up Dollywaggon. Maybe those on Scafell Pike were a few too many. I'm glad he seems better. Emily, Pam and Trudie enjoyed the company on Helvellyn, and we all hope there'll be a next time.

[ChrisW]

Wow, that's some going JK. Fantastic photos as always but the winner has to be stolen by Hughie sticking his tongue out ....was he trying to tell you something

[johnkaysleftleg]

looks lovely. glad to hear that Hughie is fine.

Thanks Mrs S

As soon as I saw 48km on the walk distance, my immediate thought was 'poor Hughie and his little legs'.
Looks like a lovely was to celebrate, I mean commiserate the going away of your missus and kid.

More wonderful photo's. The one of the Langdales and the Piers Gill one in particular are brilliant.
The moody Striding Edge shot is great too, as well as the variated light over the various ridges. Great stuff!

Hope Hughie recovers well. He's got a few left to complete yet.

Cheers Ibex, Hughie is now on 139 fells with just a few walks needed for him to catch up.

A memorable trip, Anthony. I'm glad you were impressed with The Tongue and Striding Edge. That looked like an excellent day on Scafell Pike. I was impressed by the way Hughie's four little legs hopped over the boulders going up Dollywaggon. Maybe those on Scafell Pike were a few too many. I'm glad he seems better. Emily, Pam and Trudie enjoyed the company on Helvellyn, and we all hope there'll be a next time.

It certainly was Simon, I think your right that It was just a bit too much for him, that said he looked far fitter going up that I did . Mrs Leftleg is quite jealous of the meet up even though she had a great time in Paris so I think she'll be along the next time something is arranged.

Wow, that's some going JK. Fantastic photos as always but the winner has to be stolen by Hughie sticking his tongue out ....was he trying to tell you something

Thanks Chris, Hughie doesn't pose often but when he does they tend to be good'uns. You should see the half a dozen blurred pics of him not staying still before I got that one

[Sarah86]

Wonderful set of photos as usual and it looks like you made the most of the days where the weather wasn't at its best. I always have a soft spot for photos of dogs on the hills and love the shot of Hughie sticking his tongue out. Had a nice few days away in the Lakes myself last week but as always when I return I am itching to go back

[johnkaysleftleg]

Wonderful set of photos as usual and it looks like you made the most of the days where the weather wasn't at its best. I always have a soft spot for photos of dogs on the hills and love the shot of Hughie sticking his tongue out. Had a nice few days away in the Lakes myself last week but as always when I return I am itching to go back

Thanks Sarah, for once Hughie posed quite well on a few occasions. The weather was fine for the Sunday and Monday was glorious. Less said about Saturdays weather the better