The "forbidden" Wainwright and a trip around the Old Man

I was joined this weekend by my friend Paul for some much needed walking, especially with a trip to Scotland in the future. The forecast was for sunny skies and frozen ground so planned a couple of routes that would take advantage. Parking early on the Friday, we strolled up to Rest Dodd and then the "Forbidden" Wainwright of The Nab. The frozen ground making the normally boggy ground a pleasure to walk on. We walked back down via Angle Tarn via Brock Crags where the second shot taken above was taken. A quick journey over Angletarn Pikes saw us down and getting ready to visit the watermill pub for a light refreshment stop.

The second day saw us park up in Coniston (The only place I know where the pay and display machines take credit cards) We ambled up to Levers water and strode up the Prison Band to Swirl How, pausing briefly to pay respects to my old camera's last battleground (I dropped it down a waterfall last year) We then went across to Great Carrs, Grey Friar and finally to Dow Crag, where the first shot of the Scafell Massif was taken. Another quick refreshment stop, this time at the Sun Inn (Notice how there is a theme to these walks) 11 miles in all and two days walking in a row for the first time this year. I also managed to get some pictures for my Walking Photobook project so all in all a good time was had.

A Gentle Start to the Year

A combination of poor weather (couldn't get the car off the drive) and poor health (Flu and stomach bugs) and Christmas left December a barren month for walking.
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With 2011 being a new start for many. myself and the Sherpa, Mrs Vic decided a gentle low level walk would be nice. It would also give a chance to take some nice photos as the wind chill is less at tarn level. We elected to repeat one of our first ever walks with a circuit of Grasmere and Rydal Water, following on to Ambleside for a butchers at the outdoors shops. The forecast wall to wall sunshine did not materialise, but it stayed dry. We travelled light, banking on a pub lunch, which we duly had. all in all, the route is around 10-11 miles, so was still a good New Year stroll and I did manage to get a couple of nice pictures for my walking photobook project. The image here is Mrs W wending her way to Rydal Hall from Ambleside.