Sunday, 4th January 2009
| Walk: | Coniston, Water Head Pier, Tarn Hows, Black Fell (Black Crag), Hodge Close, Holme Fell, Yewdale | ||
| Start Point: | Coniston | Grid Ref: | SD 303 976 |
| Distance: | 11 miles | Ascent: | 2,650 feet |
| Weather: | A cold dry day | ||
| Accompanied by: |
John D (leader), Phil, Marie, John L, Ray |
||
| Comments: | After a slight detour to Water Head Pier we headed up through the woods to Tarn Hows. As expected, the Tarn was frozen but we were surprised to see ice skaters and a child in a sledge out on the ice. Taking the anti-clockwise path to the far end of the tarn we then made our way through Iron Keld plantation (minus the trees), to Black Crag. From here we had some excellent views due to the cold clear weather. Taking a faint path West we joined the main path skirting around Hollin Bank then continued on to Hodge Close. A short diversion took us down to the arches level with the water and we were rewarded with fine views. Returning to the main path we made our way on to Holme Fell. Somewhat surprised at the direction our leader took when leaving the fell, we were even more surprised to see our route of descent - did anyone bring the abseiling ropes??!! Safely down the steep gully (eventually) it was then a relatively easy walk back to Coniston and the safety of the cars!! | ||
Scroll down to see photos of the walk
Looking across Coniston Water from Water Head Pier
Ray and Marie head up through the woods
From left - Coniston Old Man, Wetherlam, Pike O' Blisco and the Langdale Pikes
Belted Galloways
A frozen Tarn Hows with ice skaters and sledge
The sun catches the trees on the opposite side
Black Crag . . .
with Kath . . .
and Marie
Crinkle Crags on the left and the Langdales behind Lingmoor Fell
The group poses in the sunshine
Navigating an icy path
Heading down to the water in Hodge Close . . .
we pass an 'ice slide' on the way
Two rock arches lead to the water
One provides a vantage point for . . .
great reflections . . .
whilst the other is more like an ice grotto . . .
with its own 'ice tree'
From above the water looks quite different
Excitement over, it's time for lunch . . .
before passing a disused reservoir
The Langdale Pikes look much closer now . . .
and the sun shines on Holme Fell . . .
where the group strike 'mountaineering poses
A bit steep - but nothing compared to . . .
the final descent
and it's impossible to spot the route from the bottom!