Saturday 13th Nov 2010, there were some heavy showers on the drive up to Hartsop, and there were some big puddles in the car park. I walked up the track towards Hayeswater, and after crossing Hayeswater Gill by the first footbridge, I turned left up a faint path rising steeply up grassy slopes, a relentless slog to the summit of Gray Crag. There is a lengthy walk on a wide grassy ridge, before a steady climb to the unmistakeable beacon at the summit of Thornthwaite Crag. A broad path leads in the direction of High Street, I walked on the right hand side of the summit wall to reach the triangulation column, and a bit further on to reach the insignificant cairn at itd highest point. I carried walking down to Straits of Riggindale and then up to the summit of Kidsty Pike, before going cross-country to the summit of Rampsgill Head. I walked across a grassy shoulder back down to the main path, made the short climb to the summit of The Knott, downwards and crossed a swampy col, before making another steep grassy climb up to the twin summits of Rest Dodd. I descended and rejoined the path going towards Angle Tarn, climbed up grass to the top of Satura Crag, and walked a higher path, eventually up to the summit of Angletarn Pikes. It had got too late to climb Brock Crags, so I walked down the main path to Boredale Hause, and then followed the pipeline path to a tarmac road, and then back to Hartsop village. Read about it

Saturday 9th October 2010, it was a sunny day October day, I parked at Skelgill, and climbed up Skelgill Bank and on to Catbells. I walked up the ridge to Maiden Moor and made the diversion to the viewpoint of Blea Crag before walking on to the summit of High Spy, I descended to Dalehead Tarn and climbed up to the summit of Dale Head. I walked along Hindscarth Edge and over to the summit of Hindscarth, the dropped down to Littledale Edge before climbing up to the summit of Robinson. After descending to cross the vast wetness of Buttermere Moss, I made the interesting descent to Newlands Hause, crossed the road, and walked up the grassy ridge to the summit of Knott Rigg, and walked along the ridge to the summit of Ard Crags. I descend on the footpath down Aikin Knott and when the path disappeared I found my way down to Rigg Beck, and crossed it to follow the path back down to the road. I turned left and walked along the road towards Rowling End farm, there is a footpath that is always wet and muddy that goes across to Ghyll Bank, and another better path that takes you back to Skelgill. Read about it

Saturday 2nd Oct 2010, I parked at Brackenclose , and set off along the familiar, well-used path by the side of Lingmell Gill, there was plenty of water in the Gill. I made the long slog up the Brown Tongue path, and up the path-under-construction past Hollow Stones, before climbing the continuously eroding scree fan to the start of Lords Rake. There was a lot of new loose material in the rake, the entrance to the West Wall Traverse gets ever more awkward, and the strenuous exit from Deep Gill doesn't get any easier. I joined the cairned path coming up from Foxes Tarn, and followed it up to the summit of Scafell, I walked along the broad steep-sided ridge before crossing the equally broad col towards Slight Side and climbing up to its rocky summit. I descended and turned left to get down to Eskdale, I walked all the way up to Esk Hause and the up the easy slopes to Calf Cove, followed by a rocky, boulder-hopping ascent to the broad summit plateau of Ill Crag. I crossed the bouldery shoulder of Broad Crag before making the steep 200-metre climb to the summit of Scafell Pike. I descended to Lingmell col and followed the tourist path back to Brackenclose; it was going dark as I drove across Birker Fell, it's the end of another summer season. Read about it

Saturday 25th September 2010, there was frost on the car, it was sunny and cold, it was 1C when I reached Ulpha and not much warmer when I parked at Overbeck Bridge. I walked up the steep grassy slope to Dropping Crag, and scrambled over rock then clambered up a grassy side gully before hauling myself up an awkward rock step to Bell Rib for the surprise view of Wastwater. There was still a rough climb, then still more climbing to the summit of Yewbarrow, I made the long walk over the broad saddle, to the cairn at the north top, and the interesting down-climb to Dore Head. I made the long steady climb to Red Pike's subsidiary top, over to visit The Chair, and then across a broad plateau to the summit, descended to a col, and then walked up the easier gradient to the summit of Scoat Fell. I made the long walk up to the summit of Haycock, a rough descent, then a grassy walk to the top of Little Gowder Crag; I clambered up rocks to the summit and then worked my way around rocks to descend, with more walking on the right hand side of a wall to the summit of Caw Fell. I traversed the shoulder of Haycock to High Pikehow; then followed a grassy ridge down to a path, and made the long walk to Netherbeck Bridge. Read about it

Saturday 4th Sep 2010, I parked in Gledridding on a sunny morning, and started walking towards the Mires Beck tourist route; I didn't take the tourist path, but made my own way up the east ridge of Birkhouse Moor, pathless, steep and demanding at times. There is an easy walk to join the tourist path, and the tourists, on the way to Striding Edge; clambering up rocks and onto a rugged ridge of flat-topped boulders, a narrow ridge and an exhilarating scramble to the summit of Helvellyn. I walked southwards, and up to the summit of Nethermost Pike; I descended the narrow, jagged ridge and steep path before traversing the boulders to Hard Tarn then walked around the head of Ruthwaite Cove before making the steep ascent of The Tongue. From the summit of Dollywaggon Pike, I walked across the broad shoulder of Nethermost Pike and on to the summit of Helvellyn again; I carried on to descend to Swirral Edge, and made the steady climb to the summit of Catstycam. I walked down the grassy east ridge to join the Red Tarn path and made the long walk back to Glenridding. Read about it

Saturday 21st August 2010, It was dry when I got to Grasmere, and it stayed that way all day, although it was quite cloudy and cool for the time of year. I walked up the Easedale Road, past Lancrigg and along the farm road to the disused quarries at Jackdaw Crag. There is an old, steep constructed path at first, and then easier green slopes to take you up to the summit ridge of Helm Crag. I kept to the crest of the ridge, with its many undulations, past the summit of Gibson Knott and on to Calf Crag. I descended to the head of Far Easedale, and walked across the swampy ground of Brownrigg Moss before climbing up to Greenup Edge. I turned left to climb up to Low White Stones, and from there walked across to the summit of High Raise; I did my best to follow a path across the swampy summit plateau, and then climbed up to the rocky top of Sergeant Man. I descended to the ridge-maze of Blea Rigg, and managed to find one of the many paths that doesn't reach the summit, before descending to the flatness and wetness of Blindtarn Moss. I made an interesting but unintended descent by the side of Wray Gill, having mistaken the cairn at the top of Lang How for the summit of Silver How, back to the car. Read about it

Saturday 14th August 2010, I parked at Buttermere, and as I walked out of the National Trust car park, turned right to walk along the road. Almost immediately, I turned left through a gate onto a path, going directly directly uphill; it was a long grassy slog upwards, across the shoulder above Whiteless Breast. I had to clamber over a rocky section, then walk up the eroded stony path to the summit of Whiteless Pike, more steady walking uphill on grass to took me to Thirdgill Head Man. I then walked across featureless grass in the mist on a compass bearing to reach the summit of Wandope. I walked across more grass to reach the main cairned path leading to the summit of Eel Crag; I checked my compass before following another cairned path downwards and then across the narrow ridge called The Scar. I climbed up to the summit of Sail, down the newly reconstructed path to Sail Pass, and up and over the ridge of Scar Crags to the summit of Causey Pike. I walked back to Sail Pass, and dropped down to the valley, on obvious paths before climbing a less obvious path upto the parallel ridge, precisely at the summit of Ard Crags. I walked along the ridge and on to the summit of Knott Rigg before descending to Newlands Hause, and climbed the steep path to the soggy plateau of Buttermere Moss. I walked to the summit of High Snockrigg, thought about climbing Robinson, but descended to Buttermere without doing so. Read about it

Sunday 8th August 2010, it was a grey day when I parked at the National Trust car park in Buttermere, I walked into the village and on to Scale Bridge. I walked along the rough path by the side of Crummock Water, and at the approprite cairn I walked up to the drier route to Scale Force. I walked right up to the waterfall, there was a good amount of water thundering down it, then I crossed the bridge below the waterfall, and a faint path straight ahead led me eventually across the large flat area at the head of Mosedale. I visited the summit of Floutern Cop, walked down to the swampy shore of Floutern Tarn, and then walked up to the top of Floutern Pass. I made the steep ascent of Great Borne, and then made the easy walk to the summit of Starling Dodd, before crossing Little Dodd and then scrambled up the top end of Lingcomb Edge to the summit of Red Pike. The awkwardly eroded descent from the summit cairn down The Saddle doesn't get any easier; I made the short walk upto the summit of Dodd, before making the long hard descent to Burtness Wood, and then down the moss-covered and frequently slippery path through the woods back to the lake shore. It was a relief to reach level ground, but even then there was a good walk back to the village; Buttermere was full of tourists and the car parks were overflowing. Read about it

Saturday 24th Jul 2010, it was dry but cloudy hen I arrived at Mardale Head,I walked across the usually marshy head of the Haweswater reservoir, as a short cut to the rough lake shore path that leads to The Rigg. I crossed Riggindale Beck and Randale Beck before facing the challenge I was looking for, it started with a small steep gully, and ended with a path-cum-stream through bracken to the top of Lady's Seat. A vague path took me up to the summit of Low Raise and an easier path took me to the summit of High Raise, I then walked up to Rampsgill Head and over to the summit of Kidsty Pike. I walked up to the summit of High Street when the mist came in but didn't cause any navigational problems on the way to Mardale Ill Bell. A rough descent took me down to Nan Bield Pass, and a rugged climb took me upto the distinctive twin summit cairns at the summit of Harter Fell. I walked down to Gatescarth, too misty to see Branstree, and walked down the obvious eroded path on the long descent back to Mardale Head. Read about it

Saturday 3rd July 2010, from the New Dungeon Ghyll hotel, I climbed up by the side of Dungeon Ghyll and shortly before the highest point of the path, I traversed right across towards Stickle Tarn, losing as little height as possible, before climbing up towards Jacks Rake. I ignored it in favour of Easy Gully; I knew what to expect and was determined not to be beaten; I took my rucksack off and lifted it up on to the top of the boulder I had to climb, I was committed. I got to the top of the gully, descended Pavey Ark's north rake, then made a diagonal descent, before climbing up to Jacks Rake and and this time I didn't ignore it. It is a steep and exhilarating climb, close to a big drop; the water running down the rock makes it slippery in places and even more exhilarating. At the top of the Rake there is another scramble onto bare rock slabs, harder or easier according to your personal preference, then it's not far to the usually un-cairned summit of Pavey Ark. I made a slight descent before walking up to the summit of Thunacar Knott, and then followed the worn path to Harrison Stickle. I descended to a col, climbed up to the top of Thorn Crag and made a scrambling climb to the summit of Loft Crag, then followed the path towards Pike o'Stickle, and made my own scramble to the summit. I walked across open ground across the shoulder of Thunacar Knott and walked up to the summit of High Raise and walked over to Sergeant Man, before making my down on steep grass, to Stickle Tarn. After reaching the tarn, I descended on the left hand side of Stickle Ghyll back to the Car Park. Read about it

Saturday 19th June 2010, I parked at Mungrisdale, walked through the village and made the steep climb up to the broad summit ridge and walked up the gently rising grass slope to the shelter cairn at the summit of Bowscale Fell. I walked towards Bannerdale Crags, down to the col and around the corrie below Sharp Edge to the ridge. It's a fairly exhilarating scramble and then you have to climb up Foule Crag! I descended the ridge of Doddick Fell and then climbed Hall's Fell ridge to the summit of Blencathra. I walked back down to the col, and then up the relatively easy path the the summit of Bannerdale Crags. I walked down the ridge to the junction of Bannerdale Beck and River Glenderamackin, and back to Mungrisdale Read about it

Saturday 12th Jun 2010, I parked on the Green at Wasdale Head, and walked up the good track to Burnthwaite Farm and then on the rough track by the side of Lingmell Gill, and up the valley to a cairned path that leads to the dry stony stream bed of Skew Gill. begins. Skew Gill is big and bouldery, the first waterfall can't be climbed, the climb gets harder and a steep, narrow gill scramble requires determination.The final 20 foot rock wall looks impossible and it is always wet, but the holds for hands and feet are good if not very obvious; the final strenuous manoeuvre takes you onto bouldery scree, for an awkward walk up unstable boulders to the summit of The Band. I made the interesting, somtimes steep and boudery, to the summit of Great End; I walked over to the top of Custs Gully to see the balanced boulder but it seems to have disappeared, or I was I at the top of the wrong gully? I walked across to Calf Cove, before climbing towards Ill Crag. On the easy boulder-hopping section I stumbled, and in spite of some fancy footwork I eventually fell amongst the boulders. I carried on across the shoulders of Ill Crag and Broad Crag without visiting either summit, before climbing up the busy ridge to the summit of Scafell Pike. I walked down the eroded path to Lingmell col before making the short climb up to the summit of Lingmell and making the easiest descent from the Scafells back to Wasdale Head. Read about it

Saturday 5th Jun 2010, I parked at Brackenclose where it was already very warm at 9am, I walked by the side of Lingmell Gill, past the open ground of Hollow Stones, and just after the big boulder I climbed up a scree slope, to the bottom of Lords Rake. There has been a massive movement of rock, there were two big chockstones at the bottom of the rake that have always been there for me, but they are gone. The fallen boulder is still firmly wedged in place, more boulders have fallen away from its base and in the fullness of time it will follow everything else downwards when it is finally undermined. I walked under the boulder and up to the end of the rake before coming back to walk over the continually eroding entrance to the West Wall Traverse and clambering up Deep Gill to its exit onto the plateau below Symonds Knott. I walked up to the summit of Scafell and along the crest of the ridge to Slight Side,then down my secret route to Sampson's Stones and on to Cam Spout; I made the exhilarating steep scramble up the rocks by the side of the waterfall, and climbed up to Foxes Tarn to make another interesting bouldery scramble up to the Tarn. I climbed up the reconstructed path back on the summit of Scafell, before the steep slippery descent towards Green How, and a long green descent that asks “why” rather than “how”, back to Brackenclose. Read about it

Saturday 22nd May 2010, Wasdale Head was very warm at 9am when I started walking, it would be a good day for a special walk. I walked up the steep grassy slope towards Gavel Neese, as it bends towards Beck Head I headed up to Moses Finger, an upright boulder in the middle of great erosion. I found my way up to a proper path taking me across the extensive wide scree gully of Little Hell Gate, and up to the gully leading to Napes Needle. Awkward scrambles and precarious clambering take you to the start of Sphinx Ridge; an exhilarating airy ridge takes you the the unexpected grassy col below Great Gable's Westmoreland Cairn crags; suddenly I felt exhausted, my legs had no strength left in them with the warmth of the day and the effort of getting up the ridge. I walked up to the busy summit of Great Gable, descended to Beck Head, and made the not-easy descent back to Wasdale. Read about it

Saturday 15th May 2010, I parked close to Cockley Beck Bridge, and found a right of way behind Cockley Beck farm, but I could see no visible signs of a footpath on steadily rising ground. there was no more sign of a path. I had a steep scramble on grass between rocks and boulders; and after a fairly strenuous climb I eventually reached the summit plateau of Grey Friar.I walked down the reasonably straightforward grassy ridge to Troutal Fell, and found a more obvious path downhill near to the shore of Seathwaite Tarn. I found my way to Troutal Farm, and after crossing River Duddon I walked an infrequently used path to Birks and made the steep warm climb upto the cold summit of Harter fell. I walked back down to the top of Hard Knott Pass and then walked down the road back to Cockley Beck. Read about it

Friday 7th May 2010, I parked the car in Coniston village and walked out of the village towards Holly How, and then down the track towards the Youth Hostel; I eventually found a reasonably obvious path leading to the swampy plateau of Yewdale Crag Moss. I headed towards Birk Fell and found a faint path that led to a more obvious one contouring above Dry Cove Bottom. I climbed steeply upto Birk Fell Man and walked and scrambled up Wetherlam Edge to the summit of Wetherlam, where it was cold and windy. I descended to Swirl Hawse and climbed the interesting, rising ridge of Prison Band up to the summit of Swirl How. I made the easy walk to the summit of Great Carrs, then descended to the Fairfield col, and carried on towards Grey Friar; a straightforward walk up to the summit and then retraced my steps back to the col. I walked along the faint path that traverses the head of Calf Cove and rejoins the main ridge path at Levers Hause. I climbed up to Brim Fell in a strong cold wind, and carried on to the summit of Coniston Old Man, where it was still cold so I didn't spend any time there before making the rugged descent through the old quarries back to a warm and sunny Coniston village. Read about it

Saturday 1st May 2010, It was dry and quite fresh when I parked in the National Trust car park at Buttermere, I was wearing shorts hoping the sun would come out later but expecting it not to. I walked back into the village and turned onto the lane leading to the lake shore path in order to avoid walking in the road, but ended up doing that anyway. I walked past Gatescarth Farm where I picked up the path going uphill to Fleetwith Pike; the climb up Fleetwith Edge is steep and strenuous with some easy scrambling, shortly after reaching the cairn at the summit of Fleetwith Pike, it started to rain for the first time today. I walked down to Dubs Bottom, then over to Blackbeck Tarn, before climbing Haystacks from its easier side. I descended to Scarth Gap, climbed the eroded steep path to Seat, and made the ascent of Gamlin End in warm sun to the summit of High Crag in cold pouring rain. I walked the ridge to High Stile and Red Pike before descending via Ling Comb back to Buttermere. Read about it

Saturday 17th April 2010, when I parked at Jubilee Bridge it was sunny and warm enough to wear shorts for the first time this year. I walked down the lane to Brotherilkeld Farm, crossed the narrow footbridge to Taw House, and then walked by the side of River Esk, to the Great Moss and Sampsons Stones. I made the steep climb to the summit of Pen; and the intimidating scramble to the busy summit of Scafell Pike. I walked the busy ridge and descended to Esk Hause before climbing the quieter path to the summit of Esk Pike. After descending to Ore Gap I made the steep descent to Green Hole and walk across the swamps of Lingcove Beck and the long walk back to the car park. Read about it

Saturday 10th April, staying at Wastwater Youth Hostel with friends, we left a car at Overbeck Bridge and then drove to Wasdale Head. We took the direct route up the front of Kirk Fell, it was warm work up the steep slope to the summit. After the interesting descent to Black Sail Pass we took the High Level Route to the summit of Pillar, then down to Wind Gap, over Black Crag, and up to Scoat Fell. We made the short detour to Steeple before taking a direct route to Red Pike, down to Dore Head before going up and over Yewbarrow back to the car left at Overbeck bridge. It was a long walk on an unusually warm April day, so Sunday was less energetic; we parked at Greendale and walked down the road to the secret entrance of the path to the summit of Buckbarrow, followed the ridge to Glade How and onto Cat Bields where we met Joss Naylor and one of his dogs. Then up the long ridge to the summit of Seatallan, before descending enough to cross the swamp above Greendale Tarn in order to climb Middle Fell and descend back to Greendale. Read about it

Saturday 3rd April 2010, I parked on the Orthwaite Road, and went through the gate next to parking area; after a muddy start, I climbed up onto the steepening ridge before a rugged clamber to the summit of Ullock Pike. It's an easy walk along the airy ridge to the summit of Long Side; a deceptively steep ridge with a sudden drop a few feet away from the cairn. There was snow underfoot, and the mist came in as I walked up to the summit of Carl Side, before the asscent on an obvious, intimidating, snow-covered path up into the dark grey slate of Skiddaw. I kicked steps into foot-deep snow using my ice-axe rather than slide awkwardly on the shale masquerading as a path. The summit of Skiddaw was covered by a foot of snow, and as I walked to the summit the mist started to clear; I walked back along the ridge, descended to the col and followed the fence up to the summit of Skiddaw Little Man. I descended to the tourist path and walked back towards Skiddaw; from the col I followed a compass bearing across snow-covered ground towards Sale How, before followin footsteps in the softening snow down to Skiddaw House. I had to take off some a layer of clothing and some gloves, before a long walk along the road to Dash Beck, another long walk out to the road, and then a couple of miles back to the car; it was really warm by then after my Spring walk on Skiddaw. Read about it

Saturday 27th March 2010, it was a damp morning but not raining as I headed Back o'Skidda'; I parked near Over Water and walked to Longlands village where a gate welcomes you to Uldale Commons, I walked up to the summit of Longlands Fell, a descent and ascent took me to the summit of Lowthwaite Fell. I made a beeline for Brae Fell. It started to rain as I walked up to the ridge and it was misty by the time I reached the summit, It had become windy too as I made my way across the swampy ridge towards Little Sca Fell, the path petered out in the misty wilderness, my instinct and compass got me to the summit of Great Sca Fell. It was misty, windy and cold on the trudge across featureless swampy ground to the summit of Knott before walking back to Great Sca Fell and take the navigation challenge to find Meal Fell. I descended to Trusmador, a curiously interesting little bealach.and then climbed up to the summit of Great Cockup. I found my way down to Orthwaite then followed a footpath, across muddy fields until any signs of a path disappeared. I had seen a couple of buzzards overhead and then saw one very close to me, I assumed I had disturbed it; shortly afterwards I heard a whoosh and felt a draught close to my head and then saw the Buzzard fly past me. I eventually found the path again near a moat, as it is marked on the map, before reaching the road for the walk back to Over Water. Read about it

Saturday 13th March 2010, it was trying to rain at home but by the time I parked in Glenridding it was another clear cold day, except for the cloud-covered Helvellyn. I struggled through pathless woods to reach the top of Stybarrow Crag before making a direct climb up the front of Glenridding Dodd, steep and interesting to the point of being demanding. I carried on down the the col and climbed the interesting Heron Crag and on up to the summit of Sheffield Pike. I walked down to Nick Head, into the soft snow, and plodded uphill without thinking where I was going; I reached the cairn on White Stones before realising I still had another strenuous plod through snow to reach the summit of Hart Side. I made a beeline towards Stybarrow Dodd, then decided I had enough of the soft snow so carried on to Sticks Pass without climbing up the hill. I walked down the partially-reconstructed path by the side of Sticks Gill, through the old quarry workings and down to Greenside Mine, before walking down the Greenside Road back to Glenridding. Read about it

Saturday 6th March 2010, it was dry and cold again; I parked in Coniston village and walked up the Walna Scar Road until I turned right, there is an obvious path now, towards Goat's Hawse. At Goat's Water it seemed that there would not be enough good snow for a crampon-scramble up Dow Crag's South Rake so I walked along the rough lake-shore path and climbed up to Goat's Hawse; from there it looked as though the Rake was filled with snow. I walked up to Dow Crag, carefully climbing up steep, hard snow to the summit rocks. I retraced my steps back to the Hawse and climbed the soft-snow covered slopes to the summit of Coniston Old Man. I walked across Brim Crag, cold and windy as usual, before climbing up to the summit of Swirl How; the descent of Prison Band was precarious at times on the steep, soft snow. From Swirl Hawse I followed footprints in the snow down to the still-frozen Levers Water and down to Coppermines Valley and back to Coniston. Read about it

Saturday 27th February 2010, it was not quite as cold and not as bright as five days ago, when I got to Troutbeck and parked at Church Bridge. I walked up to Troutbeck Park, up to the path above Hird Wood and on to the ridge over Low Great Knott and High Great Knott to Hart Crag. I walked up the ridge leading to Caudale Moor, through fresh deeper snow; it was misty on the plateau when I reached the summit at Stony Cove Pike. I had an interesting, snowy scramble of a descent to Threshthwaite Mouth, and an intimidating ascent up the steep snow slope to Thornthwaite Crag. I navigated into the whiteness using my compass, and found the ridge path to the impressive looking Froswick; I walked on to Ill Bell and Yoke before descending to Garburn Pass and walked down the increasingly, deeply eroded Garburn Road back to Troutbeck. Read about it

Monday 22nd February 2010, it was a frosty bright morning when I got to Troutbeck, I parked at Church Bridge and walked up the icy road uphill to the top of the village where a footpath leads up to Nanny Lane. By the time I reached the summit of Wansfell Pike, it was properly snowy and the views were fantastic; I walked along the undulating ridge, through deeper snow and some slippery steep descents, to Baystones, the summit of Wansfell. I followed the wall northwards, I didn't see many signs of a path but there was a single set of footsteps in the snow; and eventually got dow to the Kirkstone Road at Woundale Raise. I found a place where I was able to climb over the wall, and then walked up the ridge of Broad End; when I reached the cairn at the top of Ravens Edge, then made the long walk, plodding through deep soft snow, eventually to the summit of Caudale Moor. It was too late to make the crossing of Thresthwaite Mouth to Thornthwaite Crag and walk the Ill Bell ridge, so I retraced my steps, and then made a descent directly towards Hart Crag. I eventually got down to Trout Beck and walked across field until I reached Ing Lane at Ing Bridge; just a couple of miles to walk back to the car. Read about it

Saturday 30th January 2010, there were already plenty of cars parked near Seathwaite Farm when I arrived, I had to leave my car half a mile up the road. I walked up by the side of Sour Milk Gill, there was no lying snow at this level, but there were regular icy patches, of varying sizes, to be avoided. The final zigzag upto Gillercombe Head was covered in hard snow making the path difficult to climb, so I put on my crampons and climbed directly up tne icy slope. By the time I reached the summit of Green Gable, the snow was deep enough to make walking in crampons a bit awkward, but I took them off a bit too soon for the final steep climb to the summit of Great Gable. The summit plateau of Great Gable was fantastic, with a shiny snowy surface in brilliant sunshine, and terrific views in every direction. I descended towards Styhead, there was deeper snow that had been disturbed and softened by many walking boots, it wasn't that difficult but I ended up on my backside a couple of times. I sat at the stretcher box by myself for a while enjoying the sunshine and the view of the hills, before descending the treacherously icy path by the side of Styhead Gill. Once I reached Taylorgill Force, there was less ice, but I had to take care in places all the way back to the car. Read about it

Saturday 9th January 2010, after the heavy snow earlier in the week, the roads were clear enough to get safely to Grasmere. I expected an icy walk but there was much more snow than I expected, and I changed my mind and walked up a path I haven't used before, it took me from Near Easdale to the hause between Yew Crag ans Great Castle How. These minor peaks are subsidiary summits of Blea Rigg, and I walked and climbed to the undulating ridge and made a steep scramble up a snow slope to the summit of Blea Rigg. I made the long walk to Sergeant Man, strenuously stepping every step in the deep snow, before the ascending the final rocky ridge to its summit. The view from the summit was fantastic, the air was clear and the light was good. I had intended to descend to Codale Tarn, but without navigating properly I came across a set of footprints heading down towards Broadstone Head, the footprints disappeared but I carried on down through even deeper snow. It started to go dark as I started my descent to Far Easedale and it was difficult to follow the footprints in the snow, but eventually found my way back to Grasmere. Read about it

Sunday 3rd January 2010, it was a cold, icy morning as I drove to Braithwaite; several cars, including mine, stopped in the lay-bys on the A66 so that the drivers could take photographs of Blencathra, looking spectacular in the early morning sun. I parked in Braithwaite and walked up the Whinlatter road to the small quarry, and the icy path up to the broad rising ridge to the summit of Kinn; it was Skiddaw's turn to look spectacular. As I got to Lanty Tarn, I decided to put my crampons on, for the climb up the ridge of Sleet How, and on to the summit of Grisedale Pike. I walked along the undulating ridge, and then made the climb up to the summit of Hopegill Head, and climbed to the summit of Sand Hill before making the long descent to Coledale Hause. I descended awkwardly down a slippery, snow slope to get to Coledale Valley; I took my crampons off when I reached the Force Crag Mine buildings, but the path out of the valley was treacherously icy, and I would have been justified in keeping them on. Read about it