High Pike, Lake District, Spring
There’s more to the Northern Fells of the Lake District than meets the eye.
There's more to the Northern Fells of the Lake District than meets the eye.
Nearing the end of our May break, and after having enjoyed the delights of Dash Falls, Lisabet and I decided that a reasonably high climb was in order.
Thankfully we had assistance! A former work colleague of mine turned good friend, Kate, lives in Northern Cumbria and is fell acquainted with the Northern Fells. After a coffee and a catch up, she guided us to a good parking area and we set off up the fell.
The Northern Fells really put me in mind of the Howgills: rolling, smooth hills with deep scarred valleys. Our goal for the day was to summit High Pike (658 m/2,159 ft), and in places the going was pretty steep. However, the views from the top are exquisite.
All photos shot on my Fujifilm X-T2 using two of my prime lenses: a Fujinon 23mm f/2.0 and an adapted Pentax SMC 55mm f/2.0. Images converted in Lightroom, then edited in Affinity Photo.
Dash Falls, Lake District, Spring
Here’s another place I’ve been meaning to explore for ages.
Here's another place I've been meaning to explore for ages.
The Northern Fells of the Lake District are dominated by two champions: Skiddaw and Blencathra, the 6th and 18th highest mountains in England respectively. These fells make up a wall of peaks at the southern end of the Northern Fells, looming directly over Keswick and Threlkeld.
There are, however, numerous fells and valleys behind Skiddaw and Blencathra, and by comparison these fells see little footfall. On the western side of the Northern Fells, nestled in between the Uldale fells and the Back o' Skidda is the Dash Valley. At the head of this valley drops a rather spectacular waterfall, Dash Falls, also sometimes called Whitewater Dash waterfall. Rather than being one single drop, these falls take the form of a series of steep cascades from the head of Dash valley to the valley floor.
Though the day was relatively overcast, the scenes were no less epic. Happily, there were also plenty of Herdwicks about!
All photos taken on my Fujifilm X-T2 using my three prime lenses: a Fujinon 23mm f/2.0, a Laowa 9mm f/2.8, and an adapted Pentax SMC 55mm f/2.0. Images developed using RNI Films' Kodachrome film profile.
Bowscale Tarn, Lake District, Summer
We kicked off Father’s Day weekend by revisiting the Mosedale valley in the Northern Fells of the Lake District.
We kicked off Father’s Day weekend by revisiting the Mosedale valley in the Northern Fells of the Lake District.
The last time we hiked Mosedale was back in March of this year, during a visit to my Dad’s. It was our first time in this quiet valley and we were floored with the sights and views. The nice weather probably helped.
This time we endeavoured to hike the public bridleway up Mosedale’s southern side. Following this takes you all the way to Bowscale Tarn and, if you want, onwards up to Bowscale Fell (702 m/2,303 ft). Adventurous fell walkers can then extend this hike by venturing further south to summit Blencathra itself (868 m/2,848 ft).
We decided not to summit Bowscale Fell this time round; the humidity was proving quite draining. Nevertheless, Bowscale Tarn was delightful. It’s flanked on all sides except the north by sheer walls of crag. The tarn is reportedly 60 ft deep and—so the legend goes—is home to a pair of talking, immortal fish.
The more you know!
All photos shot on my Fujifilm X-T2 using my three prime lenses: a Samyang 35mm f/1.2, a Laowa 9mm f/2.8, and an adapted Pentax SMC 55mm f/2.0. Images 80% developed in-camera using a customised Provia film simulation, with minor finishing edits in Lightroom and Affinity Photo.