For those of you that are thinking of going onto the hills I would strongly recommend that you read the advice given by the Mountain Rescue organisation of England and Wales. To read this advice, which will open in a new page please click HERE. If you would like to make a donation to the Mountain Rescue organisation which is purely voluntary please click HERE. Please make the time to read the advice page.

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This was to be my 100th walk of 2011 and knowing that I am unable to make it "special" in distance or height terms anymore I had hoped to make it special in the company we had. I had hoped to have our three granddaughters with us but unfortunately the eldest was on a "sleep-over" at a friends and the youngest was suffering from tonsillitis. This left the middle one, Sophie who had done this walk with me once before. She also brought along her dog Jazz.

Route Map

We parked the car in a lay-by on the A65 and Sophie was off.....it wasn't long before the "which way Nan" was heard though.

Edith fussing as usual....

.....and at last we are under way.

When we came abeam of this funny shaped building we left the main path to start a steeper short climb towards the summit.

Sophie hates having her picture taken. The best ones we have of her are in unsuspecting moments. However for once I got a smile. Jazz is  wonderful dog, she is a bit of a disgrace to her breed really, she is so soft and loving but woe betide anybody who tried to cause Sophie harm. They got her from Animal Care at Lancaster where she had been taken after not having to good a start in life.

Looking over Kendal to Kendal Fell and the fells of Kentmere.

The Coniston Fells just peek over Scout Scar.

Whilst I was taking the last pictures Sophie was on her way to the summit with Edith giving chase.

"Hurry up granddad"

From the summit a views to Arnside Knott (l) and Whitbarrow (r) with Humphrey Head in the distance between.

Looking over to Whitbarrow with the top of Black Combe just showing.

The gentle undulating ridge looking N'wards from the summit.

The Southern Fells of Lakeland peek over Scout Scar with Natland below.

Over Oxenholme and Kendal to Kentmere Fells.

The Howgills peer over Summerhouse Hill

Both Sophie and Jazz in non-photographic mode at the trig point.

There are other dogs about and Jazz is more interested in what's happening below.

Time-Out!!

I'm no expert on grasses but this on the other side of the ridge wall looked fantastic.

Sophie shows the way.

The land on the eastern side of the wall used to be private but in 2007 The Friends of the Lake District purchased 82.97 acres to improve public access and improve the landscape and nature conservation interest.

There were many patches of harebells in amongst the grass.

A look back towards the summit.

It's getting warm and somebody's feeling it.

Off again and heading towards Benson Knott.

Snack time and Jazz knows who as all the goodies.

Heading down now and Sophie remembered this place....

The Station Inn at Oxenholme.

After helping me get some drinks Sophie was off into the play area....

Whilst I was having a look at this young Alpaca.

Regular readers may remember that the last time Sophie and I were here I got her to try to smile whilst sucking on a lemon slice. She failed badly but was determined to do better this time.

Having had a good suck on it she tried to say this was a smile.....

....but moments later........FAIL!!!!

All that remained was a walk back along a quiet lane..

....to the car.

And finally.....

The Calendar season is upon us again. I have had a number of enquiries as to whether I will be producing a calendar this year. Once again the answer is no as I have neither the inclination to do so, or to make money out of what I enjoy. We normally support the RNLI and Mountain Rescue in purchasing our calendars directly from them. However readers may be interested in this one from the Friends of the Lake District....At only £8.00 it offers good value for money and you will know that the monies raised will go the the only charity wholly dedicated to protecting Cumbria's landscape for the future. Just clicking on the picture will take you to the website.

Next Walk:      27th July 2011 - Lake District - Delicious Derwentwater Days

Last Walk:       24th July 2011 - Lake District - Beacon Fell & Tarn

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