1) To support my blog’s stories about hill walking, wildcamping etc.

2) To showcase my hopefully improving photographic skills.

The problem is that often, these goals are at odds….

To fulfil a showcase, I should only publish photos that I believe to be both technically good, and also aesthetically pleasing. The problem with this is that for example, during my recent weekend in Snowdonia, only 5 or six photos taken met these characteristics.

Now, on the other hand, to support my hill walking posts, I often want to upload most photos from a day. Even if I don’t embed the photos in a post, I would probably be best to link to a Flickr collection at the bottom of the post. Now, many of these photos are only snaps, sometimes only from the iPhone, in the midday sun with little thought to photography.

Oh hum, maybe another glass of wine and a sleep will shed some light on this problem…

It would be rude to drive through Betws-y-Coed without doing a little outdoors shopping, and I surprised myself by only coming away with a Mountain Hardware shirt. The drive then across the A5 cheered us up – only a little snow was left on Snowdon so all looked good for Saturday. We rounded the day off with a pleasant meal in Caernarfon and an early night.

Yachts in Doc Fictoria, Caernarfon

Saturday morning, we fueled up at Macdonalds, then drove over to Llamberis parking right at the foot of Snowdon. Think we got the last spot in the car park. Then was started the walk. It was real hot, and I always struggle in the heat. Sure enough, by the half way house, I was pleased with my choice of shorts and short sleeved t-shirt given the mocking I had all morning.

A quick stop at the Halfway House for more water, and we continued to climb eventually reaching snow level at the higher tunnel under the railway. The snow was easily overcome, or sidestepped; I wish I had tried my fell running shoes for the first time this year. Before we summited, we found amusement at how people were tackling the icy shoot between the plateau and the top of the Pyg Track – mainly on their bottoms.

People slidding down to descend Pyg Track / Miner's Path

We summited about 13:00 and dropped over the other side of the hill towards the Snowdon Rangers path to find some tranquility to enjoy lunch. It really did feel like summer, even at the top.

We then returned over the summit, but as we dropped past the new building, we saw a search and rescue helicopter hovering above Crib Goch. We feared the worst, but speculated that it would be OK – the helicopter seemed to be right over the ridge rather than to a side – and thus a fall. Unfortunately, Sunday morning we learned that a guy had a suspected heart attack – our sympathies go out to his family and friends. A little subdued, we continued the descent which went pretty quickly and uneventfully.

Tree on Snowdon

On arrival at Llamberis, we quickly dispatched ice creams and drove back to Caernarfon for a MASSIVE chinese banquet. I am sure we undid all the good work done, but it was worth it.

Log above river

Sunday morning saw a more leisurely walk along the Afon Llugwy to Swallow Falls from Betws-y-Coed. I must be getting better as I entered Cotswold Outdoors and I didn’t even buy anything!!! The weekend was rounded off with burger and chips at a pub in the village. All in all, a great weekend though we must surely pay for the great weather with some rain…

Tributary of Afon Llugwy

Thus, after an excellent journey and sleep Wednesday, I found myself Thursday morning bussing to Buttermere Youth Hostel. This journey was an experience. Started with heavy snow on Dunmail Raise, just missing photographing an extremely low flying plane over Thirlmere, and confirmation of the amount of snow lying on the hills. Then, the next bus journey saw us put a BMW into a fence near Catbells, and a slippy ascent of Honister Pass.

Views from the Buttermere Rambler

Anyhow, finally, Thursday lunchtime I decided the afternoon wouldn’t give enough time for an ascent on Haystacks, especially as I hadn’t got an up to date weather forecast, so instead, I took a walk around Buttermere lake. I did spice up the low level walk with some scrambling up the two waterfalls at base of Red Pike and High Crag – all in the name of photography  Thursday evening saw a lively chat with a youth hostel room mate, a beef burger and a few beers and double Jura single malts.

Friday morning, and I was up early. After breakfast, I walked along the SE shore of Buttermere to the bottom of Haystacks, and started climbing towards Scarth Gap. Nearing the top, I had to choose whether to go all out along High Crag towards Red Pike or be sensible and just bite of Haystacks. I choose the latter, mainly as snow and low visibility was forecast for around 14:00.

The ascent of Haystacks was ok; the large rock steps were covered by fresh snow which gave good enough grip although a few sections did look tricky for the descent. Infact, following the main path over the cairns was difficult when entering the rocky sections. Several down climbs on icy steps nearly forced a rethink and retreat, but no, I scrambled down and evently reached Innominate Tarn about 11:00.

Innominate Tarn and the nameless tarn on Haystacks

The scenery was fantastic, the snowy Gables and Pillar dominating the vista with the tarns providing perfect subjects for photography. I wanted to get the tripod out, and play with filters etc. However, a huge black cloud was incoming from Borrowdale, and I feared this might bring snow, a white-out or general hill fog, so I continued with some hand held shots and thus allowed me to descend shortly after.

A tarn on Haystacks

It was on descending the rocky summit of Haystacks that my heavy rucksack (the DSLR, tripod, crampons, axe and winter clothing a light sack does not make) gave me the biggest problems. My centre of gravity was way off, the the rucksack did it’s best to pull me of the slippy but sure handholds when scrambling down the icy steps. Also, my Scarpa SLs providing great problems in keeping traction in compacted snow, I definately seemed to slip more frequently than others around.

Upon descending to Scarth Gap, I took a left to a rocky outcrop that provided a perfect view to upper and lower Ennerdale. The High Level Route on Pillar stuck out in the snow so clearly, and it was supprising how much more snow was on the valley floor than in the neighbouring Buttermere.A re-ascent of Scarth Gap and uneventful descent back to Buttermere followed.

Wild and snowy Ennerdale

Last time I walked down this hill, I nearly cried with pain due to my knee, and I waited and waited for a reshow. But now, the knee was ok, even with the weight I was carrying. Infact, the only thing I really noticed was my lack of hill fitness – infact the largest hill I have done in 2010 was a leisurely paced Whernside.

Views towards Dale Head from Buttermere

However, peak bagging will soon pick up. April will bring Snowdon twice. Then Scafell Pike, Nevis and two other Munros are the aim of May’s Scotland holiday.

Nick picked us up about 10ish, so we walked out of Monyash about 11. The first couple of miles were incident free, other than some piss taking out of my shorts – their 2nd outing this year! I must admit I was a little chilly…

Things went slightly amis however, when we descended into Caves Dale. We should have climbed straight out of it again to head over to Youlgreave, but alas, I wasn’t concentrating on the map, and thus beared left into Lathkill Dale. This valley should have been the return leg, but instead we choose to walk down it.

Its a great valley, smaller and less dramatic than Dove Dale, but it did feel more remote, and dare I say, more pretty. There was green moss growing on just about every wall and tree. There were beautiful waterfalls (some man made) so I bored my companions a little by rattling off about 300 photos. Oops!

Waterfalls on the River Lathkill

Then, we continued further downstream to a point where the valley opened up. We sat, eat lunch and watched ducks fight and dive in the river. A little further down the stream on Conksbury Bridge, I saw my first live trout – there were loads of them.

Trout in the River Lathkill

After some consideration at the bridge, we decided to take the shorter option back to Monyash by simple retracing our steps through Lathkill Dale right to the end. So we did, and a very pleasent walk back it was. It’s amazing how different the views are looking through a valley one direction and the other. Then, once we entered the section above Caves Dale, the terrain got a little tougher, and it became more obvious were were in limestone country. Lots of caves, and limestone crags providing quite dramatic views. This upper section takes you to within a mile of Monyash, so after some simple trekking over a couple of farmer’s fields, we arrived in Monyash about 17:00. We found a cafe on the way back to the car and polished off toffee and chocolate ripple ice creams – the first outdoors ice creams of the year.

Limestone features in the top of Lathkill Dale

All in all, a great walk and the weather was ok. Unfortunately, as blogged yesterday, snow is forecast for my lakeland expedition but at least my YHA bookings are now confirmed at Windermere, Buttermere and Keswick. Just got to plan the route between them!!

Well, after last Sunday’s beautiful spring walk, I had my hopes up for a great solo backpack and wildcamp from Langdale.

I spent my lunch breaks this week constructing a stove windshield and pot cosy. I spent this morning in the garage strugging but finally succeeding in packing my stuff into my OMM 35L rucksack except for the tent, that fits great into the ‘Multi Sport Compressor’… Pack weight including water and food – 18lb; not bad at all.

Then, I spent much of this afternoon planning the route in finer detail. Done.

Or so I thought. About 4 o’clock, I looked at the bbc weather report to decide whether tomorrows ramble would be White Peaks or Shropshire. BBC weather said it would be fine in both places. But from the corner of my eye, I spotted snow forecast Wednesday. I had already seen a possible snow shower forest cast the usually pessimistic MWIS, but now the BBC!!

Further searched for weather locally, and yeah, heavy snow Tuesday night through Wednesday.

When I mentioned all this to Cheryl, I was about to say ‘I ain’t wildcamping at the top of a mountain next week, maybe I will wimp out and use a campsite…’ but she interrupted suggesting that I will wimp out and use a youth hostel.

There is was, a seed planted. A couple of quick calls, and hopefully I will get accommodation in Buttermere and Keswick.

Now, all I need to do Tuesday night is replace my sleeping bag / tent in the rucksack with crampons and the ice axe!!! Oh, and fully winter gloves, hat and thermals.

Now, I got a little ribbing today about my optimistic choice of shorts and a short sleeve shirt; it might be too cold and ‘what are those pieces of string hanging out of my shorts’ (i.e. my legs…). I had my doubts about the choice early morning, mist and only 4 degrees in the car, and this remaining 1/2 way up the M1. Luckily, approaching Chesterfield, BBC weathers predictions came true, and the car’s thermometer rose to 10 degrees.

Arriving in Edale at about 10:30, we luckily managed to find a prime lay-by parking space only 100 metres out of the village car park. A quick change of clothes and we ascending Hollin’s Cross, and then Lose Hill. All fairly pleasent, and we enjoyed watching the nutters fell runners competing in some kind of race. We particularly enjoyed one guy appearing to totally cut a corner, not sure whether this was allowed though he did it right in front of a marshall…The descent of Lose Hill was quick and pain free with the mandatory M&S sarnies half way down. Cheers for the pork pies Steve!!!

Edge of Kinder Scout from Crookstone Knoll

We then started our second hill of the day skirting Win Hill, ascending the roman road to Hope Cross we got our muscles warmed up again for the hard pull up Crookstone Knoll. A few people on rock photos and Percy Pigs refueled us for the ‘flat’ walk along the edge to Ringing Roger. Now, by this time, I was happy to see some cloud come in. Firstly, this cooled things down (see, the shorts were a good idea..) and secondly, they reduced the glare from a powerful sun and brought interest to some moody moorland photos. Played for the first time with my stronger grad filter. Maybe OTT for strength but I enjoyed a couple of photos.

Strange light over the vale of Edale from Ringing Roger

Finally, we descended Ringing Roger, avoided any pubs in Edale and returned to the car by about 17:00. A tough day – tougher than the nominal 10.3 miles (10.2 if it wasn’t for a ‘navigational occurrence’ by me) with > 600 metres; not bad for the peak district.

Steve was obviously getting excited about the prospect of beer in Edale

Even managed a Toby Carvery for dinner, turkey, yorkies and a pint of Bulmers. Nice.

All Saint's Church, Lullington, Derbyshire

I have enjoyed some architectural photography recently, but I was disappointed at this mornings attempts with the church. I struggled to get far enough away to get the church in context and the pics came out a little shallow. I also failed to capture the great light, but maybe next time…. Also, the sky was perfect blue – a little bland so I will try shooting again with an interesting cloud backdrop.

A snow drop in the church yard

Instead, I had a play with some flower shots and quite liked the results for the small amount of time invested. I am now getting to grips with depth of field, and in particular how I could get bokeh effects at smaller apertures than I originally thought.

A lone crocus in a field of snow drops

Anyhow, an enjoyable drive to work, and was a little disappointed that on the drive home, I saw a buzzard sitting on a fence next to the road. I would have stopped to get some pictures at close range, but the road had no parking cones due to the Basra Memorial Wall opening at the National Memorial Arboretum.

Anyway, after  a quick change of footwear and application of gaiters, we started walking up Grindsbrook and beared right towards Ringing Roger. The pull up was steep, and hard work in the strong sun, but after 30 mins we got up to the top of Ringing Roger. From here, the gradient got less but it was quite hard walking up to the edges due to the snow on steep ground. We finally neared the trig point near Ringing Roger about 12 and walked west towards Grindsbrook Clough.

Nearing the top of the edge

Finding the path was difficult, and we had a few moments putting feet into 2 foot deep soft snow holes,  but once the path was found, speed increased. We stopped around 1/2 way along the edge to some rocks which made an excellent place for lunch. It was now nearing 13:30 and the decision was to turn south over Grindslow Knoll, rather than continue the original plan of reaching the top of Jacob’s Ladder before descending to Edale. Time was pushing on, and we were a little concerned about how icy Jacob’s Ladder would be – it was bad a few weeks ago with far less snow on the ground. So the route was cut short a little mileage wise. Still 6 miles done – 2 or so through thick snow so the legs were worked quite hard!

Grindslow Knoll - Last summit of the day

A quick round of pints at the Old Nags Head Inn rounded off a great snowy and fantastically clear day. Next proper walk will be in a couple of weeks. Hopefully, the snow will have melted a little so we can up the mileage and ascent – I certainly need to as I have booked train tickets for March 31st to Windermere for a 2 night wildcamp and haven’t done more than 10 miles in the last 3 or 4 months…

This Wednesday, I decided to take the day off from work and try something a little more serious. My original idea was to try my crampons for the first time by ascending one of the snowdonia peaks, but MWIS suggested something else by virtue of heavy snow, hail and thunder. I therefore looked to other mountainous regions and decided upon attempting Whernside and Ingleborough.

Snowy Whernside

I left the house about 6am, and got upto Ingleton about 9:15 to buy the requisite OS map, having planned the route online. Finally arrived at Ribblehead about 9:45 and whilst packing my rucksack, I got chatting to a friendly local in the car park. As we discussed routes, we started walking together up the east flank of Whernside.

The conversation was interesting, local knowledge adds so much to these walks, I learnt about the effort on redirecting the river down Dentdale, about the shake holes, and the limestone pavements on the foot of Ingleborough. Now, I had orignally intended to finish the chat half walk up the hill, and resume normal solitary walking with my camera. However, time flew as our conversation covered the armed services, politics, and the virtues of vegetarianism (I have given up meat for lent…). Next thing I know, we are crossing an icy tarn before topping out on the summit. I was surprised to see the 6 foot or so of snow built up against the wall, and the cornice build up.

Once at the summit, I enjoyed an M & S ploughmans sandwich and three bean / cheese wrap before resuming the walk down a decidely rocky artifical stair case. I was a little worried with the ice covered steps, and hoped the gradient wouldn’t be too much for me knee. But no, I was fine, and felt quite fresh by the time I reached the road.

Old farmhouse near Whernside summit

However, time was not on my side for an ascent of the planned Ingleborough. It was about 14:30 and my walking colleage said it would take a good 3 hours to complete the second hill. This time constraint, combined with the no doubt icy north face descent  led me to the descision to walk over the limestone pavements at the foot of Ingleborought which led to a faint path over fields back to Ribbledale.

Moody limestone pavement

All in all, about 12 miles of walking over 6 hours, followed by an awful 3.5 hour drive down the M6. Still, a fantastic winter walking day, as the photos hopefully show…

No, regarding walking, we have only done local walks of recent, even though we managed to get up to Keswick on my Birthday. However, whilst up there, I suffered a stomach upset so returned the very next day so no walks.

However, I have been putting much effort into photography, my interest being mainly driven by a new Nikon D90 given to me as a joint Birthday / Xmas pressie from the other half and my parents. Since getting the camera, I have been snapping anything and everything and my skills with the camera have come on leaps and bounds. I have spent several evenings recently re-keywording my Lightroom catalogue, and will be refining, tweaking and uploading pictures to Flickr. I am to complete the rest of my pictures by late January. Hopefully, by this time, the roads will be sufficiently clear of snow that my girlfriend will be happy to travel up to the Peak District for our first hill walk of the year.