Lingmoor Fell and Side Pike 

Date                    18/02/2006

Walks done by:  Jed, Paul & Susan

Weather:             Dry with sunny patches, Very calm and cool. Snow at 2800'

Distance             8 miles.

Started at:          Elterwater

This was our first walk in the Lakes since August and we knew we would be out of condition. So Lingmoor Fell was chosen as a moderate mountain to start our goal to regain fitness. Therefore, after a stop in Daisy's Cafe in Ambleside for bacon butties (why? - we know we'll be thirsty for the rest of the day) we eventually arrived at Elterwater.

There's a labyrinth of paths at the base of Lingmoor Fell and after checking with a lovely old local lady, we knew we had taken the correct path.

The ascent to Lingmoor Fell was uneventful but enjoyable, but we were finding it harder than we usually would. The views were very good and the Helvellyn range look spectacular with its covering of snow. After having lunch on the summit we continued to Side Pike. After negotiating the narrow gap on Side Pike's southern edge we climbed to its summit. There are great views across to the Langdale Pikes from here.

After an easy descent (Susan will think otherwise - two slips proving she needs new boots) we walked back along the valley path to Elterwater and enjoyed a couple of pints of finest Bluebird.

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Early morning as we pass Windermere.

This was taken with my phone from the car as we approached Ambleside

The Langdale Pikes from our car park at Elterwater

Soon after setting off we passed an old mine with the spiders trap set

Looking down the Langdale valley from one of the quarries on Lingmoor Fell

Susan and Paul at the quarry

As we gained height Wetherlam came into view to the south

And looking back down the east ridge of Lingmoor Fell, Elterwater and Windermere are seen.

Half way up the ridge there is a stone built bench where we had a coffee and this view of the snow capped Helvellyn range

Suan and Paul above the top quarry

The view to the Summit

Crinkle Crags from Lingmoor Fell summit

And looking across the Langdale valley to Helvellyn

Me and Susan

Susan and Paul on the summit

Rays of light in front of Wetherlam and Great Carrs

Side Pike from Lingmoor Fell

Paul and Susan head for Side Pike

The steep descent from Lingmoor Fell

Side Pike from the descent

Blea Tarn from the col

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Blea Tarn

The beautiful Langdale Pikes from Side Pike

..and from Side Pike summit

Paul and Susan on Side Pike with Crinkle Crags and Bow Fell behind them

Susan on Side Pike - now in full sunshine

Looking back to Crinkle Crags from the valley path to Elterwater