The Teessdale Gallery

Andy Beck - On Location

Route details and photographs of areas where Andy has been walking, sketching and gathering references for future work.

23rd. January 2009. Blea Water and Small Water.

It had been my intention today to do a route near Haweswater. Unfortunately I was delayed in setting off so I had to adapt my plan. I opted for a more low level route by visiting Blea Water and Small Water. As I headed along the A66 I could see the distant Lakeland Fells, not only were the in bright sunshine but they had one of the best overall coverings of snow that I have seen for a long time.

Looking over Haweswater to a snow covered Kidsty Pike. Already it was starting to cloud over.

 

Haweswater and the car park as we head uphill.

 

Waterfalls in Blea Water Beck. There had been quite a snow fall last night but as can be seen from the lack of ice, it wasn't as cold as it has been in previous weeks.

 

Branstree and the Gatescarth Pass.

 

On towards Blea Water. Mardale Ill Bell on the left.

 

Blea Water Beck. As forecast, winter showers we on their way. Harter Fell on the right was disappearing from view. As good as the winter conditions were for challenging walking they didn't quite suit me as I need good visibility to acheive my aims. I had made the right decision to stay lower down.

 

It was tough going, the snow lying a good 10" deep, deeper in places. My route as usual was away from the normal paths so I was taking great care not to put myself at risk from accident. Long Stile is the ridge above.

 

Blea Water and Mardale Ill Bell.

 

Zoe in the snow, hard work for short legs!

 

Sheep on Piot Crag.

 

The stone shelters near Small water.

 

Small Water looking towards the Nan Bield Pass. The weather has closed in, becoming quite dull.

 

The descent towards the car park. Falling snow had turned to rain and already a thaw was setting in. This hadn't been a long walk but the "off-roading" had involved quite an effort and by the time I returned to the car I had been out for over 3 hours.

home  | On Location | back to book 2