on location

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

This route was part of Andy's fascinating and unique project "The Wainwrights in Colour". Click here

A really early start was called for after the weather forecast predicted a bright start for the day. I planned to cover some of the fells on the Southern region of the lakes starting in Langdale at the Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel.

None of the photos have been enhanced for colour etc using photoshop, this is how they came out of the camera.

The pink glow of dawn hits the hills where I am to walk today. Pike O' Blisco on the left through to the rippling edge of Crinkle Crags.

Passing the New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel with the Pikes behind.

After leaving the car at the ODG (7.30am) I headed up past Wall End Farm I followed the stream up to Pike O'Blisco.

From higher up the view into Langdale. The only cloud this morning was draped across the Helvellyn range in the distance.

I was heading to Black Crag first so I followed the stream to the tarn when there was a first view of the Coniston Fells.

Black Crag is an impressive face of rock, "the Needle" can be seen to the right.

"The Keen Team" ready to summit Pike O' Blisco.

Bowfell sits behind the summit.

Early morning in Langdale.

Descending to Red Tarn our next summit, Cold Pike lies ahead.

Red Tarn with Swirl How and Great Carrs behind.

Black Wars in shadow from the path that takes most people up to the Crinkles, I was to branch off to the top of Cold Pike.

Cold Pike summit.

A view back to Pike O' Blisco.

Not far from the summit is this large tooth of rock.

The Duddon Valley and Harter Fell from Cold Pike.

Ahead lies the route to Crinkle Crags.

Good enough for a swim.

Nearing Gladstone Knott the view back to Great Knott and Pike O' Blisco.

I spent some time on Gladstone Knott seeking out Gladstone's Finger. A Herdwick makes it look easy.

The highest of The Crinkles, Long Top from across Great Cove.

The summit of the first Crinkle.

The famous "Bad Step" en route to the second Crinkle. My route now was to drop down into Adam A Cove.

The Scafell range from down in the cove.

After getting the photograph I needed of the striated rocks I had to ascend back up to the main ridge.

Now back on the main path heading to the summit, here looking back towards the most southerly of the Crinkles.

The highest tarn, situated about 10m north of the summit.

From near the summit a great view of the route we have been on.

And the route ahead from the third top. Bowfell in the distance with Shelter Crags in shadow.

Before reaching Shelter Crags I had to drop down once again, this time to get a view of Esk Pike from near Rest Gill.

This location also gave a wonderful view of Eskdale.

Once again I had to ascend 500' back to the main ridge ahead. Shelter Crags on the left was where I was heading.

Back on the ridge, looking down to the Pikes right through to St. Sunday Crag, the dark shape central in the far distance.

To the South Cold Pike catches the sun.

Minor tarns on the ridge add foreground interest to photographs of distant fells.

Afternoon sun picks out the Links on the side of Bowfell.

Harrison Stickle through a gap near Shelter Crags.

Wind ripples the water on one of The Three tarns.

Instead of descending via The Band I opted to follow the path by Buscoe Sike and pick off a couple of other "targets". Pike O' Blisco's flanks pick up late sun.

Other walkers descend The Band.

The ravine of Hell Gill edges the path down.

Alert as ever.

Surely the ultimate location for a perched boulder. This huge rock is finely placed on a small pedestal of stone close to a deep pool of crystal clear water near Whorneyside Force.

Oxendale Beck tumbles down under Crinkle Crags.

Afternoon sun breaks through to illuminate Side Pike.

Passing through Stool End Farm as I return to the car park at The Old Dungeon Ghyll at the end of an excellent day on the Lake District Fells.