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

After cloudy and wet days the forecast for this afternoon looked promising so I headed over to take in a couple of the Northern Fells. I had originally intended to park at Mungrisdale, walk alongside the river Glenderamackin, ascend Sharp Edge on to Blencathra, back to Bannerdale Crags and return to the start via Bowscale Fell and the East Ridge. Low cloud that hung over the hills as I neared Penrith made me amend the route.

Leaving the village of Mungrisdale.

Bannerdale Crags behind the Tongue.

Nearing Bannerdale Crags.

Passing the sheepfold on the way to the mines.

The crags where I was looking for four of A.W's reference pictures.

After some detective work I found this, the doorway that A.W. illustrated in Bannerdale Crags 10. I wonder if anyone else since that time has taken a similar photograph?

Looking down the dale from the ruin to Souther Fell.

The natural cave "Shelter for six persons"

3.14pm a low flying helicopter passes overhead towards Bannerdale Crags..

Looking back to the mines with mist on the escarpment.

A Sea King over the East Ridge of Bannerdale Crags in the Sharp Edge direction.

The East Ridge with cloud on the summit. I did some sketching here during which time the cloud lifted.

The ruined quarry hut on the ridge.

Continuing traffic overhead.

Bannerdale Crags summit with Bowscale Fell beyond.

Using binoculars I could now see the activity on Sharp Edge. The MR Team can be seen on the edge itself as well as in the gully below the helicopter. This was the second Sea King, the first having departed earlier. Sadly as I found out later, this action was to rescue 2 adults and a six year old girl who had fallen off Sharp Edge. Others had to be helped to safety. As enjoyable as hill-walking is, it does have it's risks. Sharp Edge is recognised as one of the most challenging "walkers" routes. It is a sobering sight to see such a rescue take place.

At just after 5pm the second helicopter departs apparently with the injured woman onboard. Tragically she lost her life later in hospital.

Lessen the risk to yourself by clicking on the logo.

Looking down the crags to the East Ridge.

Bowscale Fell lies ahead.

Bannerdale Crags.

Looking back to Blencathra, its summit still in cloud. The jagged shape of Sharp Edge seen on the left.

On a lighter note: Zeta has her own little island.

Bowscale Fell summit.

The only single patch of sunlight all afternoon, away in the distance on Sheffield Pike (I think)

"He was here"- Zoe on the left sits on the exact rock where A.W stood to get the photograph for Bowscale Fell 6.

Carrock Fell from the East Ridge of Bowscale Fell.

Zeta showing signs of slowing down.......not!

Souther Fell on the left with Bannerdale Crags at the head of the valley. Blencathra just shows above.

Returning to the start point.