September Walks 2019

Blea Rigg with a passing shower looking towards Silver How.

Pete has been out on the local fells guiding recently and thought it high time he updated the Blog, so here are some pictures of recent outings with Frank and Trish, walkers from the USA.

Pete will continue to offer his private guiding services through the Autumn months, so if you would like a great day out on the Lake District fells, at reasonable cost, just get in touch and book yourself an adventure. You'll go further with a guide and Pete will arrange a suitable day out for you.

Bella, Pete's Border Terrier usually comes too, she's not on these pictures as she's had a wart that was troubling her removed from her foot by the vet so she's grounded for a couple of weeks.

The weather improved recently after a wet August though it was still showery and windy on Blea Rigg above Easdale at the beginning of the week.

Looking from Blea Rigg towards Silver How above Grasmere.

The following pictures are from our walk on Helvellyn today, the weather was great and the hill was busy with walkers, runners, mountain bikers and even a few on e-bikes, who were saving themselves the trouble of pedalling.



Ascent of Raise Beck from Dunmail Raise.

We took the 555 bus at 0930 from Keswick and got off at the top of Dunmail Raise with the intention of climbing Dollywaggon Pike and Nethermost Pike as well as Helvellyn.

The path leading to Grisedale Tarn at the top of Raise Beck

Grisedale Tarn nestles below Fairfield and Dollywaggon

Grisedale Tarn is at about 550m and comes into view after the ascent of Raise Beck, it's just over an hour's walk from the bus stop on Dunmail Raise. We stopped here for elevenses and took some time out to appreciate the grandeur of our surroundings.

Ascending the zig-zag path from the tarn towards the summit of Dollywaggon Pike.

Summit cairn on Dollywaggon Pike 858m with a distant view of Ullswater

Frank and Trish on Dollywaggon with High Crag beyond

Walkers ascending Dollywaggon's south ridge from Grisedale Tarn.

Ruthwaite Cove from High Crag with Grisedale below and  Ullswater in the distance.

Dollywaggon Pike seen across Cock Cove from High Crag

It was a steep pull up onto High Crag 884m

Pete, Frank and Trish at the trig point on Helvellyn 950m

Pete and Trish from Washington in the US took the 78 bus up to Seatoller earlier in the week and walked back to Keswick. We ascended High Spy by way of Rigghead Quarries, there were a few showers which turned into squalls of rain which filled my shoes from the top as we approached Maiden Moor though they soon dried out. We dropped down before we came to Catbells and turned down Yewthwaite Gill from Hawse Gate to pick up the road from Skelgill. We made our way easily then to Lingholm, where we had coffee on the terrace, warmed by the sun which, having hidden for most of the day, relented and put in a welcome appearance.

High Spy above Borrowdale, cool and windy with atmosphere.

Maiden Moor as the sun came out and lit up the summit.

Pete and Bella Guiding in 2019

Wintery Blencathra from Latrigg in January.

The snow in the Lake District has all but disappeared now though it's still cold and wintery outside, nevertheless Spring is just around the corner. Pete and Bella have been out guiding already in January in Borrowdale and there are a few pictures of our winter adventure below.

Guided Walks in the Lake District.

This walking season Pete and Bella once again offer our privately booked bespoke guiding service. We tailor suitable walks to your abilities and requirements. Individuals and groups large and small of all ages and abilities can be catered for. We undertake all the arrangements to make the day enjoyable, we do the navigation and take the strain off you, which not only makes for a carefree day but means that you'll probably go further than you would if left to your own devices.

Navigation Courses.

We also offer an all day navigation course again tailored to your requirements. We concentrate on map and compass work and use electronic devices only as back-up. An element of map work can be included in any of our guided walks if requested.

Prices vary and are available on request, just contact Pete on...

Home     017687 71302
Mobile    07342 637 813
Email      armstrongps1@gmx.com

Pete Armstrong is a highly experienced and qualified Mountain Leader based in Keswick, Bella is his Border Terrier companion.

On the Cumbria Way path near castle Crag in Borrowdale in January

Group approaching the summit of Cat Bells 451m.

Looking down the north ridge of Cat Bells towards Skiddaw on the horizon.

Pete's group celebrate the ascent of a wintery Cat Bells

Great Gable with Pete and Bella

Buttermere and Crummock Water, a classic view from the path to Great Gable.

Pete and Bella were guiding on Great Gable recently and here are some pictures of our adventure. The weather was perfect to start but soon turned cold and windy with cloud well down over the high fells though there were moments when the sun burst through the swirling mist and if you were quick there were opportunities for some dramatic photos.

View towards the Drumhouse with Fleetwith Pike on the left and Dale Head beyond. 



Path in Stone Cove leading to Beck Head.

Windy Gap and Stone Cove

 Beck Head Tarn with Kirk Fell beyond.

Steve takes a photo of Wastwater as the mist clears

North West ridge of Great Gable, our route of ascent, with Gable Crag on the left. 

On the North West ridge of Great Gable with Kirk Fell beyond and Ennerdale below.

Mist clearing to reveal Ennerdale far below

Descent from Great Gable, Langdale Pikes in the distance, Sprinkling Tarn in the centre. 

Prayer flags on a cairn above Sty Head.

Great Gable from the summit cairn on Green Gable.

Guided Walks Programme for June 2018

A group of jolly ladies and a dog pose in the May sunshine below Eagle Crag on the way up Greenup Gill heading for Grasmere. 

Pete's Programme of Guided Walks for June 2018.

Pete thought it a good idea to offer a walk up Helvellyn the "adventure way" on Monday so if you'd like to come on the walk just give Pete a ring or an e-mail or text him. Price remains at a very modest £25 per person for the day. The walks starts in Keswick at the bus station so you'll  need to bring your fare or your pass. I need at least three walkers to make the walk viable so if you've got a mate with you all the better...

Monday 25 June.

Helvellyn, The Adventure Route.

Ascent from Dunmail Raise via Grisedale Tarn, Cock Cove, Hard Tarn and the East ridge of Nethermost Pike. Descent to the Kings Head at Thirlspot where there's a bus stop and a drink.

555 Bus departs Keswick bus station to Dunmail Raise at 0930.

Walking with Pete and Bella in 2018

Pete and Bella on snowy Latrigg in December, Helvellyn range beyond.

This year 2018 local Mountain Leaders Pete and Bella will taking Private Bookings for guided walks in the Lake District rather than providing a programme of walks, which is really no longer viable. Groups, families and individuals are all welcome and walks can be tailored to your individual requirements. Prices are reasonable and vary according to group size, contact Pete for further details. 

Walks Programme June 2017

Programme of Walks June 2017

There are a couple of busy walking weeks at the end of June when several of Pete's regulars will be in the Lakes so he's decided to put on a short programme of guided walks which anyone can join simply by contacting him by 'phone or email or by texting. Pete will inform you of the time and place the walk starts and arrange any transport required.

Mon 19 June. Great Gable, Green Gable, Brandreth and Grey Knotts from Honister.

Tues 20 June.

Wed  21 June. The "Coledale Horseshoe", being a round of the fells surrounding Coledale from Braithwaite.

Thur 22 June.

Fri   23 June. Stonethwaite to Grasmere over the tops of High Raise and Sergeant Man.

Sat  24 June

Sun 25 June

Mon 26 June. Middle Fell, Scoat Fell and Red Pike (Wasdale).

Tues 27 June. Muncaster Fell, taking "Laal Ratty" to The Green station.

Wed 28 June. Whin Rigg, Illgill Head and Miterdale

Bella on Middle Fell 585m earlier this year with Whin Rigg seen across Wastwater beyond.

Booking a Guided Walk 2017

Climbing the zig-zag path from Grisedale Tarn towards Dollywagon last month. 

Darkness at Noon, Grisedale Tarn from Dollywagon. 



Looking towards Langdale from the cast iron gatepost on the main path to Helvellyn.

Looking back to Dollywagon Pike from the main path to Helvellyn; January 2017

Above are a quartet of images from Pete's walk up Helvellyn last month. There's still a good deal of snow on the Lake District fell tops in mid-February and walking conditions are good.

News for 2017

This year Pete will be guiding in the Lake District as usual, he will be taking Private Bookings rather than putting on a programme of walks, though there will be a short season of programmed walks the week 18-25 June. There will also be an "Overnighter" based in Ravenglass in the West Lakes 25-28 June, details of these are to follow soon.

If you'd like to book a walk this season Pete will plan an outing to suit your abilities, just text, e-mail or 'phone him...details above.

Pete is a qualified Mountain Leader and holds an up-to-date First Aid Cert.  

New Year News for 2017

Blencathra in late December looking towards St Johns in the Vale

I thought I'd kick start the KR Blog for 2017 by posting some of the more dramatic photos of our recent winter outings in the Lakes. There have been many fine walking days this winter, lots of sunshine and even some snow, though mostly confined to the higher fell tops. The photo above was taken from the summit ridge of Blencathra just as the mist lifted and the sun lit up Tewit Tarn on Low Rigg in the distance.

KR Walks... Week 19-25 June

 View N. from Bessyboot our destination on 20/6

Sunday 19 June

Monday 20 June           Rosthwaite Fell (1807ft)  Bessyboot and
                                      Rosthwaite Cam from Stonethwaite

Tuesday 21 June           High Street from Mardale Head

Wednesday 22 June      TBA

Thursday 23 June          Pillar

Friday 24 June               Loadpot Hill from Howtown

Saturday 25 June


If you'd like to come on any of these walks just give Pete a ring on... 017687 71302

Or text him on 07342637813 or even an email armstrongps1@gmx.com
  

Pete's Welsh Adventure 2016 Programme

Bella was in Snowdonia earlier in the year and is keen on more Welsh adventures.

On the Glyders, mist rising above Castell y Gwindt.

Programme for the week Mon. 27 June to Friday 1 July.

Monday 27/6                  Snowdon via the Watkin Path from Bethania

Tuesday 28/6                  Moel Siabod from Capel Curig

Wednesday 29/6            Rest Day/DYOT

Thursday 30/6                Pen Yr Ole Wen and Carnedd Dafydd
                                           from Nant y Benglog

Friday 1/7                        Y Garn from Ogwen Cottage


If you'd like to join Pete, Lyn and Bella in Wales, even if it's just for one of the days give us a ring on 017687 71302 or e-mail at armstrongps1@gmx.com

Pete's Expedition to Wales Update

Start of the Watkin Path to Snowdon from Bethania

Pete's expedition to Wales this year takes place during the week 25 June and 1 July. Snowdon itself will be one of our objectives during the week and to this end Pete and Lyn decided to do a little research to find the best route to the summit. The Pyg and Miner's Tracks which ascend from Pen Y Pass are very popular and often overpopulated though much of their seductive appeal I'm sure lies in their offering 1,000ft less ascent than other routes.  Pete decided to take a look at the quieter Watkin Path that climbs from Bethania in Nantgwynant on the SE. side of the mountain....

Out of the woods and onto an easy track leading up to Cwm Llan.



Entrance to Cwm Llan with waterfalls and evidence of former mining activity

Cwm Llan was the scene of much mining activity in former times hence the existence of a good track for so much of the route of the Watkin Path. Mr Gladsone himself, who was over 80 at the time, opened the path in 1895 giving a speech to the assembled multitude from a rock in Cwm Llan just beyond the waterfall in the above photo. The rock bears his name to this day.

Y Lliwedd forms the backdrop to the Watkin Path down in the valley bottom.

Ridge leading to the summit of Yr Aran, an outlying top of Snowdon

Pete, Lyn and Bella on Yr Aran 747m.

Lyn surveys the route of the Watkin Path from Yr Aran

The Watkin Path can be seen in its entirety from Yr Aran which was our objective for the day and what a great day it was! The route of the path is delightful, easy to follow and throughout most of its length the surface is well maintained, only as the final ridge steepens does this break down leaving the walker a short easy scramble on loose rock to gain the summit.

We thought the Watkin Path an ideal route for our June expedition. I would allow four hours for a leisurely ascent and at least an hour less for the descent by the same route. A good weather forecast for Snowdon is imperative so the calendar for the week remains fluid as yet though I will post the walks that I have in mind on this blog soon.

All enquiries to Pete or Lyn on 017687 71302