Saturday 7 September 2019

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.

Wednesday 6 February 2019

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

Tuesday 23 October 2018

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.