White Nancy

From Black Crag in Cumbria, to White Nancy in Cheshire. Our second (or maybe third, we can't remember) visit, a lot easier this time on fitter legs. Starting from our old favourite Tegg's Nose.

White Nancy elevation

White Nancy route

Very dull and cloudy, and still very little in the way of autumn colours. A few interesting mushrooms but they'd either been eaten away by slugs or otherwise destroyed by animals/people.

Reservoirs at the base of Tegg's Nose

The one interesting tree by the reservoir

Trees just starting to change in Bollington

White Nancy

White Nancy and Bollington on the distance

Murky sky at the end of the day

Chapel Stile

A wander around the 'back' of Chapel Stile, going past the old slate mine spoil heaps, to round off the holiday before the torrential rain starts up.

Mossy wall

Slate

Lone red rock

Lone autumnal tree

Autumnal tree

Bizarre caterpillar (Pale Tussock moth)

Bizarre caterpillar (Pale Tussock moth)

Black Crag

Still a little tired from climbing the Pikes, but the weather's about to turn so it's today or never. A long walk over to Black Crag from Chapel Stile.

Black Crag elevation

Black Crag route

The day started off very foggy, which eventually cleared leaving very bright skies. Almost nobody around until we reached the edge of Iron Keld.

Foggy valley

Fog and cloud

Last wisps of mist around the hills

Calf in a stream

View from near Black Crag

Sheep with Tarn Hows in the background

More views from near Black Crag

Bare tree with Black Crag in the far background

Langdale Pikes in the distance (we were there 2 days ago!)

Gill on a rock surrounded by boggy ground

View from Black Crag summit

Gill and John at the summit of Black Crag

View from the west side of Black Crag

On the way back down a family asked if we'd seen their dog. We hadn't so carried on but keeping an eye out. A long way down we saw a sheep fighting off a dog. We ran after and found the dog had cornered the sheep and was standing on its back. After driving it off we found it had been savaging the sheep, with blood all round its neck and flanks. While Gill chased the dog back to the family the sheep recovered and ran off up the path so it wasn't too badly injured.

Keep your dogs on a lead if you can't control them! We eventually found it again safe up the hill.

Bleeding sheep

Gill on a rock (again)

Lone mushroom

Sudden flock of sheep

Rushing down the road

Autumn leaves over a waterfall

Chapel Stile

A wander around Chapel Stile to stretch our legs. Great Langdale Beck still very low, exposing lots of the mossy rocks.

Trees

Mossy rocks

Lots of mossy rocks

Autumn leaves on moss

Fallen leaves in a smooth rock

Gill relaxing on a convenient arm-rock

Gill

Langdale Pikes

Visiting the Langdale Pikes again. Starting from Stickle Barn, via Stickle Tarn to Sergeant Man, then High Raise, back to Thunacar Knott and finally Pike Of Stickle and Harrison Stickle. Then back down via Loft Crag. Our new hiking poles were very much appreciated going both up and down.

Langdale Pikes elevation

Langdale Pikes route

The day was very grey and overcast but at least it was dry.

Langdale Valley at sunrise

Langdale Valley at sunrise

Stickle Tarn

The path that isn't a path to Sergeant Man

Alien looking landscapes on the way to Sergeant Man

Gill and John at the summit of High Raise

Pike o' Stickle

Harrison Stickle

Struggling for good shots through the haze

Langdale Valley from Loft Crag

Lofty lunch spot

Langdale Valley in the afternoon

Then off up the road for a birthday treat.

Wainwright's lamb shoulder

Pulled Pork burger (on silly chopping board)

This is how to spend your birthday