Wednesday 20th December 2006

Start point: Hardknott Pass summit (NY 230 014)

Hardknott Pass - Border End - Hard Knott -  Hardknott Pass

Distance: 2 miles     Total Ascent: 200 metres     Time Taken: 2 hours

Weather: Clear above the clouds. 4oC.

Route Map

After the deluge of last week, the weather has taken a turn for the better - at least it has if you can get above the fog that hangs in the lower parts. We had a walk to Hard Knott this morning to see if we could do just that and I think we just timed it right to arrive at the top of Border End. Connie was thrilled to see a great inversion and Brocken Spectres, in fact she classed it as the best walk she had ever done, though I'm sure she has said that before!

On the drive to Hard Knott, it was evident that some of the fog was very low lying with the cold temperatures so the first few shots are taken from car stops.

Early morning Lickle Valley inversion.

The Duddon Valley looking to The Pike and Hesk Fell.

Looking the other way along the Duddon Valley.

When we set off for Border End, it was really cold in the mist. We wondered whether we would get high enough to get above the cloud - it was touch and go...

Here on the summit of Border End there was an eerie light, as though we were on the very edge of the mist.

Suddenly...as if by magic - the parting of the clouds. There is a Brocken Spectre bottom left, just about visible.

The cloud clears - Connie's photo.

Slight Side and Scafell, another Brocken Spectre nearly visible bottom left.

More of the Scafells come into view.

The Scafells - Connie's photo.

Border End - now we can see it.

The sun lights up the clouds looking over to Grey Friar.

Ill Crag.

Esk Pike makes an appearance.

The mist is clearing from Upper Eskdale now.

The Scafell Range.

Esk Pike and Bow Fell.

Mist on Harter Fell.

Next stop, Hard Knott.

The top of Harter Fell appears from behind the clouds.

All clear across Eskdale now.

Esk Pike and Bow Fell.

Bow Fell and Crinkle Crags.

Scafell.

Bow Fell.

Esk Pike.

Casper is enjoying the sunshine.

The head of Eskdale.

Little Stand.

Connie on Hard Knott.

Not forgetting Angus.

A panoramic view of the Scafells from Hard Knott. Select on the image for a larger version.

Lower Eskdale from Hard Knott.

Hard Knott reflection.

From Hard Knott, I could see over Wrynose Pass that the Greenburn Valley was also in inversion, so it was worth the short drive to have a look.

Looking to the Eastern fells.

The Tilberthwaite Fells are just about making it through the clouds.

Hard Knott from Wrynose Bottom.

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