Monday 15 June 2026 - A Bowfell Circuit

A call from Kate and Fiona, who we met last year in Ehrwald, triggered this round of Bowfell, Esk Pike, Allen Crags and Rossett Pike on a fine day with just a few spots of rain as we entered the pub at the end. Sadly Fiona had hurt her knee the previous day, so it was just Kate and one of their dogs, Bengie, that we joined for this walk over four Wainwright summits that Kate hadn't been on before.

The fields in the Langdale valley are full of buttercups just now.

Our ascent route today was The Band, on which we soon had a coffee break to refresh Sue and me after our two hour drive from Timperley.

There were great views back down the valley.

It cooled a little as we rose gently to the summit of Bowfell, but conditions were generally benign for the few people who had ventured out today.

We duly reached the 902 metre summit of Bowfell, with Bengie grinning at his achievement.

Lunch with Bowfell's northern summit and Esk Pike ahead.

Good views across to the Scafells.

Then it was an easy walk, missing out the northrn top of Bowfell, to Esk Pike.

Our route led down to cross a major path and head up to the summit of Allen Crags.

Good views towards the Langdale Pikes from Allen Crags. Becoming hazy.

Back down at the main path, we soon got good views to Angle Tarn and the easy summit, just to the left, of Rossett Pike. Here we started to encounter a 'DofE Gold' group of children who were enjoying day 2 out of a four day expedition before descending to camp in the Langdale valley.

Here, I'm on Rossett Pike with the Lagdale Pikes behind me.

A final tea break before the long descent to Mickleden.

It clouded over, with just a few drops of rain before we reached the pub next to the NT car park, where Fiona and friends and their dogs lay in wait. Bengie's mate Teddy was particularly annoyed at having been overlooked for today's walk.

Here's the route - 17km with 1080 metres ascent.

A great day out and thanks to Kate and Fiona for triggering it and to Kate and Bengie for their excellent company.

Rain and Run

9 June - a quiet time in Timperley. Except for the vegetation, which is growing at a furious rate.

I was looking out for Kingfishers whilst sheltering from a brief shower. They didn't oblige.

By Saturday, it was time for another 5km run. Parkrun's usual venue wasn't available, so we adjourned to the back-up route which is also the original route on which Paul once came in first. I think he still holds the record for the slowest first position.

And so we gathered in the field behind the running track.

After a slow start, I passed Jeanette near the end. Here she is, finishing in front of a lady with a hair problem.

And here's her bag man.

We were slowed down by the grass, but we benefited from what appeared to be a 4.9km course. Full results are here.

Sue finished in 25:11, position 84 out of 317 participants.

I was in position 224 in 32:25.

A nice bit of exercise...

In the garden this morning (16 June), I turned on Seek to identiy a most persistent noisy bird that turned out to be a coal tit, and after a few minutes the following birds had passed within earshot:

Blackbird
Coal Tit

Dunnock

Goldfinch

Robin

House Sparrow

Carrion Crow

Starling

Jackdaw

Black-headed Gull

Barn Owl