Raven and Castle Crags, Thirlmere

A quick nip out for Rocky to bag his 140th Wainwright - Raven Crag. Went up Castle Crag too, being as it was there, before the mist and drizzle set in!

Looking up from the road to Raven Crag - zoomed in.

Towards Dunmail Raise from the dam at the northern end of the reservoir.

Ascent through felled conifers and crags.

Looking across to Raise.

From the summit of Raven Crag.

Raven Crag - Rocky's 140th Wainwright.

Castle Crag fort.

Incoming raven! 

Parton's setting sun

A very pleasant walk out this afternoon... and three marbles ...

Roughton Gill in the snow

Following the wintry walk around Ennerdale on Saturday, we headed out to Fellside on the Sunday as there had been significant snowfall in the Lakes overnight. Sadly, I had to work on the morning, so it really was a snatched opportunity! ...and well worth it with some lovely deep, crunchy, powdery snow at the top of the valley.

Crossing Dale Beck.

A raven and snow ....happy Rocky dog! 

The lone tree.

Looking back down Roughton Gill.

Roughton Gill ...snowy! 

Iron Crag waterfalls and Roughton Gill.

Crag Fell haematite mines, Ennerdale : Part 2

From the first mine spoil at the base of Crag Fell, Tom then climbed up to Crag Fell following the distinctive wall to two of the three-four mines. 

The first of the Crag Fell mines is a spoil heap is similar to the previous mine: full of iron rich bedrock.

The third mine spoil heap, is formed out of two spoil heaps with a clear excavation channel. This spoil contains abundant haematite.  

The deep red soil and purple-black haematite/iron-rich bedrock make for a striking view.

The distinctive wall from Ennerdale water to Crag Fell.

The walk down to the water.

Spoil heap flora (yet to be ID'd).

Sphagnum, crust lichen and Cladonia.

After the trip, I put some collected specimens, from the third mine, under the microscope.

Clear botryoidal habit.

More haematite: showing botryoidal habit as a crust over bedrock; which is often fragmented (upper left).

Crag Fell haematite mines, Ennerdale : Part 1

While we walked around the lake, Tom took a detour to explore the Crag Fell haematite mines. 

Ennerdale from Angler's Crag.

Snow capped western fells.

Herdwicks over Ennerdale.

Overlooking Ennerdale, with the distinctive feldspar rich rock forming dry-stone walls. 

The first of the haematite mines below Crag Fell on the side of Ennerdale. The spoil heap is full of iron-rich bedrock with no haematite, but is more easily accessible from Angler's Crag.

River Liza pebbles

I just love the clarity of the water in the river Liza as it enters Ennerdale.

Ennerdale round walk.

A cold and blustery day, but good to be out. Rocky certainly enjoyed himself! ...the hail shower wasn't very pleasant though!

Looking up the lake towards Pillar and Steeple.

River Liza

Towards High Stile and Pillar 

Love the way the crab apples have been washed into the runnels.

The weir.

Sheltering Dunnock.