Loughrigg Fell, Lake District, Spring
Step 1 of the UK Government’s Spring 2021 COVID-19 plan has been completed.
From Monday 29th, more people can now meet outside, outdoor recreation activities are permitted again, and the “Stay at home” ruling has relaxed to “Stay local”.
I’ve taken some time off work before and after the Easter weekend in order to recuperate. I’ve been feeling burned out for quite a while now. So what did we do on our first full day off?
We woke up at 5am for a sunrise hike up Loughrigg Fell (335 m/1,099 ft).
We’ve only ever been up Loughrigg once before, again for sunrise, back at the tail end of summer 2020. The fell really isn’t that tall in Lake District terms, but it covers a decently large area, which opens up a wide variety of views to shoot.
On this hike, we were greeted with the remnants of a temperature inversion clinging to the waters of Grasmere as well some of the valley bottoms. We only saw three other people around the fell; in fact, there were more sheep! Couldn’t have asked for better conditions.
All photos taken on my Fujifilm X-T2 using my three lenses: a Samyang 35mm f/1.2, a Laowa 9mm f/2.8, and an adapted Pentax SMC 55mm f/2.0. Photos developed using RNI’s Kodachrome film profiles.
The calm waters of Grasmere, reflecting Helm Crag (405 m/1,329 ft) and Seat Sandal (736 m/2,415 ft). The remnants of a temperature inversion lent a beautiful misty atmosphere.
We wound our way up through Deerbolts Wood to find the main footpath up Loughrigg Fell.
As we began ascending the main footpath up Loughrigg Fell the views quickly opened up. From Loughrigg Terrace the temperature inversion was more visible, and I couldn’t resist this composition of the mist clinging to the valley, with Nab Scar (455 m/1,493 ft) looming above.
Although the sun had risen, from our location it was still trapped behind a low bank of cloud. By this point of the hike up Loughrigg, the sun was beginning to peek above the clouds, its light glowing through this solitary tree resolutely rooted to the fellside.
More sunrise light as the sun rose above the cloud base. We passed this occupied tent on our way up. A nice spot, for sure, but technically they’re not allowed to wild camp.
Beautiful Wetherlam (763 m/2,502 ft) finally receiving some of the sunrise light, as the mist in the valleys starts to burn off.
Nearly at the summit of Loughrigg, we look back to this cracking view of Grasmere, its namesake village, and the Central Fells.
The summit of Loughrigg Fell. With the sun clearly above the clouds, beautiful golden light drenched across the rolling folds of the fell.
A Herdwick ewe, enjoying the morning light. Not a bad view to chill out whilst chewing the cud, eh?
Another Herdwick ewe, lower down the slope. It’s a sheep’s life in the Lake District.
This Herdwick ewe, closer to us, was much more vocal. Probably warning the others about our presence.
The summit of Loughrigg is wonderfully craggy. My ultra-wide 9mm lens was able to fill the frame with this crag and also take in the extensive view towards Windermere.
We carefully picked our way back down the wet northern slopes of Loughrigg, stopping for the occasional photo along the way. This area of the fell was extensively mined for slate in the Victorian era, now long abandoned. Its remnants make for interesting compositions towards Nab Scar and Rydal Water.
This is Rydal Cave, formerly Loughrigg Quarry, and completely man-made. You can often find ducks and fish milling about in the shallow pools of the cave.
It’s not often one gets Rydal Cave all to oneself, so we ventured in for some photos.
Now back onto Loughrigg Terrace, the going is much easier as we saunter gently back towards the car through White Moss Woods. This particular aspect of Loughrigg Fell is called Ewe Crag.
An old barn, long fallen into disrepair and nature quickly reclaiming it.
Into White Moss Woods with gorgeous golden morning light streaming in.
Still a fair bit of colour in the woods. Soon, White Moss Woods will be absolutely full of bluebells. Give it a month or so.