Name of walk | Holme Fell in Snow |
Date of walk | 2025-01-09 |
There was lots of snow on the mountains, but it was quite deep and unconsolidated on the high fells, so I decided to walk up Holme Fell, which is small but has good views from the summit, but more importantly can be reached via the main road to Skelwith Bridge, which is gritted. Wary of the morning ice on the roads, I didn’t even leave home until 9.40am. I parked in the lay-by at Oxen Fell High Cross, there was still only one other car there.
There was ice and snow on the single track road leading to High Oxenfell, so my microspikes went on straight away.
A winter wonderland!
It was an enjoyable walk over to Hodge Close.
Looking down on Hodge Close, not much sunlight on it this time of year. I continue on for the track to Holme Fell.
A little way after this gate I would take a left which will lead up to the first of two reservoirs.
Holme Fell in the distance.
I walk to the far end.
I then head for the second reservoir (right) and walk along the dam wall.
There are no definite paths visible, so instead of heading to where there should be one, I decide to head straight up. Great views when I turn around.
Wetherlam is on my right.
I work my way up through the heathery, rocky outcrops. The snow was knee deep in places, so it was hard work, but felt safe.
I finally reach the top outcrop. The reservoir is just right of centre.
View panorama. Left click to enlarge, click again to return.
Great views all around.
Langdale Pikes to the right.
I need to head to the summit. I use the footsteps of one man and his dog, which makes the going much easier. I use his steps for the way down too, as he came up a snowy bit and I can now tell the snow depth.
Summit selfie with Wetherlam behind me.
View towards Coniston Water.
A closer view.
Views from Nethermost Pike, Fairfield Horseshoe, Red Screes etc.
Pike o'Stickle, Loft Crag, Harrison Stickle and Pavey Ark looking spectacular in their winter coat.
On the left Helvellyn, Nethermost Pike, Dollywaggon Pike and Seat Sandal. Then the dip of Grisedale Hause and Fairfield.
On the left is Red Screes then High Street, Thornthwaite Crag and Froswick.
I head straight down, following the footsteps, so easy and fun!
Back at the reservoir.
I head under the trees and stop for a coffee break before heading back the way I came.
The sunlight has still not reached the water, I decide not to go down there today.
I head back over High Oxenfell, still looking wonderful.
View back. Surprisingly, I see a car turning around ahead at the top of the hill, not a 4x4, no snow chains. This steep single track road only goes to the farm. I catch up with it ten minutes later, but hang back as it navigates the sheet ice. They stop at the bottom on the road. As I pass them, I ask if they are okay. They are a bit shakey, just tourists looking for somewhere to park to go for a walk. I tell them about the lay-by 50ft to the left on the main road. I also advise them not to turn off any of the main roads at the moment as they won't be gritted, and could be equally as treacherous. The very reason I parked where I did today. When they left they didn't park in the lay-by, probably went in search of a stiff drink!
On my drive home I couldn't resist stopping at Kelly Hall Tarn again. I parked in the lay-by opposite the Cumbria Way path and walked back up the hill towards the Land Rover dealership and take a right to the tarn. It was looking magnificent! Great views to Dow Crag and Coniston Old Man in snow.
No reflections today as the tarn was frozen.
Lovely!
Yesterday I took a walk at Earnse Bay, Walney Island, at sunset. It was beautiful. A five minute drive from home. View to snowy Blackcombe from the slipway.
One of the tarns now in the pink.
A family on the slipway.
The main walk was about 7 miles and took just over three hours.
Jo.


