Oh no, not another blog!! A winter wonderland at Tarn Hows
Ok, I would imagine everyone is getting sick of the white stuff and the ice which is causing havoc around the country. So whilst this blog contains lots of it, it is a reminder of how beautiful it can make the world look....
A lovely crisp winters morning meant a trip into the lakes to sample the magical scenery at this time of year. I was unsure of how clear the roads would be, so tentively headed towards Coniston and Tarn Hows, as this a popular thoroughfare for the residents, so knew it half chance of being clear. It hit -12 as I passed through Torver on the way but had reached a toasty -8 by the time I parked at Yew Tree Tarn at teh bottom of Tom Ghyl, my route up to the tarn this morning.
The climb up through the woods and thick snow was wonderful, and as we approach the top of the Ghyl the light flooding through the trees was magical. It was almost like a Xmas morning with the expectations of what you'd find at the top causing great excitement. The conditions today were in stark contrast to the same walk I did with Mrs A in October
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Oh boy, the view at the top of the ghyl as it opened into a frozen wonderland was simply staggering. Not a breath of wind or sound made this a moment just to stand and soak it all in.
I wasn't alone for long! This little chap joined me and just sat on the fence as we shared a biscuit.
I aws beginning to feel like Snow White now as all sorts of animals appeared out the wilderness. Unfortunately this lad wasn't to keen on sharing my banana.
A quick climb up onto the fells surrounding the tarn and the most incredible views across to the central fells. Here we can see Coniston Old Man on the left and Wetherlam on the right.
The way ahead along the ridge, the clarity today was incredible. Compared this view to the one of Mrs A chasing her 'deer' in the other blog.
The Langdale Pikes. The very obvious domed peak of Pike O'Stickle and Harrison Stickle far right, the subject of an earlier blog. The ravine just to the left of HS is teh route of my descent through the mist in that one.
The Crinkle Crags. You can clearly see the prominant peaks along the Crinkly Ridge (as Pam likes to call it).
After a slippy descent through knee deep snow we arrive back at the path around the tarn. Still on my own, not a single soul to be seen. It's at times like this in such a place as this, that you feel very humble and moved to be able to experience such solitude and beauty.
Instead of walking around the bottom of the tarn, I decided that as the sun would be right into the camera from that end, I headed back to the top end and was treated to wonderful views down the frozen tarn. It was about now I spotted another couple who had just arrived, the cheek of it!!
Is he stalking me???? On the opposite side of the tarn he reappeared... is it the same Robin?
A look across at the Langdales from the opposite side of the tarn. You can see the shoreline of the tarn, and the ridge directly above that was our earlier path across the tops.
One last view across the tarn before we have to leave. It was getting crowded now as another family had turned up :-)
Tarn Hows is a beautiful place at any time of the year, but so few people ever to get to experience it looking like this due to the problems of access.
Back at Yew Tree tarn, and I couldn't resist snapping a couple of shots around here. A great seat for a picnic under normal circumstances, but it just seemed so wrong to knock the snow off the bench!
Tew Tree tarn is man made and is dammed at one end. A 180 deg turn from the picture above and we are looking down the outlet. The light was spilling wonderfully through the trees, and coupled with snow which was being blown from the branches was creating sparkles in the air, although i don't think it shows up very well on this, but you get the idea. It was off home now and a drive to Liverpool to see the king of cool, Mr Paul weller, a great end to a perfect day
I hope I haven't bored you with more snowy adventures, but I thought people who know Tarn Hows would be interested to see it in it's winter coat.
Thanks once again for stopping by, stay safe and warm out there.
Ian
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Another great blog Ian,I'm glad to see it reached a toasty-8 for you,I wouldn't want you to catch a cold and not be able to get out and about to do more blogs
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I was fortunate enough to visit Tarn Hows on a school visit when I was 11, and the experience has remained in my memory ever since as being a beautiful place. Thank you for showing its winter beauty. I love photograph 10 and the last one, but all are beautiful.
Thank you for braving the elements to capture some more stunning lakeland scenery, I'll just sit here and take another look and try not to go green with envy.
regards
Anne
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great blog loves the robbin photographs the best
The Contemplation of Beauty causes the Soul to grow Wings
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Another interesting photoblog Ian with stunning images. Love the Robin ones especially. Wonderful winter wonderland and so charming and magical with the sun casting warm glows of light on to the snowy scenery. Once again you've captured the beauty of nature and lovely landscapes. Thanks again Ian for compiling this super selection of your shivering snowy walk and warmly sharing with us.
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Another great blog Ian......but take a rest, I can't keep up with them. Just got back from a 10 miler myself on the Pennine Way..................very icy !!!!
Thanks for sharing this with us M8
Jim
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Glad to see you back out and about Jim. Be a week or so before I get chance to venture out again, so it'll give you chance to recover.
Cheers
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Another greatblog Ian. We don't really appreciate the beauty of the white stuff. It was lovely to compere this blog with the others earlier this year. Keep them coming.
Regards Christine
Christine
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Another smashing one Ian - all gone here not even hoar frost since Tues!!
Dave!!
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fabulous blog, made me wish I was there even in the cold, our part of the world (Oxford) has had hardly any snow. Beautiful photos. thank you.
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Beautiful! It's been melting here all day, so nice to be reminded of how beautiful everything looks in the snow. I'm not looking forward to ice next week! I particularly loved the last show, fantastic light, and the sheep one. maybe it's just because I'm from Arran and sheep (especially blackface sheep) make me think of home, maybe it's a lovely picture!
[()] Jill
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Great blog Ian, I wouldn't be able to pick out a favourite photo out of these as they are all spectacular. Well done.
I am really enjoying all the 'snow' photos and blogs that are being done and as I love looking at snow scenes I will never be bored by them. Over here most of the state of NSW is under flood at the moment due to all the rain that we are having, last year it was in a drought situation. I don't mind rain though it is keeping our temperatures down and I don't like heat.
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Sandra
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Ian this is another stunning blog with a great narriative going with stunning snows scenes, hope your getting some material for your next book as i am certain the first one is going to be aoutstanding success for you, thank you for posting i really enjoyed it.
Kenny the Bolt alias the Grumpy Granda
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Some lovely photo's Ian, a touch of warmth about them, all mine seem to have a blue caste, maybe its colder here.... I loved the Robin ones, full marks for the blog and also for the effort in getting to these places, thanks for sharing.
Delia
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Yet another superb blog, Ian, with a great set of shots and narrative. I know what you mean about feeling very humbled in such surroundings, personally I find walking in the hills very reassuring knowing that all that's around me will be there long after I've gone. Nice one.
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Another excellent and thoroughly absorbing blog Ian. Snow is indeed beautiful - in the right surroundings i.e. up in't hills and NOT on our street
We've had about two foot of the stuff here and driving has been an utter nightmare.
Thanks for sharing another of your great 'adventures' with us
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Great scenes again Ian and your first robin is a great shot. I like the light and shaddows in the last shot too, nice one.
Kev.
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Excellent blog. How clear the air is in your shots!!
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What a peaceful and relaxing blog- wonderfull lighting in these photos - yes, lovely to see this view of Tarn Hows, thanks for sharing.
Sue.P -
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Super blog and wonderful photos, just stunning.
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Wow, super blog with some absolutely stunning photos. You lucky man! Thanks for sharing it with us too.
Viv
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