Ashness Bridge, Watendlath, High Tove, High Seat, Bleaberry Fell & Walla Crag

This little chap almost jumped on my boot to get my attention - certainly not scared of my size 12's. He was rewarded with a small part of my packed lunch

Leaving my new found friend at the 'tucked away' car park near the Ashness Landing.

A short uphill walk to the much photographed (and painted) beauty spot of Ashness Bridge. Lakeland at its best.

A bit further uphill and you arrive at 'Surprise View' with its surprise view. Its hard to get just one photograph to do it justice - so please take my word for it, it is stunning. Don't get too close to the edge though, as it's a long way down.

You can carry on walking on the very quiet roadside to Watendlath - but the best route by far is to veer off right and take the path that follows alongside Watendlath Beck.

Not quite as beautiful as Ashness Bridge, but certainly needed to get across the beck today.

An idyllic walk on this February morning - All the worries of the world can be forgotten as you stroll through this most beautiful part of lakeland.

It was hard to stop taking photo's - I could have posted so many.

Arriving at Watendlath - Another stunning Borrowdale beauty spot.

A quick stop for a drink and the rest of the Greggs sausage roll that I didn't donate to my little friend. There's a nice little cafe here at Watendlath - but I had plenty of treats in my bag, so didn't visit today.

Looking back down towards Watendlath as I follow the stone staircase up to High Tove

The gradient eases as the top nears

High Tove summit with the Helvellyn range behind.

Now for the dreaded Pewits. A boggy morass of peat hags and black sludge with many a trial ahead to keep from going in deep. I'd miscalculated on how frozen it would be - it wasn't at all and I was in for some fun.

But hey ! what's this ? I'd not been here for a few years and it looks like someone has improved the situation.

OMG - This is amazing. Not only do we have a solid path to walk on now, it meanders through the previously horrendous terrain, making it scenic and enjoyable. Plus we can now conserve the peatlands for the future. Well done for this excellent conservation project.

I wouldn't care - I'd actually put on some gaiters for the first time in years - not needed today.

On the ascent up to High Seat - I had a glance back at 'no mans land' which is now a place to visit and enjoy - unlike previous times.

Impressive High Seat summit with views over to the start of the Dodds and large fells such as Raise, White Side & Helvellyn.

Descending down High Seat

A look back as I slowly make the short ascent of Bleaberry Fell

The circular wind shelter at the top of Bleaberry Fell

Heading down from Bleaberry Fell as Derwent Water comes into view.

A late lunch stop at Walla Crag with its impressive views over to Bassenthwaite, Derwent Water and Keswick

The descent of Walla Crag takes you to Rakefoot before swinging round and heading towards the Great Wood.

Who on earth gave planning permission for that !

Great Wood - not that great really at this time of year.

I took the waterside path alongside Derwent Water - Nice views over to Cat Bells in the afternoon sun

Ashness Landing

And back to the hidden car park - A lovely day out and I didn't get wet at all.