Lingmoor Fell. Circular walk from Elterwater visiting Skelwith Force and Great Langdale

A parking place that I've used a few times before, there's a handful of spots along the roadside just above Elterwater.

Ideal if you're not bothered about starting your walk right from the centre of Elterwater where there is a pay and display car park.

Reasonably quiet this morning, bet it's a tad busier when I return.

A left turn at the bridge over Langdale Beck and I picked up the main path walking alongside the river

Pretty Elter Water with the Langdale Pikes way off in the distance

Easy walking for the first mile or two.

I popped down to see the impressive Skelwith Force for a few minutes before continuing my walk in the direction of Colwith.

Heading into the woods on a very gentle climb.

Ten minutes later and I'm out of the woods and into open lakeland countryside.

Fortunately it will all be done by the time I visit next - not that I'm all that keen to drive over Wrynose or Hard knott passes - It takes a bit of nerve.

I followed the road for a very short distance and then branched off to the right. I didn't see a footpath sign, although it certainly is one.

But the next gate, very reassuringly, had one.

Lingmoor Fell - My main target for today's walk, comes into full view.

I left the main track which continues on to join the Great Langdale- Little Langdale road, and I went through the gate and onto the fellside.

Looking over towards Little Langdale Tarn with Wetherlam in the distance.

As I look back down the route up Lingmoor Fell, I can see more clouds rolling in. It had been quite warm and humid today, but a breeze started to pick up and I did wonder if I would soon be needing my fleece on.

As the weather worsened and slight drizzle started to fall, I neared the summit of Lingmoor Fell.

Arriving at the summit cairn.

I must admit - I had a 'little moment' here as I popped on my fleece as the drizzle didn't look like it would blow over for a while.

I had been here nearly 11 years ago with many friends and family members to witness me completing my 214 Wainwrights, we had such a good day - one I remember so well.

Now, as it was (although not really planned this way), today I was completing my fourth round of Wainwrights. I don't particularly rush to complete set after set, but by keeping track of the fells I haven't climbed for a while makes sure I at least visit each and every one at some point.

So today I wipe the slate clean and look forward to round five. Always exciting to choose somewhere I haven't been for a few years.

I remember standing here making a speech and opening some champagne. Just a bottle of Oasis and a ham sandwich today though. But it was so lovely to have this special place all to myself today.

Moment over - time to press on.

The drizzle moved in and those lovely views that you get along this ridge were not to be seen today.

It's a wonderful ridge walk and best done in this direction so that you have the Langdale Pikes vista in front of you to enjoy - Not today though I'm afraid.

Heading down to the col with Side Pike straight ahead.

Always fun - here's 'Fat Mans Agony' on the western side of Side Pike. It's the only path and you have to go through it if you are descending via Side Pike.

Time to take off my back pack and squeeze through.

Blea Tarn swamped in drizzle and clag.

As I reach the main path down to the campsite at the Old Dungeon Ghyll, the Langdale Pikes can just be seen through the mist.

I'm on my own today, so no beers at the ODG.

Looking back at the path between the Old and New Dungeon Ghylls

After a brief (and very late) lunch stop, I took the path which followed the route of the Great Langdale Beck.

This photo is looking back towards the Langdale Pikes.

The weather is now improving, and the sun is even starting to break through

The route skirts the village of Chapel Stile and the lovely Langdale Hotel & Spa.

A short stretch through an old slate mining area before reaching the bridge at Elterwater again.

A gentle end to a very pleasant (and emotional) walk.