Waun Fach and Pen y Manllwyn (Black Mountains) 28 October 2011

Superb weather for an afternoon walk up to the highest peak of the Black Mountains in South Wales, Waun Fach (2,660'), a boggy whaleback on the Gadair ridge, reached via a fine ascent of the spur of Y Grib to the northwest, with excellent views to Pen y Fan and the Brecon Beacons, and then over the slightly lower summit of Pen y Manllwyn (2,500'). As I didn't start until 1pm, I did not have time to include the top of Pen y Gader Fawr at the southern end of the ridge, but the circular walk was very scenic in sunshine and light winds.

This walk is dedicated to the memory of my dear friend Carol, from Wales, who passed away on 17 September aged just 42.

Ben Chonzie 24 Sept 2011

My dear friend Carol passed away last week, on 17th Sept. She was just 42 years old. Despite events at home I decided to go ahead with my walking trip - A very scenic (and not too strenuous) ascent of Ben Chonzie (3,054') from Glen Lednock - good views from the summit and adjoining ridge - Ben Vorlich to the west, and the Ben Lawers range, with Ben More and Stob Binnein behind, to the west shrouded in shower cloud.

Cold Pike and Crinkle Crags 23 August 2011

A more cloudy day, and the ascent of Cold Pike starting from the highest point of Wrynose Pass - good views from the summit at 2,259', Pike o'Blisco impressively close across the valley, round to Langdale and Bowfell/Crinkle Crags. Then on up the obvious path to the ridge of Crinkle Crags, as far as the south summit at 2,730, with impressive views of the Scafell massif to the west. Very windy on the Crinkle ridge itself.

High Raise and the Langdale Pikes ( Pavey Ark, Harrison Stickle and Pike o'Stickle ) 22 August 2011

A bright, fairly muggy, calm day and an enjoyable walk from Langdale up to the Pikes - first, Pavey Ark by Stickle Tarn, good views from the summit at 2,288' after a steep scramble, across the Pikes and the Scafell range to the west - and High Raise to the north, the next peak reached at 2,500' giving an extensive panorama in all directions. Then the more rugged peaks of Harrison Stickle (2,415') and on to the conical Pike o'Stickle (2,323') with very good views of Bowfell, Crinkle Crags and Scafell/Great Gable. 4 Peaks climbed in all.