A wintry Bowland.
In the middle of this sudden cold snap I hesitate on driving the lanes up onto the Fell, they can be icily treacherous. I can hardly get out of my road which being closed for the gas pipeline has not been gritted – it’s like the proverbial ice rink. But the weather is so good I can’t contain myself any longer. I needn’t have worried the road I take is clear of ice. Parked up I kick myself for not venturing forth the last couple of days. Well I don’t actually kick myself as I’ve strapped on my trusty Grivel Spider 10 point micro spikes. I have used these on Alpine treks (not climbs) and they give me confidence on icy surfaces which can crop up anywhere at altitude or in winter. Today is not the day for a slip or fall. the nurses are on strike for the first time, so casualty will be probably more chaotic than of recent months – if that is possible. I don’t intend to rant about the state of our health service, or any other service for that matter. It’s the season of good will, isn’t it?
There is a spring in my step as I follow the wall up the Fell. A satisfying crunch into the icy surface. Although the temperature is still below zero I’m well wrapped up and able to enjoy the bright sunshine. The familiar Fell Xmas tree winks at me from a distance. On closer acquaintance I see that the angel on top has flown, or some spoil sport has taken it. The season of good will.
At the trig point on Spire Hill, to give it its proper title, I’m joined by an energetic dog walker and then a couple recently moved to the area. We share our enthusiasm for all things Bowland. Across the way the snow is disappearing on the south facing slopes of the Fairsnape/Totridge group. I make a mental note to get up there soon. 
Leaving my new-found friends to take a different way off the fell through the trees. I’m on a mission here. There is a straight avenue of trees deep in the forest, probably discovered by mountain bikers, which leads through a tunnel towards the light. At the end of that light I have been trying to capture a spectacular sun setting on the horizon in the gap. It didn’t pan out today at 3.20, still too far in the northern arc. Another couple of days or so and I may be in luck. We are heading to the winter solstice, December 21st this year. Wouldn’t it be great if my line of sight in those trees fell on that day. I’ll be back to try again.
I crunched my way back down the increasingly icy path with the setting sun in my eyes, past those familiar pines.
Over to the east Pendle faded into the distance.
Not bad for a short wintry walk. We need more of these.
I’ve struggled to access my WP account in recent days, so I hope this hits the airwaves. Sorry if I have not commented on your latest posts.
I have spike envy. Those 10 spike look the business! They make mine look like antiques. 👍🙂
There is something quite sublime about the light on a clear sky winter walk. This one looks gorgeous.
It was, thanks.
A good alternative to travelling all the way to Stonehenge on the 21st ?
There may be a shortage of sun next week.
We went across the Pennines yesterday to Ripon. It was actually warmer on the Stainmore Gap than in our Cumbrian valley.
Often it is the other way around with colder weather to the east of the Pennines.
Still freezing here.
It was strange, after living in a frosty world for a couple of weeks to go somewhere that wasn’t/
What a shame it seems that someone has taken the angel off the Christmas tree, why can’t people just leave things alone for others to appreciate?!
I like the photo of the trees in the sunset, it’s lovely 🙂
Maybe they object to pollution of the environment.
The tinsel from the other tree has also been removed.
Who am I to comment?
I wish I had gotten some bloggable wintery walks in before the great thaw. My weather app says 13 degrees by Monday, practically Summer! The snow always makes everything look more scenic.
We may get more snow over the weekend.
What an inspiring wintry scene, glad an ice-free road gave you the opportunity. It’s been touch and go getting out of our village the last few days.
Fingers crossed the sunset lines up with that avenue of trees on the solstice. That really would make a spectacular shot.
A brief touch of winter. Wet and wild now.
Will need some sunshine the next couple of days.