Can't stay in but can't work in the garden, so a morning walk with the dogs was called for.

Heading the opposite way towards Low Fell today, with views of the western Loweswater Fells along the way.

Looking the other way across the fields, past the wildlife and storage ponds of Godferhead.

Partial reflections, partial ice, on the surface of the water.

On the top road there's a wonderful seat with views up the valley.

It is well used by walkers and cyclists on the coast to coast cycle route.

High cloud casts darker hues especially under the trees.

However, the old track along the edge of Whinny Ridding woods is bathed in sunshine.

The recent larch cutting has changed the second half of the woods beyond all recognition,

not helped by the creation of a wide track at the far end of the woods.

Sadly it has reached Pottergill and damaged part of the old ruin.

The resurrected footpath sign lies propped against the wall.

I scramble up, negotiate the disturbed footpath and head up the fell.

The sudden increase of slope and the frozen ground changes the whole aspect of the walk

as my gentle stroll becomes a technical exercise in foot placement.

Still the views are nice despite a lack of direct sunshine at the moment.

Looking over to Crummock and Buttermere's high fells.

It looks like some of the main lake is starting to freeze, but on the other hand it may just be the vagaries of the breeze on the surface.

There was certainly no sign of ice yesterday.

If you are trying to ascend Low Fell from this side there's a new footpath which has been created to avoid the direct pull up the fence line.

The map shows a public footpath close to Potter Gill, but there's never been any sign of it on the ground over there.

The new zig-zag makes the first half of the climb that little bit easier.

The sun makes an appearance once again, so I'm warming by radiation as well as internal convection.

The first half of that zig-zag is nicely graded, but after the second turn the path makes a steep bee-line for the fence.

It could almost do with another turn or two to ease the gradient.

The original path is eventually reached after more slipping and sliding . . . perhaps I should have brought the 'spikes'.

I think the dogs are more fell-fit than I, as they are just up here waiting for me.

Rather than climb all the way to the top I decided to cut across to the round sheepfold,

sited on a piece of flat ground high above the pine tree.

Here, apart from the sun in the lens, you get an unrestricted view of the Buttermere Valley.

The old sheepfold has a beautifully circular wall, albeit broken and missing in places.

There's a step-stile into the enclosure centre picture.

Dropping down the fell now, taking a diagonal line through the dead bracken, as the dogs and I approach the tree.

"Branching out into photography"

With the zoom lens on I look down on the Oak Bank farm development and the new pond in their part of the valley.

Work being undertaken on Rigg Bank Barn.

This is causing quite a stir in the valley as it is being done without planning permission.

Two older cottages, Gillerthwaite and Oak Cottage far below.

Back to the wildlife ponds behind Foulsyke and Wood End houses.

Just a short, snowy walk across the last field towards home.