This month's walk is easier than the strenuous exertions of Kirk Fell and Great Gable last time around. It is a lovely circuit of Lingmoor Fell, so called because of the abundance of heather on its northern slopes. It takes in the summit of Lingmoor Fell named Brown How, Side Pike and the picturesque Blea Tarn so don't forget your camera for this one. There are magnificent views of the nearby Langdale Pikes from here; in fact they are arguably the best views you can get of them.

Lingmoor Fell...

Distance: 6 miles. Time: 3 hours.

Map: OS Explorer OL 6/7.

Start Point: Blea Tarn car park grid reference (NY 296 043).

Grading: Easy.

Terrain: Mainly grassy paths.

Ling (Calluna vulgaris) another name for common heather, ling colonises both lowland and blanket bogs. It can be distinguished from other Heathers by its scale-like leaves and its smaller, less distinct flowers, which also appear in greater numbers.

http://www.peatlandsni.gov.uk/plants/blktbgplts/heatherl.htm There is a car park conveniently situated for this walk on the Side Gates road adjacent to Blea Tarn. From the car park, ignore the delights of Blea Tarn if you can for now and turn left and follow the tarmac over the cattle grid. Up to the right lie the crags of Bleaberry Knott and Blake Rigg on the flanks of the Langdale favourite, Pike o' Blisco. Carry on until just above the lower cattle grid where a grassy track bears left over a low wooden barrier and follows the contour for some distance. The first obstacle is a beck above Busk House; descend and cross it following the path up to the right. Follow the wall along the contour crossing more streams. Take time out above Little Langdale (The Bield) and take in the spectacular views of the Coniston fells, especially Wetherlam across Little Langdale Tarn, and the Tilberthwaite Fells.

The path bears left and begins to steepen, following the wall which leads all the way to the summit of Lingmoor Fell. At the top of the first section, rest on the plateau - to the north over Grasmere the great cleft of Dunmail Raise and the Fairfield range are visible. To the east, a glittering Windermere vies for attention, to the south Wetherlam, to the west Pike O' Blisco and Blea Tarn and to the north-west, the ever present Langdale Pikes. Continue along the ridge and follow the wall until finally the summit of Lingmoor Fell, Brown How, is reached after climbing over a stile. Ahead lie the twin hummocks of the Langdale Pikes and down to the right, Lingmoor Tarn and Great Langdale.

From the summit, the path descends alongside the wall until a narrow rocky cleft is reached. This can be quite tricky but can be bypassed by following the path to the right if preferred. Over the wall, the path gently falls to a col with the rock face of Side Pike ahead. A steep path leads off back down to the Side Gates road if you want an early exit, or if you are prepared to grit your teeth and continue the best views of the day lie ahead. Firstly, you may wonder how to ascend the seemingly impenetrable Side Pike as there is no obvious way up the almost shear rock face. The secret lies to the left where a path takes you through a very narrow passage between the rocks (breathe in!) and then ascends to the summit of Side Pike. From here the view of the familiar Langdale Pikes outline is simply the best you can get. It feels like you can hold out your hand and touch them. The view of The Band leading up to Bow Fell and along Mickleden complete the scenic picture for the day.

From Side Pike summit, follow the path back down to the road where it emerges adjacent to a cattle grid. Cross the road in front of it and join a main path from the right which leads to a wood through a kissing gate along the banks of Blea Tarn. In the woods are lots of mature Rhododendrons, Scots Pine and Silver Birch and the paths are well made. Cross the wooden footbridge to the left and carry on through the gate. It's time to get your camera out now for the emerging view as this is the classic shot of the Langdales across Blea Tarn and the image that has adorned a thousand calendars and post cards. From here it is an easy stroll back to the car park if time permits, drive back through the Langdale valley to complete a memorable day.

Lingmoor Fell Handy Guide...

Distance: 6 miles Time: 3 hours Map: OS Explorer OL 6/7 Start Point: Blea Tarn car park grid reference (NY 296 043)

Grading: Easy Terrain: Mainly grassy paths.

Turn left from Blea Tarn Car Park, follow the tarmac to the low wooden barrier (NY 301 034).

Follow the path along the contour, at the beck descend and follow the path up to the right (NY 304 036).

Continue along the path until the wall rises up the fell (NY 303 038) and follow the path alongside it. The wall continues all the way to the summit of Lingmoor Fell named Brown How (NY 303 046).

Continue following the path along the wall to the col (NY 296 052).

Bear left at the rock face of Side Pike, through the narrow gap and bear right to the summit of Side Pike (NY 293 054).

Follow the path back to the road above the cattle grid (NY 289 051).

Head through the gate and join a main path from the right leading to the woods above Blea Tarn.

Skirt round Blea Tarn, cross the wooden footbridge to the left. The path leads back to the car park.