I've always been a big fan of Bow Fell in fact this walk was one of the walks I would dream about once lock down was lifted but due to MRT being as stretched out as they were I put any strenuous walks on hold. It would be incorrect of me to say that MRT are back to normal but things are slowly returning that way and, I can only echo MRT words who advise to enjoy the fells but come prepared especially on unfamiliar routes.

Todays walk is one I've trodden many times, The Bowfell Traverse is perched 1,800ft above the Mickleden valley on Bow Fell's eastern flank and although it's not entirely exposed, there is exposure in places where small rock steps would need to be negotiated and care along the narrowest of paths would be advised at all times.

i couldn't think of a more fitting view, and inspiring walk to finish my week off than Bow Fell via the Climbers Traverse and I guess this walk report won't be my last covering this favourite walk of mine.

I'm normally at the edge of my seat as when I'm walking in Great Langdale because I usually try and park at Rossett Bridge where parking is limited but seeing as I'm parking at Old Dungeon Ghyll (ODG) I needn't worry which was a good job because by the time I drove past Rossett Bridge not only were all the spaces taken but a long queue of parked cars had formed on the other side of the bridge on the left hand side of the lane and I couldn't help but sigh with disbelief as I continued towards ODG where I found the car park around half full despite it not being 07:30 yet.

I parked easily and started to lace up while feeling pretty chuffed that not only could I wear my shorts today but I didn't have to add my jacket because it was lovely and warm here at valley level. With my boots laced tightly I wondered over to the ticket machine and emptied eight pound coins into it which granted me all day parking, returning to my car I did a quick kit check, locked up and started to make my way towards Stool End Farm.

Despite having blue skies in the distance overhead it was a different story with a large mass of grey cloud from which sunlight would burst through everynow and again.

I always try to have the camera ready when that happens.

I left the main path bound for Three Tarns and joined the start of a grassy trod which started to steepen almost immediately before leaving the comforts of the trod for a rockier approach, the path continues in steepness before arriving at the start of the Traverse from where I stopped to take this photo.

That's Glaramara over on the right with Rossett Pike below...the big question is? do I stop to add a layer because right now the temperature has dropped from the late teens to just 8.3°C helped along by a very fresh breeze. I don't wimp out feeling safe in the knowledge that once I start the climb alongside the Great Slab I'll be complaining I'm too hot.

I somehow managed to pick up some speed during my descent back into Great Langdale where more walkers are passed in ascent most of whom were friendly but appeared to be new to fell walking. With the breeze confined to the summits down at valley level the temperature is rising into the twenties and I for one relish this. I'm transfixed on the rock climbers scaling Raven Crag above ODG where I count up to eight on the rock while more look on from the base of the crag.

The scene back at ODG wasn't a pleasant one and neither was my exit from Great Langdale and guess I could go on and on about the scenes of chaos I was presented with but why when all I'm going to remember are the four great hours I spent on Bow Fell.