This weekend the autumnal colours in the Lake District were magnificent. We’d set off from Boot with the intention of a few short hours running and exploring the Eskdale side of Hard Knott but with no particular plan. We were letting the mountain guide us, a totally freeing experience. No pressure, no planned route just running, scrambling and a little bit of adventure and a lot of off piste. 

To me the view from Yew Crags has to be one of the finest in Lakeland. Looking up Eskdale to the giants of the Scafell range, Bowfell and the Crinkle Crags. 

From Yew Crags we made our way to Eskdale Needle, a striking pillar of rock standing like a sentry watching over Eskdale below.  Note to self to return to do the grade 3 scramble before heading up to Hand Knott summit taking in a few gentle scrambles on the incredible rock.