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PICTURES AND TRIP REPORTS FROM MY WALKS IN THE ENGLISH LAKE DISTRICT
The weather was dry but a bit dull when the bus deposited me at the tiny hamlet of Troutbeck just off the A66. It seems ages since I had a night out on the fells so I was getting out whatever the weather but I was rewarded with fantastic condition especially on Saturday so apologies in advance for there being a few more pictures than usual.
My first fell of the day, Great Mell Fell is easy even for me to find. I just walk straight on.
Looking back to Blencathra. The weather is improving slowly, with patches of sun breaking through the clouds.
I could have walked round the side of Great Mell Fell and climbed up the less steep path but that would have meant me retracing my steps which I never like to do. The way I went up could definitely be called the more steep path
Someone has left a yellow flower to add a nice bit of colour to this slightly boring fell.
Well that's the steep north face of Great Mell Fell conquered now for It's little brother seen across the valley.
Looking back to GMF from LMF( I got fed up of typing the full names)
Looking across Ullswater to the Arthur's Pike/Bonscale Pike ridge from the climb to Gowbarrow Fell.
Sunrays light up Ullswater and the fells around the head of the lake
This lot looked like trouble but I stared them down and got through unscathed..
That's the way I'm going ( but not all the way to St. Johns)
That's where I'm going. Clough Head seen along the Old Coach Rd.
Blencathra from my camp-site. Later in the evening the weather closed in and it rained and then hail stoned but by then I was snug in my tent
The skies were clear though in the morning and I set out for White Pike which is a interesting rocky outcrop on the flank of Clough Head
The magnificent Blencathra
Looking down past White Pike to the Mell Fells and the Pennines beyond
As I reached the top of Clough Head I was greeted by one of the loveliest sights I have ever seen. It looks like the whole of the vale of Grasmere is under an inversion.
Zooming in a bit to Calfhow Pike..
Looking further afield to the giants of Lakeland. From Great Dodd.
Next stop Watson's Dodd. It was a bit wet along here but I didn't care as it was such a joy to be strolling along on top of the world with fantastic views all around.
If there was a forest on Skiddaw I'd say it was on fire.
Ullswater and Sheffield Pike.
Incredibly in an instant the weather turned and I had ten minutes of freezing hail as I passed over Stybarrow Dodd but It's fine again as I climb Raise
The steep North ridge of Catstycam another route on my lengthy to-do list.
Looking up to the top of Helvellyn. Swirral Edge leading down on the left
Catstycam and Red Tarn
And Red Tarn and Striding Edge
As I dropped down from Helvellyn the views were spectacular.
Unmistakable Bowfell
Wythburn valley looking wilder and more remote than it actually is.
This is when I think that It's all worth the heavy rucksack, the condensation in the tent, and the eating dehydrated food from pour and store bags.
Thirlmere with Skiddaw now clear.
Looking back up the Birk Side path.
Back down to earth now but the lovely Wythburn Church makes a nice last photo as I wait for the bus after a fantastic couple of days