A cold wind on Skiddaw.
The exceptionally cold weather shows no sign of ending and the snow that fell earlier this month hasn't shifted at all. Many side roads remain icy so we stuck to the A66 and parked in Keswick to climb Skiddaw. On route we stopped to take photos of Bassenthwaite Lake which is entirely frozen and an amazing sight.
The path up Skiddaw was busy with walkers and ski tourers and was quite icy in places so we soon put crampons on. It was bitter in the brisk cold east wind so we just plodded steadily up stopping rarely for photos. To escape the crowds for a wee while we took in Little Man before rejoining the main track just below the final summit ridge. The last section was very cold and we were quite relieved to find a good sheltered spot near the trig point to eat lunch. The views were good but occasionaly obscured by cloud which would eventually cover the summit until late in the day.
Rather than just dropping straight back down to Keswick we turned east at Jenkin Hill to take in Lonscale Fell. Whilst the main paths had been firm neve along this section we found soft snow which we continually sank into. The going was hard work and we began to regret leaving the snowshoes in the car. The views as the sun sank did, however, make it worthwhile and we were soon back on tracks and heading back to town. A good if cold day out.
The path up Skiddaw was busy with walkers and ski tourers and was quite icy in places so we soon put crampons on. It was bitter in the brisk cold east wind so we just plodded steadily up stopping rarely for photos. To escape the crowds for a wee while we took in Little Man before rejoining the main track just below the final summit ridge. The last section was very cold and we were quite relieved to find a good sheltered spot near the trig point to eat lunch. The views were good but occasionaly obscured by cloud which would eventually cover the summit until late in the day.
Rather than just dropping straight back down to Keswick we turned east at Jenkin Hill to take in Lonscale Fell. Whilst the main paths had been firm neve along this section we found soft snow which we continually sank into. The going was hard work and we began to regret leaving the snowshoes in the car. The views as the sun sank did, however, make it worthwhile and we were soon back on tracks and heading back to town. A good if cold day out.
A frozen Bassenthwaite Lake.
Blencathra from the lower slopes of Skiddaw.
Skiddaw summit ridge.
On the summit of Skiddaw.
Heading for Lonscale Fell with a great view of Blancathra.
Heading back down to Keswick.
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