Rolling back the years.

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Have had my brother, John, staying in Cumbria for the last 3 days to do some hill walking. In our late teens and early twenties we spent several holidays wandering the fells together and it was good to have a chance to do it again.
We met up in Keswick after lunch on Wednesday and had a gentle introductory walk up Latrigg. The day was bright and gave good views of Helvellyn, Skiddaw and the central fells. Patches of snow still lingered on the higher hills- a clear sign of the winter we have had.

John on the top of Latrigg.


John wanted more of a challenge on Thursday so we headed to Buttermere to complete the Red Pike to High Crag ridge on the SW side of the valley. This starts with a steep climb up to Bleaberry Tarn and at this stage the weather was promising. However, by the time we reached the tarn the cloud base had dropped and our objectives for the day were hidden. We walked in the cloud for most of the remainder of the day but this did give John the chance to use his new GPS in tricky conditions. We saw only 3 other parties as we wandered along the ridge.
John was fine on the ascent but the steep descent down Gamlin End and on to Scarth Gap slowed him down and was tough on his knees. The thought of a pint of Jennings in the Fish kept him going and we quickly marched back along the lake side.

A promising start to the day - climbing Red Pike.


Walking in the cloud between Red Pike and High Stile.


John not enjoying the steep descent down Gamlin End.


Looking forward to a Jennings on the descent from Scarth Gap.


Today we decided on Blencathra as it's on the way to the M6 and John's route home to Glouscestershire. We took the easy route over Scales Fell then walked across to Atkinson Pike before dropping down above Foule Crag to the head of the Glenderamackin valley. We then followed the valley back to our route up from the A66. It was a much better day and although there was some cloud we had some good views. John's navigation skills using GPS, map and compass are improving!!!!

The first view of Blencathra and Sharp Edge.


John checking our location.


Snow still lingers in places.


On the summit of Blencathra.


Admiring the northern fells.


We've both enjoyed getting back out together and as we descended started to make plans for another trip later in the summer.

The 'Old Days':
John scrambling up Pillar.


Me on the summit of Scafell Pike.

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