An old favourite.

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On Wednesday we got very wet cycling from Symington to Coulter, Broughton and Biggar before driving down the road to Cumbria. Despite the weather we had a good break in the Borders.
On Thursday Susan was back to work but we did get out in the evening for an enjoyable cycle fom home. It was overcast but there were still some good views of the fells.
Today I set off early to climb an old favourite - Blencathra via Sharp Edge. I first did this route over 30 years ago when still at School and have done it many times since - especially since moving to Cumbria 20 years ago. For some reason it's been a while since I've done the route so a forecast of  a dry and calm day made it irresistible.
There was only one car in the parking pull off below Mousethwaite Comb and I saw no one until I reached the summit. The path up to Scales Tarn has been pitched since my last visit but everything else including the ridge seemed very familiar. From the summit there were good views into the Lake District and a couple of people arrived as I ate a bar and texted Susan. It was to early to descend so I decided to carry on to Foule Crag  and Bannerdale Crags where I ate my 'piece'. From here I was back to the car in less than an hour - the car park was full. An excellent round.

Sharp Edge from the approach path.


Sharp Edge from Scales Tarn.


Looking along the ridge to Foule Crag.


Looking down Sharp Edge towards Bannerdale Crags.


The view west from Blencathra's summit cairn.


The view north east from Foule Crag summit cairn.


Looking east from Bannerdale Crags.


To keep the cycling fitness going we went out on the bikes tonight - so I've cycled on 7 of the last 8 days.

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