Langdale.

Most of my early forays to the Lakes as a teenager were to Langdale as it was the easiest valley to travel to from Leeds. It's been over two years since we last drove round there from west Cumbria so with a good weather forecast we decided on a visit today.

Cloud covered some of the fells and there was a strong wind as we headed to Ambleside but the weathering looked promising. We parked at the New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel and headed of for Crinkle Crags with blue sky overhead. The route up Browney Gill to Red Pike was busy but we made good progress overtaking several parties on route. As we climbed higher the wind picked up and cloud began to blow in from the east. By the time we reached the first top we were in cloud with little visibility and searching for another layer in the rucksacks. Luckily the strong wind did keep  punching holes in the cloud rewarding us with some good views.

At Three Tarns below Bowfell we met the first of the fell runners competing in the Langdale Race. Many more charged past us as we climbed up to the summit and many more were struggling up hill as we dropped down to Ore Gap on route for Esk Pike. On this leg the weather improved and there were good views across to the Scafell massif.

Our route back to the car took us down to Angle Tarn and then down Rossett Gill and Mickleden. The light on the Langdale Pikes was excellent and several parties could be seen climbing on Gimmer Crag.

We both enjoyed this return to a superb valley but it did feel much busier than our regular haunts in the north and west.

The view up Oxendale to Crinkle Crags.

Langdale Pikes.

Heading up to Crinkle Crags.

Susan tackles the 'Bad Step'.

The Scafell massif from the Crinkles.

Heading for Esk Pike.

Heading down Mickleden.

Pike o' Stickle and Gimmer Crag.