Second day off.

An early phone call told of another day off due to 'unsafe' conditions so I jumped at the chance of a day out on the wintery fells. Not wishing to drive on any backroads I took the A66 to park below Blencathra. The weather looked promising as I set off for Mousthwaite Comb although it was cold and windy.

At the top of the comb I dropped down to Glenderamackin Beck and then headed up Bannerdale Crags. This was hard going as the powder snow was deep in places and the wind picked up with height. Unfortunately cloud had built up as I reached the summit so views were limited - although a couple of gaps in the cloud gave some photo opportunities.

I headed next for Foule Crag on Blencathra. The cloud showed little sign of clearing as I plodded upwards and there was also some spindrift blowing around further reducing visibility. I put crampons on for the final steep climb but would have been OK with Microspikes.

The summit of Blencathra was quiet but there were no views so I was soon dropping down the ridge to Scales Fell. As I dropped out of the cloud  the snow covered Pennines could be seen to the east but most of the Lakeland fells were shrouded in cloud.

Despite the lack of views on the tops this was a good and unexpected day on the hill.

A brief glimpse north from Bannerdale Crags.

Looking east down Bannerdale.

An alpine Blencathra appeared briefly as the clouds parted.

The summit of Foule Crag threatens to clear.

Looking east beyond Souther Fell on the last part of the descent.

The view to Great Mell Fell.

Clouds cover most Lakeland Fells.