Surprise snowfall!!!!

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We were expecting a cold day today but were very suprised to wake up and see 3'' of snow outside. The gritters clearly hadn't expected this either so we decided to change plans and stick to the main A roads. We headed for Keswick with the aim of wandering up Skiddaw.
The car park was snowy and empty as we pulled in and none of the ticket machines were working in the cold - a days free parking. We were soon heading up the Latrigg path and the weather looked promising with some blue sky. However, as we climbed higher cloud built up and by the time we stood below Little Man we were in it and the temperature dropped dramatically. The wind also picked up and the summit of Low Man was a very cold place. Susan put another layer on and I changed from gloves to mitts to try and heat up my hands.
The last climb onto the summit ridge was hard work and the summit itself very cold indeed. We did have a hot drink and had to warm up the camera before it would work for a summit photo. As there were no views we quickly decided to drop straight back to town for a hot drink and some cake. The views did improve as we descended and the camera came back to life even though it remained cold.. The lower paths were icier than those high up and we both put on Microspikes for the final steep descent below Latrigg.
This normally easy route up Skiddaw proved quite a challenge today - it's a while since we've been out in such cold. On the way home the car thermometer read, at one point, -9degrees. Not bad for November.

A promising start to the climb - looking west.


Susan well wrapped up against the cold - Little Man.


We get the camera working but I can't keep my eyes open in the cold wind - Skiddaw summit.


Improving views on the descent.


The lower paths were the iciest.


Blue skies as we reach Keswick but cloud still caps Little Man.


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