Blencathra and the Fellbarrow Hills.

Still not much sign of summer in Cumbria. It's been another cool, windy and, at times, wet week. We've managed to squeeze in three enjoyable after work cycles and this weekend have been out on the fells twice.

Saturday was a wet and windy day but we were determined to get out so headed for Blencathra. We set off in full waterproofs but by the time we'd climbed out of Mousthwaite Comb the rain had stopped and the overtrousers came off. The cloud was low and we were soon in it as we climbed up Scales Fell ridge. We passed one group but didn't see any one else before reaching the summit.

Visibility was very poor but we've climbed this hill many, many times so there was no need for a map and compass. We just headed for the top of Foule Crag and then descended to Glenderamackin Beck which we followed back to Mousthwaite Comb. By this time the rain was beginning to return and by the time we reached the car it was pouring down. Tea and scones in Fishers Cafe followed.

Susan on the summit of Blencathra.

The cairn on Foule Crag.

We woke this morning to more wind and rain but the forecast promised better so we decided to wait and see. By lunch time things did look more promising so we drove the 9 miles to Loweswater to tackle the Fellbarrow hills. We followed a 6 mile circuit over Darling Fell, Low Fell, Sourfoot Fell and Fellbarrow. It was very windy but apart from one small shower it stayed dry and the views were pretty good. The sound of Skylarks signing on these fells is always fantastic at this time of the year.

On Darling Fell with the Grasmoor range beyond.

The view down Buttermere from Low Fell.

The Grasmoor range from Low Fell.

Fellbarrow the high point of the round.

Susan getting 'in the road'!!!