Winter sunshine.

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After weeks of wind and rain and very little sunshine this weekend has been a cracker.
Saturday - With a good forecast we were up and away early heading for Seathwaite in Borrowdale with three peaks in mind. The parking area was fairly busy when we arrived but once we set off we soon lost the crowds on the climb to Sty Head. The paths were icey and it was clear that we'd need to take care all day. From Sty Head we climbed the north ridge of Great End which was completely in the shade and very frosty in places. The views north and west were stunning.
The summit was in sunshine but it was very cold due to a strong wind so we both added a layer before heading for our next peak - Esk Pike. This section was busy for a while as many people were heading for Scafell Pike but we soon lost the crowds and even our final peak - Bowfell - was quiet. The views from here were fantastic, especially across to the Scafell massif. The return to the car was a long one and we had to be particularly carefully descending Grains Gill as there were several iced up sections above nasty drops!!!
We reached Keswick in daylight and had our tea in Oddfellows - a pleasant way to round off an excellent day on the hill.

On the frosty north ridge of Great End - Great Gable in the sunshine.


The view north from the ridge.


In the sunshine on the summit of Great End.


Looking north west from Great End.


Looking back to Great End from Esk Pike.


Cloud rising from Langdale from Esk Pike.


On Bowfell with the Scafell massif beyond.


Scafell to Great End from Bowfell.


On the long walk back to the car on a superb day.


Sunday was again forecast to be a good day but we wanted a lie in so stayed fairly local and headed for Buttermere. We parked at the foot of Rannerdale and then walked back along the road to Lanthwaite Green to start the steep climb up Whiteside. This section was very cool and windy but on reaching the ridge the wind dropped and we walked to Hopegill Head in sunshine seeing no one until the summit. It wasn't quite as clear as Saturday but their were still tremendous views even as the cloud built on route to Grasmoor. The summit was windy and cold but we had a hot drink and a bite to eat in the shelter before heading down to the car via Lad Hows ridge. A great 'weekend fix'.

The Whiteside - Hopegill Head ridge.


On the summit of Whiteside in the winter sun.


The ridge ahead to Hopegill Head.


Susan enjoying a rocky section of the ridge.


The summit of Hopegill Head with Grisedale Pike beyond.


The view back to Hopegill Head from Grasmoor.


Starting the descent down Lad Hows ridge.

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