Some better weather.

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After a series of poor weather weekends it was great to get a better forecast on Friday night. Yesterday, for a bit of a change, we decided on a linear walk. We parked the car in Keswick and then caught the Honister Rambler bus down Borrowdale to Honister Slate Mine. From here we climbed up on to Dale Head with ever improving weather and views.
As it was still early when we reached the summit we decided to go out and back to Hindscarth before heading off to High Spy on route back to Keswick. For July the fells were quiet and it was great to be back up among them after six weeks. The walk along the ridge linking High Spy and Cat Bells gave great views to the northern and north west fells and in what seemed like no time we were dropping down to Hawes End to catch the Launch across Derwent Water back to Keswick. After a wee bit of shopping Susan treated me to a  steak in the Bank Tavern for my birthday.  

 Looking to the  High Stile / Red Pike ridge from the track up Dale Head.


Dale Head summit.


Hindscarth summit.


Heading back over Dale Head.


The view across to High Spy ridge with Blencathra beyond.


The impressive Newlands Valley and Skiddaw.


Causey Pike framed in a lovely wee valley.


The view back to Dale Head.


Susan happy to be back on the fells.


Striding out for the last top - Cat Bells.


On Cat Bells north ridge walking towards Skiddaw.


Blencathra from the north ridge.


Waiting for the Derwent Water Launch.



Today after a bit of a lie in we headed out on the bikes to Buttermere. It was again bright but cool due to the cloud cover and  a fresh breeze. On reaching the village the Cafe was an essential stop for Scones and a cuppa. We then decided to try a more challenging route home taking in 3 steeper climbs including Fangs Brow. It proved a very good choice and gave some great views across to the Isle of Man and Dumfries and Galloway. Let's hope that the weather is at last changing for the better.

A field of Barley on route to Buttermere.


The road to Buttermere along Crummock Water.


Entering the village.


A birthday treat - we decided on a hilly route home to burn off the calories.


Nearing Lanthwaite Green.


Susan on the last section of the Fangs Brow climb.


The last climb up onto Dean Moor with the Lakeland fells as a backdrop.




Route Profile.


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