Three walks.

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There is still no sign of summer in Cumbria but we have had 3 good walks on the fells this weekend. On Friday after work we headed for Mellbreak so that Susan could try out her new boots. The sky was overcast and there was a threat of rain as we climbed steeply to the north top. We had the hill to ourselves and as we descended and headed back to the car the sun broke through. There was some lovely late evening light giving some hope for a good Saturday.

Susan on the north top of Mellbreak.


Walking back to the car - the Fellbarrow range in the background which by chance we'd climb on Sunday.


The steep and shapely Mellbreak.


Lovely evening light on Whiteside and Grasmoor.


It was bright when we woke on Saturday so we decided to head east to complete a traverse over the Helvellyn range from Glenridding.We left the car park in warm sunshine and headed for Patterdale where we started the climb up St Sunday Crag. The visibility was excellent and the fell very quiet.
As we gained height the wind started to pick up and the temperature dropped. It certainly didn't feel like a balmy summers day. The ridge over Cofa Pike and up to Fairfield was, however, a delight and felt quite easy at a steady pace.
We had a quick bagel and cheese on Fairfield and then descended steeply to Grisedale Tarn. From here it was back up - firstly onto Dollywaggon Pike and then over Nethermost Pike to Helvellyn. As usual this  honeypot top was very busy so we didn't linger and headed over Lower Man to Whiteside and finally Raise. From here we dropped down to the car and a well earned Ice Cream. An excellent round.

Climbing up from Ullswater on a lovely sunny morning.


Four photos on the ridge up onto St Sunday Crag.








Looking across to Helvellyn from St Sunday Crag summit.


The ridge towards Cofa Pike and Fairfield.


On Cofa Pike.


Climbing up onto Fairfield with the ridge we'd traversed in the background.


Helvellyn from Dollywaggon Pike.


Looking back to the hills we'd traversed  from Nethermost Pike.


Heading for Lower Man having ticked off Helvellyn.


The Helvellyn range from the path to Raise.


The summit of Raise with Skiddaw in the background.


Dropping into Keppel Cove on the way down to the car.



The wind was howling around the house on Sunday morning. We didn't fancy cycling in it or climbing high so decided on the Fellbarrow range above Loweswater. This round starts by climbing steeply up Darling Fell and as we gained height the wind really picked up. A couple who set off before us decided it was too strong for them and turned back well before the top. We pushed on over Low Fell and then turned north for Fellbarrow itself. The views were limited and the higher tops cloud covered but as always it was good to be out.

Heading out to Fellbarrow from Low Fell with Mellbreak just visible in the background.


On route to Fellbarrow.



Fellbarrow Trig Point.


Heading back to the car.


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