Boots, bikes and autumn colours.

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The weekend forecast was good on Friday night so we were a bit disappointed to be driving to Keswick in the rain on Saturday morning. We quickly changed our plan and had a wander around the town to give the weather a chance to improve. By 10am it was looking more promising so we headed for Blencathra and it's neighbouring fells. We parked below Mousthwaite Comb and for the first time in months put boots and gaiters on rather than lightweight shoes. The sky was still grey as we climb to the head of the comb and then dropped down into the Glenderamackin valley. However, as we started to climb onto the east ridge of Bannerdale Crags the sun started to break through to give a great display of autumn colour. This was short lived and by the time we'd summited the sky was dark and rain seemed likely. The ground from Bannerdale Crags to Bowscale Fell was very wet and we were pleased with our choice of foot wear. 
As we turned and headed for Blencathra the sky was beginning to clear from the west and it looked like the waterproofs wouldn't be needed after all. On the climb up to Foule Crag we could see a couple struggling along Sharp Edge which is never pleasant if the rock is wet. The summit of Blencathra looked very busy so we stopped for some food in a sheltered spot near Atkinson Pike before 'bagging it' and then dropping back to the car via Scales Fell. On this last leg the sun shone and the autumn colours were wonderful.

Heading for the east ridge of Bannerdale Crags.


Climb up the ridge.


Heading back to Blencathra from Bowscale Fell.


Clearing skies as we climb Foule Crag.


Heading for Blencathra's summit.


The view into 'Lakeland' from the summit.


Descending Scales Fell.


Sharp Edge and Scales Tarn.


Looking back to Sharp Edge before dropping back to the car.



It was a beautiful calm Sunday morning as we left home on the bikes heading for Keswick. The back roads were very quiet and the autumn colours beautiful as we pedaled east. There were no mishaps on route and we arrived in town just in time for lunch. We headed for Lakeland Pedlar http://www.lakelandpedlar.co.uk/ where we had a great bowl of soup followed by coffee and a scone. The return route via Bassenthwaite and Cockermouth was a little shorter than the outward ride but we'd still clocked up 52miles by the time we arrived home - our longest route for some time. 
Another great weekend at home in the Lakes.

Heading for Keswick below Barf.


Just outside Braithwaite.


Heading for home on the A591 with a great view of Skiddaw.


A quiet back road to Scarness.


Fantastic autumn riding.


The sun causing Susan a few problems.


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