A 'raw' weekend.

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It's been a raw weekend in Cumbria but we've had two good days out.
Yesterday we drove east to Borrowdale to climb Glaramara and Allen Crags. The weather looked promising on route but when we pulled into the car park in Seatoller it began to pour down. We decided to read the papers for a while to let the shower pass and then headed off. The ground was very wet and as we climbed the wind picked up and the temperature dropped. We saw only a shepherd and his dogs until we reached the summit of Glaramara where another couple were sheltering behind the Cairn. There were some good views as we headed along the undulating ridge to Allen Crags but most of the high tops were in and out of the clouds all day. 
On reaching Allen Crags we found a sheltered spot for lunch which included a slice of Susan's home baked Tea Loaf - superb!!!!  As we packed  up for the descent to Esk Hause and then down Grains Gill  a snow shower started and it felt pretty wild for a while. We then started to meet more people on the way down or up Scafell Pike. Many looked like they'd be finishing in the dark.
We felt great on reaching the car after another grand day out on the hill which was rounded off with a wander around Keswick - where I bought Susan's birthday present.

Climbing up from Borrowdale.


On the track above Raven Crag.


On the final scramble up Glaramara.




Glaramara summit with Langdale Pikes beyond.


Striding out for Allen Crags with a cloud capped Great Gable as a backdrop.


Great views even on a cloudy day.


Approaching Allen Crags - Great End cloud free for a while.


Looking back to Glaramara.


The summit of Allen Crags.


Descending Grains Gill.


Drink stop at Stockley Bridge.


Seathwaite Farm.



Today we cycled from home as we love to do on a Sunday morning. The weather wasn't as good as forecast and it felt raw in a fresh SW breeze. After about 9 miles we'd warmed up but then Susan had another puncture just as we reached Ullock. At least we found a sunny spot and a bench to make the task of replacing the inner tube easier. I was also carrying a much better pump than a few weeks ago.
We had some good views as we rode through Mockerkin to Fangs Brow and then along the shore of Loweswater. We'd warmed up again as we turned and headed to Lorton but then I had a mechanical. For some reason my back brake blocks had shifted and locked on and this took a bit of 'fetling' with cold hands. By the time we got home we'd just about warmed up again but a hot drink and more Tea Loaf were very welcome. Susan has vowed to get new tyres before our next ride.

Heading to the fells - on the road to Fangs Brow.


A raw day but a good cycle.


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