Mellbreak.

Not wanting to over do it after 4 days off we decided to stick to a low Lakeland Fell today - Melbreak. We had a later than normal start to allow last nights wind and rain to ease and then headed off for Loweswater where we parked in the National Trust Car Park at the foot of Scale Hill. 

The mild temperatures and rain had stripped much of the snow so it was a very different walk to yesterday.

Although only just over 500m high Melbreak is a steep climb and gives great views of the higher fells. It is always a worthwhile outing There were few people on the hill so we enjoyed a quiet wander from the north to south top before dropping steeply down towards Scale Force. Here we decided to return to the car via the shore of Crummock Water - a route I've not done in years and Susan had never done. It was a superb wander with great views of some of our favorite hills.

Climbing the north 'nose' of Melbreak.

The first view down Buttermere from the 'nose'.

The view to the Loweswater Fells.

On the higher south top with the Buttermere hills beyond.

Excellent views down Buttermere on the descent route.

A well lit Rannerdale Knotts across Crummock Water.

Snow high on Grasmoor.

Superb lakeside views on the walk back to the car.

The view back along Crummock Water.