More snow on Blencathra.

After four days in the house due to a stomach bug I felt much better this morning and we both needed some fresh air. Not wanting to over do it we headed for Blencathra again. After a cold week there was a good cover of snow on the tops but the roads were fine. We parked up on the A66 and headed straight up Scales Fell ridge. The path soon became icy and Susan had her Microspikes on low down which made the going much easier.

There was no one else on the ridge which was surprising given the conditions. The snow soon became deep and the wind picked up so progress was quite hard work. The views, however, made it worth the effort despite the rapidly building cloud. 

The final slope was very banked up and surprisingly steep but the snow was stable and we were soon safely on the summit. We didn't linger for long, as the wind had really picked up, and headed for the top of Foule Crag to drop off the back on route for Bannerdale Crags.

On this leg rain started to fall so we proofed up and just kept moving. This was difficult at times, due to breakable crust on the snow, but we were soon down and heading for Keswick where we had to have Tea/Coffee and Cake in Lakeland Pedlar.

The fresh air did us both the world of good.

Susan Microspikes up the lower icy path.

Good snow cover higher on the ridge.

Rapidly building cloud but still a grand day to be out.

Looking to Sharp Edge and Bannerdale Crags.

The steep upper slope to the summit.

A familiar view from the summit into the Lakes.

Looking across to Sharp Edge from the descent route.

Wrapped up but pleased to be out.