First signs of summer.

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The forecast was for high pressure and a dry, bright day so we headed for the Buttermere Fells hoping to make the most of it. Our route took us from the village up on to Dodd and then Red Pike. Although it was bright there was a cold wind and we needed 3 layers plus hat and gloves to stay comfortable. The visibility was excellent.
From Red Pike it was onto High Stile, High Crag and Hay Stacks along one of my favorite ridges in the Lakes. Patches of snow linger on the higher fells but there has been a big thaw this week and winter is definitely over. There were many people out making the most of the weather and it felt much busier than of late.
As we dropped off Hay Stacks we decided it was to early to descend so, after a short break at Dubs Bothy, we headed up Fleetwith Pike a hill we haven't climbed for some time. The views down the valley were stunning and the temperature had risen in the sun and out of the wind. After a final smoked salmon and cream cheese bagel on the summit we descended the impressive north west ridge to Gatesgarth then walked the eastern shore of Buttermere back to the village and the car. This last leg really did feel like summer so let's hope it truly arrives soon. An excellent day.

Climbing above Buttermere on route to Dodd.


Bleaberry Tarn Comb.


Red Pike from Dodd.


Crummock Water and the Grasmoor Fells from red Pike.


Looking towards the Scafell range from the High Stile ridge.


Looking back to Red Pike and Crummock Water.


Pillar from the high Crag ridge.


Climbing Hay Stacks with Pillar beyond.


On Hay Stacks on a superb day.


Innominate Tarn and Pillar.


Taking a wee break on route to Fleetwith Pike.


Climbing Fleetwith Pike.


Robinson and beyond from Fleetwith Pike.


Fleetwith Pike summit and the ridge we traversed earlier in the day.


Starting the descent.


The NW ridge of Fleetwith Pike and Buttermere valley.


Summer in the valley - looking back to Fleetwith Pike.



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