Wanders with my brother.

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My brother has been visiting from Gloucestershire this week and we've had 3 good days on the fells. There is still a lot of snow high up, which John wasn't equipped for, so we've stuck to lower fells. We have, however, ticked off 9 'Wainwrights' he hasn't climbed before.

On Tuesday we had a wander around Keswick so that John could get a new windproof and then headed for Scales just off the A66. From here we climbed Bannerdale Crags via the east ridge. This was a bit icy in places which made it a 'wee bit interesting'. We had intended to climb Blencathra from here but it was too wintry so we headed instead for Souther Fell before dropping back to the car. John decided he also needed a warmer layer so it was back to Keswick for more shopping before heading home.

Tuesday's wander over Bannerdale Crags and Souther Fell.




On Wednesday we headed back to the northern fells for a bigger round. We parked at Longlands and, with John navigating, climbed up to Trusmadoor Gap. From here it was up Great Cockup, Meal Fell, Great Sca Fell and then Knott where we had lunch. There was quite a bit of snow about and some amazing formations where it had accumulated on lee slopes.
After lunch we back tracked over Great Sca Fell before climbing Brae Fell, Lowthwaite Fell and Longlands Fell. The latter took the Wainwright tally for the day up to 6 and was our last top.
After such an outing a tea and scone, and for John and ice cream, were a must in Keswick.

Wednesday in the northern fells.




As rain was forecast for the afternoon today, and John was heading off, we decided to stay local and headed for Mellbreak. With John navigating again we climbed the steep north nose then traversed the fell before returning via the beautiful shore of Crummock Water. The rain started just as we got home.
We'd had a good 3 days and hopefully it won't be another 2 years before we're out again.

Thursday's ascent of Mellbreak.




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