Better than forecast.

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We haven't had any 'summer' weather this weekend but it has been been better than forecast and we've had a active couple of days.
Saturday saw us heading to the fells prepared for wind and rain. The tops were cloud covered but we were determined to have a longish day out. We parked in the Keswick Football Club Car Park and headed off up Skiddaw hoping to link it with Mungrisdale Common and Blencathra. The path was quieter than normal but it was dry and the visibility OK. We made good time and were soon on the summit ridge. It was windy and cool and the views had disappeared by this point.
We had some food and drink in the summit shelter and decided to stick to our plan even though light rain had started to fall. 
The next leg took us over Sale How and down to Skiddaw House. It was then up to the Cloven Stone and onto Mungrisdale Common. The rain soon eased off and there was even some sunshine - never trust the BBC weather forecast. 
The slog up to Foule Crag was very wet under foot but again we made good time and were soon on the top enjoying  Tea Loaf and having a drink. Blencathra summit was busy so we just headed along the ridge to Blease Fell and the start of the descent back into Keswick. Again the views were better than we had anticipated. We were back at the car after 7 hours on the hill.

On the main track up Skiddaw with limited views down Borrowdale.


Heading towards Low Man and the cloud base.


Summit number 1 with no view.


Is it really summer?


Dropping down to Skiddaw House.


Brighter weather at the Cloven Stone.


Summit 2 - Mungrisdale Common.


Heading across the wet ground towards Blencathra.


Blencathra from Atkinson Pike.


Heading along Blencathra's summit ridge.


The view to Derwent Water - a better day than expected.


Descending to the Blencathra Centre.


On the way back to Keswick.


Having not ridden for 12 days Sunday had to be a bike ride. Again the forecast suggested wind and rain but it was dry when we set off. Our route took us out to Kirkland and then along the C2C to Loweswater and Lorton. It was windy but there were good views despite the cloudy sky.
At Lorton we left the C2C and headed home via Eaglesfield, Greysouthen and Bridgefoot. It stayed dry and despite a strong head wind on the way home we thoroughly enjoyed the ride.

Looking to Ennerdale from the C2C near Kirkland.


The C2C heading towards Blake Fell.


On route to Loweswater.


Mellbreak from the C2C.


Having a wee rest and Tea Loaf with a view down Buttermere.



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