Poor forecasting.

The weather forecast for the weekend was superb mid-week and built up our hopes of two good long days out. By Friday evening it was clear that the weather men had it wrong - for Cumbria at least.

On Friday after work we had a 'blast' along the local cycle track on the mountain bikes. Although only a short ride this is always a worthwhile way of getting some exercise and fresh air.

Saturday saw us heading off later than normal for the fells. It was overcast but mild and dry. We decided to head for Borrowdale to climb Glaramara from Seatoller. There were a few cars in the NT car park when we arrived but once we'd passed a couple climbing the hill we saw know one until the summit. The higher fells were cloud covered and it was breezy but there were some very good views.

After some of Susan's excellent Borrowdale Tea Loaf (very appropriate) we headed along the ridge to Allen Crags. Again it was pretty quiet but in the distance we could see 'hordes' of people on the main Scafell Pike route.

As it was only 12.30 and still dry we decided to extend our day and headed for Esk Pike via Esk Hause. The Scafell massif was cloud covered but the view down Eskdale was as impressive as ever. We didn't linger on the summit and headed next for Great End. This top was in the cloud and the area around the shelter had been taken over by a large group celebrating someones Wainwright Round completion. There was the occasional break in the cloud but light rain began to fall as we headed down the very busy Scafell Pike track.

We chose to descend down Grains Gill and were soon on our own enjoying clearing views down Borrowdale. By the time we reached the car the sun was out and it was a beautiful end to the day. 

The Fish and Chips in the Keswickian Cafe were superb.

Susan making her way up Glaramara's lower slopes.

The view along Borrowdale.

Scrambling up to the summit.

Heading for Allen Crags with Langdale Pikes as a back drop.

Bowfell and Esk Pike.

Approaching the summit of Allen Crags with Skiddaw in the distance.

Climbing Esk Pike.

On the summit of Esk Pike with the Scafells in cloud.

Susan on Esk Pike looking back to Glaramara.

The view down Eskdale.

On Great End just before the rain.

Starting the descent down Grains Gill.

Nearly back to the car and the sun is out.

Today has been a really dreich day with a strong gusty wind. We had a wet walk down to the harbour in the morning and when it dried up a wee bit in the afternoon repeated Friday evenings ride.