First signs of winter.

The first snow of winter arrived on many of the fells this weekend and we've had two contrasting days out.

Saturday was cold and damp as we headed east and the fells were covered in cloud. Near Cockermouth snow lay on the A66 and we decided not to drive too far. Our eventual choice was the Coledale Horseshoe. We parked on the Newlands Pass road and headed up Causey Pike first. It soon became clear that we would experience heavy showers all day so we both adjusted our kit accordingly. Once this had been done we made good progress over Scar Crags and Sail and were soon on Crag Hill. The summit had a light covering of snow and it was bitterly cold in the wind. We found some shelter for lunch and then headed for Grisedale Pike. Views were limited but as always it was great to be out especially as it was very quiet.

The initial descent from Grisedale Pike needed some care due to light snow but we were soon down the worst of it and enjoyed a clearer spell of weather down to Braithwaite. Unfortunately this didn't last long and we arrived back at the car in a very heavy hail shower.

As we were going to a lecture in Penrith in the evening we headed for tea in Keswick where the Christmas lights are already on. The Fish and Chips and the lecture on Micro Adventures were excellent.

On the ascent of Causey Pike with Barrow in the background and Skiddaw in the cloud.

Scrambling up the upper slopes of Causey Pike.

Causey Pike summit looking east.

Heading over Scar Crags for Crag Hill.

Looking back to Causey Pike.

Susan well wrapped up on the summit of Crag Hill.

Coledale Hause on route to Grisedale Pike.

The final ascent to Grisedale Pike.

Another cold summit photo.

Clearing weather on the descent.

Autumn colours still 'hanging on'.

Keswick Chistmas lights - switched on on Friday.

We had a lie in on Sunday and couldn't decided whether to cycle or walk. The blue sky and frost outside eventually swayed us to another day on the fells. We did't want to drive too far so headed for Crummock Water and the Grasmoor round.

It was a stunning morning with autumn colours low down and a light snow cover on many of the tops. We climbed Whiteside first and then headed along the superb ridge to Hopegill Head. In places the rocks were icy so care was needed but the views were stunning. On the summit we sat in the sunshine with not a breath of wind and enjoyed cake and a hot drink. The contrast with Saturday was incredible.

Grasmoor was our next target and this leg was fantastic - giving great views across to Scotland and into the Lakes. The light snow cover as always made the fells feel like bigger mountains and we're looking forward to more winter days like this in the coming months.
We finished by dropping down to Rannerdale via Whiteless Pike and the colours were amazing as the sun began to sink in the western sky.
A great weekend.

On the slopes of Whiteside above Crummock Water.

Looking towards Hopegill Head on the ascent of Grisedale Pike.

West Cumbria and the Solway from Whiteside.

The ridge to Hopegill Head.

Looking back to Whiteside.

The final section of the ridge.

Hopegill Head summit with a snowy Skiddaw in the background.

The view north from the summit.

Looking to Grisedale Pike - climbed in the 'clag' on Saturday.

Climbing Grasmoor with amazing views all the way:

Looking east on the descent from Grasmoor.

The sun sinking in the western sky.

Great light and colours on the descent to Rannerdale:

Whiteless Pike our last hill of the weekend.

Crummock Water and the Fellbarrow range on the walk back to the car.