New Year same weather.

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Since we arrived back in Cumbria on New Years Day the weather has again been dire. Strong winds and rain have lashed the county and there has been a lot of coastal flooding and damage.
The forecast for Saturday was slightly better so we jumped at the chance to get back onto the fells. It was raining as we headed east and cloud covered the high tops so we decided to have a wander around Keswick to give the weather a chance to brighten up. After an hour it looked a wee bit better so we decided to start to new year as we'd ended the old one with a wander up Blencathra.
We parked in Threlkeld and climbed to the summit via Doddick Fell ridge. At about 500m we entered the cloud and at 800m there was a light covering of snow. We had a drink and some food just below the summit and then headed along the ridge to Blease Fell from where we descended to the car. The cloud lifted a little as we got lower and there were some better views across Derwent Water.
It was great to get back on to the hill and it was good to round this off with a visit to our favorite Fishers Cafe. 

Heading for Doddick Fell ridge.


Below Halls Fell ridge.


Heading for the clouds on Doddick Fell.


Some visibility to the south before reaching the cloud base.


Light snow cover above 800m.


On the summit of Blencathra - again.


Looking to Derwent Water on the descent.


A good day out.


As today was to be wet and windy by mid-day we decided to get the mountain bikes out and have our first 2014 cycle. We took the Sustrans Cycle track to Whitehaven and back which is a pleasant off road ride when the weather isn't great. There were some showers and the wind was picking up as we headed home. Not a bad start to the 2014 cycling year.

Heading home on the Sustrans track.



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