At last - better weather.
With the promise of lighter winds and clear skies we headed out early today only to be disappointed when we saw the fells shrouded in cloud. We decided not to go far and headed for Buttermere. We set off for Red Pike from the National Trust Car Park hoping that the cloud would lift.
A steady pace soon saw us in the corrie by Bleaberry Tarn and from here it was clear that the summits were going to have a decent covering of snow. We headed first for Dodd but didn't linger on the summit due to a cool wind. The climb up from the Saddle to Red Pike was on snow and Susan decided to put her Microspikes on for the final section as her boot edges have seen better days. Again we didn't stop long on the summit due to the wind but on the next leg the weather began to improve. The clouds broke a little and there was even some sunshine. The fells looked fantastic with a good covering of snow and it was great to be up high for the first time in weeks.
In places the snow had turned to neve so I put my Microspikes on to reduce the need to kick steps and give some added security. The views down into the corries were very impressive, especially the one looking across to Grey Crags on High Stile, and in no time we'd reached High Crag. The descent down Gamlin End is never pleasant and today the pitched path was covered in soft snow making it 'interesting' - we were glad to reach the bottom.
It was to early to descend so we continued onto Haystacks. It was like a different day as there was no snow on this lower fell but the views across to Gable and the Scafells were excellent.
We were surprised how quiet this popular hill was but this may have been due to the 6 week Borrowdale Road closure making it more difficult for people staying in Keswick to get to Honister Pass the normal access point for those wanting to do 'Wainwrights hill'
The descent down to Buttermere was hard on legs and feet that have not been out much for two months but as we wandered along the lake shore back to the car we were happy to have had a great day out.
Climbing up to Bleaberry tarn above Buttermere.
Improving weather from the west.
A cool Dodd summit.
Climbing the upper snow slopes of Red Pike.
Red Pike summit with no views.
Clearing skies across Ennerdale on route to High Stile.
Great to be on the higher fells again.
The view back to Red Pike.
Looking north west from the slopes of High Stile.
My summit pose on High Stile.
The ridge to High Crag.
Two views of an alpine looking Grey Crags.
Looking back to High Stile.
A happy lady in the mountains again.
Glad to be down Gamlin End.
The view across to Fleetwith Pike.
The view to Great Gable.
On Haystacks.
A cool Haystacks summit.
The high fells have a good covering of snow.
Great Gable and Scafell beyond.
The view down Buttermere.
Two miles back to the car.
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