Different week.

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Last Sunday evening I drove to Leeds to pick my Mum up and bring her to Cumbria for a short visit. She loves to see the hills.
We drove to Cumbria on Monday through the Dales and the Lakes - a very scenic journey - then on Tuesday had a trip to Buttermere. The weather was stunning and we had to have a wee ice cream.

Mum having a rest by Buttermere lake.


A beautiful day to revisit Buttermere.


A tricky gate to get through.


Keen to get an ice cream in the village.


On Wednesday we headed for Keswick and Derwent Water. The highlight of the day was a ride on the Launch around the lake again in superb weather.

Derwent Water on a beautiful morning.


Some pictures of Borrowdale from the 'cruise'.








Mum having enjoyed her 'cruise' around the lake.


Friars Crag.


On Thursday we stayed local and after a shopping trip went to Harrington Harbour for a wander along the front and another ice cream.

Enjoying another ice cream at Harrington Harbour.


Six hours of driving on Friday to take Mum home meant I didn't fancy going far today so we drove the 12 miles to Bowness Knott Car Park in Ennerdale for a wee 'bike and hike' adventure. The weather was again fantastic as we set off for Black Sail Youth Hostel at the head of the valley on our mountain bikes. The 6 mile ride was hard work in the early morning heat but we were rewarded with some superb views.
The Hostel has recently re-opened after some building work and looks excellent. We locked the bikes up beside it and headed for Black Sail Pass. A breeze cooled us down and we were soon at the top eating a piece of tea loaf before climbing steeply up on to Kirkfell. Despite a haze there were some stunning views.
From Kirkfell we dropped down to Beck Head and then climbed Great Gable where we had lunch in the sun with our boots off.
Our final top was Green Gable from where we dropped down to the bikes via the Coast to Coast path. There were a number of walkers doing this route and some were finding the climb tough in the heat.
Before reaching the hostel we sat and dipped our feet in a beautiful cool pool - always a pleasure on a summer day in lakeland.
We decided to cycle back to the car on the opposite side of the valley as the track up had been broken up by vehicles during the hostel refurbishment. This was a good choice but it was still a 'bumpy' ride in places.
An excellent and different day out in the Lakes.

Heading out up Ennerdale.


Susan 'blasting' up the track to the hostel.




Nearly there and a great view of Pillar Rock.


The newly refurbished Black Sail Hostel.


Heading up to Black Sail Pass.


Climbing up Kirkfell.


A wee bit of scrambling on the climb - Susan trying not to use her knee.


On the summit on a great summer day.


Striding off towards Great Gable.


Climbing Gable with Kirkfell in the background.


Again the climb involves some easy scrambling.


Ennerdale from the summit.


Looking down to the head of Ennerdale from above Gable Crag.


The view into Gillercomb and Borrowdale.


Looking down Ennerdale.


Cooling the feet in the infant River Liza.


Upper Ennerdale.


Approaching Black Sail YH.


Ready for the ride out.


Crossing the River Liza.


Blasting down the valley!!!


Almost back at the car after a grand day out.


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