Last weekend

-
It was Alec's last weekend in the UK before he left to live and work in the USA. He just had to spend it in Cumbria with his Ma!!!! 
The forecast for Saturday wasn't great but suggested that the northern fells would clear and give some views. We, therefore, parked up at Scales and climbed up Mousthwaite Comb before dropping down to the Glenderamackin valley and heading for the east ridge of Bannerdale Crags. The cloud was unfortunately covering the tops and as we ascended the ridge we climbed into it. The summit gave no views but we were enjoying the fresh air and decided to carry on to climb Blencathra. This was a good decision as at the midway point the cloud began to break and we got some views of the northern fells. Sadly Blencathra remained cloud covered all the way to the summit but, sure enough, as we descended via Scales Fell ridge the clouds broke and we got some cracking views.
The day out was rounded off with some Christmas shopping in Keswick and a wee drink in Wetherspoons. 

Climbing into Mousthwaite Comb and the cloud.


In the cloud on the summit of Bannerdale Crags.


Starting the climb up Blencathra.


Clearing skies as we climb 'Saddleback'.


Taking a drinks and snack break.


A familiar cloudy Blencathra summit.


Scales Fell ridge comes into view as we start to descend.


Alec and his Ma on Scales Fell ridge.


Cloud still covered the summit.


The sunshines on Susan and I.


Sunday's forecast was better but suggested a later start would be best. We decided on a lower more local fell and picked Mellbreak above Crummock Water for it's interesting ascent and views. The forecast was accurate and we climbed the north ridge in excellent conditions for November. The views were great and when we reached the north summit it was warm in the sun.
As it was a cracking day we continued over the south summit and then dropped down steeply to the shore of Crummock Water which we followed back to the car. This gave great views of the Buttermere fells and especially Rannerdale Knotts which we climbed on a stunning June evening with Alec when he came over for his summer in the UK. How time flies!!!!!!!!!!

Starting out under blue skies.


November in the Lakes - the view to West Cumbria across Loweswater.


Admiring the views across Crummock Water.


The Grasmoor range emerges from the clouds.


A typical summit pose for Alec and his Ma.


A more traditional summit pose.


The splendid Buttermere Valley.


Starting the steep descent to Crummock Water.


Rannerdale Knotts from Ling Crags.


Grasmoor across Crummock Water.


November sunshine in the woods.


Rannerdale Knotts June 2014 - the start of Alec's UK Summer.



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

A week in Scotland.

-
Image
A week ago now we had an excellent 8 days up in Scotland spending time in Symington, Aviemore and Glasgow. We drove up to Symington on Friday 7 July and on the Saturday had a great ride to Peebles where, of course, we visited Cocoa Blacks for a wee treat. On Sunday we were up early and heading north to Aviemore and the Glenmore Campsite - one of my favourites despite changes in recent years. We had a leisurely drive but still had time for a ride once we'd 'set up camp'. Our route was a circuit to Boat of Garten and then a steep climb up the 'Ski Road' to the base of the Cairngorm Ski Station. This reached 20% in places and Susan wondered why we needed to do it. The views and the descent made it worthwhile.  The weather forecast for Monday wasn't too bad so we decided on a walk in the mountains. We drove up to the Ski Station and then headed for Scotland's second highest top Ben Macdui. It was overcast but dry as ...
Read more

Week off.

-
Image
Susan had last week off work and typically the weather has been very changeable.  On seeing the forecast we decided not to travel up north. The first weekend and Monday was spent in Dumfries and Symington and we cycled on all three days in mixed weather. A red dot in a sea of green - climbing over to Glenkiln. Higher on the climb over to Glenkiln, Dumfries. Disappearing towards Glenkiln.   On the road to New Abbey, Dumfries. Climbing out of New Abbey. On Tuesday we decided to head off on a short camping trip to the south Lakes. Due to the 6 month closure of the Keswick to Ambleside road we've not been beyond Dunmail Raise so this was a great change of scene. We headed first to Coniston to walk the fells above the village something we've not done for 10 years. Again the weather wasn't great for July but we got some great views and thoroughly enjoyed the round. On the Walna Scar Road. Threatening clouds above the fells. ...
Read more

Happy New Year.

-
Image
We decided to stay in Cumbria this New Year - a first for Susan!!! Thankfully the weather was much better than over the Christmas period and we were out on the hill every day. Hogmanay was overcast and windy but it was dry and we had a good day climbing over Bannerdale Crags and Blencathra. There were few people out but when we went into Keswick it was busier than ever. Dropping in to the Glenderamackin valley. A makeshift bridge across the burn - the bridge was washed away in Storm Desmond 2015. Climbing up onto the east ridge of Bannerdale Crags. On the east ridge . Some easy scrambling. Nearing the top. Good views despite the cloud. The sun trying to break through as we reach the summit. Heading for Blencathra. Susan battles into a strong wind. Looking to Thirlmere from a very windy summit. Looking to Derwent Water. On the descent. Dropping down to Scales Tarn to try and get out o...
Read more