High Pressure.

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At last a weekend of high pressure and even though I was full of cold we had to get out and enjoy it.
On Saturday we headed to Ambleside to do the classic Fairfield Horseshoe. It was a stunning day with blue skies and some valley mist. The visibility was excellent and we got 4 more ticks on our Lakes 100 list - Great Rigg, Fairfield, Hart Crag and Dove Crag. I found the round hard going especially as I was carrying too much in my sac but it was great to be out without battling in the wind.

Heading off up the ridge towards Great Rigg.


Fantastic views across the Lakes.


The broad ridge to Great Rigg.


The Coniston Fells.


Mist filled some valleys.


The view towards Fairfield from Heron Pike.


The view towards Windermere.


The lakes at their very best.


The head of the Fairfield Horseshoe.


There were some snow patches to cross.


Great Rigg.


The final steep pull - I was struggling!!!


Fairfield and Helvellyn.


The NW view across the Lakes.


The final slopes of Fairfield.


No wind, blue skies and stunning visibility ....


.... perfect day.


Fairfield summit with Helvellyn as a backdrop.


Lakeland panorama. 


Heading for Hart Crag.


Hart Crag summit and the eastern fells.


Looking a little worn out on Dove Crag summit.


Starting the long descent to Ambleside.




Skiddaw glows red on the way home.



I should have perhaps had a day off on Sunday but couldn't resist getting out. We headed for the Coledale Horseshoe to climb Grisedale Pike, Crag Hill and Sail. It was very misty as we left home but beyond Cockermouth it cleared up and we had another excellent day on the hill. There was more snow on this route and we certainly needed the Microspikes on the last leg descending from Crag Hill and Sail. I packed lighter for the day but still struggled on the climbs and felt terrible when we got home.

Setting out on a stunning morning.


On the lower slopes of Grisedale Pike with Skiddaw in the background.


The Coledale Horseshoe.


Skiddaw from Grisedale Pike.


Climbing the upper slopes with Keswick in the mist below.


Just below Grisedale Pikes summit.


On the summit.


Hopegill Head looking very wintry.


Looking back to Grisedale Pike.


Hopegill Head and Ladyside Pike.


On route to Crag Hill.


Our route back to Grisedale Pike.


On the summit of Crag Hill


The view from our lunch spot - not bad!!


Descending from Crag Hill.


On the ridge to Sail in superb conditions.





Sail summit.


We cut the route short after Sail and dropped down this icy path from the col.


A beautiful day in the Lakes.




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