Sunshine.

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The sun made an appearance in Cumbria on Thursday after 3 days of rain and wind early in the week. The weekend has been a good one despite Susan developing a chest infection which has 'floored' her today.

On Friday I went climbing outside for the first time this year. The 'old team' of Jeff, Pete and I went to the South Crag of Castle Rock when I'd finished work. The sun shone and the rock was warm and dry so we started the season well doing 4 routes very quickly:

  • Yew Tree Climb [VD]
  • Gangway Climb [HVD]
  • Wall Climb [S]
  • Slab Climb [S]

The traditional Fish and Chips and a wee drink followed in Keswick.

Jeff starting Yew Tree Climb - Pete belaying.


On the Gangway Climb.


Pete on Wall Climb - Jeff belaying.


A good start to the 2015 cragging season.


As the forecast for Saturday was good we got up early and headed to Wasdale to complete the Mosedale Horseshoe. We parked at the Green at Wasdale Head and then did the round clockwise taking in Yewbarrow, Red Pike, Scoat Fell, Steeple and Pillar. It was a stunning day but despite the sunshine it was cool on the tops due to an easterly breeze. The visibility was excellent and apart from the top of Pillar it was quiet for most of the day. Susan was aware of a developing chest infection on the climbs but we both enjoyed the day out. 
Back in the valley it was nice and warm so we had to stop for an ice cream in Gosforth on the way home.

Starting the steep climb up Yewbarrow.


High on Yewbarrow's SE ridge.


Looking down on Wast Water.


Yewbarrow summit.


Heading for Red Pike with Kirk Fell and Great Gable as a backdrop.


Approaching Dore Head with Pillar beyond.


Climbing the final ridge on Red Pike.


Looking up to Red Pike and Pillar beyond.


Looking back at the Scafell massif from near Red Pike summit.


Red Pike summit - under blue sky for a change.


Heading for Scoat Fell.


Leaving Scoat Fell summit for the isolated top of Steeple.


Susan heading out to Steeple with west Cumbria beyond.


The lovely Steeple - Susan on the final climb.


Enjoying the sunshine on Steeple's summit.


Heading for Pillar.


The final slopes of Pillar with Scoat Fell and Steeple in the background.


Leaving a busy Pillar summit heading down to the valley.


A glorious day in Lakeland.


Green and Great Gable.


Starting the descent from Black Sail pass.


In Mosedale with Pillar above.


Scafell from Mosedale.


Back in the valley - Great Gable.


Susan's chest got worse over night and it was clear that she could not do anything on Sunday. I had an unusual morning shopping, car washing and cutting the grass but then went out for a 20 mile bike ride to round off a good weekend.
Fingers crossed Susan will make a speedy recovery.

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