May Bank Holiday Weekend.

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We had planned to go up to Scotland for three days of cycling but given a poor weather forecast (wind, rain and even snow) and recent chest infections we decided to stay at home.

On Friday after work we went to Keswick and climbed Latrigg on a cool but clear evening. There were few people out and the views were good. New snow could be seen on some tops which fell on Wednesday and Thursday. 
Once back in town we had Fish and Chips upstairs in the Keswickian.

Heading out of Fitz Park, Keswick.


Heading for the summit .....


 .....with excellent views of the hills.


Fresh snow on Helvellyn in May. 


The view down Borrowdale.


Spring lambs and Skiddaw.


As Saturday was forecast to be bright and breezy we decided on a day on the hill. We headed to Buttermere and parked by Crummock Water to climb Whiteside, Hopegill Head, Grasmoor, Wandope and Whiteless Pike. Once on the ridge between Whiteside and Hopegill Head we realised that it was going to be VERY breezy - some gusts almost blew us over. It was also cold and new snow lay on Grasmoor and nearby Crag Hill. 
Despite a two week layoff and the wind we moved  quite quickly and felt good at the end of the round. Not many pictures for this one due to the wind.

The steep climb up Whiteside.


Looking towards Hopegill Head.


On Whiteside summit with the ridge ahead to Hopegill Head - the wind picked up from here.


Heading for Grasmoor into the wind.


Fresh snow on Crag Hill from Sand Hill.


Heading up Grasmoor - snow fell as we sat having lunch in the summit shelter.


Susan gearing up for rain which started as we approached Rannerdale.



Sunday morning was very wet so we enjoyed a lie in. By the afternoon it had dried up but remained windy. We decided on a local walk to the coast where we explored a cliff top path before dropping on to the beach.

Today the forecast was much better so we decided on a cycle. We took the 'easy' route to Keswick and arrived ready for tea/coffee and scones in Abraham's Cafe, Fishers. It was a bright day with a fresh SW wind which made the return leg more testing. We were again pleased to have found it not too hard after two weeks out of the saddle.

Heading for Keswick below Sale Fell.


On the road to Bassenthwaite - heading home.


Lunch stop with a view.


Near Cockermouth.


The view to the hills we climbed on Saturday.


On the road to Dean.


Nearly home - leaving Branthwaite.


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