Making the most of it.

- July 05, 2015

The weather in Cumbria has been very mixed this week but we've tried to make the most it and have had some good outings.

On Monday we did our short after work cycle which Susan repeated on Tuesday when I went climbing with Jeff and Pete at Castle Rock. It was the warmest day of the summer so far but was kept bearable by a pleasant breeze. We did 3 routes - Via Media (S), Slab Climb (S) and Wall Climb (S) - before heading for tea in Witherspoons, Keswick.

Two views of the South Crag, Castle Rock from the approach track.

Pete belaying Jeff on Via Media.

Not a cloud in the sky - Jeff belaying Pete high on Via Media.

Pete on the Slab Climb - Jeff belays in the sun.

Pete starting the tricky upper corner of Slab Climb.

Pete topping out from Slab Climb.

Jeff on Wall Climb - Pete belaying.

Jeff on the upper wall - Pete not belaying very attentively.

Myself on Wall Climb.

The next 2 evenings were cooler, overcast, windy and wet so we just walked locally. Friday was, however, more promising so we headed into the Lakes after work to climb Blencathra via Halls Fell ridge. It's a while since we've climbed this classic scramble and it was good fun keeping to the rocky crest as much as possible. It was a bright but windy evening and we only met one other walker. A cracking night.

Susan on the lower slopes of Halls Fell Ridge, Blencathra.

The summit and the narrower section of ridge come in to view.

The first section of scrambling.

A classic grade 1 ridge scramble if you keep to the crest - we did!!!

Great scrambling to the summit:

Susan on an empty Blencathra summit.

Heading along the summit ridge for Blease Fell.

Looking back to the summit from Blease Fell.

Nearly back to the car - a good evening on the fells.

We wanted to cycle this weekend to help build our fitness for the Alps. Saturday morning was wet but the forecast promised a better afternoon. Susan had a bag to pick up in Keswick so we had a wander around town and tried out a new Cafe (Little Chamonix Cafe). http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g186327-d7379140-Reviews-Little_Chamonix_Cafe-Keswick_Lake_District_Cumbria_England.html It was good but a bit pricey compared to our favourite Abraham's Cafe.

By mid-day the weather had picked up so we headed out on the bikes to complete our Back O'Skiddaw Round. This is an excellent 46 mile route and includes over 3000' of climbing so is a good workout. We thoroughly enjoyed being out on the bikes despite a strong wind.

Susan cycling Back O'Skiddaw.

Quiet open roads are made to ride.

A great afternoon to be out on the bike in the Lakes.

Ice cream stop in Caldbeck.

Well signed routes.

Always quiet.

The road back to Keswick.

Today we just wanted to cycle from home. The forecast suggested rain would arrive just after midday so we went for our 30 mile Lorton Round. The temperature was very pleasant and the rain stayed off. As has often been the case this year a strong south westerly wind made the ride back more difficult but it was good training.

Heading east towards the fells.