Great wee winter break.

Susan had a few days off work last week for a short break. We had no plans to travel far but luckily there was an improvement in the weather which allowed us to get out in some wintery conditions both in the Lakes and the Scottish Borders.

On Wednesday we had a stunning day out on Helvellyn. Parking just before the closed road to Grasmere (damaged in Storm Desmond) we climbed to the summit and then traversed over Lower Man, Whiteside, Raise and Stybarrow Dodd before dropping down to the road at Sticks Pass. We wore crampons for much of the day - something we haven't done in a while. The pictures show what a day it was!!!

Climbing up from Swirls car park.

The snow cover soon increased.

A stunning day in the Lakes.

Across Thirlmere to Skiddaw.

Taking in the view to the west.

The steepest part of the climb.

Cloud built as we climbed higher - disappointing!!

Summit shots - Take one with limited views.

Time for a snack and a brew in the summit shelter.

'That's better' - the sky cleared as we ate.

Looking to Catstye Cam.

Heading back over the true summit.

Quite a cornice.

Summit shots - Take two much better.

Heading for Lower Man.

Plenty of spindrift at times.

What luck - a day off and the weather is superb!!!

Looking to Catstye Cam and Swirral Edge.

Swirral Edge.

The view east to the snow capped Pennines.

Heading for Whiteside.

Alpine conditions in the Lakes.

Looking back up the ridge to Lower Man.

Great conditions all the way to Raise although it was windy and cold:

A perfect neve slope to practice good crampon technique on.

Amazing snow flutes on Stybarrow Dodd.

Well wrapped up on Stybarrow Dodd summit.

Extensive view east as we seek some shelter for a break.

Hacking out a seat.

Well wrapped up for lunch.

Dropping down to Sticks Pass.

A different world below the snow line.

The view to Skiddaw.

Almost back to the car - the road could be closed until Easter.

We stayed in the Lakes on Thursday and headed to Buttermere. The weather was not as good but it stayed dry and it was calm - a rare treat this winter. We climbed Whiteside, Hopegill Head, Grasmoor and Whiteless Pike from Lanthwaite Green.

Climbing up from Lanthwaite Green.

The view to the Fellbarrow range and a distant Scotland.

On the steep section of the climb up Whiteside.

Whiteside summit.

Heading off for Hopegill Head.

The ridge required care!!

Limited views today.

A break in the cloud reveals Ladyside Pike.

Approaching the summit of Hopegill Head.

On the top.

Time for a wee break.

Heading for Grasmoor.

Always happy to be out!!!

On the steepest section of the climb up Grasmoor.

A view to the west.

Hopegill Head came into view.

On the summit plateau.

Susan forging ahead with the summit in sight.

The summit.

Lunch in the summit shelter.

Looking to the lowlands of west Cumbria.

Looking to Whiteless Pike our next top.

Looking down to Crummock Water.

Clearing skies on the descent.

Enjoying another good day out.

A great afternoon to the east.

Admiring Grisedale Pike.

Thawing snow on the descent.

Cloud above the Buttermere Fells.

Whiteless Pike summit.

Looking to the head of Buttermere.

The final descent down Rannerdale.

On Friday we decided on a change of scene and drove up to Symington. It was another great day so after settling into the house we headed out to climb Tinto. We were surprised by how little snow there was but it was a great afternoon with winter sunshine and little wind.

Less snow than expected on Tinto.

Plenty of ice in places.

Another great day.

Climbing the large summit cairn.

Made it.

At home in the Scottish borders.

Enjoying being back in Scotland on a cracking day.

Looking to Broughton Heights.

Looking to Culter Fell and snow capped Broad Law.

The view across the Clyde valley.

Looking down to Symington and across to Culter Fell.

Saturday dawned overcast and as snow was forecast we didn't fancy travelling far. We picked our favourite Culter Fell and weren't disappointed despite the lack of views. Some light snow did fall and added to the atmosphere of this great wee hill.

Climbing past the shooting butts on Shin Fell.

Susan on happy on her hill.

A light covering of fresh snow.

On the top of Shin Fell.

My 'Borders Guide' leads me to the top of Culter Fell.

The 'Guide' well wrapped up on the top.

Posing on the summit.

Clearing a wee bit on the descent.

Almost back in the Glen.

Sunday was a much better day but with a drive down the road to complete we again stayed local and headed back up Tinto. It was much wintery than on Friday and not surprisingly busier. The air was super clear giving extensive views.

A cracking day with excellent visibility.

The now snow covered Border hills.

Tinto's rarely visited Trig Point - the cairn is much higher.

Starting the descent with the snow capped hills visible to the north.

Adjusting the Microspikes.

A lot of people out enjoying a superb day.

Susan on an icy section.

Blue skies - fantastic.

Almost down.

A great wee winter break without having to travel far.