Two solo forays.

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I took advantage of two good weather days during last week to get out onto the hill. On Monday afternoon I headed for Blake Fell to take advantage of some afternoon sunshine. The visibility was excellent and there was still good snow cover on the higher fells.

Just me and my shadow again - Blake Fell.


Blake Fell and a distant Scotland.


Snow on the higher fells of Buttermere and Ennerdale.


The Grasmoor range from near the summit.


Summit view of the lakeland fells.


Enjoying the afternoon sun.


The view over Cogra Moss to west Cumbria.



The forecast for Thursday was promising so I headed out early for Blencathra - hoping to avoid the half-term crowds and get some snow. I parked at the Blencathra centre and set off to traverse the fell via Doddick Fell ridge and Blease Fell. There was some sunshine but the tops were cloud covered. Fortunately as I climbed higher the cloud began to lift and there were some good views. The snow level was quite high but once reached there was a good cover of firm snow and ice. I wore Microspikes to make safer progress.
Rather than going straight to the summit I went to Atkinson Pike first and then dropped down to take in the view of Sharp Edge and Foule Crag. Both looked very alpine under snow and ice.
Once on the summit I traversed the ridge to Blease Fell and then descended to the car. There were some great views despite some dark cloud and wintry showers

Above the Blencathra Centre on a pleasant morning.


Doddick Fell ridge - the ascent route.


The upper section of the ridge.


Good snow and ice on the upper ridge.


Enjoying some wintry scrambling.


Looking across Halls Fell ridge into the Lakes.


Sharp Edge and the northern fells.


Looking down Scales Fell ridge.


Looking north to Great Calva from Atkinson Pike.


Looking to Bowscale Fell from Atkinson Pike.


Foule Crag in winter conditions.


Looking down Halls Fell ridge from Blencathra summit.


The summit ridge to the west.


A great day to traverse Blencathra.


Looking back to the summit.


Good neve all the way.


Some good cornices.


The last top of Blease Fell.


Starting the descent with a good view to Derwent Water and Keswick.


On Friday I was again out with Fix the Fells doing some path repairs. It poured down (so no photos) but we did some good work on the Coast to Coast Path from Honister to Seatoller.

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