Climb, hike and bike.

The weather over the last few days has allowed me to follow 3 outdoor passions - climbing, mountain walking and cycling.

On Thursday of last week Jeff, Pete and I got out climbing for the first time this year. We headed to our favourite South Crag of Castle Rock, Thirlmere and climbed the 4 easiest classics on the crag. Despite the cold it was good to get back out onto real rock after 5 months at the climbing wall.

Ready to start the first route of 2016 - Yew Tree Climb.

Jeff on Yew Tree Climb.

Pete on route 2 - Slab Climb.

Getting ready for route 3 - Wall Climb.

Pete on Wall Climb.

Jeff starting route 4 - Gangway.

The 'Old Boys' out on the rock again.

Heading down.

Racing to the pub!!!!

Looking back at South Crag, Castle Rock.

The forecast for Saturday was excellent so we were up and out early to climb England's highest Scafell Pike. We parked at Seathwaite and head up Grains Gill. The sky cleared as we climbed and by the time we reached the first summit - Great End - the visibility was excellent. After a wee snack on the summit it was off to Ill Crag and then to Scafell Pike. There were a few people out enjoying the excellent conditions but it wasn't too busy and we found a quiet spot on the summit for a bite to eat.

We descended via the corridor route to Lingmell col and the headed up Lingmell itself where we had another Tuna roll and drink. The long walk out via Sty Head Tarn then started but it was made easier by the excellent visibility.

Once back at the car we headed to Keswick where we were delighted to see Booths fully open after Storm Desmond way back in December.

Stockley Beck Bridge.

Heading up Grains Gill.

Great End gets nearer.

Great End.

Snow lies in Central Gully, Great End.

Having a wee rest at the top of Grains Gill.

Climbing Great End with a view to Langdale Pikes.

Some hard old snow patches to cross.

The SE top of Great End.

Looking to Skiddaw from the top of Custs Gully.

Looking to Gable from Great End summit.

Heading for Ill Crag and Scafell Pike.

The summit of Ill Crag looking to the 'Pike'.

Heading for Broad Crag col.

Scafell Pike from above Broad Crag col.

Climbing up from the col.

Crossing the final snow patch before the summit.

A Scot on takes control on the top of England.

Scafell from the Pike.

Heading for Lingmell with a view to Great Gable.

Lingmell summit.

The view to Styhead.

The view west along Wasdale.

The view back to Scafell Pike.

Great Gable from Piers Gill.

Great Gable and a changing sky - light snow showers followed.

Styhead.

Great End and Scafell Pike from Styhead.

Looking down to Borrowdale.

The last leg to the car.

Getting the boots off after a great hill day.

After a Sunday lie in we headed out on the bikes for Buttermere and one of our favourite cafes at Sykes  Farm. It was cold and bright as we headed east and the ride out felt good. The cafe was quiet and we had our favourite Cream Tea seated on the upstairs sofa.

As we set off home it was clear that the weather was on the change. A westerly wind picked up and the could built so the ride home was very different and much harder work.

Heading east.

Out on a favourite ride.

Heading down Buttermere.

Crummock Water.

Time for a wee cafe treat.

Cream Tea treat in Sykes Cafe - yummy!!!

Heading home.

Whiteside.

'Which way shall we go? ' - in Lorton.

A great spring ride.

Changing day on the way home.

Threatening sky.

Three excellent days out but a bit of heat wouldn't go a miss. It is after all mid-April.