July Days.

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The weather has been very unsettled during July but we've had some good and different days out.

Thursday 14 July - I travelled to the Lake District National Park Northern Office just outside Threlkeld to take my National Park Volunteers Navigation assessment. After an indoor session we went for a wander on Threlkeld Common to test our skills. The weather was excellent giving great views of Blencathra and making navigation very easy. I completed my two navigation legs successfully so passed the assessment.

A good place for lunch on the Old Coach Road looking to Blencathra.


Another volunteer leads us across Threlkeld Common.


An easy day for navigation.


Saturday 16 July - We drove south to Ambleside to complete the Fairfield Horseshoe. It was bright and warm as we left the town but higher on the fell a brisk wind made it feel very cold for July. We walked clockwise around the classic horseshoe and found it surprisingly quiet. 
After a wander around Ambleside we headed to Keswick where Susan treated me to a Steak to celebrate my birthday. A good day out.

Heading up Nab Scar.


On Rydal Fell.


Looking to the head of the Fairfield Horseshoe.


On Great Rigg looking to Helvellyn and Fairfield. 


A breezy Fairfield summit.


Looking to St Sunday Crag from Fairfield.


Hart Crag summit.


Starting the descent to Ambleside.


A magnificent wall leads all the way down the ridge.


Almost back in Ambleside.


19 - 21 July - I brought my Mum over from Leeds for her annual Lakes Trip. The weather was kind and we had 3 good days out visiting Keswick, Harrington Harbour and Buttermere.

Derwent Water and Borrowdale.


Mum down by the Lake in Keswick.


Harrington Harbour.


Buttermere lake shore.


Walking back to Buttermere village.


Saturday 23 July - The forecast suggested a dry day so we drove east to Glenridding to complete a Helvellyn traverse. This was our first visit to the village since the floods of Storm Desmond 7 months ago. There is still much to do to restore many of the facilities.
It was an overcast day but we completed a good traverse over Catstye Cam, Helvellyn, Nethermost Pike, Dollywagon Pike and St Sunday Crag. At times we crossed the route of the Lakes Sky Ultra Marathon which was marked with frequent red flags. I'm not sure that such events should take place in the National Park on hills that are already busy.

Heading for the NW ridge of Catstye Cam.


Climbing up the ridge with one of the Ultra Marathon flags clearly visible.


Leaving Catstye Cam summit.


Heading for Swirral Edge.


Susan on the edge with Red Tarn below.


Easy scrambling on the ridge.


Myself higher on the ridge.


Helvellyn summit.


On the summit looking to Striding Edge.


Looking back to Catstye Cam on route to Nethermost Pike.


Looking SW from Nethermost Pike.


The way to Dollywagon Pike.


Approaching Dollywagon Pike summit.


Looking back to Helvellyn from Dollywagon Pike.


Heading for Grisedale Tarn.


Lunch spot at the tarn.


Climbing up from the tarn.


The path up to St Sunday Crag.


Leaving St Sunday Crag summit looking to Helvellyn and Catstye Cam.


Looking to Ullswater and thinking about an Ice Cream.


Sunday 24 July - The forecast wasn't great but after a lie in we headed out to try and beat the rain up Blake Fell. We failed!!!!

Cloud building on Blake Fell - can we beat the rain?


No we can't!!! - Wet in the summit shelter.



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