Happy New Year.

We decided to stay in Cumbria this New Year - a first for Susan!!! Thankfully the weather was much better than over the Christmas period and we were out on the hill every day.

Hogmanay was overcast and windy but it was dry and we had a good day climbing over Bannerdale Crags and Blencathra. There were few people out but when we went into Keswick it was busier than ever.

Dropping in to the Glenderamackin valley.

A makeshift bridge across the burn - the bridge was washed away in Storm Desmond 2015.

Climbing up onto the east ridge of Bannerdale Crags.

On the east ridge.

Some easy scrambling.

Nearing the top.

Good views despite the cloud.

The sun trying to break through as we reach the summit.

Heading for Blencathra.

Susan battles into a strong wind.

Looking to Thirlmere from a very windy summit.

Looking to Derwent Water.

On the descent.

Dropping down to Scales Tarn to try and get out of the wind.

A 'choppy' tarn and Sharp Edge above.

The final descent of 2016.

We didn't stay up long after 'the Bells' as the forecast for New Year's Day promised some sunshine. We were up a little later than normal but were parked up in Borrowdale before 10am. Our route for the day was a circuit of Combe Gill taking in Bessy Boot, Rosthwaite Fell, Combe Head, Glaramara and Thornythwaite Fell. It was a much brighter day but still windy so it was cold and places icy ground required care. Again we met few people which is always fine by us!!!!

Looking down Borrowdale as we start to climb up from Combe Gill.

A blue sky start to the climb.

Scrambling up Bessy Boot.

The first top of the Day.

Heading for Rosthwaite Fell.

Looking back to Bessy Boot.

On Rosthwaite Fell.

Looking to Gable from near the second top.

Rosthwiate Fell looking west.

One of many small tarns on route to Combe Head.

Looking down Borrowdale from the slopes of Combe Head.

Looking to Langdale.

Looking to the snow covered Helvellyn range.

Another view to Helvellyn.

Gable from near the top of Combe Head.

Susan on Combe Head.

Myself on the top.

A view to Langdale.

Heading for Glaramara.

Glaramara summit.

Lunch stop view - 5 layers on to keep warm.

The Helvellyn range. 

Starting the descent.

On Thornythwaite Fell looking to Borrowdale.

Cloud building as the sun sinks.

Looking through the 'Jaws of Borrowdale' to Skiddaw.

We decided not to drive too far on Bank Holiday Monday so headed for Buttermere to traverse over Red Pike, High Stile and High Crag. Despite some wind and cloud the weather was superb and we had another fantastic day out. Conditions underfoot were a little icy in places and I took a couple of tumbles. One on the ridge, running to get a photo, and one on the descent when I stood on a verglassed rock. Thankfully no damage done!!!!

A calm start to the day in Buttermere.

Looking down to the village and mirror like lake.

Morning reflections.

The sun starting to light up Fleetwith Pike.

Climbing high above Buttermere.

Looking along Crummock Water.

Walking into the icy corrie below Red Pike in the sun.

Bleaberry Tarn and Red Pike.

Shadows having a 'wee peck'. 

Dodd summit.

The upper slopes of Red Pike.

Scrambling on the final part of the climb.

Enjoying the final pull to the top.

Red Pike summit looking across the Solway to Scotland.

Myself on Red Pike.

Heading for High Stile.

What a day to be out!!!

These two followed us all day.

Looking back to Red Pike.

Enjoying my day in the sun.

Looking to the Scafell range.

Approaching the top of High Stile.

Shadows happy to be out on a fantastic day!!!!

Looking to Skiddaw and Blencathra.

Looking to Dale Head and Fleetwith Pike.

Plenty of sunshine.

Grey Crags above Burtness Combe.

Blue skies and light snow cover - Fantastic!!!!

(I fell running to get this shot)

Looking back to High Stile

Approaching High Crag summit.

The descent of Gamlin End.

Cloud blows across Pillar.

Looking back to Gamlin End.

Fleetwith Pike.

Scarth Gap.

Back in the valley.

A beautiful afternoon.

More reflections to end the day.

This Post marks the start of the 9th Year of this Blog. It will continue to be a photo diary of our main outdoor activities through the year. We look forward to many wee adventures.