Short Break

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Susan had a couple of days off at the end of last week so on Thursday we headed up to Symington to check up on the house and do a bit of walking. It was a bright, cool winters day so we made the most of the afternoon. First we headed up Tinto under clear blue skies. There was a strong wind which cooled things down but the sunshine made for a very pleasant outing. After a warming tea back at the house we headed out for a walk down to the R. Clyde to watch the sunset - superb.


Heading up Tinto under a clear blue sky.


The Trig Point and summit Cairn.


Heading up the Cairn.


Taking in the views on a cold, clear day.


Sunset on the R. Clyde.

On Friday Susan headed in to Glasgow for a day out with Ross and I got on with some DIY. We had intended to head up Culter Fell on Saturday but the day dawned dreich and it eventually started to snow. We cut our losses and headed down to road a little earlier than planned to give us more time to get ready for a Sunday on the fells. By late afternoon the day had improved and we took a walk down to the coast in some pleasant evening light.


 A good end to the day on the Solway Coast, Cumbria.

We were up a little earlier than normal on Sunday so that we could climb Skiddaw before having lunch in Abraham's Café, Keswick. As we headed east fresh snow was visible on the fell tops  and we knew that this would make the ascent from Keswick a little more interesting. Initially there was some nice light and good views but before we headed off the main track to climb Little Man we were in the clag. In places the snow was deep and hoar frost covered the fences and cairns. The wind chill was high but it was all very enjoyable especially as the cloud broke occasionally to reveal wider views.
We didn't linger on the summit but had a hot drink on the descent on which we passed several groups heading up.
By the time we arrived back at the car the day had improved a little so we had a pleasant wander into town and an excellent lunch to finish off Susan's short break.


Fresh snow on the fells above Keswick.


Looking to Grisedale Pike on the steep initial slopes.


Looking to the Thirlmere Valley.


Climbing into the clag on Little Man.


A wee drink break.


Looking to the northern fells.


The first cairn on Little Man.


Not much too see on Little Man summit.


A hoar frosted fence line.


A short lived break in the clouds.


On the summit ridge.


Bassenthwaite Lake comes briefly into view.


A cold summit.


Heading down.


The occasional view.


Looking down Borrowdale.


Cloud on the Helvellyn range.


Grisedale Pike.


Keswick and Derwent Water.


The cloud lifting as we get back to the car.


The Skiddaw massif from Keswick.


Snowdrops - Spring is on it's way!!!!

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