A bracing weekend.

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Late on Friday afternoon we had a wander down to the coast to start the weekend. There was no great sunset and it felt cool in an easterly breeze. This wind dominated the weekend weather giving largely dry but very windy and cold conditions.


Friday evening on the Cumbrian Coast.

On Saturday cloud covered the higher fells as we drove east and the forecast indicated upland gales. We decided to stick to lower Lakeland fells and headed for Brathwaite to climb Barrow, Stile End and Outerside. Light rain fell as we set off but this soon stopped and it remained dry until we got back to the car.
The ground was frozen so, despite the lack of snow, care was needed especially on descents. Strong gusty winds meant a high wind chill but didn't make walking too arduous. Views were limited but as always we enjoyed the wee outing.


Heading up Barrow.


Cloudy skies but some early views.


The upper ridge of Barrow.


Susan approaches the summit.


Myself on the top of Barrow.


Ice on the path.


Stile End Summit looking to Outerside.


Some steep sections on Outerside.


Susan forging ahead as usual!!!!!


The summit.


Cold summit selfie.


Heading down.


Heading down.


Looking back to Stile End and Outerside.

Sunday was colder and windier so we again stayed fairly low. We parked up on the shore of Loweswater and headed out to climb Fellbarrow, Low Fell and Darling Fell. Even this proved hard work at times as the wind threatened to blow us over in a number of places. It was, however, worth the effort as the views along Buttermere were impressive. We didn't see another soul on the hill.


Valley Snowdrops.


An amazing sky on route to Fellbarrow.


Fellbarrow summit.


Heading for Low Fell - snow on the higher tops.


Looking back to Fellbarrow.


Brooding skies and snowy tops.


Susan way ahead.


Looking to Crummock Water and the Buttermere valley.


The track to Low Fell.


Low Fell summit.


Whoop, whooping on Darling Fell.


Loweswater and Mellbreak.


Spring is on it's way in the valleys.

We're starting to yearn for some warmer Spring weather - let's hope it arrives soon.

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