Cool and breezy.

We've had some cool and breezy weather in Cumbria since the previous Blog but most of the snow that fell last weekend had disappeared when I went out on a Fix the Fells Drain Run last Friday. We worked on the Swirls path up Helvellyn on a dry but cool and windy day. I went up as far as Lower Man and then surveyed the path down the ridge above Brown Cove.

Working on the Swirls path above Thirlmere.

Heading for Brown Cove Crags.

The ridge from Lower Man that two of us surveyed.

'Fell fixer' Paul takes in the view.

Looking across Brown Cove to Helvellyn.

Heading down and one of our 'fixed' drains.

On Saturday we headed out later than usual as we had only plans to climb a couple of low hills in the northern fells - Carrock fell and High Pike. There were plenty of breaks in the cloud as we headed east and fresh snow could be seen on the tops. Our choice of route was spot on as it was a much windier day than forecast and we had some long spells of sunshine while higher fells remained cloud covered.

Despite the lower altitude of these fells the going was hard work in the wind and we headed to the Ling Hut for a sheltered lunch. Once over High Pike we enjoyed a more leisurely valley descent and walk back to the car.  

On the steep initial climb.

Susan forges ahead.

Steep !!!!

Enjoying some welcome sunshine.

Emerging from the steep section of the climb.

Light snow on the final section to the summit.

Looking to Bowscale Fell.

A windy summit - Carrock Fell.

A dramatic sky.

Heading for High Pike.

Looking back.

Dark cloud over Blencathra.

The Ling Hut - provided a sheltered lunch stop.

Out of the wind and ready for food!!!!

High Pike summit 'furniture'.

Looking back to Carrock Fell.

My summit pose.

Heading down - on the edge of the Lakes.

Blue skies.

 Nearly down.

Boots off time.

We had a lie in on Sunday but then had another active day - cycling 24 miles in the morning and climbing Blake Fell in the afternoon. It was again cool but not as windy and we had some good views on the hill. The cycling wasn't as hard as anticipated and we are keen to start getting more miles in on the road.

On the road again.

Looking to Blake Fell.

The view to Grasmoor.

Looking to Buttermere.

The summit view west.

Heading down with a grand view.

Blake Fell.

A dramatic sky.

Knock Murton and Cogra Moss.

The week ahead is forecast to be generally dry and cold. Some 'snow flurries' are predicted so the fells could be white again next weekend.