One day out of four BUT what a day!!!

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Susan took two days off work last week to give us a long weekend. We headed up to Scotland on Wednesday night hoping for some days on the hill. The weather had other ideas and on Thursday Storm Doris hit bringing strong winds and snow. We had to content ourselves with some low level walks from the house.
Friday dawned bright and on opening the curtains we could see that the Border hills were white. We quickly decided to head for  the hamlet of Drumelzier to complete the Pykestone - Drumelzier Law horseshoe. This is a favourite route that we've not done in a long while so it was great to head off under a blue sky with snow on the tops.
Initially the snow wasn't very deep but as we climbed higher we encountered deeper drifts which made the going hard work. The visibility was very good and the Border hills looked magnificent in their winter coat.
Unfortunately by the time we reached the summit of Pykestone cloud was beginning to build and it continued to do so for the remainder of the day. We met not another sole up high - a rarity back in the Lakes - and thoroughly enjoyed this unexpected return to winter.


Heading off by Drumelzier Burn.


Drumelzier Glen.


Crossing the burn.


Hitting the snow.


A blue sky start.


Excellent views to Culter Fell and Tinto.


The hills to the north.


Susan back in her Border hills.


Pykestone summit - it's been a while.


Following the fence 'handrail'.


What a day!!!!


Avoiding a potential bog.


Time for a hot drink - not much shelter on these hills.


Susan in her element.


Cloud building.


Our turning point on the fence line.


Walking the fence to avoid a hidden bog.


The way ahead to Drumelzier Law.


Hard work in the snow.


Summit Cairn.


Heading down into the glen - the snow line had risen during the day.


Looking to the Broughton Heights.


The final obstacle.

Saturday was another wet and windy day so after another low level walk we decided to head down the road to Cumbria. Sunday was no better but we did manage a wander to the coast to take a look at the waves crashing in. Despite the weather we had a good break and one day was a 'stunner'.


A grey and windy day on the coast with some impressive waves:






One of several fishing boats sheltering in Harrington Harbour.


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