Spring is in the air.

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Last week snow fell on the mountain tops in Cumbria but over the weekend we saw and heard many signs of Spring.

On Saturday we set off later than usual to climb Blencathra via Doddick Fell. The summit was cloud covered as we left Threlkeld but the forecast promised a brighter afternoon. We passed no one on the ascent of Doddick Fell ridge but a we joined Scales Fell ridge the expected crowds began to appear. Unfortunately the summit was still obscured by cloud and remained so when we reached the top. We found some shelter to have lunch and then the cloud lifted to give excellent views along the ridge traverse to Blease Fell and back down to the car. On this section of the route we heard our first Skylarks - a sure sign of Spring on the fells. The later start certainly paid off.




Below Hall's Fell ridge.


On Doddick Fell ridge.


About to join Scales Fell ridge.


A wintery looking Sharp Edge.


The summit without a view.


Lunch time and a clearing sky.


A crowded summit.


Heading for Blease Fell on a much improved day.


Looking to Skiddaw.


Looking to Derwent Water and Borrowdale.

Approaching Blease Fell.


Looking to Helvellyn and Thirlmere.


Looking back to the summit.


Looking down St John's in the Vale.


Skiddaw.


Derwent Water.


Blease Fell paragliders.


A Spring day back down in Threlkeld.

We decided to cycle from home on Sunday and to push ourselves a little. A trip to Buttermere and back is always a good ride especially with a Café stop in the village. The weather was excellent as we headed off a remained so all day. It was especially good not to have a wind to battle into on the way home. The occasional Daffodils on the road side and lambs in the fields again showed that Spring is well and truly on the way. We were pleased with this our longest ride of 2017 so far.


Heading east on a Spring Sunday.


Blue sky near Buttermere.


Arriving in the village.


One of our top Lake District Cafés - Syke Farm Café.


Spring has arrived in Buttermere.


Upstairs in the Café.


A superb Cream Tea and all for less than £10.


The 'Old Days'.


Heading home along the shore of Crummock Water.


Looking back to Haystacks.


The Crummock Water 'bends'.


Snow still visible on High Stile.


Susan enjoying her ride.


Looking to Skiddaw.


The road west.


A sure sign of Spring.


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