Strong Breeze.

- May 09, 2017

High Pressure has dominated the weather in Cumbria for the last 10 days or more. There has been no rain and most days have been sunny. However, a constant feature of the weather in this period has been a strong easterly breeze. This has kept temperatures down and has given 'buffeting' whether on the fells or out on the bike.

The last 3 days have been pretty active and as always we've made the most of the weather.

The weekend got off to a good start with a late wander down to the coast on Friday evening where we watched the sunset. It's amazing how far north it has now shifted as we move towards summer.

On Saturday we were 'down Borrowdale' again. Parking at Seatoller we originally intended to climb Glaramara and Allen Crags but we made good progress over these two so extended the route to include Great End. We saw very few people until we reached Esk Hause where we met the hordes climbing Scafell Pike. The visibility was very good but despite the sunshine it never felt particularly warm.

Starting the climb up Glaramara.

A wee step on the track.

Great views all the way.

Starting the final scramble to the summit.

Looking back to Borrowdale.

Taking in the summit view.

In the summit shelter.

Strolling out for Allen Crags.

Great views of Great Gable all the way.

Looking to Great End.

Looking to Bowfell.

The final climb approaches.

Allen Crags summit looking to Gable.

Negotiating the boulder field on Great End.

Great End south top.

Great End north top looking to Pillar.

Looking to Scafell Pike.

In Sty Head Pass.

Starting the descent down Grains Gill.

On Sunday we had our normal lie in of the week and then took the bikes out for a short spin. We headed to Lorton to watch riders taking on the Fred Whitton Challenge. This 120 mile Cycle Sportive has to be the toughest in the UK as it takes on all the major Lakeland passes - which is some amount of ascending.

Heading east on a beautiful morning.

Taking it easy.

Some cloud to the north.

In the Vale of Lorton.

We watched the cyclists taking this corner - most looked fresh despite having already crossed 4 major passes.

Heading home.

Inspired by Friday's sunset we decided to try and catch one from a hill top on Sunday evening. We chose to climb Low Fell and Darling Fell above Loweswater as they are close to home and give open views to the Solway. Unfortunately a bank of cloud to the west hid the sun as in sank below the horizon but we did get some great views down the Buttermere valley in the 'magic hour'.

Looking to Mellbreak.

Darling Fell summit looking down Buttermere.

Looking to Grasmoor.

Hreading to Low Fell.

The final approach to Low Fell.

Looking across Mellbreak to Red Pike and beyond.

Dropping to the view point on Low Fell.

Panoramic view.

The sun about to drop below cloud to the west.

Monday saw us out on the bikes again. This time we wanted to visit our favourite Lakes café at present at Sykes Farm in Buttermere and see the famous Rannerdale Bluebells. It was another beautiful day and neither destination disappointed.