The weather turned out much better than I expected today. Driving through the Lake District early the early morning fog, I knew this was inversion weather – Coniston, Windermere, the Vale of Grasmere, St John’s in the Vale and the Vale of Keswick were all covered by a thick carpet of mist but I only made up my mind where to walk at the very last minute. It was a good decision too I think as the mist lifted as the sun rose and covered many of the fell tops. I never saw another soul today!

I could not believe the difference between the south Lakes and the north today. Travelling over Dunmail Raise is was as if I was transported from the dull and dreary south to the bright and frosty north on a different day. The day promised much when I set off for Catbells from Hause End but a lot of the high fells ended up being covered in cloud after the sun rose. The views from Catbells, though, made getting out of bed that bit earlier today well worth it.

Today I met up with Andy Lang for an early start to complete a circuit of Dale Head. After looking a bit grim at the start of the walk, it did seem as though it was going to brighten up before the weather took a turn for the worse during the climb to Maiden Moor. From there, across High Spy, Dale Head and Hindscarth, the weather was pretty horrendous with very strong wind and rain and of course, views (and photos) were non-existent on this portion of the walk. Miraculously, at the end of the walk the sun shone and, at valley level at least, all was calm.