Start point: The Hause (NY 423 235)

Little Mell Fell (506) from The Hause

Distance: 0.7 miles     Total Ascent: 120 metres     Time Taken: 25 minutes

Weather: Overcast with drizzle. 15oC.

Firstly – boots! How long do yours last? You hear stories of people having them last for years and years and I can’t say that I’m impressed that my latest pair lasted all of 7 months before the sole started to come away, and the pair before that barely lasted 12 months. The first time, I accepted it as hard wear and tear – but not this time, I have duly returned them to the manufacturers via the shop where I bought them. Here’s hoping for a result – at this rate I will have an eternal pair of boots if I get them replaced every time the sole comes off! It’s a shame, because apart from that the boots are absolutely brilliant and they are great to wear, very comfortable and waterproof.

Enough of the rant, onto today’s walk. It has been wet and miserable for the last few days, so I decided on somewhere low and also a fell that I haven’t visited for over 3 years, which must be the longest of all of them, and went to Little Mell Fell. This was a rare Birkett ‘bag’ and my penultimate Wainwright (second time around), not that I have been actively pursuing either for a while. Anyway, I managed to pass through all the heavy rain for an easy and quick climb in dry conditions. I realised why I haven’t revisited for so long – there is not a lot going for this one as it surrounded by fells that are better walks and have better views. Whatever, it was nice to be out again and on the way back I stopped off at Aira Force for a quick look.

I think I found the only patch of blue sky anywhere today, here looking to Gowbarrow Fell from the climb to Little Mell Fell.

Looking across to Ullswater.

Great Mell Fell with Blencathra and the Back o' Skiddaw fells covered in cloud.

Casper at the summit of Little Mell Fell.

Hallin Fell across Ullswater - you can make out the obelisk at the summit. Beyond is the Steel Knotts ridge.

Little Mell Fell from Moorend Farm. On the way back, I paid a quick visit to Aira Force with the drizzle coming on stronger once again.

Aira Force, the spray from the falls causing the misting effect.

...and looking down from the bridge.

Arnison Crag and Birks from Aira Force.

Ullswater view.

Arnison Crag and Birks at the head of Ullswater.