Saturday 18th April - All Crinkle-y in the sunshine

Saturday morning and the alarm goes off at 7:30 - what on earth is that all about? Making sure that we would find a parking place at Cockley Beck is the reason for such madness, well worthwhile given the clear blue skies noted through bleary eyes...

We weren't the only ones enjoying tne sunshine: this little fella was basking in the middle of the road above Troutal when we surprised him...

Nearly had him for the dogs elevenses...

We were lucky enough to find a parking place (with only one big rock in it!) exactly where we wanted to be, just over Stockley Bridge at the bottom of the Hardknott Pass. Bruce and Dougal were raring to go, so off they went, dragging us along behind them...

Esk Pike, Ore Gap and Bowfell from Lingcove Beck

Soon enough we were gaining height and the panorama opened revealing the complete Scafell ridge across the Great Moss, Esk Pike, Ore Gap, Bowfell and the west flank of Crinkle Crags above us; one of the best views in the Lakes. Behind us, the flat valley bottom of Eskdale appeared emerald green and the Irish Sea vanished into the distant haze. Tough day, but somebody had to be there!

Eskdale, Corney Fell and the Irish Sea behind us

Cam Spout Crag, Scafell, East Butress, Mickledore and Scafell Pike across Pike de Bield Moss

When it turns hot Bruce pants: Sue just shrinks...