For our last significant training session before the Cloud Seven Challenge, we spent the weekend in and around Buttermere. The heavy snow just before we arrived made for some fabulous views...
...but the walking was more like the Alps than the Lakes! Here we are half way up Glaramara.
The green fields in the valley were barely visible in the mist, and the walking was pretty tough...
... the weather worsened considerably as we climbed 1,950ft from our base in Seatoller, with freezing winds, sleet and thick cloud. Just before the summit, Nicola stepped on some fresh snow, only to disappear up to her waist in freezing water! At around minus 10 degrees windchill, we made a quick decision to turn back.
Back at base, we decided to continue walking in less challenging conditions below the snowline (which is clearly visible on Glaramara in the background
Everyone looks happier in the relative warmth of the lower Borrowdale fells - although it was still just 3 degrees!
We think this sheep was called Joseph, for obvious reasons!
On the following day, the weather looked more promising as we set out from Buttermere towards the imposing mountains.
Sadly the views down to the lake were spoiled by swirling clouds - this was about as clear as it got in the valley.
There was quite a bit of scrambling on the way down - I think I forgot to tell the girls about this before we set off ... oops!
It's a good job you can't see the look on Nicola & Janet's faces
The route down from the arrow was a bit testing in the slippery conditions, and there was a fair amount of sitting down along the way...
...although Paul found the best spot to enjoy the scenery!
Back at the Fish Inn in Buttermere, it was a well-earned pint of 'Dirty Tackle' for me. Quite appropriate during the Six Nations - and equally descriptive of my walking kit after 2 days, 21 miles and 6,200ft of climbing!
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