30th September -- Threlkeld, Lake District
Weather not as forecast (no surprise there). Sunshine, showers and strong breeze (more so going up Blencathra). A and B+ walks found it tough going climbing up Blencathra. B- and C walks enjoyed the varied countryside and quiet lanes in the St John in the Vale area. All were well looked after in The Sally after a challenging day for some.
The B- walk started from the outskirts of Keswick, visiting Castlerigg stone circle then turning South to Rough How Bridge, going through woods to Bridge End Farm. The northerly return journey took us to Low Bridge End Farm, where tea was taken, on to Sosgill Bridge and after a short climb up to Low Rigg onto grassy paths and country lanes into Threlkeld.
Castlerigg stone circle, looking South towards Bleaberry Fell
Cloud on the hills, patch of sun in the valley - the theme of the day
The unexpected Tea Room At Low Bridge End Farm				complete with contented cat ..
..and walk leader			Tewet Tarn (with rainbow)
The B+ walk started from Threlkeld, and warmed up with a stroll along the river and up to Scales. From there we had a stiff (and later on wet, cold and windy) climb up Scales Fell to the top of Blencathra. From the summit we followed the ridge and descended by the shortest path back to Threlkeld. The mist and rain cleared after the summit, but the westerly headwind kept up till near the end.
Along the River Glenderamackin
Starting the climb up Scales fell
First sight of the summit. The next hour was wet, cold and windy (and unrecorded!)			Scales Tarn
Made it!
Looking north			The track down, with Derwent Water in the distance
			Blue skies over Blencathra - a couple of hours too late for us!
The C wall also started from Threlkeld and went up and down St Johns in the Vale. Great views up and down the valley and looking up to Blencathra.
Blencathra
St John's Beck			Sosgill Bridge
			Bram Crag
Wanthwaite Crags			Clough Head
The A walk started from Threlkeld as well, headed to the mine centre, then joined the old railway and followed this and tracks to the Blencathra Centre then up Blease Fell. Then along the ridge to Blencathra down to Scales Tarn, along Scales Beck then back along the valley path into Threlkeld.
Climbing Blease Fell..			.. with Derwent Water in the background
Gathering clouds			and well-protected leader
Summiting			Scales Tarn
				Scales Beck
Looking back to Sharp Edge (kept for another day!)
And finally...
Photos by Derek Hesketh, Bob Jackson, John Hodgson and Liz Hodgson