After 2 w/e on the trot in Wales I decide closer to home was in order; so Jules and I headed for the Lakes with for a bit of walking and scrambling.
We booked a B&B at Herdwick Inn between Keswick and Penrith (good food and v.reasonable) for Sat night and parked up at Scales about 10.30, with the hills looking wonderful on the trip over.
Heading for J's fav hill (Blencathra) and in a ticking mood (Wainwrights, though I don't have any of the books, nor have I read any!) we took in Souther Fell, the frozen bogs made walking a lot easier than usual – not surprisng given the biting wind. We spied a ridge and path on Bannerdale crags so descended, crossed the stream and went up via an easy route (grade 0.5 /1 depending on choice). This gave me an excuse to practice my short roping skills. Really rather nice quite way up that hill. We next headed to the middle of nowhere with an excellent view (Mungrisdale Common another WW tick) before heading up Blecncathra.
Arriving on top of Foule crag we put our crampons on and got axes out. At 3.30 we had less than an hour before dark, so we eschewed the summit and headed down Sharp Edge in wonderful snowy conditions. Jules isn't super confident on snow and ice but was very keen. I had the rope still coiled around my shoulders in case we needed it but careful footwork and taking our time meant we enjoyed a deserted mountain classic without much stress. At the end of the ridge we shed our cramps and headed down to the tarn where the paths proved much more dangerous. Keeping to the grass we avoided falling over (mostly) and were back at the car for 5 (about 20 mins after proper dark!)
We ate and drank far too much, followed by more eating in the morning, and deciced (eventually) on a sunny scramble on Nab crags at the south end of Thirlmere. Balking at the 7 quid parking we drove to Dunmail Raise and walked back the mile or so.
Again I short roped J up the Grade 2 route, which was toasty in the sun but chilly if we stopped too long. On top we had great views of the Helvellyn range, Skiddaw and our route of yesterday and some lovely quiet valleys closer to us. Descending the same route, practising down roping with some lowers/abseils and interesting sections. We de-cluttered had a coffee and wandered back across the valley.
Back at the car for 3.30 meant we could squeeze a little retail therapy in Keswick before the drive back in the dark, though neither of us wanted to leave the lakes when dressed up in her winter best.