Langdale - in search of snow

The forecast looked promising for today, with winter conditions forecast. It was difficult to decide what to do because various Internet sources suggested that skiing in the Lakes may be possible with the ski tow on Raise planning to open.....

Plenty of water and not much snow!

But... after scrutinising the various weather forecasts and seeing pictures on the web skiing looked highly unlikely, and even if enough snow was found I doubt very much that the sliding would be worth it. It definitely looked like a walking day.

Pavey

We headed to Langdale, originally planning to walk over Pike of Blisco and Crinkle Crags, but after experiencing torrential rain on the drive over, seeing the Langdale higher tops in cloud and noting the high winds in the car park an alternative plan was quickly hatched (and ice axes abandoned - too mild)

Finally found a little (wet) snow

Harrison Stickle

Starting at Stickle Barn we headed up to Stickle Tarn in rain and then heavy hail showers (wishing I had waterproof trousers!). At the Tarn we decided against Jack's Rake with Alfie (the dog), because he still pulls a lot on a lead and this coupled with the slippy rock may not have been much fun today.

Someone on the top of Pike of Stickle

Instead we followed Bright Beck and popped up onto Pavey Ark (and the snow line) at about 700m. There was a little snow at this level, but it was very wet (thawing, saturated ground), I'd expected a lot more, and frozen terrain at this level.

Heading down from Stake Pass

We quickly walked over Harrison Stickle and Pike of Stickle and nearly got blown over a couple of times by the ferocious gusts of wind. After a brief refuel we continued to Stake Pass and then down and back along Mickleden - thankfully out of the wind at this stage.

Love this valley

It was great to bump into Neil, Tanya and George and have a chin wag in the Old Dungeon Ghyll when we stopped for a quick cup of tea (January detox!). Fun day.