Who'd have thought that bending down to put something back into the TV cabinet would be enough to put my back out because that's what happened to me on Easter Saturday causing me to miss out on a walk where I'd planned to walk a circuit of the Shap fells starting from Wet Sleddale. After plenty of rest, ice and heat two days later I was back on my feet although still painful, I could get about alot easier. That was over a week ago and although I can still feel the twinges today I decided to take on Grisedale Pike from Braithwaite otherwise known at Grisedale Pike east ridge.

The route is pretty straight forward claiming just three summits along the way starting with the cairnless grassy top that is Kin. Continuing along the ridge it starts to gain height passing Sleet How before gaining the walks main target summit, Grisedale Pike. After time getting ones breath back Hobcarton Head falls next which is found easily by continuing in a south westerly direction as views of Hopegill Head dominate the skyline. After a short ascent the summit is gained where on a clear day views extend as beyond the Hobcarton Valley towards the Lord's Seat Fells. I descend southerly crossing an infant Pudding Beck as my view is now dominated by Grasmoor and Crag Hill (Eel Crag) both perched high above Coledale Hause. It's from Coledale Hause I continue my descent into the Coledale Valley first flanking the impressive Force Crag while the sound of Low Force falls accompanies my descent to the valley floor after which, it's a lovely two mile walk back to the car.

Although it's been nearly three years since my last visit during the ascent of Grisedale Pike I always wander off path at Kin to take in this fabulous view of the ridge ahead, that's Sleet How up ahead which is part of the ridge walk below the summit. Grisedale Pike has no false summit but the ridge always feels like it's made up of two tiers, Kin being the first soon followed by Sleet How.

Hey-ho lets go.

I'd stopped so many times either to take photos or study Hospital Plantation that this very sweet lady had caught up, then overtook me which if I'm truly honest she would have done anyway after the tell tale signs of her being an ex-fell runner started to show through like ascending with hands on hips, hands clasped behind the back all the while maintaining a constant and speedy ascent.

I only hope I'm still as fit when I reach her age.

The lady disappeared over the summit crest and I wasn't too far behind finding the summit cairn occupied by two walkers drinking from a flask who I'd been observing their ascent since Kin.

Summit hogging is my one pet hate but I say nowt but a cheery hello. The lady was by now descending the north ridge, hands firmly clasped behind her back.

From Hobcarton Head I descend south westerly and I pick up the path which de-tours around/behind Hobcarton Head. I had a few brief sunny spells at this time which were most welcome which lead me to believe they were here for the duration.

If only!!