I've summated Mellbreak many times but I don't feel like I've took advantage of everything Mellbreak has to offer until I'd walked below her steep slopes along the shores of Crummock Water, today I did that.

The route is genius and easy to follow although care must be exercised especially when negotiating the path around the top of 'Big Gully' found on the north ridge. Once the north summit is reached it's hard to comprehend that you are now standing level with the summit of Hen Comb across the Mosedale valley. Continuing south along the saddle of the fell best described by my walking buddy Tim Oxburgh as "the arch of a ladies back" height is lost and then regained to the south, and main summit separated in height from the north summit by just ten feet.

Continuing south down the ridge the sound of Scale Force accompanies the descent easily to Scale Knott where today, I broke out lunch. Birkett recommends to continue descent to the right of a wire fence before heading to the Crummock Water shoreline where impressive views of Ranerdale Knotts, Grasmoor and Whiteside demand attention.

I began the steep climb out of Mosedale and kept to my intended ascent route passing below the tree I had seen from Hen Comb earlier, I knew this ascent would be steep and I wasn't wrong. Soon the north ridge and its steep path came into view, I look left and spot no one on the approach although around half the way up the ridge I spot a solo walker, possibly a fell runner making their own ascent while a dog scurried on up ahead. I pass through a flock of grazing sheep while my thighs scream, I burn through the pain which quickly subsides. I'm in good stead after my thigh burn and I hit the steep rocky path controlling my breathing not stopping until I am below the first promontory. I feel my subconscious has worked well for me which seems strange after struggling up the steep flanks of Hen Comb just two hours earlier.

Having taken in the fabulous views from the first promontory I skipped a visit to the second and continued with my ascent leaving the steep twisting path as I reach the north summit shoulder flanked by heather on all sides. The solo walker I had seen earlier was long gone finding I had the summit all to myself I stopped to compose myself while taking in the views.

I really have missed Mellbreak.

I half expected to find a few walkers walking through here but there wasn't a soul which strongly leads me to believe that a lot of folk (including myself) had been fooled by the incorrect forecast.

Oh well, not to worry it's lunch time now.

The south ridge of Mellbreak is much less steeper than the north and is predominantly made up of grass which made the descent quite enjoyable. Scale Knott was easily gained by turning left off the path and onto its grassy summit.

I'm now on the look out for a sun-trap to take advantage of this misleading forecast.

It was a steep descent via Scale Knott and I kicked my feet into the back of my boots once Scale Beck was reached when I'm shouted at "Oi!! where's the waterfall?" by a chap who starts to walk towards me but he's too far away and I'm all of a sudden too annoyed to walk towards him "it's behind you, in the trees" I shouted back, the drowning sound of cascading water down kinda gives it away wouldn't you think "thanks mate" the guy shouts back, I'm not impressed by this guys conduct but I shrug it off anyway.

The craggy out crop connected by the causeway is Low Ling Crag, which is where I'm heading next.

I had a good excuse not to leave just yet as I had to consult my Birkett almanac book to double check the route back to Loweswater which was confirmed via High Park, Park Bridge and Church Bridge. I left the shoreline and passed through a gate then made the short ascent through a field of sheep and lambs. I pass through High Park which lead me over Park Bridge. The lane is narrow, tree lined but through breaks in the canopy Mellbreak's north ridge looms.

It's feeling hot as I head left for Church Bridge before arriving at the signpost Wainwright described as the "negative signpost" I can hear children playing in the beer garden at the Kirkstile Inn where this morning I thought about treating myself to a pint after the walk was over but there doesn't appear to be a seat in the house. I arrive back at my car which is now basking in the sun and before I do anything I open the windows to let the heat escape. I've not done too bad for time but my feet are aching and I'm ready to finish off my lunch before the long drive home.

What a fabulous day though.