One week ago we were stood at the back of our cars in Patterdale when the conversation turned to are we all free next week and if so where shall we walk? Given that last week we should have walked Mellbreak it was pretty unanimous when we all piped 'Mellbreak'

It's been a dry, cloudy week topped off with a cloud inversion on Thursday with quite a lot of sunshine only for the cloud to return by weekend but all was not lost as spells of sunshine had been forecast through the morning so we planned the walk around the forecast meaning we'd take to Crummock Water first before paying a visit to Scale Force then return over Mellbreak via Scale Knott.

Due to the steepness of the terrain most walkers would ascend Mellbreak via its north ridge then descend via the smooth grassy south ridge. None of us had actually descended Mellbreak via the north ridge before but we knew to expect a gnarly descent where extra care had to be taken descending the many rock steps before the final steep screen run at the base of the ridge.

It's fair to say descending the north ridge was an experience which we tackled in our stride so why would two lots of complete strangers patronise, then advise us how to descend the hill? The last thing I want to do is harp on about how many years fell walking experience there is between the three of us so why do a small minority asume it's your first time on the hill,

We'd arranged to meet at the slightly later time of 08:45am for a 09:00am start to allow any lingering cloud to lift and the forecasted sunny spells to push through, as you can see the fells are completely cloud free but it was just too gloomy for any sunshine. With limited parking at the red phone box just outside Loweswater it was debatable whether we'd manage to park at all but within the nick of time Rod and I grabbed the last two spaces even if it meant I'd be blocking David in.

It's a mild morning with only light winds forecast across the tops so for the first time in weeks we throw on soft shells instead of waterproof jackets. It was a little later than 09:00am by the time we'd left when it was decided that we'd head for Crummock Water first to let the brightness develop.

With the narrow rock steps safely negotiated we arrived at the top of the scree run where we were passed by a group in ascent. One of the group immediately took up conversation almost teacher to student like leaving all three of us a little silent and stunned. I wont go into the ins and outs but we were yet again at the wrong end of someone who knew more anyone, was extremely patronising and clearly a liar. Oh well you meet all sorts I guess.

Boots soon touched grass as we made our way between the break in the trees and the gate thereafter. We arrived at the gate to find a farmer talking to a couple we'd seen on the north summit earlier who must have descended into Mosedale from the saddle of the summit. The farmers dog barked friendly as we passed through the gate as a light mist hung over Lorton Vale which we'd spotted from the summit earlier. The afternoon felt almost Spring like as we passed the Kirkstile Inn where two families occupied tables confirming although the temperature was only 6°C it felt mild enough to eat and drink outside. We soon reached our cars where our chatting and sometimes laughter was the only sound that split the silence of the valley.