The mixed weather continues and the good news is signs of Spring are already here with Daffodils and Snowdrops starting to bloom and even the nights are getting notably lighter but the same can't be said about the Lakeland fells which are in Winter condition whose temperatures are markerbly different to the Spring like valleys below.

The warmer temperatures in the valleys can easily fool the novice just like we witnessed today folk ascending the higher fells wearing shorts and T-shirts who were about to get one hell of a shock with summit snow, icy winds and even spin drift across the summits.

Today we came prepared for with intentions of summiting Esk Pike, a summit for no particular reason that David hasn't visited for 9 years! Once the forecast was confirmed emails starting flying between the three of us when Rod suggested this classic ascent. Bow Fell and Esk Pike from Old Dungeon Ghyll with the added twist of ascending Bow Fell via the Climbers Traverse.

While I waited for David and Rod to arrive I thought I'd try out the camera on my new Galaxy S22 Ultra mobile phone, I have to say I was mega impressed with the picture quality so much so I starting toying with the idea of using the camera for todays walk.

We left the car park under brilliant blue skies and were soon stopped by this magnificent view of Great Knott, Crinkle Crags, The Band and Bow Fell (far right) But first we need to pass through Stool End Farm which can just be made out in the centre of the photo.

As it turns out the lady had travelled up from Blackpool and was just 20 summits short from completing her Wainwrights which she had started back in 2019 That's some good going we told her. She mentioned that she was on route to Esk Pike then Rossett Pike and before saying good luck we told her she'd probably end up seeing us again before the end of the day.

A couple had just left Esk Pike summit and for a few moments we had the summit to ourselves until another couple we'd seen back on Bow Fell also caught up with us only to be joined by the solo woman, within minutes the summit was getting crowded with people atop, and those waiting below so we made a hasty exit and began our descent to Esk Hause where hopefully we'll stop for lunch.

The familiar sheep pen was reached where a family took in the views in almost silence. The pitch of the footpath levelled giving way for smooth cropped grass which my knarled feet took great comfort from. The heat of the afternoon continued to bear down into the valley which felt like the middle of May or June rather than March. The couple we'd seen back on Bow Fell were closing in behind us and soon they were close enough that we could hear their conversation until they took over us with smiles and the same conversation faded out. Across the valley sunlight glanced off the windows off the cars who inched their way down the steep pass which divides Little Langdale from Great Langdale.

The path left the Mickleden valley and joined Great Langdale below the popular cliffs of Raven Crag where we scoured for climbers but oddly, found no takers. By now we were just minutes away from the hustle of ODG and after passing through patches of Daffodils we dropped down the steps and onto the patio where folk sipping from wine glasses glanced up from their phones to check out three guys one of whom had just repatriated himself with Esk Pike after 9 years away.