The trio had planned a little epic walk from Chapel Stile onto the Langdales returning via Blea Rigg and Silver How but the run of bright sunshine came to an end on Friday afternoon just in time for the weekend, I'm not bitter honest. Unsure of a plan B Rod threw this walk into the hat, a walk that I've done previously except back then the weather was kinder and we included Lonscale Fell.

We had arranged to meet at Briar Rigg at the start of Spooney Green Lane at 7:00am where Rod and I arrived to find David parked up ready for the off. After a quick 'morning' Rod and I were lacing up debating whether to add waterproof trousers now or wait until the rain arrives which by all accounts,it should be raining now. We packed our waterproof trousers and locked the cars before heading up Spooney Green Lane in shorts and waterproof jackets, it was 17° and pretty muggy after all.

After cursing ourselves the rain eventually arrived as we passed the Blencathra Field Centre whose car park was surprisingly full. From the car park we entered woodland and joined Blease Road where we were sheltered from the rain by overhead woodland.

Once clear of the woodland we continued down Blease Road before passing through a gate for the permissive path through two farmers fields. The views were great but not so much the wet stuff falling from the sky, David held on for as long as could before finally giving in and added a waterproof jacket.

We turned right onto the main street where we were instantly brought back to reality following crowds of tourists and the odd dog walker in the direction of the A66 and undoubtably, The K2T trail. Footpaths along the main street were scarce having to cross the road several times which at least gave the opportunity to overtake the crowds. It was still raining by the time we reached the A66 and if anything, the cloud looked to be getting lower as we joined the railway path; the sound of the A66 slowly ebbed away replaced by the sound of the River Greta below. It would seem everyone had the same idea finding the path busy from one end to the other sometimes having to step aside to let others pass always with a cheery 'morning'. Even though todays route had been low level the miles were clocking up but we kept a persistent march overtaking folk without realising it. There was hardly a stretch of path that wasn't busy and despite me sounding like I'm moaning about it, it was actually nice to see so many out enjoying the fresh air. The miles disappeared beneath our feet and soon we were nearing the Keswick side of the trail as we entered Bobbin Mill Tunnel where I'd like to say we eased off the gas but we didn't. We emerged from the tunnel into what seemed like brighter conditions, it had stopped raining and the humidity had ramped up a notch, blimey, was that a time tunnel we joked! Passing the site of the old railway station - now hotel we turned right and then left at the roundabout and followed a narrow path bordered by private back gardens on one side and hedges on the other.

The path emerged us out onto Brundholme Road where Rod led us onto a second path this time we had views of Skiddaw where the cloud had lowered to tree level. The path was short, narrow and heavily vegetated and the last thing we wanted was to get stung by stinging nettles minutes from the car, thankfully no stings. We emerged onto tarmac now flanked by houses to our left and views of Latrigg to our right, our cars came into view as did the many others who were holding up traffic trying to park, there was no chance and these drivers didn't care - it was like a battle for parking spaces, David watched on jaw open. Two lasses had just finshed a run on the opposite side of the road and were saying their goodbyes one of whom was parked behind me and we smiled across the roofs of our cars as I began my kit down. The road rager's had left and with peace returned so had the silence. I had crossed into a pair of mids now as had the lads as we joined one another not quite believing the cloud could get any lower as spots of rain blew in the breeze. We'd had a ball taking what we could from a grey day catching up but it was time to head home before the rain got any heavier.