I'd had one of two walks planned for today the first being a round of the Esk Hause fells from Seathwaite but after seeing the forecast I was diverted east of the park. My plan B was the Bannerdale Horseshoe which was still belter; more so because it included two fells Beda Fell and The Nabb which I haven't visited for a while, in fact it was 2018 since I last placed boot on The Nabb and I was really looking forward to the return. Despite the forecast saying the best of the weather would be in the east, or far east of the park it didn't seem that way when I arrived at Martindale New Church under grey skies but there was promise the further north I looked. It's been a busy Summer here in the lakes but this morning it felt like midweek with only one other car parked up, its owner sat in the drivers seat like she was waiting for friends to arrive.

It was a mild start and the only the only thing breaking the silence were the half dozen Ravens squabbling in the trees and beyond that, silent grey cloud scuttled across brooding skies. Within five minutes of arriving I was ready for the off still wearing shorts while I still can topped off by my trusty fleece lined windproof jacket. I left the car park and walked down the hill keeping to the grassy bank which offered elevated views into the Martindale valley, it was at this point did I spot a Red Squirrel running across the stone wall so fast I was unable to get a shot before it disappeared on the other side of the wall.

I left the path and branched off right for Brock Crags passing the path at the break in the wall which descends back to Hartsop where memories came flooding back from a walk I did in zero visibility a few years ago, when I struggled to locate said path later learning that its the break in the wall that gives it away.

Swollen underfoot I continued towards Brock Crags arriving at the marshy area where I swerved right if only to avoid getting my boots wetter than they were. It was blowing a gale at the summit, a touch on the cold side too and I wouldn't have blamed anyone for adding a hat or a pair of gloves the wind penetrating my jacket a sure reminder to layer up as Autumn is breached.

I left Brock Crags behind shielded by crag I was out of the wind too. I ventured around the right side of the marshy ground keeping my boots dry until I spotted the two familiar gate posts on Satura Crag.

These gate posts are like two beacons to the lost walker which once included myself way back when and they also provide happy memories of my early days as a fell walker from seeing them on David Halls Walkthefells website to actually seeing them for myself for the first time.

Any brightness that I had whilst back on The Nabb was over shadowed by further cloud but at least the temperature remained in the high teens allowing me to finally remove my windproof prior to passing through a sty at the base of Nab End from where I spotted a family heading towards me. Flanked by retreating bracken on both sides I passed the family and their two dogs, one of which, a Patterdale terrier took a shine to me as I patted its back with warmth. The family pressed on and I wondered of their route before spotting a Land Rover Defender pass below; the driver stopping to allow the passenger to open one of two gates in the valley. In silence the Defender drove off and shortly afterwards I too passed through the same gates, not before delayering that is. Like Swindale Martindale remains one of those untouched and dare I say protected valleys, modernisation has not reached the valley except if you know where to look and long may it continue. I crossed Bannerdale Beck and closed the last gate behind me sighting The Nabb through tree or farm building until it was no longer in view. A couple of miles back through the valley under grey skies but the mildness of midday made it feel like summer again and it was nice to see a healthy count of sheep in the adjoining fields. I passed the Nickles footpath and eyed its route through the bracken and five minutes later I was passing the start of the Winter Crag path too, funny how such a used path doesn't appear as prominent as it should I thow't.

A car waited for me to take this last photo both driver and passenger waved as I crossed the bridge whilst placing my mobile back into pocket. Just half a mile left until Martindale New Church now as the incline on the lane increased, I passed the same barn where the magpie dived in earlier which was when I spotted the dead sheep lying motionless on the back of the farmers quad bike. The lane steepened as I passed the cottage from where I was brought back into reality with the click of two fingers spotting cars doing u-turns unable to park I eased off the gas the shock came to soon. I reached the car park to find it full to bursting, the driver of a minibus patiently waiting to park as she chatted to passing walkers. My car was flanked by half a dozen folk chatting, the other half dozen were on the opposite side of the car park but this didn't stop conversation. I had to excuse myself to reach the boot of my car the group apologised and moved away but I was still in their zone as I began my kit down I thought I could feel thier eyes burning in the back of my head. They were actually nice folk who has it turned out were waiting for the last of the group to descend Hallin Fell. Ready to leave I slumped into the drivers seat and put my car into reverse, again, the group parted all except this one guy who guided me out through my rear view mirror.