Looking down into Troutbeck from Robin Lane

A wild and windy morning with heavy snow, sleet, rain and hail showers. A usual day for the Lakes but not a day for putting us off going out and enjoying this marvellous place.

At 10.30am we were sitting in the car waiting for the latest squally shower to pass over before setting out for a circular from Ambleside to Troutbeck and back via Wansfell Pike (482m), Robin Lane and Jenkyns Crag which is a popular walk in these parts.

The weather looked ominous as we set out, more snow showers as we climbed higher and into the snow. Eventually, although the sky remained grey and lowering the snow showers stopped, we reached the summit of Wansfell Pike. We did not linger, the wind was terrific, so we descended to Nanny Lane to crouch behind a stone wall for hot soup and sandwiches.

Nanny Lane led us to the Mortal Man public house where we had coffee and a (better than yesterday) scone to help in the return journey along Robin Lane. This part of the walk was lovely, even the sun came out briefly, lighting up the valley and softening the landscape.

Despite the elements, this was an enjoyable walk, we met quite a few people doing the same route, some the opposite way around so we saw them twice. A good experience to be up in the snow too.

Early evening we called in at Alan and Irene's, near Grange over Sands, for tea and a Lenten biscuit or three and a good chat. They're coming to spend the night with us later in the week and walk with them the following day.