Moonrise over the Dodds

A gorgeous day, so we decided to walk up from the A591 to Stybarrow Dodd and up onto Raise. We did think the snow would be fairly hardpacked after 10 days, but were surprised how few people had walked up there, despite it being quite a popular route. On the way up, the snow was knee deep most of the way, which was really strength sapping. Though we only walked 8 miles, they were probably the hardest 8 miles I've walked in a long time. Crampons were on from the moment we set off, and didn't come off our boots until we got back to the car.

Temperatures were about -10 to -15 deg, but little wind made it feel much warmer at times. When the wind did blow, it felt really cold. The extra shows how windswept the snow has got over the past week or so.

Didn't see many other walkers, but saw quite a lot of touring skis and snowboarders. It's a long walk up for a quick ski back down!