Left the polluter in thick fog at the Howtown Hotel and followed the
path, which was a concrete road until nearly Cote Farm. Every step
heading south along Fusedale valley next to Fusedale Beck the fog
cleared bit by bit. By the time I was level with Pikewassa it was
virtually clear, with Pikewassa in bright sunlight. As stated by
Wainwright the last bit up to Wether Hill is a real slog - glad I only
had a day-pack. However the dullness of the slog and Wether Hill was
completely offset by the views.
The views were fantastic - particularly Striding Edge and the snow
cornices that seem to be developing on Helvellyns easterly facing
crags.
Dropping down to the gap between Wether Hill and Loadpot Hill two deer
ran across the path, bound for Martindale I guess? Onwards to
Arthur's Pike and then Bonscale Pike avoiding falling down Swarthbeck
Gill.
The descent from Bonscale Pike was awe-inspiring, Howtown still being
clothed in thick fog but Blencathra clearly visible..
12km, 4 Wainwrights - all very ordinary, but the weather helped create
a truly memorable day!