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Our second grandson Matt has arrived

and together the four "youngsters" set off for a day on the high fells. 

Their choice is Grey Knotts, Brandreth and Green Gable, with the chance to extend the walk to Great Gable if conditions permit.

The first view down into Borrowdale from their ascent of Grey Knotts.

Climbing higher . . .

Up through the rocks and into the snow.

Fortunately not too much to slow progress.

The Helvellyn Ridge in the distance as the summit of Grey Knotts is reached.

A high ridge walk across to Brandreth gave them views down into Buttermere.

Ahead a view of Ennerdale.

. . . and one of my favourite views which takes in both valleys in one picture.

Haystacks and the High Stile Ridge lead away from the centre of the photo.

Four lakes are also visible, Ennerdale to the left, Buttermere, Crummock and Loweswater to the right.

The top of Great Gable . . .

Dolly, not normally a mountain dog, has coped really well.

Sam seems to be contemplating the need for a pair of gloves.

Group photo on the top of Great Gable.

The summit of Scafell Pike, seen in the distance to the left of Sam, is higher by just 250 feet.

To the west of the summit area there's a good view of Wast Water.

Beautiful mountain conditions without the complications of heavy snow.

This is the view to the north west with Haycock, the Scoat Fell / Pillar ridge and the High Stile ridge to the right.

Time to be heading down . . .

Dolly has learnt that the darker bits are less slippery.

Chance to glissade down some of the shorter sections of snow.

. . . which remarkably seems to stay on while she trots along the trod.

The path meets up with the old dram road which carried slate over the fell and down to Honister Hause.

Dolly makes it home to a cosy warm fire.

I think both she and Dylan will sleep well tonight.