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An abortive attempt at a Buttermere outing this snowy day,

but after taking our friends (who had to abandon their car) back to their home, and enjoying a welcome cup of tea

the weather had improved . . . so a trip to Buttermere was back on the cards.

Sunshine reflecting on Crummock Water encourages us out for a local drive.

Well it was sunny when we started off . . . but by the time we reached Scale Hill (3 minutes later) it was like a different world.

There's a lovely bank of snowdrops by the grey post but they don't show up well today for some reason.

Perhaps this is the reason . . . almost a white-out.

Our neighbours had really struggled to drive up Scale Hill on their way to Keswick for a theatre visit.

They decided to go no further so they parked their car in the driveway of the old hotel and were prepared to walk home.

With the four wheel drive we offered to take them back as we had also given up on our drive to Buttermere.

Muncaster House on the way back to High Park.

The classic courtyard of High Park . . . the kettle was just inside the door !

While we sat and enjoyed tea and a chat . . . the weather started improving.

Here's the view with Mellbreak Cottage in the foreground.

Reproduced as seen (without filters or tweaking) . . . the twin peaks of Whiteside and Grasmoor appeared out of the gloom

and stood proudly across the other side of the valley, the picture complimented by a bright, pastel blue sky.

- - - o o o - - -

Ann and I decided that, with the weather improving, perhaps we could have another try at Buttermere.

The back lane from Low Park as we approached Loweswater Church.

Grasmoor from the Buttermere Road.

On past Lanthwaite Green and the road is clear for our descent to Rannerdale and Crummock Water.

Looking back at Low Fell.

Looking forward to Rannerdale Cottage and Rannerdale Knotts itself.

- - - o o o - - -

We had the dogs in the car and they needed a short walk, as they do each day.

The car park at Hause Point was unsurprisingly . . . empty.

From the bend in the path half way to Rannerdale Valley

there was a superb view of Grasmoor and the peak of Whiteless Pike.

In the centre, the heather-covered slope on the front of Grasmoor is the Lad Hows ascent route.

No need to go much further today so we turn and go back.

The car may be muddy but there's a fine shine from the windows !

I think we arrived back to the car at just about the right time !

A minute or two and the gust of wind had blown through and we were off again.

- - - o o o - - -

The High Stile Ridge from Hause Point.

Looking back at Mellbreak and distant Low Fell.

Ahead were the high fells of Haystacks, Brandreth and Green Gable.

The head of Crummock Water with the full spread of fells including Fleetwith Pike to the left of centre.

The roads were clear down into Buttermere village as the locals had kindly spread some road grit.

The chickens were safely tucked away from the cold weather but Ann had eggs waiting for us too.

A quick drive up to the parking area above the church for a look at the view.

In the sunshine behind is High Snockrigg . . . an outlier of Robinson.

Click here or on the photo above for a larger annotated panorama.

Time to be heading home.

We pass Raymond, the local farmer, giving winter feed to his sheep.

The valley is now becoming more shaded as the sun sets behind the western fells.