The Mockerkin Mob, a local group of fell walking friends, are starting the New Year with a high level walk of the North Western Fells.

The plan was to walk Whiteside, Hopegill Head, Sand Hill and then go on via Coledale Hause to Whiteless Pike and Rannerdale.

However the weather seemed to have other ideas, as the morning forecast was for high winds and wintery showers !

On arrival the weather didn't look as bad as forecasted, and as we kitted up there was a brightness about the sky.

Our route would be up Whin Ben (the first summit) and then on to Whiteside and Hopegill, with several "safety options" along the way.

Start point was at Lanthwaite Green . . . note the return of the repaired Subaru after its icy adventures :o)

A hardy band of four walkers (including myself) and two dogs (Dylan and Dougal) were prepared to give it a go.

Meet Julie, Richard and Peter.

Looking back at Crummock Water, Mellbreak and the Loweswater Fells.

The cars at Lanthwaite Green are receding into the distance now . . . but that forecasted wind is increasing as promised.

Richard choosing the trekking pole option to keep himself more level as we leave the minor Whin Ben summit behind us.

I'm not sure of the exact calculation, but I believe it naturally cools about one degree for every 500 foot climbed.

Today that statistic was enhanced by the wind chill factor.

Julie pauses on a rocky bluff,

for me to get a photographic foreground to balance the long distance view to Hopegill Head.

The background seems to be getting greyer and less distinct now

as one of those wintery showers starts to head our direction.

Dampness on the lens as I look across to the protective bulk of Grasmoor,

not that it is protecting us much from the wintery weather.

The sleety shower hits us . . . as can be seem from the half closed eyes and swept back fur.

Still the dogs seem to take the weather in their stride . . . how do they do that ?

Successfully reaching the summit of Whiteside

where the exposed position meant we were hit with the full force of any gusts.

After an hour and a half of slightly slower climbing we hit the ridge.

Thoughts of a coffee stop were put on hold as another squall headed our way.

Looking down into Gasgale Gill . . . the peak in the gloom to the left is Sand Hill.

The option of an exit route down to Dodd and back to Lanthwaite was dismissed

as despite the wind we were feeling okay about the conditions.

That open crossing of the ridge needed care but otherwise it was not a problem.

After the squall had passed, Grasmoor has a light dusting of white on its summit.

Our next summit is Hopegill Head.

The reputation of the high level ridge being one of the best in the Lakes is quite true even today.

It's been cold, its been wet, but the underlying temperature is above freezing so it was not unpleasant.

Not to say that a stop for coffee tucked under the lee of the ridge was not appreciated !

The latest squall had blown over and the long distance visibility returned . . . we could even make out Criffel across the Solway Firth.

Nothing stays the same for long in these conditions and another wintery shower blew through once again.

You can even see the streaks of the sleet blowing across the photo, due to the slow speed of the shutter and fast speed of the wind.

Richard strides out for the summit . . .

. . . as another shower leaves its mark on the summit rocks.

Time for a quick summit photo if I can manage it.

The group sheltered behind the giant dogs as I tried to set up the 10 second delay on the camera using a rather cold hand.

Sorted . . . time to get myself and the dogs in the picture as well.

No time to hang about, so a quick picture of Grisedale Pike before we head on.

The track to Sand Hill.

Another squall as we drop down to Coledale Hause.

Recent rains have caused several deep gullies on the "Sand Hill" scree.

The skyline ranged from Causey Pike on the left to Sail and Eel Crag ahead.

Given the time taken to here and the state of the weather we decided on a change of plan.

To go on would involve a long walk, so to drop down Gasgale Gill would be a suitable alternative route for us today.

We spoke to two young guys who were aiming for Grasmoor summit . . . we wished them well.

One of the streams falling from Gasgale Crags had eroded a four foot trench, cutting the footpath in two.

It was so recent that a replacement path hadn't yet developed.

Grasmoor Direct path was hidden in the gloom.	We opt for the lower of the two descent paths.

Peter commented on the nice camping spot . . . it would need fine weather and ear defenders from the noise of the water.

Our last obstacle ahead . . . the awkward step.	The twenty foot drop has a lovely waterfall of course.

Peter stops for his own photo of the falls.

The normal path climbs down over three or four large steps next to the falls,

but an alternative traverse path can be taken when the rock is wet and slippery (like today).

The footbridge and Lanthwaite Green are in sight ahead.

I think this is where we came in.

It's just a short walk back to the car parked next to the main road.

- - - o o o - - -   It's been an 'interesting' day weather wise and I think our revised walk was most suitable for the conditions.     As we said our goodbyes and drove off the weather had one last trick up its sleeve.   A small rainbow hinted at a break in the clouds and by the time I returned home the sun was making a concerted effort to shine.   It only lasted a short while !   - - - o o o - - -