The Mob opt for a walk up Mellbreak again, but with a different walk leader the route is different and the ambience

of the walk subtly different too. Plans for a coffee with a view from the north top and perhaps lunch on the south, didn't materialise.

because of the weather.  It was a basically dry walk, misty up top and the ground conditions were soft and damp in places.

We met at Joan's Foulsyke House where she offered parking for those travelling from further away.  It was a short walk down to our first photo !

Twelve folk (including myself) and two dogs, here at Wainwright's Negative Signpost outside the Kirkstile.

Once we reached half the length of the fell we turned and our path headed straight up the fell side.

A stiff test for the legs but at least the walk-in had warmed us and added a certain subtlety of limb.

Trek poles helped in keeping the back upright.

As we climbed it seemed the cloud was coming down to meet us.

The plan was coffee with a view so we stopped early, near the ridge, and indulged ourselves with a view of the Mosedale Holly below.

On the north top there wasn't a lot to see, apart from the immediate ground features.

I thought of taking a 360 panorama, but most of it would have just been grey !  Likewise the southern and marginally higher summit.

There we had a debate as to whether the grassy mound or the nearby rock outcrop was higher . . . even with two altimeters, the result were inconclusive.

With an early coffee stop the group made great efforts to find a sheltered spot with a view of Buttermere, but it was not to be.

Stopping off at the waterfall added interest and provided a convenient rock or should we say twelve places out of the cool breeze, on which to sit.

Looking at the photos of the dogs you can use their ears to gauge the wind speed . . . I make it a Beaufort Scale 4 (13-18 mph).

Down to the lakeside path now and heading north once again, towards Low Ling Crag.

Down here the weather was clearer, but the wind was gusting down the lake and whipping the tops of the waves.

Sadly this is the only photo of the spray I achieved today, just after a large cloud of spray dispersed and fallen back onto the lake.

Some of the earlier gusts were either too far away, or so close they would have doused the camera with water !

Back across Sandy Yat Beach, Muncaster House and the Water Board track and on past this delightful bunch of snowdrops.

Soon the dogs and I were home, with just two fields more for the others to walk before they were back at Foulsyke.

Big thanks to Catherine for organising today's walk.

Mockerkin Mob Report Sunday 19th February 2023 12 of us assembled at Foulsyke on this dry February morning, prepared for the ascent of Mellbreak – at this point the fell was clear and there was even some blue in the sky. The first part of the walk entailed a brief road walk via the Kirkstile to access the Mosedale valley track. Having enjoyed walking the track in fair weather, we took the route up towards the col between the two tops of Mellbreak, stopping part way for coffee and cake. Unfortunately, at this point, the clouds started rolling in and persisted for much of the remainder of the walk. Following the coffee stop, it was then a fairly short, though boggy walk to the north top where the obligatory photo was taken. We then headed across to the south top, avoiding some of the wettest areas thanks to Roger’s knowledge of alternative routes. After a brief discussion regarding the exact location of the highest point, and with increasing wind speeds, we started our descent. Approximately half way down the south end of Crummock and part of Buttermere appeared – inspired by seeing a view there was a brief ‘off piste’ recce to ascertain if a suitable (i.e. considerably less windy) lunch spot could be found. This was not to be, however the base of Scale Force waterfall was suggested as a good alternative and this proved correct. Revived by lunch, the trek back was enhanced by the sight of impressive, wind driven waves crossing the lake. It was a fairly easy return walk from the lake via the gated track and across the meadows, arriving back at Foulsyke after approximately 5.25 hours. An enjoyable day despite the cloud obscured views. Catherine.

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