May is the season of bluebells so we go in search. The weather has been very warm and dry recently so the prospects for a great display are probably not too good.

First I climb Brackenthwaite How (Scale Hill) but then on Bank Holiday Tuesday Loes wanted to visit Rannerdale.

Three good reasons to climb Rannerdale Knotts that day, as you'll find out as the story unfolds.

On one of my local walks to give Dougal (and myself) some exercise, we climbed up through Lanthwaite Woods.

We topped out on the delightful Brackenthwaite Hows, not as famous as Rannerdale for bluebell flowers, but good nevertheless.

Climbing the gentle paths towards the top with Grasmoor overlooking this delightful small fell.

Some of the trees planted a few years ago now are growing tall and slowly changing the appearance of the lower slopes.

The small rocky outcrop marks the summit, where the views always delight.

I'm looking down on Crummock Water, Mellbreak and away to Red Pike, High Stile and High Crag.

Turning round on the summit, Whiteless and Grasmoor come into view.

The summit of Brackenthwaite was not planted with saplings so these mountain views will remain.

The occasional strong wind sees off anything else of any size that tries to grow.

Looking down the Lorton Valley to Pickett How and Palace How, nestled in the trees below.

These northern slopes usually have a good display of flowers and when in full bloom they can be seen when driving up the valley from Lorton.

A final view of my route home after this short walk . . . back down through the woods and along the road to the cottage.

- - - o o o - - -

The following day dawned dry and bright, as it has done for weeks now, so chance to go and see the other 'local bluebells'.

Loes wanted to incorporate the walk with a milestone climb for her, so Rannerdale Knotts here we come.

Today Rannerdale Farm were operating their Coffee Kart and with it, they opened the field opposite a a pop-up car park.

It turns out there was no room at the Hause Point parking area anyway, so our decision to use the fields was a good one.

Who knows, we might even get back in time for an afternoon tea and maybe some cake if we're lucky.

We climbed up from the Hause up the steep end of the fell.

Loes has recovered well from her broken leg(s) though her back is now playing up as a result of the whole affair.

However she still wanted to climb and this will be her first true fell walk since last year's accident.

The view down was better here anyway . . . that's our car down there in the field !

Time to get down with the kids and take a selfie on the summit.

[ Note to self . . . take time for a comb through the hair and eyebrows before you take another selfie ! ]

- - - o o o - - -   Today also had a more poignant purpose. It was time to scatter the ashes of our friend and companion who died a while back. Dylan was a great fell dog and great company for nearly ten years. We laid him to rest with Ann and two of our other pets at a spot close to, but away from the main summit. Rest in peace Dylan.   - - - o o o - - -

Duty done and legs recovered from the climb, the three of us continued on along the ridge of Low Bank.

A hundred yards or so from the far end of the ridge there's a path off to the left, which took us down into the top of the Squat Beck Valley.

The top is dry but the first signs of a stream are starting to emerge by the time we reach the sheep fold.

Last year from here we could have started to see the colour of the bluebells, which have started to grow in the field beyond the trees.

This year there's a hint of colour but it's not very distinct.

The Hawthorn tree is in bloom as we near the confluence of Squat Beck and the Rannerdale Beck.

The larger stream has joined us from the eastern flanks of Grasmoor.

Low Fell and Crummock in the distance and a hint of colour in the valley ahead.

The lack of rain has also held back the bracken, but there's a general lack of depth of colour in the valley this time.

Looking back at the classic Hawthorn with Whiteless Pike behind it.