Blencathra via Halls Fell Ridge

Decided to a wander up a hill was in order, so the old favourite of Blencathra was on the cards.  A few hours up and down, followed by a bit of retail therapy in Keswick.  Was exactly a year to the day since I was last up here.

Inchmickery, Cow & Calves, Inchcolm

Today was a very similar paddle to last Saturday's, except that we went round ati-clockwise this time.  It was just as cold as the previous week. 

The route took us from Longcraigs Pier, down to Inchmickery, sweeping round Cow and Calves, to Inchcolm, then back up to Forth to Longcraigs.  Weather was a bit dull in the morning, but brightened up in the afternoon.  Although there was a breeze, the sea was pretty smooth, and no more than a F2.

Saturday Sojourn

After the gales of the previous week, Saturday found me on the Forth.  It had been snowing on the way up, and it was a tad cool getting the boats ready ...

However, five of us set off in the vague direction of Inchcolm.  The forecast winds didn't appear, tidal movement was surprising slow, so the Firth was as flat as a baby's .....



The biridge is now clear of scaffolding and huts.  This is a result of using some special paint, and the famous analogy of 'like painting the Forth Rail Bridge'no longer applies.  We carried on out the Forth, and on to Inchcolm.

And on to Inchcolm Abbey

Across the water, the shops would be busy with Christmas shoppers ...

The sun even made a brief appearance ...

And someone stole the top of the Rail Bridge whilst we were gone .. :-)

Winter's Arrived ...

The original plan had been to go kayaking, which then changed to going walking in the Lakes, which then changed to some navigation training in the Borders ....