Ullswater from Gowbarrow Fell

This was as good a day as anyone had a right to expect in the mountains of the Lske District in February. True we had one or light sleet showers which produced some rainbows close to us but it also led to dramatic skies and some superb light.

The route took us from Aira Force up the western flank of the Fell to the summit then contoured around to the north then the east to give wonderful views of Ullswater for most of the return journey. This view was taken using the iPhone panorama shot and captures the view we had at our lunch break.

The walk was rounded off by a visit to the well known Aira Force and High Force waterfalls which were both spectacular, plenty of water but clear not brown and peaty. Got some good shots there too.

Gowbarrow Fell is a minnow in terms of height, but as Wainwright said, small is beautiful and the views from this Fell were quite in excess of its lowly status. I was very pleased by the performance of my knee, felt secure and gave no problem on the walk or any reaction. Good news.

The day finished off in the Orangery of the Inn on the Lake - a posh hotel alongside Ullswater. They do have a ramblers bar there but it was closed for renovation so us muddy ramblers were allowed to frequent the area used by the well heeled guests.