

There was of course only one thing for it and that was a bit of Therapy on the High Street. You’ll be glad to know this wasn't the seventh level of hell known as the Metro Center but the large flat topped hill in the Lake District.

It was nice to be at Mardale Head so early and actually get parked in the car park for once and apart from a few fell runners zooming past we were alone as we set off for the Long Stile ridge.

Mardale from the start of the walk by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
The other excuse (if any were needed) for this walk was to help Hughie catch up his Wainwright tally so we might all complete on the same day a few years in the future. Nicola and yours truly had already bagged these fells but being forbidden by Grace to do anything new it seemed the natural location to head for as we both love Mardale. It was certainly good to return after more than a year away.

The Rigg by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Hawswater over the wall by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Harter Fell by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Rough Crag by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Rough Crag by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
A welcome by-product of setting off far earlier than usual was the rare treat of a deserted High Street Summit. In fact over the whole walk we encountered far fewer walkers than usual, if only we could get Grace out of bed earlier.

Blea Water by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Blea Water Mono by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

High Street Summit by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
We continued over Mardale Ill Bell (taking Hughie up to number 88), across the Nan Bield Pass and onto Harter Fell for a second break sheltering from the cool breeze behind Wainwrights space age cairns.

Along the wall to Windermere by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Hughie on Mardale Ill Bell by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Small water and Hawswater by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Mardale Ill Bell and Small Water by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Ill Bell Ridge by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Ill Bell Mono by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
We made our way down to the Gatesgarth Pass via the Birkett tops of Little Harter Fell and Adam Seat before descending on the wide path back to Mardale Head. It was on this path that we came across the surreal sight of a broken down landrover with another similar vehicle behind. Attempted repairs were obviously not going well as a third subsequently turned up to help. I stifled a smirk at their motorized adventure going badly as we walked past and had to try even harder to keep a straight face when further down three trails bikes were having all sorts of problems getting started again following a stop.



Classic view of Hawswater by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Hughie on Adam Seat by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Mardale on the way down by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Today turned out to be a great day out and a fine way of taking our minds off Grace going away for a few days. A text confirming the Children’s safe arrival further helped our mood before going back to work on the Monday.