So no photos of that walk... however, the first and third days yielded some great scenes. This one is Pillar and the Mosedale circuit (minus Yewbarrow): the other will be a straight-up-the-nose ascent of Great Gable, followed by the Wasdale Duffer, Kirkfell.
I was staying at the charming B&B at Burnthwaite Farm. Wasdale is one of my favourite places in the whole world, and I'd come here for three quiet days in January to enjoy the solitude and think through some key decisions. Should I put career first, or work-life balance? Challenge and greater financial prosperity, or "spending more time with my family" (as they always say when a dodgy politician resigns.) The three days helped me put things in perspective.
The first day dawned bright and clear, and the Mosedale Horseshoe beckoned in the sunshine...

I followed the familiar track up to Gatherstone Head. From a wayside boulder I noticed tiny wisps of cloud appearing on the summits. Hmm.

The beck gave me an atmospheric view back to Yewbarrow.

There was snow on Black Sail Pass, with the beetling crags of Kirkfell towering above.

And the pass also gave a good view of Yewbarrow, Seatallan and Red Pike.

Grasmoor, Wandope and Eel Crag in the distance

On up the ridge! Here's Red Pike and Pillar from near Looking Stead

The High Stile range, with the Grasmoor group beyond

Close-up of Grasmoor & Co, over the ridge of Seat

As I got higher on the ridge, the snow cover got deeper and more extensive. Here I'm looking down towards Scarth Gap, with Robinson above it, and Hindscarth (looking higher and further away than it actually is) over on the right.

Looking back down the ridge with a skyline of Grey Knotts, Brandreth and Green Gable. Gable Crag, of course, on the far right.

The light was very different looking over to my left - clouds had gathered above Wasdale.

A distant view across to the Dodds-Helvellyn skyline

On the map this spot is marked as Great Doup. I have no idea what a Doup is, but if it means a massive chasm, then the place is well named.

The ridge ahead

Another Doupy view

Cornicing near the summit

The trig, looking icy

More iciness

It was compulsory to go over and look down on Pillar Rock

A sudden gap in the clouds and a glimpse of Ennerdale oops almost typed Emmerdale

Another gulf-like gully. I have to confess I can't remember exactly where this was - maybe on Black Crag.

Another gap in the clouds gave a view of Red Pike

And suddenly there was a revelation - Steeple, and Ennerdale Water in the distance.

Blue sky!

Steeple in Portrait format

Here's the ridge from Scoat Fell to Steeple. I wondered about having a go at this, as a there-and-back detour - but the clouds enveloped me again, accompanied by horizontal snow and a howling gale. I think the technical term is "hoolie". So I thought best to leave Steeple for another day.

After that it was a whirling whiteout all the way to Red Pike. Just beyond the summit I had a brief backwards view. The flanks of Scoat Fell can be seen on the right.

The Chair

More whiteout... the clouds finally began clearing as I descended Dore Head, giving me a glimpse of the Scafells

Peaceful evening skies above Yewbarrow... you'd be forgiven for thinking that it had been a nice calm day.
