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...
IMG_4839 by Half Man Half Titanium, on FlickrI followed the familiar track up to Gatherstone Head. From a wayside boulder I noticed tiny wisps of cloud appearing on the summits. Hmm.
IMG_4847 by Half Man Half Titanium, on FlickrThe beck gave me an atmospheric view back to Yewbarrow.
IMG_4850 by Half Man Half Titanium, on FlickrThere was snow on Black Sail Pass, with the beetling crags of Kirkfell towering above.
IMG_4857 by Half Man Half Titanium, on FlickrAnd the pass also gave a good view of Yewbarrow, Seatallan and Red Pike.
IMG_4858 by Half Man Half Titanium, on FlickrGrasmoor, Wandope and Eel Crag in the distance
IMG_4862 by Half Man Half Titanium, on FlickrOn up the ridge! Here's Red Pike and Pillar from near Looking Stead
IMG_4866 by Half Man Half Titanium, on FlickrThe High Stile range, with the Grasmoor group beyond
IMG_4867 by Half Man Half Titanium, on FlickrClose-up of Grasmoor & Co, over the ridge of Seat
IMG_4870 by Half Man Half Titanium, on FlickrAs 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.
IMG_4871 by Half Man Half Titanium, on FlickrLooking back down the ridge with a skyline of Grey Knotts, Brandreth and Green Gable. Gable Crag, of course, on the far right.
IMG_4872 by Half Man Half Titanium, on FlickrThe light was very different looking over to my left - clouds had gathered above Wasdale.
IMG_4873 by Half Man Half Titanium, on FlickrA distant view across to the Dodds-Helvellyn skyline
IMG_4880 by Half Man Half Titanium, on FlickrOn 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.
IMG_4888 by Half Man Half Titanium, on FlickrThe ridge ahead
IMG_4889 by Half Man Half Titanium, on FlickrAnother Doupy view
IMG_4890 by Half Man Half Titanium, on FlickrCornicing near the summit
IMG_4897 by Half Man Half Titanium, on FlickrThe trig, looking icy
IMG_4894 by Half Man Half Titanium, on FlickrMore iciness
IMG_4892 by Half Man Half Titanium, on FlickrIt was compulsory to go over and look down on Pillar Rock
IMG_4896 by Half Man Half Titanium, on FlickrA sudden gap in the clouds and a glimpse of Ennerdale oops almost typed Emmerdale
IMG_4899 by Half Man Half Titanium, on FlickrAnother gulf-like gully. I have to confess I can't remember exactly where this was - maybe on Black Crag.
IMG_4905 by Half Man Half Titanium, on FlickrAnother gap in the clouds gave a view of Red Pike
IMG_4911 by Half Man Half Titanium, on FlickrAnd suddenly there was a revelation - Steeple, and Ennerdale Water in the distance.
IMG_4913 by Half Man Half Titanium, on FlickrBlue sky!
IMG_4916 by Half Man Half Titanium, on FlickrSteeple in Portrait format
IMG_4918 by Half Man Half Titanium, on FlickrHere'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.
IMG_4920 by Half Man Half Titanium, on FlickrAfter 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.
IMG_4928 by Half Man Half Titanium, on FlickrThe Chair
IMG_4929 by Half Man Half Titanium, on FlickrMore whiteout... the clouds finally began clearing as I descended Dore Head, giving me a glimpse of the Scafells
IMG_4933 by Half Man Half Titanium, on FlickrPeaceful evening skies above Yewbarrow... you'd be forgiven for thinking that it had been a nice calm day.
IMG_4934 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr
Worth the wait though, it's so nice to see the winter tops out of season so to speak. I looked up Doup, it's an old norse word for "bottom, end or butt of something (or buttocks) so make of that what you will 
