So for the first time in quite a while a Lakeland expedition would have a full complement. Given the lack of hill fitness a modest route in the North West was decided upon in the pleasant grassy shapes of Sale and Ling fells. When we did these fells previously our route was little more than two out and backs but this time, to make more of a walk of it, I made it a circular route.It was a somewhat steady plod up to Sale Fell with Grace getting her hill legs back. It perhaps didn't help that it was a very warm day out if the breeze but the slow pace just gave even more time to appreciate this wonderful corner of the world in its full springtime glory. Once the unmarked summit was reached the air clarity could be observed with a superb detailed view towards Bonnie Scotland.
Ling Fell by Anthony Young, on Flickr
Towards the Lord's Seat Fells by Anthony Young, on Flickr
Lord's Seat on the Right by Anthony Young, on Flickr
Hughie by Anthony Young, on Flickr
Ling Fell and Kelswick Farm by Anthony Young, on Flickr
Across the Wall to Rivings by Anthony Young, on Flickr
Galloway Hills from Sale Fell by Anthony Young, on Flickr
Criffel from Sale Fell by Anthony Young, on Flickr
Towards Skiddaw from Sale Fell by Anthony Young, on FlickrWe dropped down to take in the Birketts of Rivings (cairn on a grassy lump, Meh) and Lowthwaite (wonderful view point for Bassenthwaite and the Skiddaw massif) and were well taken with the later so we had lunch enjoying the view on a very convenient bench.
Hughie at Maximum Cuteness by Anthony Young, on Flickr
Rivings by Anthony Young, on Flickr
Lothwaite Summit by Anthony Young, on FlickrWe went directly down the steep fellside to the obvious path heading for Chappel Wood, delightful this time of year, and ambled our way via the paths and tracks to Old Scales Farm. I must admit to being a little confused as to the nature of access through the farm so I left it well alone and continued to a style that lead to the steep lower slopes of Burthwaite Heights.
Bassenthwaite and Dodd by Anthony Young, on Flickr
Spring blossom by Anthony Young, on Flickr
Chapel Wood by Anthony Young, on FlickrMy companions decided the charms of Burthwaite Heights summit were worth missing so I plodded off to its featureless grassy top while they wandered towards Ling Fell. I must admit they missed very little and we were soon reunited as we crossed what remained of the bog for the final climb of the day.
Skiddaw from above old Scales by Anthony Young, on Flickr
Ladies Table and Skiddaw from Burthwaite Heights by Anthony Young, on Flickr
Hughie by Anthony Young, on Flickr
Nicola, Grace and Hughie from Burthwaite Heights by Anthony Young, on Flickr
Ling Fell by Anthony Young, on Flickr
Looking East by Anthony Young, on FlickrA following a steady climb we topped out on Ling Fell to once again take in magnificent views towards Scotland. Now my eyes aren't the best without glasses but both Nicola and Grace who were both wearing theirs swear they could see the dome of Slieve Donard on the horizon between Scotland and the Isle of Man. No photographic evidence I'm afraid but I'll take their word for it.
On the way up Ling Fell by Anthony Young, on Flickr
Ling Fell Summit by Anthony Young, on Flickr
Isle of Man from Ling Fell by Anthony Young, on Flickr
Epic Hughie Triptych by Anthony Young, on FlickrA nice gentle descent to the car was a pleasant way to end a blissful short walk in Lakeland. It was great to have the full crew which was the first time since Wales almost two years ago, hopefully it will be repeated again soon.
Heading back along the Corpse Road by Anthony Young, on Flickr
Almost Back at Eskin by Anthony Young, on Flickr
always good to have a long awaited family day out walking some great little hills on a good weather day 
We've said it before and no doubt again that some of the best views are from the smaller fells 
Well done, great report, great photos, great family day out 
