Middle Fell, Seatallan and Buckbarrow from Greendale

After a long drive over to the Western Lakes, we arrived at Wasdale expecting the worst from the weather. The forecast was terrible and the conditions were horrible as we drove over the Pennines on the morning. But to our surprise, although overcast with cloud at 500m, it didn't seem too bad - maybe we would get some of the walk done before the rain came after all.

As we left the off road parking spot that I have used as a start point many times, the path up Middle fell is easily joined and you can't really go wrong.

Looking back down to the car and the Screes with that low lying cloud I mentioned.

Looking down to the nice path and route up to Greendale Tarn at the head of the valley.

As height is gained, you can look back and see the top of Buckbarrow, which we will visit later on in the day.

Quite a few of these 'false summits' on Middle Fell - But almost there now

Middle Fell summit with Wast Water and the Scafells behind.

From the summit of Middle Fell, looking over to tomorrow's challenge - Yewbarrow.

As we descend Middle Fell, the grassy Seatallan can be seen straight ahead. With the wind beginning to whip up, we did consider flanking it to the right and heading up the slightly gentler path up the Eastern side. But in the end, we dismissed that and just went straight up. There's a reasonable path with worn foot-holes to follow and use and other than going quiet whilst plodding up the side, there's no great hardship.

Looking over to Middle Fell at the start of the climb up the side of Seatallan with Greendale Tarn in view.

The Ordnance survey column at the top of Seatallan.

Then it's a rather soggy path over to Cat Bields as the wind really started to whip up. This was particularly uncomfortable for Paul as his boots were taking in water. Time for a visit to Go-Outdoors when he gets back.

Arriving at Cat Bields

Heading Southwards in the direction of Glade How with our final summit of Buckbarrow further on.

The impressive summit cairn of Glade How.

Buckbarrow summit in the sun. As we were the only daft souls who ventured out on the fells today - we felt like we had the whole lakes to ourselves at this moment - It's an amazing feeling of freedom when you are at the top of a fell, isolated and surrounded by natural beauty plus the sun comes out when you were expecting rain. After a bit of shouting and laughter - we put our epiphany to one side and ventured over to the other outcrops of Buckbarrow.

Wast Water, The Screes and the Scafells from the rocky edges of Buckbarrow.

Heading down the path from the summit wondering if we would actually end the day without any of the forecasted rain at all.

Joining the Wasdale Head road for an easy stroll back to the car.

Our recent conquest - Buckbarrow.

Out of the way chaps - We have a pub to get to.

Arriving back in the tiny hamlet of Greendale and our car.

After a quick pint in the Wasdale Head Inn - We headed to our stop-over for the night and enjoyed plenty of nice beer and food in The Strands at Nether Wasdale. A good day all round.