Seven of us left the top of Martindale Hause on a cold dullish but clear day of little or no wind. The snows had retreated to the higher fells so we were able to enjoy easy walking for the most part with fine prospects of the wintry summits. After traversing the fine little top of Hallin Fell and enjoying its extensive views of Ullswater we dropped down to the lake and the hamlet of Sandwick.

As Frank was still unfortunately indisposed he left us here to continue a valley walk while the depleted party climbed the steep flank of Sleet Fell watching with interest as Wendy indulged in a strange new game of ‘Roll your Rucksack down the Hill’. Happily she rapidly tired of this and rejoined us as we journeyed onwards to Place Fell via High Dodd and The Knight. At over 2,000 ft. this was the day’s high point and was suitably adorned with remnants of hardening snow and ice.

Leader Tony, making up policy ‘on the hoof’, lead the party further South to enjoy a lunch stop on the lower top of Angletarn Pikes overlooking a well frozen Angle Tarn. Brock Crag was the next objective and our turnaround point as we completed a circumnavigation of the aforesaid tarn. The return on the switchback ridge over Bedafell Knott, Beda Fell and Winter Crag is always a joy and it seemed all too soon that we were back in sight of cars and church nestling between the twin peaks of Hallin and Steel Knotts arriving back just in time to beat the rain.

The miles were relatively short at twelve and the hours long at seven but this is not an expedition to be rushed. If you’ve never visited this enchanting corner of Lakeland, make sure you do so before you die!