Blencathra via Hall's Fell

A stiff ascent on a wintry day with Ian Lyne.

Route: Leaving the car the Horse and Farrier and taking the path by the stream from the centre of Threlkeld, crossing the stream and then diagonally across very muddy fields to the foot of Hall's Fell. Ascending, initially sticking close to the top of the ridge but later allowing some diversions to the left to avoid greasy and slippy rocks (one ridge-top section taken à cheval). Reaching the top in snow and cloud with some ice under foot. Then along to the west to descend Blease Fell on a recently re-engineered path though still steep in places.

Conditions: Cloudy and cold with snow on the top, greasy rock and later snow under foot.

Pub: The Horse and Farrier at Threlkeld for Jennings Snecklifter.

10km run north of Ings

A 10km run onto the common between Hugill Fell and Sour Howes from Ings on tracks and muddy paths.

Route: From the pub at Ings, taking the small steep road to Grassgarth and beyond on a stony track before taking a slight right turn towards Kentmere. Then in very muddy conditions on level ground across the common to reach a junction of paths by Park Beck. Turning sharp right heading south east on a path, sometimes pitched, sometimes grass to descend into the Kentmere valley before turning right along a very muddy track just before the river at Ulthwaite Bridge. Then up the road climbing quite steeply back onto the hillside near Williamson's Monument becoming a gravel track again.Through Heights Farm and then right along a muddy bridleway (rather than left on a road), and another right to descend, at little more than walking pace, a very rocky track then to rejoin the outward route half a mile from Ings.

Conditions: Cloudy and a brief shower but mild for November. Very wet under foot.

Pub: The Watermill at Ings for Watermill Wruff night and Eden Gold.

Wansfell Pike

A short walk in dramatic, fast-changing conditions with Angie, Alistair and Jake.

Route: From the lower Ambleside car park, through town and via Stock Ghyll Force to the main western path to the top (quite busy). Down the southern ridge via the observatory (not meeting a soul) and back.

Conditions: Initial low cloud, occasional heavy bursts of rain and even a snow shower on the top - but not the forecast lightning!

Pub: Hawkshead Brewery Beer Hall for NZPA, WPA, Cumbria Five Hop, Drystone Stout and a mug of tea!