Another wet one I thought as I donned the waterproofs before exiting the car in Seathwaite to climb Scafell Pike. As I stood awaiting the group it was clear that they too had had the same idea, as 3 hooded figures approached, squinting against the April drizzle.
As is always the case, getting out of the car is the hardest part on raining mornings and after the obligatory hood adjustments, coat zipping and cuff tightening we were soon on our way, and before long we had forgotten all about the weather.
The Fells look so much more impressive and intimidating when they are shrouded by leaden skies and I couldn't help but snap a few slides on our way up towards Sty Head from Stockley Bridge.
Almost right on cue as we rounded the corner to where on a good day, walkers can grasp their first glimpse of England's highest summit, the clouds began to lift and before long, the summits of Lingmell, Great Gable and finally Scaffel Pike herself were visible, sporting spring colours of black, white, brown and moulten grey.
A momentary weather window it was not, as from here on in the day just became brighter and brighter. Layers were adjusted and sunglasses were pulled out from the depths of the bag as we continued on along what was turning out to be a very sunny corridor route.
After a short stop for lunch just below Lingmell Col we made the final push for the summit of Scafell Pike, with our efforts being rewarded by some truly spectacular panoramas.
The Isle of Man, looming above the sea mist to the west, the fells littering the foreground and to top it off, we were treated to a clear view across the border to the mountains of Galloway in Scotland.
With little snow left, the journey down from the summit of Scafell Pike to Esk Hause was a speedy one and before we could say 'why are there two stuffed rabbits sitting on the that cairn' we were trundling back through the gate into Seathwaite farm as the sun sank below the Gables.
