Ann and Roger were otherwise engaged today so Jo and I were left to do a walk on our own. We chose Grasmere to Stone Arthur then via Heron Pike to Nab Scar and a return via Alcock Tarn. The rain was pouring down at 6 am but as promised by the forecasters it looked better by 8 am and by the time we started from Grasmere it was grey and humid but dry. There was a lot of low cloud about though and we entered it just as we left the rocks of Stone Arthur behind. Then a gentle climb to join the Fairfield Horseshoe just short of Great Rigg. We had thought of diverting the short way to include Great Rigg but the mist was thick and there was rain in the air so we headed right down the ridge to Heron Pike.

The rain was intermittent and there was an east wind blowing across the ridge and just after Heron Pike we were forced to put overtrousers on for the first time. Sadly we left the decision about five minutes too late (don't you hate it when that happens?). Of course soon after we put on the overtrousers the sun came out and gave us a good view of Nab Scar as we approached. We had lunch perched high above Rydal Water looking over to the Great Cave on Louhrigg. The weather really couldn't make its mind up and rain threatened just as we finished lunch.

Then it was down to Alcock Tarn where we were mightily annoyed by the local landowner who had barred access to the Tarn for anyone approaching it down the path we used. There was an opening in a wall obstructed with iron bars. We could have climbed over but it would have been a struggle getting Jodie over. So we had to divert through thick bracken on a faint track and then cross a bog to join the track at the north end of the tarn. The obstructed gap would have taken a small gate (cost £60 from Relph's at Yanwath and fittings costing £20) but this £80 is obviously too much for the landowner who would much rather regularly replace the iron bars when they get knocked out by people climbing over them (assuming they don't have a lurcher with them!) Sheer stupidity and one thing I thought we had seen the last of when the right to roam legislation was enacted.

Once we reached the normal path is was a steep but easy descent to the bottom of Greenhead Gill and Grasmere Village.

Enjoy the pictures - we had a bit of everything weatherwise - even a spot of sunshine on Nab Scar which leaves Jo with just 24 Wainwrights to do.

http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/559698911NdSdSE

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