We stayed in Grasmere for the weekend on our first visit to the Lake District. The cloud was very low on Saturday, and when we drove across Wrynose and Hardknott passes to Wasdale, the journey was not a pleasant one, with visibility being not much further than the bonnet of the car. Luckily, few other people were stupid enough to drive that way, as I would not like to think what I would have done, if I had needed to reverse on one of the hairpin bends. When we reached Wasdale, the visibility was no better, and after walking halfway up Lingmell, we decided to call it a day and come back tomorrow.

Sunday was better, and although it could not be described as a clear day, at least the cloud was lifting at regular intervals, giving us glimpses of the stunning views of the area.

We set out from Brackenclose Car Park, and followed Lingmell Gill towards Hollow Stones.

As we walked alongside Lingmell Gill, the cloud was lifting and coming down again, offering us occasional glimpses of the route ahead.

When we got to Hollow Stones, we had the choice of going straight up Mickledore or round Pikes Crag to Lingmell Col, then turning right for the summit. We stopped for a break, watching the rock climbers, and chatted to another couple about which route to take.

In the end, the other couple chose Mickledore, and we went the longer, but easier, route round to Lingmell Col.

After a long slog up the rocky top of Scafell Pike, David finally realised half of his ambition when he reached the summit cairn. He handed me his camera to take his picture, but unfortunately the camera did not work. Luckily I had my digital camera in my rucksack, and I used that instead.