Proof, if proof were needed, of how quickly the weather can change and that a map and compass are essential when walking in the Lakes, was evident on Day 4.  Like Day 1, the forecast was for the clouds to lift around late morning.  We should have set off later, but we were keen to get on with it, hoping the mist would rise as we climbed Whiteless Pike on the way to Crag Hill.  From there we thought we might ‘bag’ Sail, but as you can see from the photos below, we were still in the clouds when we reached Whiteless Pike – a featureless mountain, with only a trig point and pile of stones for company.  Visibility was down to less than 30 yards.

So out came the map and a compass and we took a westerly bearing, soon emerging from the mist, down to a stream leading to Coledale Hause.  There we took stock, looking at the cloud still hanging over Grisedale Pike, hoping it would clear as we sat for a few minutes refuelling.  Colin again decided that he preferred the simpler and more visible route down the Miner’s track to Braithwaite.  But, flushed with our earlier navigational success, Pete and I figured it would only be about a kilometer or so in the cloud and that we’d still get great views when we emerged from the other side.

So it was that we again went our separate ways.  However, less than 10 minutes later, the cloud cleared completely and Pete & I were blessed with fantastic views in all directions.

Feeling rather pleased with our decision, not to mention completing our walk, we stopped and sat outside the Coledale Inn in glorious sunshine for some well earned refreshment. 🙂

Tomorrow, after also spending some time walking in the southern Lakes, Jude would pick me up and whisk me off to Scotland…