Branstree summit camp,March 2022

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So after a few "Mehh" camps it was nice to see a good forecast looming.Met Jamie near Kendal and then took the one car down the windey road too Sadgill,an early start so first ones there and on the move for 7-30 am 




It was a cold wind from the start the temp at 2-3c,but windchill took it to -7c ,as we head up the pass then turned North to head onto Shipman Knotts 



From Goat scar we could see snow covering,Branstree summit,where we will camp later today 

Sadgill valley looked lovely 







As we left Shipman knotts we were head on into the cold North wind,-12c at times meant exposed skin was soon aching,the views back from Kentmere pike were stunning 





























Haweswater and the lovely Small water looked cold as the wind raced up the cold slopes too attack us 



















From Harter fell we turned towards the pass and the steady plod upto Branstree summit...id picked this for our camp,the wall helping to kill off the windchill





But on the chance id find another spot we carried on,with our packs,to Selside.The small tarn between these two peaks makes Branstree look smaller it was.The last pull up was a little slower as we had picked up and filtered water for the long night ahead 





The days sun had melted the slight snow covering we had seen,earlier in the day,so we mooched around for a while trying to find some dryer patches 

















And what a great pitch it was too,the shelters cutting of the last of any windchill,brews in hand it was time to soak in the views 
























Tea was another tasty one from Bla Bland supplied by the lovely folk at Basecamp foods 











Tea eaten we got out to take some pics,checking jamies first pics i spied the faint glow of Aurora,which started much rushing about to trying get more pics


Unfortunately the best of it was washed out by the light from Penrith and was on the other side of the wall..where the strong wind reduced me to just taking a few pics...cold cold fingers and the wind was moving the tripod a little too much


























But it was great to see the stars out again,but mist banks kept passing through wetting the camera lenses.A nice nights sleep even if i was missing my Xtherm mattress (sent away for repair)


As a treat id brought two eggs and some bacon from the butchers,so so tasty.....someone forgot his bacon  !








The morning had started misted over but as dawn approached it broke up and we got an ok sunrise too as we finished more brews 









Heavy over night heavy frost,needed wiping down first and then we got packed up









L.N.T







It was stunning morning as we walked over to bag another two new peaks for Jamies round,this trip adding him Branstree,Selside,Grey crag and Tarn crag 















Then it was a drop back down to the car and the drive back home again..bit picture heavy but it was such a nice trip ................Safe travels Peter


 

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