For most of the night the sky was clear. I slept soundly until about 3am when I woke with a start. It sounded like there was a large animal of some kind outside the tent. It couldn't be a sheep at this time and the only other option was a badger, though I don't think they live in high areas like this. I switched on my head torch and looked outside. All I could see was a sky full of stars. So I put the sounds down to the wind getting up. By sunrise some cloud had rolled in but there was still a watery sunrise. Mist had settled in the valley bottoms and even though I was in sunshine I wondered what it must be like in the low villages in the cold mist. I packed up and started the steep climb towards Wetherlam.

Sunrise from camp 1

Sunrise from camp 1

Looking down to Seathwaite Tarn.

My objective wasn't the summit but to traverse west towards Red Sails. There were some difficult rocky sections but most was easy grass. I reached the main path approaching Red Sails but the earlier view of Great Carrs had now vanished in the mist. I followed the path down to the large cairn on Swirl Hawse. I couldn't see it at first but eventually it appeared in the mist. I then started up Prison Band which is a ridge climb. It seemed to take ages and wasn't helped by having false summits along the ridge. Eventually I reached the summit cairn on Swirl How and was relieved to see a view of Grey Friar summit ahead which is where my next planned camp will be.

There is no water on the summit so I descended to a spring below Swirl Band to the SW. I filled my water bag and followed the path back towards Grey Friar. I'd need to carry the water about half a mile but unlike yesterday I would be on a good path with not much height gain. I headed for a pitch I'd used before which is has an excellent view and is just off the main path so has a degree of seclusion.

From camp 2 on Grey Friar towards
Coniston Old Man.

After pitching the tent I enjoyed a relaxing day reading and watching the many walkers on the ridge between Swirl How and Coniston Old Man. Fortunately few came over Grey Friar. Looking through my binoculars I could see Blackpool Tower just to the left of Dow Crag. Later in the afternoon I enjoyed wandering around the summit and admiring the view. I thought I had the place to myself but a lone walker wandered by. We chatted for a while then he continued down. After tea I went for another walk over the summit to watch the sunset.

On the summit of Grey Friar.

View to the Irish Sea across Devoke Water.

Looking across the Irish Sea
The Isle of Man can be seen in the distance.