As agreed during last weeks Fairfield walk today we find ourselves in the beautiful valley of Mardale on what can only be described as a mixed day of weather, although this isn't to say we didn't get the best out of the morning sunshine before the mid morning grey cloud rolled in.

Anyone who knows me will already know my fondness for not just High Street but for the Mardale valley too, this is where my love of fell walking began, a place that I taught myself to read the land, to navigate alone and where most importantly, the place where Lakeland fells came together and for me, any walk here always feels special and todays despite the cloud drama that we encountered was no different.

After a run of dry weather rain returned throughout the course of the week which meant it was eyes down on Saturday's forecast which thankfully remained the same throughout. Rod had earlier suggested that we plan a walk from Eskdale through Great Moss taking in Pen and the Scafells which I had to say was tempting, very tempting but we managed to persuade Rod to alter his plans and join us on a high level circuit of Mardale Head.

We arrive at Mardale Head and no sooner had we opened our boots to kit up we spot Rod's car who has also stopped to take photographs from various points along the Road. Rod soon joins us pulling his car alongside mine in what can only be described by now as a half full car park, it appears we weren't the only ones who wanted an early start this morning. We soon kit up whilst being joined by midges who at first didn't seem to bother us but the more we lingered the more we are swamped, it really is time to make a move.

With the cars locked we head through the new Deer fence and gate before heading right over dry ground towards the footbridge over Mardale Beck. The morning sun beams down and I can feel the heat already on the back of my neck, it certainly is a beautiful morning to be out for a fell walk but unfortunately present conditions are set to change as soon as late morning so we make the most of the sun whilst we can.

I add my new Sinner sunglasses after finding my Bloc Billy's damaged a couple of weeks ago, it feels like the end of an era because those Bloc sunglasses had been with me from the start.

We continued to follow the path raised high on the banks of Haweswater observing the old stone walls of Mardale Green which could still be seen just below the waters surface, beyond which fish begin to rise breaking the glass like surface with bubbles along side a trio of ducks who create a small wave on the other side of the bank, besides that it was just us and the Skylarks.

Instead of heading around the head of The Rigg we opt to climb onto the ridge by means of a steep narrow path which traces through new bracken before the silence is broken by a car travelling along the lake road. After reaching the top of the path we detour back slightly towards a stone wall to take in this view over Haweswater and what was once, Mardale Green.

From the Rough Crag Ridge it's difficult to imagine that the distinctive summit of Kidsty Pike can be seen from miles around, infact it's one of the main summits that can be seen from junctions 38 and 39 off the M6 Motorway.

'The Ingleborough of the Lake District'

Fond memories of an ascent on Long Stile via Riggindale always come flooding back when I take in this view, back on the day I was lucky enough to emerge through the top of a cloud inversion on to Short Stile summit when Rough Crag (where we are stood now) resembled an Island in the sky...good times.

In the southern sky the cloud that has been forecasted is beginning to build but we are still too low to see how significant it is, for that we will have to climb higher. We are soon passed by a solo walker who walked at a good pace where 'mornings' are shared before then spotting a couple in ascent on Long Stile which might explain whose the cars were back at Mardale Head. They are not the first, nor last people we will see along the ridge this morning before reaching the summit.

The light continued to fade with cloud coming and going over head, notably the temperature dipped too and by the time we arrived at Mardale III Bell the light was at its lowest with huge banks of cloud now blocking the sunlight.

On a positive note however, those clouds appeared to be scarpering quite quickly across the sky meaning we might have low light one moment quickly followed by bursts of sunshine next which only added drama along this section of the walk.

As we approached the summit we spot two walkers who are getting ready top leave "thowt it were gonna lash it down a minute ago" aye us too. We are soon caught up by a solo walker who has a dog with him, a rather sheepish looking dog which resembled Zach's from Emmerdale but by all accounts a mountain dog nevertheless, they pass by and more 'mornings' are shared.

The topic of conversation soon turns to drinking posh tea...dont ask!

We had been caught up again by the fellow with his dog who asked would I mind I take a photo of him with this view in the background, I of course obliged.

Earlier it was suggested we pay a visit to Adam Seat which is easily gained during our descent towards the top of Gatescarth Pass, it's a simple case of leaving the path before crossing a short grassy col before reaching its summit.

We could have made our way back to the path seen over on the left but it was no trouble to stick to the wooden fence until we reached the top of Gatescarth Pass, besides had we of returned towards the path we might have to have a word with the guy who thought it was cool to ascend Harter Fell in just flip flops, yes flip flops.

Best our paths didn't cross I think.

Despite its steepness I have always enjoyed the ascent of Branstree from the top of Gatescarth Pass and todays ascent was no different even if it meant for the first time throughout the walk we got our boots wet as we crossed the familiar boggy ground after leaving the top of the pass. Momentum soon returned and we eased our way towards the summit only stopping to chat about where should we stop for lunch because right about now I'm starting to feel hungry, in fact we all are.

It was agreed we would continue towards Selside Pike until we broke out lunch.

We had seen a group of walkers on Selside Pike's summit and had hoped they might have moved on by the time we arrived, we were in luck. Despite the sunshine a cool breeze blew which could have been on the cool side had we not of been on the move. The summit shelter was soon reached after crossing a relatively dry Captain Welters Bog before the final push towards the summit.

With the summit reached we wasted no time tucking ourselves within the shelter each making sure we were clear of the summit winds before breaking out lunch, it was our first rest stop of the walk and we ate while the wind blew over the shelter wall. It was still cloudy during our down time and to be honest I was starting to feel the bite wearing just the one layer but thankfuly as soon as lunch had been packed away the sun reappeared bringing with it some welcome warmth.

Having descended Selside End and despite the walk being almost over the last mile or so was undertaken along the Corpse Road which offered fantastic views over Mardale Head, the ground underfoot is dry, the Cotton Grass is flourishing and the Skylarks are singing over the top of the wind.

Just how do you put all of that into words?

David and Rod had gone ahead while I continued to take shot after shot of my favourite Lakeland Fell soon catching them up once the tarmac was reached. We've got less than half a mile to walk before reaching Mardale Head which we do at a snails pace while taking in the views or simply stopping to chat. Cars pass in both directions and we can see how busy Mardale Head is now by the glint from the many car windscreens but it didn't matter, not when you've been treated to the light drama as we had today followed by the best walk back to the car that Lakeland has to offer.