I had a rather perilous drive over Kirkstone Pass in fog so thick I could only just make out two white lines over the edge of the bonnet. After that, nothing, my main beam reflecting back made the visibility worse. It's fair to say I was glad to see The Brothers Water Inn on the other side of the pass. I turned right towards Hartsop and was surprised to find half a dozen cars already there and one more that pulled up as I was reversing my car, made seven. Even though it was only 07:45am, it wasn't such a big surprise. With my heart rate retruning to normal, I began to kit up at the side of an Audi whose occupants were just about ready to leave, and a 'morning' was shared over the roofs of the cars. 

It was very quiet weather-wise, still dull as the sun hadn't risen, and with high winds forecast I kitted up in my windproof trousers but for now I would keep to a single base layer topped up with my Mountain Equipment softshell. A van pulls on the car park whose owner didn't waste any time opening the rear doors to reveal an E-mountain bike, and before I knew it, he'd opened the gate and was already overtaking the three walkers, two lads, and a girl before disappearing in the direction of Hayeswater Gill.

I joined the track alongside the gill passing dozens of sheep who scatter as I pass. Further up the lane I noticed the trio had stopped on the steep slope next to the gate, moments later I found a bag containing two pink handled Leki walking poles and I instantly knew the girl from the trio must have dropped them by accident. I picked the bag up looked up and thought 'stay there don't move' and picked it up a gear as they had a good 150 yards of slope ahead of me but I I needn't have worried because unbeknown to me one of the lads began to head back (I'm thinking he saw me pick the bag up) and within minutes we met and I handed the poles over. The lad couldn't thank me enough and we walked back up the slope together where I was also thanked again by the girl. As it turned out they were walking an extended Hayeswater Circuit which would also include Rest Dodd and Brock Crags. Before we parted I mentioned we'd probably cross paths again along the route and with that, they began their steep ascent on Gray Crag.

I wasn't expecting to see a new bridge over the outflow of Hayeswater Gill, with the old bridge still lying on its side just as it had when I was last here back in July. The difference being that today the outflow was flowing fast and the water was much deeper. The stepping stones were under the surface but still useable with care. The moment I put my walking pole in the water it was almost carried away such the force of flow, so I stepped back onto the bank, steadied myself, and went for it again, this time prepared, and seconds later I was standing on the opposite side of the bank, ready for the steady ascent ahead of me.

The sky looked almost petrol in colour others times dark grey with hints of blue in between. Add, a strengthening wind it looked like I had a dramatic day ahead of me. I felt great not just physically but mentally which I wasn't expecting after a shitty stressful week in work; my legs felt like they had engaged into four wheel drive and I was getting a buzz from it.

I began my ascent on The Knott first by ascending from Hayeswater onto the highway that links it with Brock Crags and Angletarn Pikes. It was here that I was treated to the cold wind that the fellside had been sheltering me from. I joined the path and began my official ascent on The Knott, checking the path behind me for walkers, there wasn't any but I did see a walker wearing a bright orange jacket heading towards Brock Crags; other than that, it was just me and the sound of the rutt over the wind.

I was in my element. It wasn't a continued gurgle; in fact, the wind was so loud when I thought I heard it again I stopped second-guessing myself. By now I was climbing into a cloud, and if there were any deer around, I wouldn't be able to see them anyway, but I could definitely hear them. I stopped to add a pair of gloves, and this time I heard the distinct rutt again. The cloud cleared, and I spotted half a dozen deer on the south flank of Rest Dodd. Rutt confirmed the deer were closer than I thought using the cloud cover well.

I followed the wall, keeping it over my right shoulder, passing the familiar cairn Mardale III Bell bound. I was dying for a pee and thought about leaving the path and using the low visibility to keep me from prying eyes when, from the same direction I was thinking of going, a fell runner appeared map in hand. Despite him being off path and in low visibility, not for one minute did I think the guy was lost, noticing his map was folded over the area with a compass on top. We passed on 'you ok' disguised in the friendliest of manners meaning 'are you really ok' both replying aye good.

Guess I'm holding the pee in then.

With the summit well and truly behind me, I began the descent down the nose of Gray Crag, which isn't my preferred choice of descent, always opting to descend pathless on the Hayeswater side, but today I had good reason; the cloud was still breaking and views unfolded changing from minute to minute; I'd be a fool not to take advantage. I pass a solo walker who looked like he was struggling but still in good spirits as we passed with 'hi's, the path swerved right, and the steepness was soaked up by a half a dozen zigzags, then a straight run towards Hayeswater Gill. I could see the car park; it looked rammed and for a second I felt my stomach drop. Jeez, I hope Im not boxed in.

I forgot about the car park passing the derilict barn with the sheep pens beyond. I took in the views into Pasture Bottom; no camera would do them justice. Sadly, the sun was so bright that the photos I did take were ruined with sun spots, another view committed to memory. It was warm now, almost spring like as I neared the sheep pens where a dozen sheep mooched around the gated entrance. This was my chance to take in the view, perhaps a photo, but the sheep scattered, and well, I don't think I could top the views I'd already seen today.