
Broken computer at work meant I got the day off, (yippee!) there had been heavy snowfall in the Lakes so I dashed to climb Haystacks, a hill I haven't climbed for a while and low enough to ascend later on in the morning (I usually prefer early starts and did not want to risk darkness falling before I could finish my walk). The snow was very deep (over knee height in places) and crampons were worn and ice axe carried. I started in Buttermere and walked beside the lake before heading up to Scarth Gap. The views were amazing from the summit and care was needed not to step into icy puddles/streams on the way to Innominate Tarn. It was very hard going as the snow was not completely hardened, and there was a considerable wind chill in the breeze. I returned via the same route. There was no wildlife to note and all the vegetation of course was covered, though I know from previous visits that the area is very heathery, with large boulders to negotiate around Scarth Gap. Red squirrels can be found in the woodland surrounding the lake. I have also noticed what I believe were water pipits around the lake later in the year.
Area :
Western Fells
From Crummock Water and Buttermere in the north as far south as the river Esk.