Sunday, 22nd January 2017

Walk: Whicham, Townend Knotts, Black Combe, Annaside, Throstlerake Crag
Start Point: Lay by on the A5093 near Silecroft Grid Reference: SD 132 822
Distance: 12.8 miles Ascent: 2,520 feet
Time: 6 hours
Weather: Very cold with picturesque hoar frost on the higher fells
Comments: A long, gradual ascent took us to the summit of Black Combe where the picturesque hoar frost made up for the lack of more distant views - due to a low mist. The frozen ground was replaced by muddy sections as we descended but the head wind kept the temperature low. The coastal path showed extensive signs of erosion as we made our way back to the cars.

The hoar frost has left a fine covering . . .

of frozen ice crystals . . .

on the stalks of the low grasses . . .

creating a very tempting . . .

choice for . . .

lots of photos . . .

making it really difficult to choose which to include

The group continues . . .

across the frozen ground . . .

to reach the summit . . .

of Black Combe . . .

which is an Outlying Fell . . .

and a Birkett

As we descended the frost disappeared

After crossing Hall Foss Beck . . .

we spotted the sheep in two distinct lines . . .

and the reason for doing this is the centre of discussion for . . .

'The Last of the Summer Wine' group

Is it a bike - No, just abandoned farm equipment!

A spot of colour as we continue on . . .

to cross under . . .

the Cumbrian Coast Railway Line

The unusual arrangement of bricks . . .

now becomes the focus of further discussions

A very muddy field is home to 2 horses and a Shetland pony . . .

and the horses check out who is crossing their patch . . .

but one doesn't seem too happy - spot Ian behind the black horse . . .

which decides on a roll as we leave

Dropping out of the wind for lunch . . .

John explores the water line . . .

before we continue on a southerly route . . .

past a very eroded section . . .

and take a last look to the north

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