Grasmere was cloudy and windy when we arrived in time for an excellent dinner at Glenthorne.

We chatted in the conservatory before dinner, getting to know each other's names, then went for a short stroll - a roundabout route to the pub!

We took the route out through the field in front of the guest house, then over the river on stepping stones.

Another little detour took us past the last of the bluebells beneath Butterlip How, and so finally around to Tweedie's pub.

Here we endured half an hour being buffeted by a mini-gale in the pub garden, after which we headed for to our snug beds!

Sun and cloud greeted us in the morning with the forecast promising it could only get better.

Our goal today was the Blea Rigg ridge via Sour Milk Gill waterfall and Easedale Tarn.

We made good time up to the tarn, pausing to admire the waterfall on the way.

After a break beside the water, we took a steepish path up to the ridge, pausing for views of Easedale Tarn whenever we needed to catch our breath.

Glorious views rewarded us at the top, both back to the tarn, and across towards Great Langdale and the Coniston Fells beyond.

Walking down the ridge, we found a wind-free sun trap for lunch overlooking Easedale and Grasmere.

Continuing on down the ridge we could see back to the Langdale Pikes and the Crinkle Crags at the head of Great Langdale.

It was a beautiful walk with the sun coming through more and more.

After a last short ascent onto Silver How we could see Grasmere below us and Windermere in the distance.

We took the main path down, stopping when we reached Grasmere for delicious cakes at the Jumble Cafe.

Julie needed help buying new boots - and the rest of us helped ourselves to a few other items from the 20%-off sale!

Despite these detours we arrived back in time for a second cup of tea in the garden before showers and supper.

That evening, the group were unenthusiastic when I brandished my brand new rounders bat, preferring a game of Jenga followed by another trip to the pub. The end of a lovely day!

We woke to another beautiful day - and then heard it was raining further south. Who says it always rains in the Lakes!

In case the weather didn't hold, we did another good long walk today - steeply up Helm Crag then along the top of the ridge.

We took the steep bits slowly, and stopped when we had good views back over Grasmere.

From Lion rock, we started along the ridge - with all its ups and downs and fab views.

Just before Calf Crag, June found the perfect lunch spot - time for some sunbathing!

The peat bogs beyond Calf Crag were very dry, and we crossed them easily to turn down into pretty Far Easedale.

As we walked, Maggie was composing a poem in her head:

Maggie's Helm Crag poem:
Arriving from Ireland, the Midlands and Kent,
Over boulders, bogs and crags they went.
All the gear was present, the poles and the boots
Sun, wind or rain, they didn't give a hoot.
Urged on by Diana, stared at by sheep,
At the end of the day all collapsed in a heap.
Sunburnt smiling faces, all have survived -
WalkingWomen in Grasmere 2005!

In the evening there was another trip to the pub - by those who still had the energy!

The forecast for today had been rain - but in the end none materialised. Instead the weather held and we had another glorious day.

Rather than go high again, we did a lovely long low intermediate walk that was kind to some painful knees in the group.

Driving over the hill to Elterwater, we set off for Little Langdale and High Tilberthwaite - and some 'chocolate box' views!

We walked past Little Langdale Tarn, and crossed Slaters Bridge - an original packhorse bridge.

We then turned south through the woods to High Tilberthwaite. There were still bluebells growing on the banks.

From High Tilberthwaite we made our way to a very pretty tarn for lunch.

The water wasn't deemed warm enough for a swim, but several women cooled their feet.

After lunch, half the group wanted to climb Holme Fell while the others sunned by the tarn in charge of the rucksacks.

From the summit we had 360 degree views that included Lake Coniston and many of the Central Fells.

Leaving our idylic lunch spot, we now headed back to Elterwater - this time via the Hodge Close quarry and Skelwith Bridge.

Part of this route was along the Cumbria Way and included a detour to Colwith Force. There were lambs in the fields everywhere.

At Skelwith Bridge we indulged in some well-earned tea and cake before walking back beside the Brathay River to Elterwater.

Finally the weather broke in the night and we woke to drizzle and low cloud.

Once packed up, we set off on our last walk - this time staying low around Grasmere and Rydal Water.

We were treated to 'atmospheric' Lake District views of the two lakes, and of rhododendrons in full flower as we walked past the old houses overlooking Grasmere.

The geese and their young didn't mind the rain a bit!

Beyond Grasmere we walked through the woods to Rydal, and took the higher path via Rydal Cave for a quick break from the rain.

By the time we reached Rydal village we were glad of a cup of hot tea at the tea rooms before finally heading back along the Coffin Trail.

It was sad to see the many older trees felled in the January gales.

Back at Glenthorne we ate our sandwiches in the warm and dry.

Then it was hugs goodbye and journeys home - still savouring the sun of the previous 3 days!