Despite a few drops of rain, the weather was quite promising as we started arriving at Glenthorne G/H in Grasmere on Friday afternoon.

The afternoon tea and cakes were very welcome and women were soon chatting and getting to know each other. Some women went off into Grasmere for a stroll while others settled into their rooms.

We all met up again for dinner after which we had a short meeting to talk about the walks we were planning. Most women had an early night, although some went off to explore the various pubs of Grasmere.

I (Pam) took the Gentle walk today. The sky was overcast and it was definitely a bit chilly as we set off up Langdale Road with Grasmere Lake on our left and then into the woods.

We caught more glimpses of the lake and made our way through the bracken, admiring the ingenious combination of stone walling and fencing as we went.

As we started along Loughrigg Terrace we were surprised to find what looked like a solitary blue gentian plant and wondered how it had got there.

The cloud was still low as we looked back and it felt as though it would rain.

We paused several times along the Terrace to admire the views over Grasmere and Rydal Water and stopped off to explore Rydal caves.

We were just thinking about lunch when we happened upon the Low Intermediate group who had paused for a brew up to try out Marion's new Kelly Kettle - that's her behind the smoke!.

After serving us tea & coffee the Low Intermediate group then headed off up Loughrigg fell and we finished our lunch.

We then made our way over the River Rothay and up to Rydal Hall for the obligatory visit to the tearoom!

We then headed back to Grasmere along the Coffin Trail, catching a glimpse of the sun that had been promised as we made our way down into the village.

We were back in time for more tea and cakes at Glenthorne!

Marian's Intermediate walk had started around Grasmere in the opposite direction, taking the path behind Butharlyp Howe YH where the badger sets are.

Beyond Wordsworth's Dove Cottage they detoured to White Moss Common for the view, and found some puff balls - a clear sign of autumn.

Instead of walking to Rydal they dropped down to cross the river between Grasmere and Rydal Water, and headed up to Rydal Caves for elevenses - which is where we others had found them making a brew with Marian's new kettle!

There was some mirth as it took a while to get it lit, but Marian brazened it out, and once it lit it boiled very quickly.

From here they headed up onto Loughrigg Fell where they had great views of Windermere, Esthwaite Water, Thirlmere resevoir and the Langdale Pikes - and across to the Coniston fells.

They sat on the summit soaking in the views - and looking at the map so that women could see what they were seeing.

They returned down the easy route and headed on down to the weir below Loughrigg Terrace to follow the lakeside path back to Grasmere in time for the 4.30 tea and cake trolley!

In the evening after dinner some women went to the pub while others played sometimes heated games of Scrabble & Jenga!

After heavy rain in the night to fill the waterfalls, this morning we chose the path up to Easedale Tarn. I (Marian) set off first with the Intermediate walk.

Sour Milk Gill waterfalls were indeed roaring, and as it was getting very windy, so we decided to modify our plans and avoid Blea Rigg as originally intended.

Instead we walked around Easedale Tarn, cut down the path into Far Easedale, then walked a short way up this new valley before heading back.

As we passed the end of the road in Easedale we see mountain rescue> They have been called out by a group we saw earlier - someone wearing trainers has sustained a leg injury.

We reached Glenthorne G/H in time to get a hot drink and change for our journey home.

Pam had followed with the Gentle walk to Easedale Tarn. Some women came part of the way - just for a short walk - before turning back to start home early.

The rest of them continued up the rocky path, with more great views of Sourmilk Gill waterfall.

Just when they thought the tarn was never going to appear they caught their first glimpse of it.

Here they came across the rest of us tucked away in a sheltered spot out of the wind, and joined us for a while.

Refreshed, they then followed on around the tarn behind us, encountering the same boggy ground, and finding it hard to avoid a couple of wet feet while crossing the inlet stream.

The rain set in again, making the views very atmospheric.

They paused briefly for lunch out of the wind, but the rain had no mercy, and they headed back to Grasmere to get out of wet gear and have a hot cuppa before leaving.

An enjoyable w/e and we felt greatly refreshed as we set off home. Trouble is, weekends are just too short!