Nine of us arrived at Carnforth for the fell walk on 22.02.10 on a beautiful morning with a warning that ice axes should be used if going above 450m. Since our planned walk was significantly higher than this we decided to go to Loughrigg which is significantly below this height. An hour later we were all well wrapped up and ready for off from Skelwith Bridge. We used a less common ascent up the road, then below Ivy Crag up the path that leads to Fox Gill. Just before the col between Tod Crag and Loughrigg we turned west and more or less followed the ridge up to the summit. The views all the way up were spectacular with only the highest eastern summits hidden by clouds and with lots of sunshine. The amount of snow was very manageable and the ice avoidable. A significant wind-chill on exposed ridges did no stop us lunching at noon just below the summit with a brilliant view to the south and west although the sun was no longer continuous.  We then descended the north face to the top of Loughrigg Terrace above Grasmere. Here the snow was much deeper (over 6inches on average) but away from the paths there was no ice and the snow was soft. So by going off-piste we had a marvellous zigzag down with very few slides. It really exhibited the difference that a north face can make.  A solitary pair of clip on crampons nobly loaned by our most provident member to the person finding the going hardest got us down all still smiling.  The contrast between the snow on the south facing and north facing slopes around Grasmere was spectacular. We returned by Loughrigg Tarn and the direct path to Skelwith Bridge to tea etc at the cafe by the River Brathay and were back at Carnforth at 4pm after an exceptional day on the hills. We certainly did the right thing by going to Loughrigg!

John Ellison