In reply to no_more_scotch_eggs:
well, in the end couldnt face the 6 hours each way to glencoe, and took a punt on there being something left in the lakes. on friday walked up onto bowfell, no snow at all until about 50m below the climbers' traverse- but then good coverage on level ground, though the buttresses were black. axes and crampons on for the traverse, which was more exposed than i remember, and crossing a couple of gullies gave pause for thought. had a look at north gully on bowfell buttress, but it wasn't there; so looked at south gully. thin ribbons of snow over scree in the bottom third, but complete above that, snowpack stable on pit test, so pressed on. steep but non corniced exit, fair grade I territory. then extended the day over bowfell and esk pike, descent past angle tarn, some good navigation practice in the clag. felt good to snatch a winter route after all, at the very end of such a poor season...!
then some valley cragging in the sun on scout crags on saturday, a good weekend!
cheers
gregor
Post edited at 21:52