The first day of predicted fine weather arrives on cue and Loes and I head up to Buttermere to enjoy the views. 

A 'Long How' walk to Crummock Water seemed hardly sufficient,

so we added a stroll to Buttermere (lake) and the Spindle Tree before it was time to head back for lunch.

After what seems like months of muddy footpaths and damp air,

the weather forecast suggested a couple of weeks of cold, dry winter weather was on its way.

A view of Great Gable at the top of the valley, taken from the garden, confirms that it should be a great day for a walk.

Morning mists persist well after breakfast, as we start our drive to Buttermere.

The high fell in the background is Grasmoor, which is the target for tomorrow's Mob Walk, so a gentle warm-up one would do today.

Looking back at the morning sun on Mellbreak,

as we take the short drive alongside Crummock Water to Buttermere Village.

Frosty fields below Wood House and cloud on Fleetwith Pike as we reach the head of Crummock.

We parked at the National Trust car park, already nearly full of cars this bright Saturday morning,

and head off through the woodland of Long How.

Mill Beck below the path doesn't seem over full, but then Cumbria didn't suffer the heavy rainfall

of Storm Henk, compared to many of the more eastern and southern parts of the UK.

Views towards Mellbreak as we cross the footbridge and head down to the lake shore.

A slight diversion up onto the slopes of Nether How in the middle of the valley

took us into the oak woodlands that cover this island of high ground.

The light this morning has the beautifully crisp, clear blue of a bright winter's day.

The slight breeze out on Crummock Water fails to disturb the lovely reflections of Mellbreak.

Looking down the lake, from the rocks at the end of the beach, with Low fell in the distance.

More of a framed panorama from the beach.

The light contrast are great but you can spot Loes by the tree as she stands in the shadows.

Fences not fishing nets . . .

It makes you shiver just to look up the valley, across the frosty fields, towards Fleetwith Pike.

Wood How with a misty background of Low Bank on the extended Rannerdale Knotts.

Our route brought us back through the Long How woods to the car park.

The morning was yet young so we decided to extend our unplanned walk to include a walk over to Buttermere.

Saint James's Church seen from Syke Farm.

The road looks level but it is an optical illusion . . . just ask the cyclist who has worked hard to get up without dismounting.

We turn at the top cafe and head along the footpath to the lake, through Wilkinsyke Farm.

The farm track turns into a field track as we regain our view of Fleetwith Pike and Haystacks.

As the path reached the small Bowder Beck area, we see the lake for the first time on the walk.

Like Crummock, the ripples on the water are few and quite far away, so the reflections are equally good.

The classic Spindle Tree, grows with its roots in the water most of the year.

It gives photographers the contrast of its delicacy compared to the bulk of the fells behind . . . plus a watery reflection !

Ash die back has caused many of the other trees by the lake shore to be felled, but some are re-growing.

Rannerdale is now clear of mist but the clouds still drifts under the slopes of Grasmoor.

Who put that there . . . temptation !

The Fish, or more correctly the Buttermere Court Hotel, looks inviting.

It's warm inside and the new seating feels comfortable.

I think the warm air must have condensed on the lens, to provide this rather different, soft-focus interior photo.

Our initial thought was a nice warming coffee . . . but the extended walk means now could be classed as 'lunchtime'.

A rather nice 'Mac and Cheese' would avoid us preparing our own lunch when we get back.

"Could you also please add two Bonio Biscuits for the dogs to the bill . . . thanks"

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