The weather forecast for Sunday 17 January was good; clear but cold.  Many LDWA aficionados were looking forward to the walk.  The only problem was there had been snow the previous day which meant that travelling by car was a significant challenge.  The journey from the A66 to the start of the walk, the car park at the side of the road just south of Bowscale village (Grid Reference NY 359316), was particularly hazardous.  The snow and ice meant that only four-wheel drive vehicles could safely negotiate the journey and as a result only Neil from Cumbria and Helen from Lancashire reached the starting point in their respective vehicles.

 Microspikes were secured onto boots and the intrepid duo headed off through Bowscale village and the road out west next to the River Caldew.  They passed Swineside and Roundhouse to reach the Cumbria Way and the south-west path to Skiddaw House.  Progress at first was good but became more challenging as the depth of snow increased and the terrain underneath boggier.  A morning break was deserved and taken just below Skiddaw House, which can be seen behind Helen.  What next, continue with the circumnavigation of Blencathra in deepening snow or retrace our steps back to Bowscale and optimise our enjoyment of a good day out in the snow?  An easy decision, this was Cumbria LDWA Walk Number 101 not Room 101!  It was an excellent 11-mile winter walk.