Four established members, four newbies and a weekend visitor from Essex made a pleasant mixed group for a winter walk in the Eastern fells. The weather gods smiled on us, bringing mostly sunny and clear conditions after a  few grey and dull days.

From Troutbeck Church we walked up the valley and a short, sharp climb took us on to The Tongue. A gentle descent down the back of the fell took us to the main climb of the day up Scot Rake, the old Roman route, to Thornthwaite Crag. Two weeks earlier this had been a very tough climb, with up to 18 inches of snow in the gullies, but only occasional patches were now left. Lunch was taken by the impressive column of Thornthwaite Beacon, the high point of the walk at over 2500 feet. The morning's low cloud obstinately refused to disperse, with just tantalising glimpses of the extensive views to encourage the keen photographer in the party.

We retraced our steps a little way, then continued south along an arm of the Kentmere horseshoe, with short climbs up Froswick, Ill Bell and Yoke. By now the cloud had moved on to give splendid views of Windermere, Morecambe Bay and the surrounding fells. Crossing the Garburn Pass we continued up grassy paths to the simple summits of Sallows and Sour Howes before descending to meet the Garburn Road again and return to the cars. Seven Wainwrights bagged in an enjoyable day's outing.