This Is Not the End...

...it is not even the beginning of the end; it is only the end of the beginning. Not, as you may be thinking, of my 'running' career, but of the ongoing - Saga of the Passes.

In 2017 we attempted all seven, but only managed four. In 2018 we ticked off a couple more, and last Saturday we mopped up the final two. So all that remains to do is the whole lot in one fell (good word) swoop.

Back to Saturday. Five of us:- TF, SN, YJ (not as originally posted), Steve and yours truly set off from Seatoller at the south end of Borrowdale aiming for Wasdale Head via Styhead. En route we passed through Seathwaite, soon after which this shot was taken clearly showing TF making good progress with her recently acquired walking poles:-

Then here we are on Stockley Bridge (minus photographer Steve):-

Then down to Wasdale Head:-

...where the suggestion that we call in at the Inn for refreshments fell on deaf ears, and we set about the long haul over Black Sail Pass and down to the head of the Ennerdale Valley, just upstream from the hut.

From there it was onto the rough plateau between Ennerdale and Honister via the Loft Beck Crossing, from where this picture may have been taken - is that the bulk of Pillar making up most of the background?

Then, as we start to lose height, Fleetwith Pike and Buttermere come into view. 

Then a gentle saunter down towards to slate mines:-

...to admire the new sculptures:-

Then down the old drovers' road along the motor road back to Seatoller.

Apparently a good tough14 miles with over 3,000ft of climbing:-

Thank you John for chaufering the entire party, and to you all for your company, for bearing with me at my ever slowing rate of progress and for the various pictorial compilations included above.

June 21st 2020 sounds like a sensible date to take on the full seven - anybody?