Our semi-annual gathering of ex-members of the Nottingham University mountaineering society (MPS) happened last weekend. What follows is a mostly pictorial summary (hopefully the short comments don’t read too much like a Buzzfeed article!).

We stayed in Penruddock again, and with a miserable forecast on Saturday we decided to head for the northern fells. First up was Blencathra, but the day begin with some excitement just yards from the car.

With wet feet, we climbed up and into the cloud.

Great navigation by Ben got us to where we needed to be (although we missed the Cloven Stone, whatever that might be).

Wetness was a general theme throughout the day.

Continually.

After spending the first half of the day off-piste, the afternoon was at least spent on paths.

Fortunately excellent company conquers all bad weather, and a good day was had by all.

Dinner was both massive and very tasty (thanks John!) and followed up by a Kendal Mint Cake Liqueur Hot Chocolate – highly recommended!

On Sunday we headed to Braithwaite with more hills in mind. This day also started with something ludicrous within the first 300m – this time a near-vertical slippery muddy slope covered in bracken.

Grisedale Pike was first, where John had to leave us due to injury (nothing too serious).

The rest of us carried on to Hopegill Head and then south to Sand Hill and Grasmoor.

The cloud cleared and we were rewarded with some views, finally!

Ben and I took full advantage of the visibility to run a few up- and downhills; thanks to Stu and Phil for putting up with us running off giggling at every opportunity.

The running was brilliant – mostly very fast, some nice technical bits, and in the most spectacular surroundings. I should do the Lake District more often.

All things considered, it was another excellent weekend. Roll on the next one.