For May it’s fairly overcast. At least it not raining. Well, not too much.

It’s several months since Coniston when the clouds were dark and Winter was rolling in. It feels like a different world today. 

Six of us. All buoyed by early Summer optimism. Meeting up is always a joy. Even our faffing around generates laughter. Our goal on this May Saturday is to hike to the top of a hill called Latterbarrow, described by legendary Lakeland guidebook author Alfred Wainwright as “a circular walk needing little effort yet yielding much delight”. And so it proves.

The magnificent Hawkshead landscape is laid before us like a freshly painted canvas; vibrant shades of green, trees in full leaf, Spring truly sprung. There’s a strong breeze on the open fells and the mood is positive. An early pit-stop. Tea and cakes in the little cafe on the shore of Estwaite Water.

While we walk, we talk. About what’s going on in our lives, about the past, about the future. About our health, both physical and mental. The conversation is open and honest. It feels good. As if the psychological baggage we normally carry around with us has been left far behind. I feel blessed to have these friends. I know it’s a rare thing. Not everyone is lucky enough to have this.

We take our lunch beside picturesque Moss Eccles Tarn, once owned by Beatrix Potter and bequeathed to the National Trust after her death. Like a pair of innocents from one of her stories, Rob and Les decide to brave it’s icy depths. Their theatrical tiptoeing, squeals and comedic splashing has the rest of us laughing like drains.

Our ascent takes us past an impressive area of forest. Forbidding in its density. Part of it recently cleared with freshly sawn logs stacked in orderly piles. The setting provides interesting and atmospheric photo opportunities. Trees stumps are posed upon and we marvel at the visual drama all around us. 

I still draw great satisfaction from shooting on 35mm film. My Fujica. Its reassuring weight, heavy with history and warm against my heart. A camera I first used 44 years ago. It still works perfectly. Even after all I have put it through in that time.

Latterbarrow is eventually reached. The wind has picked up but the views are as uplifting as ever. We gather around the summit’s elegant obelisk for a group photograph. It always feels special to get to the top and breathe deeply, of both the rarefied air and the sense of achievement. For me it’s a reward, a salve for the stresses and strains of London work life – the daily challenge of the underground rush hour, the capital’s bustling rudeness, the pollution. The contrast is profound. Standing in this wonderful place on a day like this is a priceless theraputic experience.

Upon our descent we head directly to The Queen’s Head. Lovely food, fine local ales and more conversation, which gets sillier with each pint. Later, sated and sleepy, we stroll beneath the stars to the YHA where we check in by 10h30. On this occasion we are split between 2 rooms which are basic but comfortable. Before long, the late night playlist is on, the lights are out, and we’re drifting away to another land. Through the clouds and into the sunshine.