I was at the bus stop for the 06:08am to Preston, which was late. Being only a few stops out from the Bus Station and nothing on the road how can this happen. In Preston I wandered actross town to the Rail Station to catch the 07:20 Glasgow train which I took as far as Oxenholme before changing to the Windermere train. When we arrived the 555 bus was at the stop and just about to leave. I was surprised how expensive the one way trip to Ambleside was at £3.05 for such a short distance. Then I caught the 9am 516 bus to the Old Dugeon Ghyll for £4.15 which again I thought was expensive. It was just on 9:30 when we arrived in Great Langdale and I was lucky to have a partly sunny day with good views all round. I set off along the farm track towards Stool End Farm and a wonderfull backdrop of Crinkle Crags on the horizon.

Crinkle Crags and Stool End Farm.

One of the small tarns on Little Stand.

My route was up Oxendale and I could see the path climbing steeply up Markeens towards Red Tarn. The weather continued good so I plodded up the valley then set a steady pace up the steep climb. It was easy underfoot as the 'pathfairies' had done a lot of path building virtually all the way to the top. I knew it would take a while so I kept my head down and took it easy. Even when I got to the flat of the Red Tarn area I didn't get much of a rest as there was still quite a climb to go. Before reaching the tarn I turned right onto the Crinkle Crags path. I followed it half way up towards Great Knott then left it to head more towards Cold Pike. I didn't go to the summit but kept a bit to the right until I could see across a flat expanse of ground I'd not been on. I came to a small un-named tarn and ahead could see the profile of Little Stand. I took a diagonal grassy way up towards Stonesty Pike then recognised the ground I'd been on during last week’s walk.

A faint path appeared and I followed it through the rocky outcrops till I came to the summit cairn and adjacent survey bolt of Little Stand. Just to the south of the cairn was a flat piece of grass which made a good pitch for the tent. Nearby were some small tarns which didn't only provide me with water but some photogenic views. The wind was only slight so I was able too cook lunch outside but shortly after getting back into the tent a couple of women and a yappy dog turned up at the summit cairn. I don't think the dog stopped barking the whole time it was there.

Sunset behind the Isle of Man.