Stunning, I was there a week before you and it still held an awful lot of snow, seemed to have had a pretty heavy thaw and you even got some sunshine! I was practically sledging down Gatesgarth pass but still a nice day out.
Yes, absolutely stunning - we timed it right with the weather; for the valley, at least. I got my 'snow fix' a couple of weeks ago on the Kentmere hills
Be warned though, once you head easy of Long Sleddale wellies are definitely recommended I don't think I've survived once with dry feet
We considered descending south from Branstree summit, and picking up the Mosedale path on our return, but decided to leg it down the way we had come up as the weather was looking threatening. Glad that we did - We saw a couple of people picking their way down the Mosedale path as we passed the junction - I say picking, as the ground looked very boggy.
Agree with Karl, it's a bit of a hidden gem and the path down the valley really is endearing, bit of a slog towards the last bit I found however loads of character with the stream gurgling away through the centre of the valley, superb crags and just a really 'far away from it' feel compared to some of the busier spots.
I've got my eye on the bridleway that runs down the western side of the valley - I'll walk or cycle it soon!