Soggy socks on the Ring of Steall !

A bank holiday in August in Scotland sounded like the perfect idea and it was.  Regardless of the iffy weather predictions and the threat of sleet and worse we headed north and after a day of basking in the wonder that is Glencoe and dining out at our favourite watering hole – The Clachaig Inn we woke early on Saturday morning for a big day out in the hills.

The Ring of Steall was our target and we knew it was going to be a toughie but first we had to contend with the metal rope bridge but what a reward behind it with the Steall Falls falling from what looked like the sky to the ground.

Metal bridge dealt with (achy arms after for me) and then we had to contend with crossing the river.  Much hilarity ensued and after a wet foot, split walking boot, hat that floated away down the river and a tree that had to be climbed we were over the other side and wading through the marshy bog to the path that would start our climb up to the first summit.

It was tough, shale and loose rocks on most of the path with steepness that spun my head.  It was cold but not freezing and the sun was in and out of the clouds.  I was a little uncomfortable as I’d bruised my leg earlier and having had a dip in the river was now walking with wet feet.  Not the best conditions but onwards and upwards.

 We stopped at a little plateau where I changed into some dry socks and we had a quick snack.  It was then we could see the full splendor of the Ring in front of us including the tasty devils ridge.

However there was still a long way to go and we were only 1/3 of the way up the first summit.

Trudging upwards trying not to complain about the steepness we finally (albeit a good while after we’d intended) made it to the summit of the first munro  An Gearanach.  The top was a cairn but nothing significant.  What was significant was the views all around – spectacular.  Ben Nevis behind us still had its hat on but hopefully later we’d get to see it in all is glory. 

We didn’t stick around long but skipped down off the summit ready to tackle the next incline which indeed was a delight.  A rocky little ridge line between the 2 first munros with some hairy narrow bits which took a little bit of navigation but to be honest this is my favourite type of walking and I love the logistical aspect of working out where to go up and over the rocks with not very much below on either side. 

At the other side we were met with the next target smack bang in front of us with a zig zag path to the summit.  Nothing else for it but a head down and march on tactic and to make things easier I got my poles out.  What didn’t make it easier was the sudden hail shower which battered us from the right and coupled with the sudden wind made the conditions suddenly interesting.  Waterproofs on, cameras away and we ventured upwards to the summit of Stob Core a Chairn.  At the top the weather was closing in a little and we were starting to get conscious of the time. 

The rest of the route was ahead of us and we still had 2 biggies and the devils ridge but only about 6 hrs left to play with.  Now 6 hrs on a normal walk would be sufficient but this was no normal walk and towards the base of Stob Core a Chairn we decided to abandon the ring and head back.  Extremely disappointing but safer and definitely the right decision.

Back over Stob Core a Chairn we went and then at the base decided on a path to the right which would take us round the other 2 peaks rather than back over.  

It was a long plod round the side of the hills but the reward was that the Big Ben almost lost his hat so we could see the summit.  The views throughout the day had been amazing and the weather for the best part had been kind.

It wasn’t looking too clever at this point and by the time we had retraced our steps to the point we met with the path we’d come up on it was getting very overcast indeed.

On the downward path I realised that we’d have to do the metal rope bridge again but with wobbly legs and wet feet I wasn’t sure I had it in me so we decided to look for a place to cross the river before we even got to the bridge.  This would mean we’d miss out the boggy bit too.

Once we’d reached the river finding a place to cross was proving more difficult and it was at that point the rain started.  Heavy rain, you know, the kind that wets you.  Well my feet were already wet from the mornings escapade so I ended up just wading through the river.  Sod it, I wasn’t going to get any wetter really.

One last look at the falls and we were back along the path towards the car.  It was 7pm by this time and there were loads of people on the path heading for the falls.  After dinner walk?  Who knows.

The Ring of Steall had beaten us today but we’d be ready for it another time.  Its certainly not one for the faint hearted but with a little more preparation and a little less flaffing about at the river early doors and we might have stood a chance.

Next time …… afterall those gorgeous hills aren’t going anywhere.

Lingmoor Fell, Hard Knott and a fiesta of wildlife !

After 4 weeks of other things in life preventing a wander in the lakes it was lovely to be up early and in the car heading for Cumbria. 2 Fells on the cards today and neither of them very taxing but nice walks in their own right.  For the first we headed to Blea Tarn and parked in the National Trust car park there (noisy youths!) and headed towards the tarn for the start of the walk.

Blea Tarn was pretty.  The water was still and reflective and the trees and mountains behind just beautiful.  The light was a bit hazy and not best for picture taking but still the views were stunning.

Leaving the tarn we turned right up into the woods but before then Chris found he had a companion which had fastened itself onto his leg. Yellow and furry but with antlers and wings it was a strange creature indeed.

We ventured onwards after wheeching (Scottish word) the yellow beastie away and soon found ourselves in the forest.  A canopy of trees blotted out the sunlight and the chorus of birdsong was delightful.  Apart from the chirping it was incredibly silent and so very still.

Out of the trees we headed over to the path that would take us up to Side Pike and then onwards and over to Lingmoor Fell.  The sun was burning off some of the haze and the views were opening up all around.  Crinkles and Bowfell, The Langdales and Pike O Blisco.......all those beautiful hills surrounding us.   We saw 2 buzzards circling in the thermals getting higher and higher, too far away to take a picture but fascinating to watch.  Soon, when they were high enough, the flew off over the fell at the other side.  Majestic birds.

Lingmoor was a nice enough fell with a lovely stone wall that leads you right up to the summit.  A good place to stop for some snacks and grapes and to just take in the sights around.  Blue sky overhead.  The path downwards was easy enough and good going underfoot and again we were awarded a view of a spectacular bird.  This time I think it was a Red Kite and flew out the trees and over the valley, circling for a bit and then disappearing.  Breathtaking!

Soon enough we were back at the car park and headed over Wrynose Pass and then Hard Knott Pass and parked right next to the Roman Fort ruins before heading up Hard Knott.

The ruins were just the walls of the fort but a lovely place with its historical links.  Behind was the Scafell range and they were looking magnificent in the afternoon sun.

Hard Knott was the final target of the day and it was looking splendid.  We still had a few bottles of frozen water left so we ditched the rucksacs and headed up armed with a couple of bottles of water.  It was hot, the sun was out but we took our time and soon enough were at the top with even more fabulous views.

This was the last stop of the day, apart from a quick stop at the Sicklebarn at Langdale for a bite to eat.  Sadly the chilli that we ordered had never seen a chilli in its life and resembled something that would be served in a 1970 school kitchen.......grim!  Never mind, the raspberry crabbies did the trick and soon it was time to be heading home.  4 weeks away from the lakes and how we've missed them so.  We'll be back soon x

On yer Bike !

This weekends adventure took us out on our bikes.  The weather was so so and we hoped for a dry afternoon for a long cycle along the canal.  My bike, being fairly new, was still new to me and it would be good practice to get a hang of the gears etc.

A short ride through town then the countryside with a few pedally up inclines to get the heart racing and we were at the canal side.  The going was good and there was only a spit in the air suggesting that rain may be on the way but thankfully that wee black cloud shifted fairly rapidly.

There were a few people walking, biking and running along the canal and pleasantries were exchanged with most apart from the odd woman who just wouldnt get out of the way as we passed.  She was pruning her flowers in her garden which happened to back onto the canal tow path and seemed annoyed that anyone would dare to cross in front of her garden.  Going past she was so inistant on not moving I accidentally wobbled a bit and knocked her (albeit gently) with my handlebar.  Grrrrrrr.

The rest of the journey along the path was lovely and reminded me of just what a beautiful area we live in.  There were wild flowers, beautiful canal boats and birds and butterflies.

 After 11 miles or so we stopped for a refreshment and I really felt then that padded cycling shorts really need to be bought as I was beginning to feel the effect of my very new saddle.  The Cross Keys Inn at East Marton was a good stop and after a refreshing drink and some peanuts we were on our way back again.

The soda water and lime that I had seemed to give me an oomph as I found the going much easier going back and before long we were at the end of the canal and making our way through town again towards home.

Great bike ride 22 miles in total with a wee stop for a drink and a lovely afternoon out x

99 Hewits & Pavey Ark aint one!

A quick impromptu camping trip to Langdale with the main purpose of airing the big tent before heading to Silverstone in a week or so.  We arrived on site mid morning Saturday and after pitching, chilling, popping to the pub and generally having a lovely relaxing day we ventured out on our evening walk to take in a few of the Langdale Pikes.

I, however, wasn't feeling too well and on the latter end of a course of Anti Biotics and wasn't by any means on top form but we set of anyways in the hope that energy and fitness would appear as if by magic from somewhere.

Camera around my neck, rucksack on my back we headed off in the direction of Dungeon Ghyll to find the path up the side that would take us to the top tarn and the first leg of our journey. It seemed an age but it was lovely walking in the sunshine but the higher we got the cloud seemed to thicken and there was a nippy breeze.  I even felt a spot of rain or perhaps it was just a swirly bit of mist.  Looking back down was pleasant though.

Up to the tarn and I realised I'd lost my walking pole.  I had just slipped it in my rucksack without fully securing it and it must have fallen out.  Whilst stopping by the tarn for a quick snack of fruit pastilles and peanuts a man approached carrying my pole which he'd found on the path.  Thank you's all round and we were back on our path.  Pavey Ark was the target and it now stood proud in front of us.  Cloud covered the sky now and the breeze was fierce but it was still quite nice conditions, rubbish for photographs though.

The next section was quite steep and shaley which is the worst underfoot and with feeling rubbish it was, for me, like wading through treacle.  I just couldnt muster up a second gear and every inch was hard work.  Chris who seemed to skip up it was miles ahead but the lovely man that he is didnt utter a word and waited for me at every level bit, he's a star x

Pavey Ark was a nice rocky summit and we could see for miles.  The cloud had miraculously lifted and there was more and more blue sky being exposed, it was lovely.  Still had the cool breeze but it was brightening up.
Off Pavey Ark and we followed the path over to Harrison Stickle.  It was really starting to brighten up now and we were wondering if we'd get any sort of sunset, we'd planned 5 peaks for our evening walk but I wasnt sure I could do all 5.  We'd see how I felt after Harrison Stickle.

 Everywhere was bathed in evening sunlight now however after Harrison Stickle I was exhausted.  There was nothing left in the tank for any more peaks and to make matters worse my camera finally gave up the ghost and packed in.  Gutted!!!!!

So it was onwards and downwards and luckily the path downwards was clear and mainly stepped which made the going much easier.

There was a beautiful waterfall on the way down and Chris only had to cajole me along a few times reminding me that the pub probably stopped serving food at 9pm and we'd miss it if we didnt hurry.

After what felt like a quick descent we arrived at the pub at 9.15 only to find out that they did in fact stop serviing food at 9pm.  Too bad, a packet of crisps would have to do with crackers when we got back to the tent.

Lovely evening walk, will definitely be up on those peaks again as there's still so much to do.......

Yewbarrow - scrambly goodness!

Yewbarrow was a peak we'd missed on a previous walk which encompassed Pillar, RedPike & Steeple.  There just wasnt time in the day to tag on Yewbarrow so it was always one we had to go back to.

It was billed as a toughie and with lots of scrambling opportunities both up and down and it didnt dissapoint.

Parked at the small carpark at the base we made our way up the somewhat steep path that would take us up the valley to the plateau area between Red Pike and Yewbarrow.  The path we'd previously come down on.  Last time we were on this path we saw a buzzard flying high and today I caught a brief glimpse of it as we neared the plateau.

 We met a man and his wife and tip the dog who'd just come down the back face of Yewbarrow and well done to the dog as some of the step downs were quite steep and he did well to manage it.

After a quick grape and nut stop we were up and onto the rock.  A bit shaley in places but once past that it was lovely climbing and scrambling up the face of the hill.  Before long we were on the top at the first summit and the cloud was starting to swirl in.  Over to Lingmell we could hardly see the summit from the cloud and it seemed to be laying quite thing on most of the surrounding peaks.

A nice, if not a little boring walk, along the plateau of Yewbarrow and up a short path to the second summit where we met a young and boundy labrador (5 months) who seemed to be in his element being out in the hills.

Time for the descent and it was a lovely one.  A scramble down here and then a walk along to the next bit.  Tiered like big massive giant steps and a delight to make our way down.  Soon enough we veered right on to the last bit of scramble down and the light got very dark and the rain started.  It had been dry all day, no sun, cloudy but dry and now the heavens opened.  Luckly we were well equipped and raincoats were soon on.

Back on the path down we could see back up to the lovely point mountain and after skipping down the path we were back in the shelter of the trees of the car park.

A short walk but 2 Hewitts and 1 Wainwright gained and a good day out.  I'm sure our legs and arms will feel it tomorrow..........

5 peaks, 100th Wainwright & The Roof of England

Today would be my 100th Wainwright and as much as I wanted a "key peak" to be my 100th we chose a route the included Scafell and resulted in Lingmell being the 100th.

6.30am out of the house, food and water packed as well as the obligatory layers as we werent sure what the weather was going to throw at us today.

Parked at Seathwaite we made our way along the path through the valley that would take us up to the base of the first peak of the day.  Great End.

The path rose gently and the closer we got to the point where all the paths converged it seemed like a bus had pulled in and there were people everywhere.

We had first lunch at Great End but keen to push on and get the 2 Hewitts done (Broad Crag and Ill Crag) before the big daddy  - Scafell Pike. 

Both Hewitts were easy enough and sitting atop Ill Crag we could see clearly over to Scafell and what seemed like hundreds of ants up top, those ants were in fact people.  It was swarming with folks.

 The walk up seemed quite steep and it was a bit shaley (remineded me a bit of bristly scree) but soon enough you we were on top and I had to practically elbow my way through to the stone top to stand atop the highest mountain in Englandshire!

We didnt stick around long and started to make our way down the path.  Lingmell stood before us and I started to get a bit excited about its significance.

On the way down we met Callum (seen in the above picture in Orange) who was raising money for charity by doing the 3 peaks challenge - 3 peaks in 3 days.  He'd completed Ben Nevis the day before, today was Scafell Pike and Sunday he was off to Wales to conquer Snowdon.  Only 9 years old and raising money for a school friend.  Read about his journey here - http://www.callums3peakchallenge.carboncookie.com/

On the descent of Scafell it was nice to veer away from the crowds over to the base of Lingmell.  There were a few people coming off Lingmell but only us going up so much quieter than its neighbour Scafell.

Before long we were on the top and it felt good.  100 Wainwrights in total which I think is quite an achievement.  That coupled with the additional Hewitts I have in Wales and Munro's in Scotland make my peak tally quite impressive by all accounts.  Well I think so at least.

The sun was finally starting to come out and the light was suddenly great for pictures.  Back off down the corridor route to Seathwaite was spendid with Great Gable, Green Gable and Basebrown off to our left.

Before long we were back at the start of the path and had just the final mile to go along to the car at Seathwaite.  What a great day, yes my knees played up a little, but all in all it was a fab day, met some great people, climbed some spectacular mountains and that makes me Happy, Happy, Happy !

Dressed knots and squeaky shoes !

Today brought us to Windgather Rocks for our first venture into outdoor rock climbing.  We've been members of the Manchester Climbing Club since the beginning of the year and finally we get to test what we've learned on real rock and what an experience that turned out to be.

2 instructors, 2 nice ladies and Chris and I met at the foot of the rocks and after a brief introduction whilst hoping the rain would stay off we popped our shoes and harnesses on and we were ready to go.

The first climb looked tricky as it had a chimney type element at the top of it but for me I couldn't even get onto the rock.  The first decent foothold seemed too high up and I was instantly thrown into a world where I'd have to trust 5mm width of rock and my lovely evolve shoes which would keep me pinned to the rock.  Hand holds were different and there were very few grips where you felt you had a good hold.  Infact we learned very quickly how to use the rock by twisting our hand in crevices to give us more support but it was tough.  Not having pre determined hand / foot holds was a new experience and just trusting your feet and equipment was taken to a different level.

I made it to the top of the first climb even though there were moments when I was convinced I couldnt go any further.  A little bit of coaching from one of the instructors and I found myself going higher and further up the rock much to my surprise as anyone else's.

The second climb seemed a tad easier, there wasn't the enclosure of the chimney structure that forced your body outwards but there still were some tricky bits to overcome and again with the help of the instructor I was thrilled when I touched the caribiner at the top.

A few more times up different routes and my hands were aching, shoulders aching but a nice level of self satisfaction at having acomplished something really cool (well in my book anyway)

The evening soon drew to a close as a cold wind started biting as the sun went down behind the clouds.  What it did give us was the most fabulous sunset and rays threw themselves over the rocks making them look like something out a hollywood western.

Great evening, great company, great instruction..............Lets do that again and Soon !