High Rigg with a few fungi (s) !

Our second day in the lakes started with a nice breakfast in the hotel and then the prospect of a small but long walk taking in High Rigg.  The sun was shining and we were both in good spirits.  Checking out of the hotel the start of the walk was again quite close by and before long we were on the path closely followed by a large group of men obviously making the most of the day too. High Rigg here we come.

The light was amazing and as the sun shone down making shadows that were just to delicious not to photograph we looked forward to better views than we'd had the day before.

 The path was clear and followed a zig zag route up the side of the hill.  It wasnt that steep but still a fair work out as it carved its way up the hillside.

The trees were amazing and although most are not indigenous the light and shapes were good for taking pictures.  We made our way through several tree lined areas before reaching a plateau area near the top.

Once through the trees we could see the hills on the other side of the road which were the Dodd's we'd climbed the day before.  Also apparent was the path we took downwards yesterday the zig zag and direct diagonal line through the ferns.

Beautiful day and beautiful scenery.  What more could we ask for.  The weather was so mild we were walking in T shirts and there was no breeze which made it brilliant walking weather.  The only thing missing was my sunglasses as I didn't expect the sun to be so bright but how lucky were we to get this glorious weather.

As we walked along the plateau that would take us up and down to the final summit we happened to spot a little fungi in the grassy area at the side of the path.  It was beautiful, red and yellow and quite a special sight.  It was quite close to the path and I'm so glad it had been left intact and that no one had trodden on it or some animal had nibbled away at it.  Not sure of its name but if anyone knows then please let me know. (more lovely mushrooms later on in the walk too but these ones are on trees, strange!)

 So finally we reach the summit and take the obligatory pictures.

The weather is holding and the downward journey is steep at first then once we hit the road its a lovely wander past an old church then down towards the river.  The path meanders below the route we'd taken in the morning and soon we were back at the start but not before spotting a few more fungi.

Great day, great walk, great company and a lot of laughs.  Time for our lakes weekend to come to an end and 4 more Wainwrights ticked off.  Hopefully, if the weather holds, we'll be back up very very soon.

A day of Dodds and Milestones !

We headed off early doors to the Thirlmere area of the lakes and to the start of our walk for the day which conveniently was right next to the hotel we'd booked for the night.  The Lodge in the Vale.  The nice reception staff said it would be no bother to leave the car there for the day before we checked in so quickly we changed footwear and got our jackets and rucksacks on.

The initial climb up to Stybarrow Dodd was pretty steep and followed a meandering rocky path winding up the hill.  The weather wasnt that great with mist swirling all around.  Little patches of sunlight came and went over towards Blencathra but for us it was all a bit bleak.

Onwards and upwards we went and it was a fair old slog.  This peak, Stybarrow was to be Chris's 150th Wainwright and quite an achievement indeed. I'm some way behind at 110 which for me is fantastic.

So hurrah Chris and your 150th Wainwright - Congrats xx 

 Stybarrow Dodd was not much more than a collection of stones and with the mist there was no view to speak off so we didnt stick around long and made our way off to the path that would take us over to Watson's Dodd, my namesake.

The conditions were not ideal for picture taking but Watsons's Dodd was a nice hill to climb, a rolling and undulating path to the summit stretched the legs and although the mist was still swirling around every now and again we caught a glimpse of faraway peaks with the sun peeking through the clouds giving them a dappled effect.

After Watson's Dodd it was onto Great Dodd and again it was a good walk but nothing spectacular to write home about.  Dodds are all a bit boring really.  Big mounds of hill with very little character at all.  No rocky outcrops, no tricky terrain to conquer, just big grassy lumps.

Our timing was going well at it was just about 2pm when we started to make our way down from Great Dodd.  The mist was still swirling but as we decended it got a good bit clearer.

 We had the luxury of a nice waterfall on the way down and a steep bit clear zig zaggy path off the mountain then through some autumnal fern.  There isn't much in the way of autumn colours left but I did spot this tree which looked particularly beautiful against the hills.

 Down on flat land again it was a short walk along by the roadside to the hotel and a well deserved coffee.  Finishing the walk earlier than planned and not having the 2 hr drive home there was only 1 thing for it.  Keswick, pub and a large glass of red wine.  Perfect end to a great day !

5 Wainwrights fuelled by Tunnochs Tea Cakes

It's almost the end of October and I cant believe the last post to my blog was in August.  Inbetween then there's been adventures in Italy including The Italian Grand Prix, wanders round Riva del Garda where we did some Via Ferrate and then time on the Italian Rivera visiting the Cinque Terre.  I'll get round to posting about our Via Ferrate soon but for now here's an account of our day yesterday.  Come rain or shine we were getting out !

The day started somewhat early and we were on the M6 heading north about 7.30am out the car with boots and waterproofs on about 9.30/10am ish.  Not as early as normal but the walk today whilst not short wasn't as challenging as some of our adventures. 

 We headed up the path and could see the fells ahead that we'd be tackling and identified the route down almost immediately to our left.  Upwards to the right was the first order of the day and having missed the path (surprise, surprise) we found ourselves heading straight up a boggy, heathery, pine needly, slippy woody steep slope.  Its not surprising that we ended up off piste but I wasn't ready for it so early in the day.   

The rain was on/off and showery to say the least but what met us at the top of the slope was a fierce driving wind.  The kind that has you hunkered down and moving forward as if in battle.  The path off to the right was noticeable however the wind kept blowing me off it and onto the slippery bog again.  By this time I was soaked but warm enough and soon enough we arrived at the top of Whinlatter where there was, much to our relief, a small shelter.   Sitting down and gathering ourselves together we had a Tunnochs Teacake and caught our breaths.

 Onwards now to Lords Seat and the wind was ever with us.  We could see some people coming the other way but other than them the hills were empty.  Our route took us down though the forest and followed the mountain bike route for a bit before opening out again where the path up to Lords Seat was clearly ahead.

Lords Seat was nice as the sky had begun to break up and we could see some blue sky and although we didnt know it then we'd seen the last of the cold rain for the day.

A quick detour over to Barf and here we met some other walkers heading the other way. Lovely views over Bassenthwaite Lake one way and the Skiddaw range the other way.  Here we found somewhere to have a sandwich (cheese and piccalilli), a pear and another Tunnochs Tea Cake.  Not quite sheltered from the wind but enough to give us a few mins rest to eat lunch.

Back down off Barf and over again to Lords Seat.  I wondered if there was a way round Lords Seat instead of going back up to the summit and down again to get over to Broom Fell and there seemed to be a path that skirted the contours round the side.  Big Mistake!  Whilst is was a sort of path it was at an unatural angle and was not the easiest to walk on.  For the first time today I felt my knee twinge and the angle I was walking at just seemed to aggravate it with every step.

Broom Fell was lovely.  A nice big solid cairn at the top and a wind that would cut right through you. We didnt hang around long  and headed down towards the forest again.  The last hill of the day was right in front of us and it seemed such a long way away.  Battling the wind we ventured down and then began the trek back up to our final hill Graystones.   Chris motoring on ahead leant into the wind at the top and almost took off.  Wicked conditions but fun all the same.

So off downwards we went it was steep and slippy and we nearly took a tumble a few times.  Half way down the path we veered off to the left into the forest again towards a waterfall hidden in the trees, spout force I think.  Anyway we decided to give that a miss as there didn't seem to be much water in there anyway.  Instead of the waterfall here's a nice picture of some broom.

 A few miles along the path and we were back at the car, sprinkled with pine needles falling from the canopy of trees in the forest we headed for the pub.  1 large glass of red had my name on it. 

Great day in the lakes.  This is what we do.  Its good for the soul, the mind and the health.   But shhhhhhhh don't tell everyone or they'll all be up there and the secret of putting one foot in front of the other and climbing a hill is one I'd like to keep to myself.

Via Ferrata Italian style

It was the day we'd waited for, the day of our holiday that would see us in our climbing harness, ropes attached and hard hats on our heads.  Cima Capi Fausto Susatti was our target for the day which was billed as an easy(ish) Via Ferrata for folks new to this particular sport.

I was excited at the prospect of being roped to the mountain on precarious ledges and climbs however I was less excited about the 3hr walk up the mountain before the Via Ferrata part started.  Never the less it had to be done and what made it fun was the views that spread out behind us as Riva del Garda and the surrounding area came into view again and again.

It was a straightforward path upwards, steep in some places and well marked.  We met a few folks on the route but mostly it was just us 2.  The sun was shining and conditions were near perfect.  We had several layers packed as with any mountain the conditions can change in an instant so we were well equipped with waterproof and extra layers to be used should needed.

Before long it was midday and the first part of the via ferrata was in view.  Hats & harnesses on and clips secured on the wire rope we made our way upwards through the first narrow gully that would take us higher. 

We were then presented with a series of ladders, ledges and exposed pinnacles that was all very thrilling and over far too soon.  There were 2 German chaps in front of us (once who was very scared indeed) and we met them again when we'd reached the summit where the Italian flag flew.  There was a book at the summit where you could sign to say you'd been there but there was no working pencil so we couldnt add our names to the log, sadly.

Time to head down and we met a group of lads who were descending but without the via ferrata gear and on one particular scramble downwards we wondered how they would have managed with that as it was quite tricky and even though we were roped in there were still sticky bits that tested your logical mind to the max.

The weather was changing and our extra layer and waterproof coats were now needed as we made our way down the mountain.  There was a lovely forested area that we walked through which was about the time we relalised that it was getting late in the afternoon and the lady at the tourist office had told us that the last bus back from the village below was at 6pm.   We had to make that bus as our climbing gear had to be back to the outdoor shop in Arco by 7pm or we'd be liable for another days hire.

We quickened our pace as much as we could on the descent and arrived at the village about 5.30pm, well in time for the bus.  So, there we were, perched against the wall at the bus stop in the sleepy village and 6pm came and went with no bus.  We were about 10 miles away from Arco and at this point not sure if any bus would come at all.   We decided to stick our thumbs out and hope that some kindly walker type person would assist and get us at least back to Riva where the car was.   Fingers crossed someone would stop.

Many cars passed and it was now 6.20pm and we had almost resigned ourselves to the fact that we were not going to make it back in time when a car almost skidded to a stop causing the moped rider behind to swerve at the last min to avoid hitting the back of the car.  In the car was a lovely lady who offered us a lift.  She lived near a lake close by and was heading to Arco to get some painting supplies and although spoke very little English we managed to have a chat about the weather and the fact that her washing machine was broken, very random.

So all was not lost, we made it back to the hire shop in time to return the equipment and made it back to our tent in time for a quick change and wander into Riva for dinner.  Dead on our feet we returned to the campsite completely shattered and fell asleep to the now familiar sounds of thunder accompanied by lightning and heavy rain.........what a brilliant day !

Grange Fell, Fungi, a wee snake and a buzzard.......

Short walk today to mainly break in my new walking boots.  My beloved Scarpa's have gone to the big walk in the sky after a Scottish river attacked them last weekend.  My new Scarpa's (identical to the old ones) needed a good walk out before we head to Italy next week.

So it was Grange Fell that was chosen as the short but steepish walk to test the new boots and what a lovely walk it was.  Wandering up through the trees the light was amazing and at a little plateau area we found several types of mushroom all growing in and about each other.

Further up through the Ferns we went, not really a path to speak of but a faint line through the ferns of what seemed to be a way through.

A bit further on through the ferns and looking down I spotted a Slow Worm just sitting there on the path.  As soon as I'd reached to my side for my camera it darted off so I only caught the tail end  of it and even that was a bit shakey - Can you spot it???

After the excitement of the Slow worm we continued up through the glade area and followed a wall for a while and once through, looking back down the light was incredible.

The weather was fantastic, cloudy but with sunny periods.  It made for terrific skies and the views around us once we'd come out of the tree area were fantastic.  From the summit we could see right over to Derwent water to Skiddaw, Blencathra in the other direction and back over to Dale Head behind us.  A light breeze at the top was pleasing and with a piece of tablet we were were off on our way back down.

The path downwards was clear and easy in some places but with that loose shaley rock in other areas which slowed me down a bit.  I'd forgotten my stick so was a bit unbalanced on the steeper sections but I took my time and we made it down in no time.

We'd hoped to spot some wildlife today but so far had only managed a Slow Worm and the only evidence of that was a shakey far away picture.  Not really anything to write home about.

Back on the road we were making our way back round to where the car was parked following the river and past the village of Grange.  We heard a cry overhead and Chris shouted, look, there's a buzzard, floating right over our heads.  As with everything thats moving you have to be quick to capture it.  I pointed my lens towards the sky and only managed another very far away picture but here it is..........

Not the longest walk in the world but a nice one all the same.  Boots well and truely broken in and heels just a little bit tender.

Great sunny day !

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.