2 Crags, a fox, a buzzard and a wandering pike!

6am start took us on our now very familiar route northwards towards the lakes.  Our destination today was 2 crags, from the farm at Sadgill.  Getting there early is always a good idea especially today as there isn't much room for parking and we were the first car there, so after positioning ourselves so we could get out easy enough at the end of our walk we set off along the track.

The weather forecast was for a dry clear day with intermittent sunshine but the morning cloud still hung over the surrounding hills like a veil.  It wasn't long though before we started to see the tops appear and what looked like blue sky finally beginning to appear.

The track took us along the side of a river where we could hear some falls so we hopped over the stile onto the path by the river to follow that for a while.  True enough there were several little waterfalls dotted up the hillside and we followed that route for a while stopping every now and again to take some pictures.  We crossed the river at one point but the stones were really slippy and one false move could have meant a very wet walk indeed.  No panic though we successfully managed to cross twice without incident, phew!

After an unscheduled hop back over onto the track we followed that for a little bit more and were blessed with the sunshine when the path split into 3.  Left over to mardale point, straight ahead to some other destination and left to take us up the hill into the sun.  There was more snow here and it was quite hard packed.  Staying away from the grassy areas (as they meant your footfall went quite deep) it was fairly easy to manage up the incline.  As it got a bit steeper we were able to practice some ice cutting techniques as I am particularly rubbish at this but all practice is good huh?  Its amazing how natural having an iceaxe in your hand has become.  The way you hold it, the way you use it and the way you're prepared to use it should a slip occur.  Thankfully today it was just a protective device and didnt need to be put into action.

We headed up to the summit of Tarn Crag via and over a fence which was partially submerged in the snow.  The grassy areas were wet and boggy and this would be a nightmare of a walk in the summertime or indeed any time when there had been rain as most of it did seem quite boggy.  Apart from an earlier small submergment into the bog all was good.

With the summit in view thoughts turned to first lunch even though it was only 10.10 it was time for some nourishment.  Peanut butter sandwiches seem to be our sandwich of choice these days and they really hit the spot.  The surrounding peaks had cleared by this point and we could clearly see over to Kidsey Pike and the High Street range that had been our walk the previous weekend.

As well as the summit cairn Tarn Crag also boasts another man made feature near to the summit is the remains of a surveying pillar. This unusual stone and concrete construction is cleft at the top to provide a sight line and was originally surrounded by a wooden frame, now decayed. This is one of four such pillars built during the construction of the Haweswater aqueduct. Below Branstree and Tarn Crag is the first section of the pipeline carrying water from the reservoir toward Manchester. The tunnel, some 1,300 ft below the summit, required 250 tons of gelignite for blasting, and when constructed in the 1930s was the longest such pipeline in Britain. It emerges into Longsleddale below Great Howe, where the spoil can still be seen.

We didn't stay for long and headed for the next summit Grey Crag which was over in a North West direction.  More plodding through the icey and sometimes grassy snow I had a little off piste moment but was heading for the fence that ran almost all the way to the summit.

Grey Crag provided a spot for second lunch or the second half of the sandwich and also a very funny moment deciding which hill was to the left with a little cairn on it.  I think you'll find that was probably Harrop Pike and after looking at the map that seemed to be what it was........wasn't it lol?  The views were, as always, spectacular and the sun shone down and with very little wind it was really quite pleasant.

Time to find the route down and as always it was a bit of a traverse through grass and today, snow.  We headed over to another one of the stone structures which was part of the surveying pillars and stood directly inline with the one we'd seen at Tarn Crag.

Further downwards we  saw the first people of the day, heading up another path, on their own route but the best sighting at this point was a little fox darting over the snow, its bushy tail flying behind it and it made excellent speed over the flanks of the hill and was soon out of sight.  A lovely moment none the less and it was nice to see something other than rabbits or crows whilst out on the hills.  At this point I will mention that today we saw an abundance of Sky Larks, singing away while they were flying, not starlings but sky larks and those little flighty birds were really quite lovely.

Our route was now very much down, down and more down and before long we could see the car.  A short walk today as it was just after midday and part of me felt like I'd only done half the work that we usually did.  My legs were tired, my knees felt the descent as they normally do but it did seem incredibly early to be ending our walk.  Later in the day our bodies would be glad that we did as although it was a short walk it was a tiring one.  Snow has a habit of doing that to your legs, sapping every bit of energy out of them but every part of it is brilliant and I wouldnt swap walking up hills for any other form of excercise.  How could running round a track or on a treadmill compare to this???

Finally back at the car and whilst changing shoes I noticed a bird flying just off to the South.  It was flying like a bird of prey and Chris quickly summised it was a buzzard.  Sure enough there it was floating in the thermal air getting progressively higher and higher until it was at an altitude that would take it right over our heads and off over the mountains.   A beautiful sight of a wonderfully magestic bird.  Just a pity my camera didnt do it justice but lovely to watch.

Heading home, in the sunshine, having had a great walk, thoughts turned to the fact that this may indeed be our last winter walk of the season.  If the temperatures rise and the rains come then our winter boots, ice axes and crampons would be put away till next year.  We've had some superb winter walks.  The Helvellyn range, Scotland, High Street to mention just a few.  Roll on next winter where ice axe arrests, cutting steps and crampons would be the order of the day again.  I am looking forward to our Summer walks where I'll be swapping my crampons for sunscreen..........bring it on !

Hello High Street....goodbye cream egg!

After a few weeks of "bad weather stopping play" it was an exciting prospect that today we'd actually get our boots on and head out to the hills.  The forecast was for dry and clear weather and although there was still a fair amount of snow on the Lakeland fells and conditions meant that warnings were frequent regarding difficult walking and sub zero temperatures but we were layered up, ice axes and crampons were packed as was our lunch, plenty water and snacks.

What I hadn't packed was my camera and I was gutted as today would have been the most excellent day for outstanding pictures so unfortunately we have no pics to share.

Up at 4am and out the door by 5 we still didn't beat the sunrise and the closer we got to our destination the more beautiful the sky became.  Pink hues ribboned the sky ahead of us and a vibrant orange skirted the dotted clouds behind us as the sun started its ascent into the day.

We arrived at the car park and there was only 1 other car there.  2 chaps with ropes and clinky metal bits meant their day was probably going to be a tad more strenuous than ours.  Within minutes we were all ready to go and we set off along the path that would take us round to the unnaturally forested peninsula of where the village of Mardale once stood before it was flooded over 100 yrs ago to provide water for the industrial towns in the area.  It must have been a sad time for the villagers to be uprooted and see their homeland flooded to make way for industry.

The path upwards took us up quite steeply at first towards our first little peak of the day, Rough Crag.  The ground underfoot was frozen and walking was not difficult but hard going in the drifty bits of the snow.  The path followed a small wall as it snaked its way upwards.   We could see the summit of High Street ahead and had several more ups and downs to complete before we made it there and already it had a low blanket of cloud sitting atop which we hoped would clear by the time of our arrival.

It was a beautiful walk, the surrounding peaks covered in layers of snow and the sun hitting different bits highlighting gulleys and ridges and the valleys in between.  As I'd not been out for a good few weeks my legs took their time to adjust to the terrain and there was a little bit of huffing and puffing but nothing too bad and apart from a runny nose I was feeling great.

Rough Crag was the first "tickable" summit of the day and although not a Wainwright it was a Hewitt so definately counted as something significant.  The route at this point was fairly easy going with some ups and downs but nothing too strenuous.  We just followed the contours of the mountain until we could see clearly in front of us the spine of High Street that would lead us up to the summit.  There was no one around, not a single soul and I love the sound of the silence on the hills, golden silence!

Continuing upwards the sky was darkening and the blue bits diminished as fine little pieces of snow started to fall.  I was amazed by the snow as it was tiny little ice crystals no bigger than a pin head but perfectly formed as snowflakes, the kind of forms we learn as children and quite beautiful...dare I say it, almost angelic lol.  All around us the views were decreasing and before long the weather had moved in and we were shrouded in mist and cloud.  Sunglasses that were needed earlier were packed away and hats and gloves back on as the lack of sunshine, however weak it was, now meant that the chill was biting.  Ice axes were now out and crampons firmly attached to our boots, we kept moving forwards and spirits were high.  It was hard work but left you with a feeling of , yes, this is where I'm meant to be.  All cares in the world diminish when you're on the side of a mountain, plotting your route, following a path.  It truely is one of the best feelings in the world.

By the time we'd completed the last push up to the summit plateau of High Street it was a complete white out.  Our route map told us that by continuing a little bit forward and to the left we'd find the trig point and off I went to find it, constantly searching with my eyes to see if I could see it.....and then there it was, standing proudly in the cloud just waiting there for us.  The wall that lead up to it was peppered with snow patterns made by the wind and it was an eerie but magical sight.

On top the wind wasn't too bad and we stopped for a moment by the trig point to grab some food.  Gorgeous Italian bread with peanut butter which provided much needed energy for the second part of our day and a cadbury's cream egg.  Here is a stark warning for chocolate lovers.  When you're holding your cream egg, gingerly in your gloves, enjoying every succulent bite and someone says.......oh look over there, pointing behind you, do not look, its a trap, a trap to steal your delicious egg and that, my friends, is what nearly happened to me.  A valuable lesson learned!

The next part of our journey would take us to The Knott and as we moved over the High Street plateau the cloud started to life and gave us views to take your breath away.  Suddenly we could see over to the surrounding peaks, North to Blencathra, West to the Helvellyn range, it all just opened up magically to provide a winter wonderland of eye popping scenery.

After seeing practically no one on our walk so far there were suddenly people around.  Fell runners skipping over the landscape wearing and packing hardly any gear, skiers with dogs and other walkers enjoying the day.

After a quick stop at The Knott it was down and then back up a fairly steep incline to Rampsgill Head.  By this time the ground was beginning to break up a little and the hard frost of the morning was weakening slightly which meant the hard crust no longer supported your body weight and with every step the top crust broke and it was probably the hardest section of the day.  Back jarring, ankle turning horrid terrain but we plodded on trying to pick out the more solid bits to walk on.

Rampsgill Head was a "blink and you miss it" kind of summit, it has no remarkable features and could quite easily be missed if you weren't directly on the path.  Luckily we didn't miss it and from there it was a relatively easy meander across to Kidsey Pike, the last summit of the day.  My legs were starting to feel it now and tiredness was beginning to creep in after our early morning start but everything around, the views, the scenery were a great distraction. 

The descent, like all descents was an interesting one.  Practically straight down, through snow, rocks, ice, cowboy style.  In the valley below we could see clusters of deer casually grazing and high above us dots of people on a path.  Was that our path?  Possibly but sometimes a detour brings unexpected results and looking back to where we'd been really gave us a sense of achievement and just letting my eye wander round the route we'd taken that day gave me a great sense of satisfaction.

The final part of our walk would lead us out of the valley back to the mound of trees at the end of the peninsula where we'd started our walk but our day was not without incident as just before we got down to a little bridge that would take us across the river on the valley floor I got bogged.  My leg just disappeared down a bog and I was covered in slutch right up past my knee.  Thank goodness for waterproof boots and gaiters.  Yuk!

Before long we were back at the car.  An epic day, an epic walk and it has only re-ignited my appetite for more.  Too many weeks grounded because of the weather and fingers crossed going into Spring it will only get better from here on in.  I'm ready for our next adventure............

And then there were 50......

It was only 6 months or so ago when I stepped on my first Wainwright, August Bank Holiday 2012 and the hill that day was Pike O Blisco or the Bisto Kid as I've renamed it.  Today I'd step on my 50th and the target was Rossett Pike but not before a bit of winter wandering up and over Bowfell.

The sun was shining and bags were packed early doors.  The alarm had gone off at 5am for a 6am departure in the slim hope we'd make it up there before the sun rose but as we headed up the M6 the orangy glow was already apparent to the right of us and we knew it would be daylight when we finally got parked.  Not to worry, there'd be plenty summer weekends when we could camp and be right in place for the morning glory of the sunrise.

We headed for Langdale and as we approached the layby where we'd park the sun was just coming over the peaks behind and illuminating the Crinkles beautifully.  The sky and early mist was clearing and it looked like we were in for a beautiful day.

The first part of the walk would take us up the Band from Langdale up onto Bowfell via the Climbers Traverse and hopefully up the slab which was going to be an interesting challenge and put our newly learned winter skills to test.  Ice axes and crampons packed we were all ready for the challenge that lay ahead and looking forward to it.

On the lower slopes we were met by a man coming down who'd lost his little dog the day previously.  Dennis had been out all night (Dennis was the dogs name by the way) and the man had been up and around Bowfell 5 times so far since the previous night.  We said we'd keep an eye our for him but at no point on our walk did we see any sign of poor wee Dennis.  I hope he made it back to his owners safely.

The higher we walked the more snow we found underfoot and the next challenge was finding the path that veered off the Band and took us over the traverse to the bottom of the slab.  This proved more difficult than it looked as under snow there was no real indication of the path and the higher we got the more we realised that the traverse wasnt going to be an option today so we made our way up a steep and icy patch to take us over to the main path that came over from the Crinkles.  Tough going and it was time to get the ice axes out and crampons on to help with the last bit.

Once up onto the path we walked back down a bit to to the top of the slab with the intentions of perhaps going down it and then back up but large cracks in the snow pack didn't make it an appealing venture at all.  Infact I was dead against going anywhere near it.  So we decided against it and carried on up to the summit of Bowfell.

I was excited to get to the summit as I knew that once there we'd be able to see over to the Scafell range and having photographed that before from Bowfell and knew it would be an awe inspiring sight especially if there was some snow on there and it didnt dissapoint.  Beautiful folds of rock moulded into mountains sprinkled with just enough white stuff to give it a moody and brooding look.  Brill stuff!!!

Down off Bowfell we headed towards Esk Pike but veered right on the path that would take us over to Rossett Pike.  Just down from the valley between the 2 peaks there was evidence of an avalanche.  Even in the Lakes there is a risk of the snow giving way to conditions.

Crampons off and packed away now as the snow was really soft and as we made our way up to Rossett Pike the views around us were spectacular.  We could see quite clearly now the slab of Bowfell from below and I'm glad now we made the decision not to tackle it today.

Rossett Pike was my 50th Wainwright and it was an adequate hill for such an accolade.  Nestled inbetween some great peaks it was unassuming, craggy and a pleasant walk.  Picture taking moments done with it the challenge now was to find the route off.  There were no footprints to follow but we knew the direction we were headed and there was no risk of falling off the edge of anything so we plodded through the rocks.

We found the downward path and had a bit of fun finding shortcuts and thoughts quickly turned to second lunch.  Down below there was a river so we decided to find a waterfront spot to enjoy the last of our food in the sun.

Joining the Cumbrian Way would take us on the last stretch through the valley back to the car and it was a great time to contemplate a fantastic day.  The sun was going down and the Crinkles were once again illuminated albeit this time from behind.

Beautiful Bowfell, Beautiful Walk, Beautiful Weather..........

Buachaille Etive Beag - Stob Dubh

3rd munro of the week and the one we should have captured last Sunday when the wind was fierce, so today we'd tackle it and get that particular box ticked!

The weather wasn't brilliant.  Dry but low misty cloud meant we couldn't see the summit nor could we really see the path but we'd been up here before so knew where we were going.  It was remarkable the amount of snow that had disappeared in the week as the path was certainly more visible than it had been before.  Before long we were on the steep steps that would take us up to the plateau area where we'd had our windy lunch previously.

At the plateau area we stopped for a snack but could see neither summit right or left this time and remembered the strong winds of last week that hampered our walk.  No such winds this week but a dense mist that obscured any views that we may be party to.  The big Buachaille should have been right in front of us as we ate but it was just a white wall of mist........no likey!

We headed left up the path that would take us to the summit of Stob Dubh and I was quite excited at the prospect of a ridge before the summit.  I love ridges and any walks that include these make me giddy as a kipper.  Winter walking on ridges is a bit different as they usually mean ice and no recognised path so extra care had to be taken but just that visual of a sharp pointy ridge leaves me elated.

After a steep climb up the first part of the route to the top we could see a faint outline of the summit and ridge in the distance.  The cloud kept swirling in and out so that it was only visible for a moment or two at a time but onwards we went and soon enough we were over the ridge and heading to what we thought was the summit.  Was it the summit?  It had a cairn and seemed to be the highest point but then the cloud lifted and another pointy bit appeared ahead.  I didn't think this bit was as high but we ventured over there just in case it was the true summit.  God forbid we'd made it all the way up there and not actually stood on the summit.  Either way we had it covered.

A quick picnic stop at the top and we headed downwards again.  This was a bit tricky as it was a wee bitty icy and care had to be taken but I have to say at this point this was indeed my most favorite walk of the week.  3 munros and this being the 3rd really was 3rd time lucky.  I loved it, the walk, the ridge, the conditions with the only thing spoiling it was the lack of views.  Nothing but white on all sides.

It wasn't long before we were back at the plateau and thoughts turned to venturing back up the other peak, Stob Coire Raineach that we'd tackled the previous Sunday in the wind.  I didn't feel I had the energy for another peak today so instead we headed down from the plateau to the stepped rocky path but not before having a slide down a nice steep snowy section which was a lot of fun.

The steep rocky path downwards was hard going as per usual with the steps down being big steps for me but we kept a steady pace and even ran a little bit on the flattish sections.  Before long we were back at the car and this signified not only the end of our day's walk but the end of our week in Glencoe.  A week filled with triumphs and torture, laughter and silliness, good company and winter skills training, 3 munros and an ache to return as soon as possible.

What an amazing week and one I hope to repeat sometime soon!

Meall a' Bhuiridh a nightime caper in the darkness!

My second munro of the week and if I thought the first had its challenges then I was in for a treat as this one proved to push my limits to the point of no return.

The day started with a winter skills session on the hills below in and around the Glencoe Ski area and as the light started to fall we packed our stuff and headed up the steep and icy slope of the mountain.  It was around 4pm and darkness wasn't far away and we still had a few hours of walking to reach the summit.  I was tired, my legs were like jelly and the ice underfoot made me question every step but onwards and upwards we went.  The fading light on the surrounding mountains was spectacular and the first part of the walk up was spent looking backwards at the setting sun.

I can only say it was tough going.  Looking upwards into the prevailing darkness I could see the outline of what appeared to be a summit but knew that it was the first of a couple of false summits and in my heart of hearts I simply couldn't imagine how I was going to make it.  The rocks in the landscape were becoming few and far between and that meant traversing across and up the ice which with every footstep brought fear.  Even trying to use the skills we'd learned, kicking in footsteps and cutting the ice proved fruitless for me so I concentrated on following in Chris's footsteps but he was much further ahead than I was and in the darkness I just couldn't see.  Having my glasses would have helped but as per usual they were back in the car, so there I was, faltering about in the dark, on ice, trying to keep moving forward.

It was inevitable that I'd slip and slip I did.  Luckily I had my ice axe to hand and put into action something I'd learned on the course and it might not have been technically correct but I stopped the slip and forced myself upright again.  True to form I'd gone into negative mode and wittering about not being able to do it so Scot (course leader) came to my aid and talked me up the hill.  Thankfully there were more rocky bits to find a footing on and they were not as icy but seeing in the dark was a real issue for me now but onwards and upwards I went.

After about an hour of this tip-toeing round the rocks and ice I could see the summit ahead and the lights from the head torches of everyone else.  I felt a bit bad at them having to wait there for me but before long we were all together in the darkness feeling quite chuffed with ourselves that we'd made it.  Little did I know then but this was the highest I'd ever been before.  Snowdon was the highest peak I'd walked up and this was higher so hurrah for me!

At the summit the others left to head down to the top ski station and I stopped for a bite to eat and to get my head torch out.  Now I'm rubbish at remembering things but you'd think being on a night walk which was planned would mean that I'd have batteries in my head torch........wrong!  It lit for about 10 secs then died which didn't impress Scot at all.  Luckily he had a spare so all was good, phew!

Coming off the summit was a challenge as the path leading off to the top ski station was just one big slab of ice.  There was nothing more for it than to get on my backside and slide down.  This was still a tricky operation as it was a massive slab of ice and I had no directional control so it wasn't a fast slide down to the rock but a steady inch by inch slide in the right direction.  Finally upright again and I was finally on soft fluffy snow and met up with the others at the top ski station.  A quick drink and we were off again down the ski track which was 1 big long fluffy snow track to almost the bottom of the hill, bliss and double bliss......

The route down was heaven compared to the walk up.  There was no ambient light and the sky was filled to the brim with stars.  I've never seen so many stars in my life and it was wall to wall twinkling.  A beautiful sight that I'd remember for a long long time.

Back at the car park exhausted it was a quick pit stop to the pub and then back to our little log cabin for bed.  Muscles I never knew I had ached and it had been a long day.  10 hrs on the hills with the extra focus on walking up a mountain in the dark left me with no energy what so ever but elated at the achievement.

2 munro's down, would I get another in before the week was out........we'll see!