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.

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