Pen y Ghent - A fell of a race

Today we were bound for Pen y Ghent again because of the Yorkshire 3 peak Fell Race where Tom was a participant.   We got their early so we could get up and half way down before the start of the race at 10am to get a good vantage point to watch the race. 

It was a glorious day with just enough of a chill in the air to make it comfortable for the runners.  I cant imagine running in wind and rain up a hill but then again I cant imagine running up a hill full stop but fair do to those who do. 

It wasn't long before we'd reached the top and climbed over the wall by the stile to start making our way down the path.  We'd planned to stop about half way down to see the runners go up and then come down again before heading back to the finish line to see them come through. 

Tom was doing really well and quite far up the pack on the initial climb and still one of the front runners coming down of Pen y Ghent. 

They still had Whernside and Ingleborough to do but we had a wander down to Hull Pot and then stopped for a pit stop in the pub whilst the runners were tackling the other 2 peaks.  

An hr or so later we were at the finish line to watch Tom complete the race.  He did really well and out of nearly 1000 runners he was in the top 15.  Impressive. 

Hewitts included on this walk: Pen-y-ghent

Date walked: 27/04/2018

Time taken: 3 hrs

Distance: 12 km

Ascent: 525m

Buttermere Round

After a lovely night wild camping in a little secluded parking area near Buttermere we were up and out early and ready to start the days walk which took in High Crag, High Stile, Red Pike (of the Buttermere variety!)

The light was fantastic as we started the walk.  A real glimpse of summer was starting to creep into the days and the sun did indeed have some warmth in it even at the early hour. 

As we walked up the side of the first peak Red Pike we gained height fairly quickly as it was quite steep and soon found the views, as always, spreading out in front of us. Fleetwith Pike behind us with its formidable form. 

Up onto Red Pike was a marvellous walk but we didn't hang around for long at the summit, just long enough for a picture or 2 and then it was off to High Stile.  A fantastic path to follow really made it easy to move from one peak to the next.  

A challenging day but a beautiful one and the weather gods were with us as it stayed clear and dry all day. 

Views to die for with some good up and downs really made the day.  

Wainwrights included on this walk: High Crag, High Stile, Red Pike (Buttermere)

Hewitts included on this walk: High Crag, High Stile, Red Pike (Buttermere)

Date walked: 07/04/2012

Time taken: 7 hrs

Distance: 14 km

Ascent: 1089m

Pen y Ghent - a wander up a local dragon

Well we always said if it was raining when we started a walk then we'd not bother but if it started raining while we were on a walk then it was ok as we'd have our waterproofs with us.  This day it was raining but we decided to give it a go anyway and off up the path towards Pen y Ghent we went. 

It wasn't the most pleasant walk but hey, we were out and anything is better than resorting to a TV couch afternoon.  

As with most walks the views sometimes save the day and today was no different.  The changing weather gave the most remarkable skies and as the clouds swirled around us we pushed on up the hill. 

Pen y Ghent is a lovely hill, I've been up here many many times and each time I've always loved the little bit of scrambling that you get just before the summit.  Today was no different and its always a little bit more challenging and exciting when the rocks are wet but not difficult enough for it to be dangerous. 

At the top the views were not too bad, clouds became picturesque and we stopped at the trig point for a few pictures. 

We didn't stop long at the top and were soon on our way back down the hill.  The downward section is mainly stepped but a little bit slippy when wet so care had to be taken. 

After only a couple of hours were back at the car, a little damp but exhilarated after a brilliant walk in some challenging weather.   Glad we got out and my favourite of the Yorkshire 3 peaks never fails to offer a good walk. 

White Cliffs of Dover - looking for blue birds!

Easter weekend and the prospect of a rather large and scrumptious Easter dinner means that a fair walk needs to be on the cards.  We chose the Folkstone to Dover walk and since its a linear walk we parked 1 car in Dover and then headed to Folkstone to start the walk. 

The English Channel looked marvellous in the morning light and although there had been a little rain lately the path was not too muddy (famous last words!!!) 

Any coastline is fabulous with the smell of the sea and the sounds of birds, waves and the stillness of the day.  Today was no different it was a lovely day and we were making the best of it.

We stopped of at the RAF museum which was a newish building but with some stunning sculpture and inscriptions from what looked to be the Commonwealth.  Countries represented with individual inscriptions of Air Force squadrons from their respective areas.  The main sculpture below was really poignant. 

As the day wore on the clouds began to gather threatening some weather which wouldn't bother us really as we had all our waterproofs with us and although the path was getting a little more muddy now it was still fairly clear as we plodded on along the path. 

The light was spectacular as shadows appeared in the coastline and my eyes were peeled on "fin watch" but sadly I saw no fins, not one, not ever a flicker of anything marine-like. 

Just as we thought the going was good we hit the muddiest part of the walk and I can tell you it was a squelchy moment.  Hanging onto fence posts so not to get the worst of it didn't help much and we all were resigned to just getting on with it and dealing with the consequences.  Boots could come off before we got in the car if the worst came to the worst ..... and oh boy it did ! 

Seascapes make lovely pictures and I couldn't help snapping this lovely little tree all on its own with the coast and horizon (France) behind it.  Beautiful sky! 

Approaching Dover we could see the ferries moving in and out of the Port indicating that we were almost at the end of our walk.  We walked past Samphire Hoe which was the rubble brought out of the ground when making the Channel Tunnel which is being developed along the coast edge.   Quickly the path moves downwards and our walk for today has ended.  On the bright side we have a superb Easter dinner to look forward to, yum yum x