Grange Fell
August 26th, 2011A great shorter day today climbing Grange Fell from Grange.
The weather was warm and sunny as we set off from Grange and climbed through the Troutdale Valley and climbed to the summit of Kings How.
The views from the summit of Kings How were great, especially north over Derwentwater to Skiddaw.
We continued, crossing to the summit of Brund Fell, the highest point of Grange Fell and a good spot for lunch. After lunch we continued down to meet the track descending towards Rosthwaite and walked through the village to the stepping stones across the River Derwent following the river back by Gowder Dub to Grange.
Scafell Pike
August 26th, 2011A fantabulous day walking today, taking in Scafell Pike and Great End. Terry and Chris Lockwood, Les and Alan all met me at Seathwaite Farm at 10am. The weather report I had seen the previous night hinted showers mixed in with sunny patches, but this was far from the case at the start, the sun was already beating down and it was obvious the group was raring to get high and see some views. We took the path up to Stockley Bridge, and then cut across and up towards Styhead Ghyll. Our path ahead of us, the Corridor route up to Lingmell Col, was laid before us. By half twelve we had completed the corridor
route and were about to start our last slog up to the summit of the Pike. On
the way up we cut off the path to our special Wastwater viewpoint. Shortly after half one we were on the summit of the Pike. Alan had now got his ‘big three’ sealed up (Ben Nevis, Snowdon and SFP), and we all sat and enjoyed the fantastic
views over much needed lunch break. The group was doing great for time so we decided to bag Great End on the way past. This was another great opportunity for Les and Terry to put their photography skills to the test as Borrowdale was
laid out before them. We worked our way round to the top of Grains Gill, where we filled up our water bottles from the stream, and then started our long descent path down. About an hour and half later we were back at our starting
point, and all felt sufficiently tired. A fantastic walk, with a great group,but most surprisingly amazing weather all day! Ill take another serving of that please.
Lingmoor Fell Navigation Training
August 25th, 2011Perfect weather on Lingmoor Fell today for day two of a Navigation Training Course.
We set off from Elterwater and climbed by Banks Quarry and up onto the main ridge, the views over Little Langdale were magnificent.
We followed the southern slopes running several navigational exercises on the way to Busk Pike and up towards the summit of Lingmoor Fell.
We stopped at the summit for our lunch and to admire the great views across Langdale to the Langdale Pikes.
From the summit we returned along the ridge before descending by Bield Crag and down to the track back to Elterwater.
Silver How Navigation Training
August 24th, 2011A good day on Silver How today with an Navigation Training Course.
From Elterwater we climbed above High Close and followed the ridge over Dow Bank to the summit of Silver How running several navigation exercise on the way to Silver How.
On and off drizzle persisted for much of the morning, although after lunch this got a little heavier for a while it was much better than expected! After a short lunch stop on the summit of Silver How we continued west along the ridge exploring the area around Swinscar Pike.
We descended to Chapel Stile by Thrang Quarry and followed the river back to Elterwater.
Catbells with the Parents
August 24th, 2011If you were to introduce someone to a fell in the Lake District, in order to introduce them to the experience and the views, I think most of us would say Catbells. Today myself, my fiancee Naomi and my holidaying and fellwalking novices parents went for a quick ramble up this popular fell. The weather started clear but humid, offering us great views back towards Keswick. This clear weather was short lived, however the light showers cast multiple rainbows all across the sky. On the way up I also bumped into TLDW regular Lin Atril with her puppy Scruffy (Great to see you Lin!) After just over an hour we summited and quickly hunkered down in a little col to chew on some liquorice twists, Yum! Mum and Dad had just summited their first fell, objective complete, now time to get them back in one piece. We moved South off the summit and soon we turned West to find the track that runs alongside Catbells. By this time much of the polished rock on the fell was slippery and just as I turned to my mum to say ‘dont put your foot…’ ‘Ouch!’ ‘Are you ok!?’. Mum managed to take a small slip and slightly jar her arm, so in kicked my first First Aid scenario as an ML. After a few minutes of rest she was back on her feet. After enjoying a slow walk back to the car the walk was over. Dad had anjoyed himself, and I think he will come back for more, Mum has said she’s ‘sticking to the Lakeside!’
Sale Fell and Ling Fell
August 23rd, 2011A good day above the Vale of Wythop climbing Sale Fell and Ling Fell.
From Brumston Bridge we followed the track towards Kelswick climbing below Dodd Crag and up to the summit of Sale Fell.
Ther were good views over the Solway Coast to Scotland and across to Skiddaw and Helvellyn.
From the summit of Sale Fell we followed the ridge east over Rivings to Lothwaite, from Lothwaite the views over Bassenthwaite Lake were stunning and we stopped a short while on a new bench which has been built near the path.
We descended back to the Wythop Valley and followed the path through Chapel Wood to the ruined Church near Kelswick and crossed the fields to Old Scales climbing the old Corpse Road and up by the grouse butts to the summit of Ling Fell.
We descended a short distance south from the summit to find a spot out of the breeze to eat our lunches and found a good spot on the heathery slope above Wythop Moss and after lunch descending to the track below and back to the Wythop Valley.
A good short day and although a little overcast we had some good views.
Helvellyn & Striding Edge
August 23rd, 2011Starting at 10am from Glenridding we set off up towards Birkhouse Moor with our sights set on Helvellyn
. We were soon admiring the views out towards Ullswater and High Street. Shortly after midday the group was on top of High Spying How ready to
tackle Striding Edge. Everyone done tremendously well on the ridge, sticking to the most exciting route as much as possible. After making easy work of ‘The Chimney’, and scrambling up the last section of rock towards the summit we were soon eating our sarnies on the summit admiring views of the central fells.
After our short lunch stop the group made short work of Swirral Edge. We then descended past Greenside Mine to make it back to the car park in a little over 6 hours.
Helvellyn & Striding Edge
August 22nd, 2011Today we had a group of 11 adults and children raring to
tackle Helvellyn, of which consisted of Amelia aged 7, Barney aged 10, and Abi
who had been ill the night before. We started off on the walk and the weather
seemed to be improving by the minute. Amelia was quick to tell me that this
time last year she made it two thirds of the way up Scafell Pike but could not
quite make it to the top, so today was her day to conquer a mountain. The group
set a brisk pace as we ascended towards Birkhouse Moor, and in order to keep
Amelia’s attention off her tiring legs Josh kept her amused with one of his
fascinating stories. By midday the group was at the hole-in-the wall and really
ready to have some fun on Striding Edge, also at this point we were fortunate
enough to have a fly past by a Eurofighter Typhoon (here at LDW we like to
provided added value sights you see!) This was the point where Amelia decided
to tell us one of her own stories about King Jamie (Jamie) and Jiggly Wiggly
the Ugly Troll (Ben), although the story was somewhat altered upon Jamie’s
cues. The entire group done a great job of taking on Striding Edge and Barney
showed his natural ability as a Rock climber as he hopped across rocks and made
easy going of tough sections. After a quick spot of lunch on the summit
admiring the views of the central fells the group set off down Swirral Edge.
After making extra quick work of this shorter edge we headed down to Red Tarn
to watch Josh take a quick swim, and to see the full moon (his bottom!). After
not too long the group was back to the car park at the bottom having had a
great day out on the mountains. A great day out with a great group of people,
and what a fantastic day to have as my first for the company.
Helvellyn & Striding Edge
August 22nd, 2011A great day climbing Helvellyn by Striding Edge today.
We set off from Glenridding at 10am and climbed by Lanty’s Tarn following the wall up onto Birkhouse Moor.
From Birkhouse Moor we followed the ridge up over High Spying How and onto Striding Edge.
We crossed the edge easily, the weather was good with very little wind and we climbed the steep headwall to the summit of Helvellyn.
After stopping in the summit shelter to eat our sandwiches we crossed the summit plateau we descended Swirral Edge and dropped down to Red Tarn and after one brave member of the group took a short dip in the tarn we descended by Greenside Mines and back down to Glenridding.
The Kentmere Horseshoe
August 21st, 2011A great day on the Kentmere Horseshoe today.
We set off from Kentmere just before 9.30 and climbed by the Garburn Pass to Yoke, the low cloud cleared as we neared the summit giving us good views of the surrounding fells.
We followed the ridge north over Ill Bell and Froswick before climbing to the summit of Thornthwaite Crag, stopping behind the wall to eat our lunches.
After lunch we crossed to Mardale Ill Bell, now in thick in cloud and starting to rain a little, this soon cleared as we descended to Nan Bield Pass and we reached the summit of Harter Fell in sunshine.
From Harter Fell we descended the southern ridge over Kentmere Pike and Shipman Knotts before descending back to Kentmere.
A great day!
