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Cumbria 31.1.09 to 2.2.09

Ian, James, Geoff, Dick & Roy were in the Lake District of Cumbria for the weekend, based at Keswick Youth Hostel.

On Saturday, we set off from Keswick with the objective of a clockwise high-level circuit of Derwentwater. This proved more taxing than expected, and we descended to the lake near its southerly end. The party split, one group walking back along the east shore of the lake and the other taking the ferry-boat to Keswick.

James takes a break on the ridge east of Derwentwater.	Skiddaw, from Keswick, on the shore of Derwentwater.

Sunday 1.2.09 - Skiddaw (931m).

On Sunday, we drove to the high-level car park for an ascent of Skiddaw from the east. There was quite a brisk wind forecast, but it was only when we got on to the summit ridge that we felt its full force. Dick and Roy continued to the summit cairn and Dick was blown off his feet. Ian & James sheltered behind a cairn, and while attempting to crawl on his stomach back to the path, Ian was lifted into the air and dropped facing the opposite way. Geoff sensibly kept well clear of the summit!

It wasn't as hairy as it sounds; the lee side of the ridge, where the wind was trying to blow us, was a fairly gentle slope with no steep cliffs.

Geoff on the ascent of Skiddaw. The chosen one?	Dick has some difficulty keeping on his feet against the wind.

James keeps a low profile to avoid being blown over.	Just below the summit, James and the view of Keswick and Derwentwater.

Cumbria 26.4.09 to 2.5.09

Ian, Penny, Brenton & Robina, were in the Lake District of Cumbria for a week, staying in a cottage in Coniston. Geoff, Phil & Roy joined them for two nights, staying in Hawkshead Youth Hostel.

Tuesday 28.4.09 - Old Man of Coniston (803m).

Ian, Brenton and Robina decided that a week in Coniston would be incomplete without a visit to the Old Man. We took an interesting route up the west side of the copper mines, traversing east at high level past the slate quarries onto the open heather slopes, then approaching the summit from the east. Not the shortest or easiest route. The cloud came in while we were on the top, but it did break briefly to give us partial views.

The descent was a little wet.

Robina and Brenton on the summit of the Old Man of Coniston. It was a bit misty.	Outside the cottage with a Bluebird bitter. A perfect end to the day!

Friday 1.5.01 - Pavey Ark (700m) by Jake's Rake

Pavey Ark is an outcrop on a ridge, in itself of no great significance. Its ascent by Jake's Rake, however, is unforgettable. From below it appears to be an impossible line across a sheer cliff. In practice it is a seemingly never-ending succession of climbs with perfect holds and not too much exposure, interspersed with short easy walks along flat ledges with a big drop and no handrail. All the way up, the views are breathtaking and if it's your first time, you're never sure what's coming next!

Fortunately, the rain held off until we were on the summit, when it came down with a vengeance, and continued to do so while we descended the long route by the head of the valley. The Old Dungeon Ghyll hotel is used to wet climbers, and has stone flag floors and a large coal-burning range; no need to leave the boots and wet gear outside. And the Bluebird bitter did taste good!

Approaching Pavey Ark. The route of Jake's Rake is overlaid in blue.	Brenton on an easy but exposed bit of Jake's Rake.

Lunch on top as the rains came down.	Brenton & Phil in the Old Dungeon Ghyll. Drying their outsides, wetting their insides.

Scotland, 2.5.09 to 9.5.09

Ian, Dick, Geoff, Roy, Phil, Alan, Linda and Monty & Tilly the dogs were in Scotland, staying at Glencoe.

Sunday 3.5.09 - Bidean nam Bian (1150m).

The weather forecast for the week was not good, and deteriorating. So although it was not ideal on our first day, we decided to visit the Hidden Valley and, if it looked ok, continue to Bidean nam Bian. In fact we were treated throughout the day to alternating sunshine and snowstorms, which was managable. We continued up the stream at the head of the Hidden Valley, and up a steep snow-slope to a col, where we turned right up the ridge to the summit.

The walk towards Bidean nam Bian from the Hidden Valley. Our route to the ridge was up the snow slope at the far left of the picture.	Looking back to Stob Coire Sgreamhach. We approached the col up a snow slope from the left of the picture.

Linda with Monty & Tilly on the summit of Bidean nam Bian..	Monty & Tilly overlooking the Hidden Valley.

Tuesday 5.5.09 - Blackwater Reservoir.

As predicted, the weather got worse as the week progressed. On Tuesday we dropped off Roy and Phil at the head of Glencoe, where they set off up General Wade's military road. The rest of us drove round to Kinlochleven and walked up to Blackwater Reservoir, meeting the others en route. We crossed the river below the reservoir to the north bank, where we descended back to Linlochleven. There was one interesting moment on the way, when we had to cross a tributary stream which had swollen rather more than we would have liked. We eventually crossed thanks to a walker who knew that in the middle was a pointed rock to use as a step, though it was hidden in gushing water. It was a step of faith.

It rained hard all day.

Starting the walk back from Blackwater Reservoir, to the north of the river..	Wet walkers, passing one of the more gentle tributary streams.

The bad weather continued. We made the best of our stay in Glencoe with a selection of low-level walks and visits to points of interest. Fortunately we were in comfortable accommodation. A week in Glencoe and only one day on the hills was disappointing, but we can't really complain after the brilliant weather we've had for the past few Scottish trips.

Updated 22-07-09