Headed up to the Lakes with Steve in what was clearly going to be bad weather. However, we'd already skipped a couple of planned sessions because of weather forecasts, so we just decided to go for it.
I delayed proceedings by having to rethread my ageing and frayed boot laces - had to kind of lance them through. Genuinely thought I was going to have to bail at one point.
We headed up the steep steps as the rain poured down and the wind howled. We had crampons and ice axes with us, but were realistic that they probably wouldn't be needed.
We got to the top and followed the path to the east (I think) so that we could join the ridge and follow it round to the west. However, the terrain was undulating and visibility was poor and we soon realised that we were considerably off track. We used phone gps to recalibrate ourselves and got ourselves heading in the right direction.
Overall it was hardly optimal walking conditions - endurable rather than enjoyable. Especially with the goggles on.
As we gained height, we started meeting the sludgy snow covering. We also met more wind and sleet. It was a struggle to walk in a straight line with the wind literally spinning us around like spinning tops on a few occasions. We could see the line we needed to follow up in front of us, but I became increasingly unsure whether it was a good idea to follow it, from both a safety and enjoyment factor, I was trying to read Steve for signs of him wanting to call it a day. He wasn't showing any, so eventually it was me who called it.
We headed back to the car. Once we descended a bit, the weather improved, very, very slightly.
The steps down were pretty treacherous, they seemed to slop down in a lumpy kind of way which was very unhelpful in these conditions.
We met a woman on the way down who was going up to the Tarn to scatter her husbands ashes. As we continued we reached a stream which we needed to cross and due to the rain fall it was pretty tricky. I still wonder how that woman managed to cross it on her own - I wish we'd gone back for her.
Went down to the pub, took our waterproofs off and paid over the odds for a decidedly average steak. But at least we'd got out there and given it our best shot, right....?
Saturday, 5 December 2015
Monday, 23 November 2015
Plans for 2016
So 2015 is coming to a close and I wanted to capture some thoughts re plans for next year. I've not done anywhere near as much stuff this year as I planned, so some of the below is just restating what I wanted to do this year....!
January
Snowdonia winter walk
February
March
Scotland winter weekend - Glencoe & Mamores
April
Snowdonia weekend with Steve/Andy/Kev
May
Scotland weekend - Glen Etive
June
Tryfan horseshoe
July
Scotland weekend with Steve - Loch Tay
Weekend with Luca
August
Crib Goch
September
Scotland weekend - Cairngorms
January
Snowdonia winter walk
February
March
Scotland winter weekend - Glencoe & Mamores
April
Snowdonia weekend with Steve/Andy/Kev
May
Scotland weekend - Glen Etive
June
Tryfan horseshoe
July
Scotland weekend with Steve - Loch Tay
Weekend with Luca
August
Crib Goch
September
Scotland weekend - Cairngorms
Saturday, 19 September 2015
19/09/15 - Brothers Ridge (attempt) - (me)
Even while I was packing the car my knee was twinging, so I set off with very mixed feelings as I parked up the car in Morvich A big part of me wanted to drive off straight away, but the day was shaping up to be another beauty so it seemed like a real shame not to make use of it.
I set off on the bike ride to the start of the walk, still trying to convince myself. The ride itself was less even than first expected, it probably took about 40 minutes to reach the University hut. I locked up the bike while being swarmed by midges, even the midge repellent didn't put them off!
I set off on the walk, got about 15 paces and my knee started playing up - honestly! I turned straight round, unlocked the bike and rode back.....
Luckily it was a lovely ride, and in no way a waste of time. I was gutted to be setting off so early, but I knew that it was the only option.
I stopped off at the Welly Shop to peruse the whisky and bought another bottle and then drove home.
The week had been enjoyable, but nowhere near as productive as early promises indicated it would be. I feel like I added more to my 'to do' list that I actually ticked off. I didn't even take a look round El Donan castle!
I set off on the bike ride to the start of the walk, still trying to convince myself. The ride itself was less even than first expected, it probably took about 40 minutes to reach the University hut. I locked up the bike while being swarmed by midges, even the midge repellent didn't put them off!
I set off on the walk, got about 15 paces and my knee started playing up - honestly! I turned straight round, unlocked the bike and rode back.....
Luckily it was a lovely ride, and in no way a waste of time. I was gutted to be setting off so early, but I knew that it was the only option.
I stopped off at the Welly Shop to peruse the whisky and bought another bottle and then drove home.
The week had been enjoyable, but nowhere near as productive as early promises indicated it would be. I feel like I added more to my 'to do' list that I actually ticked off. I didn't even take a look round El Donan castle!
Friday, 18 September 2015
18/09/15 - Sligachan Trail - (me) [bike]
My leg was still bad so, but I was hopeful of being able to do a half decent ride and potentially walk up a small hill at Camasunary in order to get an excellent view into the Cuillin range. The weather was due to be excellent and though the morning was misty it was still bright and it was clear that there was a cloud inversion taking place. The drive to Skye was truly stunning as the sun burnt through the cloud and then the cloud hung to the Lochs and hillside.
I parked up near the Slagachan hotel and set off on my bike. I was expecting the first few hundred metres to be rough going, uneven and boggy, I wasn't disappointed. However, I soon realised that I'd taken the wrong path, so I retraced my steps. The new path still didn't feel capable of taking a Land Rover though, I triple checked but was comfortable that this was the only possible path,so I proceeded. There were a lot of water lanes (what are they called, I dunno?), which I needed to hop over and rarely did I have the confidence/ability to do this without stopping. The path was also very bouldery and so the going was slow. The weather and views were stunning, but I still felt unsure as to whether the route was going to be doable. I was unsure how far I'd travelled, but at one point I very nearly decided to turn back. Luckily I persevered and things got slightly easier and I managed to confirm that I was about a third into the route (obviously I needed to turn round and repeat once I got to the other end....).
I passed the occasional walker, but I was largely alone. The half way point came and went and I then started a gentle and slight descent. The route was still boggy and bouldery, but I became more capable of handling it. The weather and views remained stunning and I saw a salmon jumping out of a small lochan,which was quite spectacular.
I eventually arrived at Camasunary and looked up at the hill. Yet again I was faced with a do I/ don't I decision where there was no obvious answer. I decided to go with 'don't' on the basis that I wasn't wearing the right footwear, my leg was still dodgy and it could end up making the return journey long and painful as opposed to enjoyable.
I was definitely more competent as I started my return - I seemed to be able to flow over obstacles rather than being permanently halted by them. Before long, I met a fellow mountain bike who was riding in the opposite direction. It turned out he was a guide and so we had a brief chat and he took some photos of me to put on his facebook site.
As I approached the half way point I was starting to tire and was pleased to arrive back at the car having had an enjoyable and challenging ride - certainly more challenging than I'd expected. Land Rover my arse.....
I changed in the car park and then amused myself by washing in the river and looking up to realise that I was spoiling the view for a whole bunch of Chinese tourists who were still merrily taking pictures of the view.
This time I had my wallet with me so I quickly sped off to Portree to get some whisky and the books I'd seen, before returning to the Sligachan hotel (or the pub attached to it), for fish and chips.
Back at the hostel I started to ponder my options for the rest of the week. I had intended on one further day of walking in Glen Shiel before a night camping in Glencoe and a final walk up Buachaille Etive Mor. However, even putting my leg to one side I became dubious of my commitment to camping for a night and then walking on the final day prior to a long drive home. So I settled on trying a last walk tomorrow (the Brothers Ridge) and then driving home after - probably arriving home in the early hours of the morning,,,,
I parked up near the Slagachan hotel and set off on my bike. I was expecting the first few hundred metres to be rough going, uneven and boggy, I wasn't disappointed. However, I soon realised that I'd taken the wrong path, so I retraced my steps. The new path still didn't feel capable of taking a Land Rover though, I triple checked but was comfortable that this was the only possible path,so I proceeded. There were a lot of water lanes (what are they called, I dunno?), which I needed to hop over and rarely did I have the confidence/ability to do this without stopping. The path was also very bouldery and so the going was slow. The weather and views were stunning, but I still felt unsure as to whether the route was going to be doable. I was unsure how far I'd travelled, but at one point I very nearly decided to turn back. Luckily I persevered and things got slightly easier and I managed to confirm that I was about a third into the route (obviously I needed to turn round and repeat once I got to the other end....).
I passed the occasional walker, but I was largely alone. The half way point came and went and I then started a gentle and slight descent. The route was still boggy and bouldery, but I became more capable of handling it. The weather and views remained stunning and I saw a salmon jumping out of a small lochan,which was quite spectacular.
I eventually arrived at Camasunary and looked up at the hill. Yet again I was faced with a do I/ don't I decision where there was no obvious answer. I decided to go with 'don't' on the basis that I wasn't wearing the right footwear, my leg was still dodgy and it could end up making the return journey long and painful as opposed to enjoyable.
I was definitely more competent as I started my return - I seemed to be able to flow over obstacles rather than being permanently halted by them. Before long, I met a fellow mountain bike who was riding in the opposite direction. It turned out he was a guide and so we had a brief chat and he took some photos of me to put on his facebook site.
As I approached the half way point I was starting to tire and was pleased to arrive back at the car having had an enjoyable and challenging ride - certainly more challenging than I'd expected. Land Rover my arse.....
I changed in the car park and then amused myself by washing in the river and looking up to realise that I was spoiling the view for a whole bunch of Chinese tourists who were still merrily taking pictures of the view.
This time I had my wallet with me so I quickly sped off to Portree to get some whisky and the books I'd seen, before returning to the Sligachan hotel (or the pub attached to it), for fish and chips.
Back at the hostel I started to ponder my options for the rest of the week. I had intended on one further day of walking in Glen Shiel before a night camping in Glencoe and a final walk up Buachaille Etive Mor. However, even putting my leg to one side I became dubious of my commitment to camping for a night and then walking on the final day prior to a long drive home. So I settled on trying a last walk tomorrow (the Brothers Ridge) and then driving home after - probably arriving home in the early hours of the morning,,,,
Thursday, 17 September 2015
17/09/15 - Skye - (me)
I woke after another poor nights sleep, feeling pretty exhausted and my leg was feeling pretty bust. Luckily this was due to be the worst weather of the week and so I decided to spend the day taking it relatively easy on Skye, but would hopefully take a bike round round the Quiraing.
I set off for Skye. The weather was dank, damp and grey - a bit like my mood. I decided to stop in Portree to go to the Whisky Emporium, see if I could find a good bookshop and have a coffee and a cake somewhere. However, I realised that I'd left my wallet at the hostel.... Luckily I managed to scrape together a few quid from under my car - enough to pay for petrol and get myself a sandwich from the co-op. I did find a decent book shop though and took a note of a couple of interesting looking books.
I then set off on the way to Quiraing stopping at a couple of sites along the way - along with a number of coaches full of American/Chinese tourists.
When I got to the Quiraing I spent about 30 minutes umming and arring about whether to do the ride. Eventually I ended up taking a nap instead and then continued on in the car through Uig and back round down to the Sligachan Hotel where I stopped to look at all the whiskies (over 300), have a cup of tea and take a good look in the Sligachan museum (which awakened quite an interest in the origins of British Moutaineering)
I then headed back to the mainland where the weather brightened - along with my mood and I settled on parking on the Killilan Estate and having a very genteel and pleasant ride along Glen Elchaig. The Aberdeen cows provided stubborn resistance to my domination of the road and a buzzard provided the illusion of being a Golden Eagle, for a while anyway.
Then back to the hostel for some pasta and a whisky with a couple of hostel companions (Mike a young guy who had hitched from Germany and Rob a senior, well spoken chap from Edinburgh).
I realised my leg probably wasn't going to be any good the following day either so I decided I'd stick to another bike ride and following the suggestion from Mike I decided to do the pathway alongside the Sligachan river. I'd heard it was quite a technical route, but he said that it was essentially a land rover track, and said it should be pretty easy.
I set off for Skye. The weather was dank, damp and grey - a bit like my mood. I decided to stop in Portree to go to the Whisky Emporium, see if I could find a good bookshop and have a coffee and a cake somewhere. However, I realised that I'd left my wallet at the hostel.... Luckily I managed to scrape together a few quid from under my car - enough to pay for petrol and get myself a sandwich from the co-op. I did find a decent book shop though and took a note of a couple of interesting looking books.
I then set off on the way to Quiraing stopping at a couple of sites along the way - along with a number of coaches full of American/Chinese tourists.
When I got to the Quiraing I spent about 30 minutes umming and arring about whether to do the ride. Eventually I ended up taking a nap instead and then continued on in the car through Uig and back round down to the Sligachan Hotel where I stopped to look at all the whiskies (over 300), have a cup of tea and take a good look in the Sligachan museum (which awakened quite an interest in the origins of British Moutaineering)
I then headed back to the mainland where the weather brightened - along with my mood and I settled on parking on the Killilan Estate and having a very genteel and pleasant ride along Glen Elchaig. The Aberdeen cows provided stubborn resistance to my domination of the road and a buzzard provided the illusion of being a Golden Eagle, for a while anyway.
Then back to the hostel for some pasta and a whisky with a couple of hostel companions (Mike a young guy who had hitched from Germany and Rob a senior, well spoken chap from Edinburgh).
I realised my leg probably wasn't going to be any good the following day either so I decided I'd stick to another bike ride and following the suggestion from Mike I decided to do the pathway alongside the Sligachan river. I'd heard it was quite a technical route, but he said that it was essentially a land rover track, and said it should be pretty easy.
Wednesday, 16 September 2015
16/09/15 - The Saddle, Forcan Ridge and Sgurr na Sgine - (me)
Another bad nights sleep, but this time met with a gorgeous looking morning. I was feeling pretty tired so despite the beckoning weather, I struggled to get out of the lodgings.
I parked on the side of the road. Another couple were setting off as I was getting ready and so I figured I could use them to determine the exact starting point, this was particularly fortunate as they demonstrated a wrong choice at first - which saved me from making the same mistake!
The sun was beating down now,which was gorgeous, but I started to realise that I'd chosen the wrong clothes and was soon battling with trying to keep cool. The views down Glen Shiel were stunning. My muscles ached in a pleasant way (proving that I'd pushed myself yesterday), but I soon picked up pace and overtook the couple who'd set off before me.
I looked forward to seeing the ridge - I wasn't sure how technical it would be, but at least I knew that there would be lots of choices in terms of levels of technicality. When it appeared before me, it looked suitably inviting and intimidating at the same time.
I started the ascent and quickly move from the path to take the direct ridge itself. A man of about 20 years my senior was about 100 yards in front of me, I wondered what route he would be taking. There were some pretty technical bits, right from the start. The thing which always surprises me is the level of exposure that can be felt just by moving 5 or 6 feet away from the path. I got to the top of the first section and realised that I'd hardly even begun, I laughed it off and continued on the remaining section - again sticking solely to the ridge itself. The sun was still beating down, but the air was cooler and it was in all ways perfect weather for this type of activity. The views remained stunning, but despite the distance that could be viewed (Skye, Mull, Jura, Nevis), I felt too exposed to really relax and enjoy.
I got to the top of the next section expecting things to even out, but again found that the majority of the ridge walk awaited me. My nerves were starting to fray and I started to avoid taking some of the most exposed and technical sections in preference for the path. Again, I completed the next section to realise that several sections remained.... I wanted to rest in the sun for a while, but couldn't relax. I was enjoying myself, but only a very particular and somewhat indecipherable way.
I took on a tricky descent to a small col where an escape path descended to the left. I continued on the ridge until I came to a sudden vertical descent of about 50ft. The expletives that burst form my mouth caused my fellow walker to turn round from quite a distance in front of me. I nearly shouted him to ask how he'd descended. I really couldn't see how it would be possible to descend this without a rope. Why hadn't the guide books even mentioned it? Surely I'd done something wrong? Then I remembered the path at the col and realised that this (hopefully) would route around this section.
I returned to the path and tentatively started to descend - tentatively because even this route was very steep and the path was eroding badly. I was relieved when it became clear that I would rejoin the ridge further along. My nerves were now so frayed that I decided to stick to the path and avoid any optional scrambling. Fortunately there were no more false summits to the ridge and I soon came to the actual summit of The Saddle. Much relieved.
I knew that the remainder of the route would be vastly simple in comparison and so I was able to reflect on my level of enjoyment of the scrambling section. How dangerous was it? Did I actually enjoy it? One thing was for sure, I was pleased I'd done it and would certainly do it again - on another day, and next time with suitable friends.
I descended, came to the col and the reascended to Sgurr na Sgine I passed the couple (who'd set off slightly before me) on their descent. They'd bypassed the Forcan Ridge as the woman wasn't sure she could handle it, by advice was don't do it if your too nervous....
The route was boulder strewn, but while slow, interesting. I was tempted to return to the and take then gentler, but longer route back, but I decided to follow the guidebook. It was clear that I wasn't going to have such a heroic conclusion today as my time was going to be approaching the top end of the range of time advise by the guidebooks - the Forcan Ridge had really slowed me down.
On the plateau I used the sticks again to propel me along, but soon tired. And was the a muscle spasm on the front of my lower right leg?
I was dreading the descent as it looked like it was going to be steep and relentless. As I got to the start looked down, I realised that my concern was well founded. I was quite close to the road in terms of distance, but I was 800m up. I started the descent and within about 10 steps I realised that it was going to be painful - I had shooting pains from my knee to my ankle (I now know that this is called shin splints).
I made the descent slowly and painfully. Counting steps and setting myself short distance targets all the way. The GPS helped to give me confidence that I was making progress and that I'd make it eventually. I tried several different walking styles - quasimodo seemed to be the most effective.
I eventually made it back to the car and set off back to the hostel feeling decidedly less victorious then yesterday.
I had one of the best steaks I'd ever had at the pub, followed by a cheeseboard - i was desperately hoping that protein would ease my muscles.
While in the pub I googled the "bad step" on the route and found numerous accounts of people doing it, including a woman in her 60's.....
Another early night.
Munro - The Saddle, Sgurr na Sgine
I parked on the side of the road. Another couple were setting off as I was getting ready and so I figured I could use them to determine the exact starting point, this was particularly fortunate as they demonstrated a wrong choice at first - which saved me from making the same mistake!
The sun was beating down now,which was gorgeous, but I started to realise that I'd chosen the wrong clothes and was soon battling with trying to keep cool. The views down Glen Shiel were stunning. My muscles ached in a pleasant way (proving that I'd pushed myself yesterday), but I soon picked up pace and overtook the couple who'd set off before me.
I looked forward to seeing the ridge - I wasn't sure how technical it would be, but at least I knew that there would be lots of choices in terms of levels of technicality. When it appeared before me, it looked suitably inviting and intimidating at the same time.
I started the ascent and quickly move from the path to take the direct ridge itself. A man of about 20 years my senior was about 100 yards in front of me, I wondered what route he would be taking. There were some pretty technical bits, right from the start. The thing which always surprises me is the level of exposure that can be felt just by moving 5 or 6 feet away from the path. I got to the top of the first section and realised that I'd hardly even begun, I laughed it off and continued on the remaining section - again sticking solely to the ridge itself. The sun was still beating down, but the air was cooler and it was in all ways perfect weather for this type of activity. The views remained stunning, but despite the distance that could be viewed (Skye, Mull, Jura, Nevis), I felt too exposed to really relax and enjoy.
I got to the top of the next section expecting things to even out, but again found that the majority of the ridge walk awaited me. My nerves were starting to fray and I started to avoid taking some of the most exposed and technical sections in preference for the path. Again, I completed the next section to realise that several sections remained.... I wanted to rest in the sun for a while, but couldn't relax. I was enjoying myself, but only a very particular and somewhat indecipherable way.
I took on a tricky descent to a small col where an escape path descended to the left. I continued on the ridge until I came to a sudden vertical descent of about 50ft. The expletives that burst form my mouth caused my fellow walker to turn round from quite a distance in front of me. I nearly shouted him to ask how he'd descended. I really couldn't see how it would be possible to descend this without a rope. Why hadn't the guide books even mentioned it? Surely I'd done something wrong? Then I remembered the path at the col and realised that this (hopefully) would route around this section.
I returned to the path and tentatively started to descend - tentatively because even this route was very steep and the path was eroding badly. I was relieved when it became clear that I would rejoin the ridge further along. My nerves were now so frayed that I decided to stick to the path and avoid any optional scrambling. Fortunately there were no more false summits to the ridge and I soon came to the actual summit of The Saddle. Much relieved.
I knew that the remainder of the route would be vastly simple in comparison and so I was able to reflect on my level of enjoyment of the scrambling section. How dangerous was it? Did I actually enjoy it? One thing was for sure, I was pleased I'd done it and would certainly do it again - on another day, and next time with suitable friends.
I descended, came to the col and the reascended to Sgurr na Sgine I passed the couple (who'd set off slightly before me) on their descent. They'd bypassed the Forcan Ridge as the woman wasn't sure she could handle it, by advice was don't do it if your too nervous....
The route was boulder strewn, but while slow, interesting. I was tempted to return to the and take then gentler, but longer route back, but I decided to follow the guidebook. It was clear that I wasn't going to have such a heroic conclusion today as my time was going to be approaching the top end of the range of time advise by the guidebooks - the Forcan Ridge had really slowed me down.
On the plateau I used the sticks again to propel me along, but soon tired. And was the a muscle spasm on the front of my lower right leg?
I was dreading the descent as it looked like it was going to be steep and relentless. As I got to the start looked down, I realised that my concern was well founded. I was quite close to the road in terms of distance, but I was 800m up. I started the descent and within about 10 steps I realised that it was going to be painful - I had shooting pains from my knee to my ankle (I now know that this is called shin splints).
I made the descent slowly and painfully. Counting steps and setting myself short distance targets all the way. The GPS helped to give me confidence that I was making progress and that I'd make it eventually. I tried several different walking styles - quasimodo seemed to be the most effective.
I eventually made it back to the car and set off back to the hostel feeling decidedly less victorious then yesterday.
I had one of the best steaks I'd ever had at the pub, followed by a cheeseboard - i was desperately hoping that protein would ease my muscles.
While in the pub I googled the "bad step" on the route and found numerous accounts of people doing it, including a woman in her 60's.....
Another early night.
Munro - The Saddle, Sgurr na Sgine
Tuesday, 15 September 2015
15/09/15 - Sgurr nan Conbhairean,Carn Ghluasaid, Sail Chaorainn, A Chraileag, Mullach Fraoch-choire - (me)
I'd had a good drive up the day before, leaving at midday and arriving in Shiel Bridge at Kintail Lodge Hotel at about 8pm. The accommodation was basic, but really good value. I hardly slept, I think because of the feeling of sleeping in my sleeping bag and also the ongoing knocks and bangs from the other occupants in hostel that seemed to continue late into the night and start early in the morning. The other residents were friendly though and offered some good views in terms of local walks.
The weather today was looking like it would be low visibility, but largely dry. I drove up to Cluanie and was on the hill by 9am. Today's venture was largely about working out what my rate of progress would be through the day, so I was taking on a walk which was one of the shorter of the week, but which I could join up with another walk if I progressed well - if I did both walks I would have reason to be pleased with myself. However, the combined walks would result in my landing back on the road about 4 miles from my car. I had my bike so that I could drop it off where I would arrive and then could ride back to the car, but looking at the weather and my own sense of energy I figured that the basic route would be more than enough - I decided to keep the bike in the back of the car.
The guidebooks all commented on the fabulous views, but I couldn't see any of them. In fact the walk was largely uneventful for the first few hours. Enjoyable, but uneventful. Navigation was aided by the OS Maps I had on my iPhone (new from work), though the route was fairly obvious. It was certainly nice to be back in Scotland, where the paths were completely uncluttered with other walkers, in fact in the first few hours I'd seen no-one.
I took in Carn Ghluasaid and continued to Sgurr nan Conbhairean and then I hid my rucsac as I would be returning by the same path and went on to Sail Chaorainn. It was now that I had my choice - head west and onto the other route, or continue whence I'd come and back to the car. After short deliberation I decided to add on the extra route - I hate these decisions when on walking holidays, because the cost of do/don't is often the balance between achieving a lot and relaxing a lot - and I want to do both things!
I knew that joining the other route was going to be a bit tricky, some descent was inevitable, but by hugging the side of the hill, this could be minimised, equally though, the terrain was potentially quite boggy and uneven. Overall it wasn't much fun and was playing havoc with my right foot as it struggled to hold a steady position and took most of the strain of walking along the side of a steep hill (resulting in quite a bit of rubbing in the boot). The good news though was that the weather was clearing a bit, particularly as I descended a bit.
Eventually a reached the col which marked me arriving on the next route. My time was still OK - i was reasonably confident of getting back to the road in time to get something to eat - but should I walk west to the Cluanie Inn and then get a lift from there to the car, or straight east back to the car for 4 miles, with the hopeful possibility of hitching a ride.....?
I'd still not seen another human, but as I scanned the adjoining mountains, I could see figures in the distance, just silhouetted against the sky. However, they were following a strange route and I realised that they were probably deer. It took several minutes of close observation to confirm that they were definitely deer, largely based on their somewhat erratic movements and grouping in comparison more goal focussed walkers.
As I ascended the next hill I again went into the clouds, but the glimpses of brightness into the valleys added a wonderful light to the surroundings and gave me confidence that warmth and light awaited my descent. The first hill was fairly (A Chraileag) easy, but for the second (Mullach Fraoch-choire), the path became far more exposed and there were amply scrambling opportunities, particularly one along a set of pinnacles - it looked very tempting (because it looked possible, but very scary), but I chickened out on the basis of having my rucsac on my back (I could have left it earlier as I was on the final leg which I'd need to return on, but I'd felt a bit nervous when I left it last time), and also because I was getting pretty tired. The weather and visibility were also getting worse and to be honest I was pleased when I arrived at the summit and could start to make my return.
The initial descent was pathless and slow, but after a while I made enough descent to break through the clouds and the rest of the path to the car was now long, but reasonably flat and easy going. The views now opened up completely. I saw another herd of deer to my left and then shortly after another to my right - both herds starting at me as much as I at them.
My legs were doing OK, so I used my sticks to get some pace on, and managed to get a technique going where I was really propelled along by my arms. I t was tiring, but effective and I ate up the rest of the path and made it back to the road by about 5pm.
I decided to just get on with the walk back to the car rather than potentially adding another 2 miles onto it by going to the Cluanie Inn. I knew that a lot of people had success with hitch hiking on this road, but I wasn't sure about it and more than anything felt quite silly and presumptuous doing it! The first car passed without me raising my thumb, but as the second one approached I optimistically put my thumb out. To my surprise and joy, it stopped for me and I threw my stuff in the back and enjoyed the 10 minute ride back to my car with a very pleasant, local young chap who working in a fish farm. He obviously enjoyed his work and it was a pleasure to meet him. I just hope I didn't stink his car out with my sweat and bog smell.
I then drove to the Cluanie Inn for something to eat. I was surprised to see a deet in the car park and I decided to see just how close I could get to it before it ran off. I was probably at about 15ft and moving very cautiously as it was about as tall as me and I din't know which way it would bolt when it ran. I took another step and it stared at me and then suddenly lurched as if to charge at me! I quickly bolted in the other direction!
I had venison stew in the pub by way of revenge.
I took a drive to Glenelg after to where the Skye Ferry still carries it's 6 cars over to Skye. I was surprised at just how close Skye was at this point - no more than about 400m.
Had a few whiskies in the pub, a chat with some people in the hostel, and then to bed - feeling very chuffed with myself and now expecting a bonanza week with some more epic walks which I would continue to excel at.....
Munro - Sgurr nan Conbhairean,Carn Ghluasaid, Sail Chaorainn, A Chraileag, Mullach Fraoch-choire
GPX - https://www.dropbox.com/s/fyfznzqwq7jmnij/15-09-15%20-%20Sgurr%20nan%20Conbhairean%2CCarn%20Ghluasaid%2C%20Sail%20Chaorainn%2C%20A%20Chraileag%2C%20Mullach%20Fraoch-choire%20-%20%28me%29.gpx?dl=0
The weather today was looking like it would be low visibility, but largely dry. I drove up to Cluanie and was on the hill by 9am. Today's venture was largely about working out what my rate of progress would be through the day, so I was taking on a walk which was one of the shorter of the week, but which I could join up with another walk if I progressed well - if I did both walks I would have reason to be pleased with myself. However, the combined walks would result in my landing back on the road about 4 miles from my car. I had my bike so that I could drop it off where I would arrive and then could ride back to the car, but looking at the weather and my own sense of energy I figured that the basic route would be more than enough - I decided to keep the bike in the back of the car.
The guidebooks all commented on the fabulous views, but I couldn't see any of them. In fact the walk was largely uneventful for the first few hours. Enjoyable, but uneventful. Navigation was aided by the OS Maps I had on my iPhone (new from work), though the route was fairly obvious. It was certainly nice to be back in Scotland, where the paths were completely uncluttered with other walkers, in fact in the first few hours I'd seen no-one.
I took in Carn Ghluasaid and continued to Sgurr nan Conbhairean and then I hid my rucsac as I would be returning by the same path and went on to Sail Chaorainn. It was now that I had my choice - head west and onto the other route, or continue whence I'd come and back to the car. After short deliberation I decided to add on the extra route - I hate these decisions when on walking holidays, because the cost of do/don't is often the balance between achieving a lot and relaxing a lot - and I want to do both things!
I knew that joining the other route was going to be a bit tricky, some descent was inevitable, but by hugging the side of the hill, this could be minimised, equally though, the terrain was potentially quite boggy and uneven. Overall it wasn't much fun and was playing havoc with my right foot as it struggled to hold a steady position and took most of the strain of walking along the side of a steep hill (resulting in quite a bit of rubbing in the boot). The good news though was that the weather was clearing a bit, particularly as I descended a bit.
Eventually a reached the col which marked me arriving on the next route. My time was still OK - i was reasonably confident of getting back to the road in time to get something to eat - but should I walk west to the Cluanie Inn and then get a lift from there to the car, or straight east back to the car for 4 miles, with the hopeful possibility of hitching a ride.....?
I'd still not seen another human, but as I scanned the adjoining mountains, I could see figures in the distance, just silhouetted against the sky. However, they were following a strange route and I realised that they were probably deer. It took several minutes of close observation to confirm that they were definitely deer, largely based on their somewhat erratic movements and grouping in comparison more goal focussed walkers.
As I ascended the next hill I again went into the clouds, but the glimpses of brightness into the valleys added a wonderful light to the surroundings and gave me confidence that warmth and light awaited my descent. The first hill was fairly (A Chraileag) easy, but for the second (Mullach Fraoch-choire), the path became far more exposed and there were amply scrambling opportunities, particularly one along a set of pinnacles - it looked very tempting (because it looked possible, but very scary), but I chickened out on the basis of having my rucsac on my back (I could have left it earlier as I was on the final leg which I'd need to return on, but I'd felt a bit nervous when I left it last time), and also because I was getting pretty tired. The weather and visibility were also getting worse and to be honest I was pleased when I arrived at the summit and could start to make my return.
The initial descent was pathless and slow, but after a while I made enough descent to break through the clouds and the rest of the path to the car was now long, but reasonably flat and easy going. The views now opened up completely. I saw another herd of deer to my left and then shortly after another to my right - both herds starting at me as much as I at them.
My legs were doing OK, so I used my sticks to get some pace on, and managed to get a technique going where I was really propelled along by my arms. I t was tiring, but effective and I ate up the rest of the path and made it back to the road by about 5pm.
I decided to just get on with the walk back to the car rather than potentially adding another 2 miles onto it by going to the Cluanie Inn. I knew that a lot of people had success with hitch hiking on this road, but I wasn't sure about it and more than anything felt quite silly and presumptuous doing it! The first car passed without me raising my thumb, but as the second one approached I optimistically put my thumb out. To my surprise and joy, it stopped for me and I threw my stuff in the back and enjoyed the 10 minute ride back to my car with a very pleasant, local young chap who working in a fish farm. He obviously enjoyed his work and it was a pleasure to meet him. I just hope I didn't stink his car out with my sweat and bog smell.
I then drove to the Cluanie Inn for something to eat. I was surprised to see a deet in the car park and I decided to see just how close I could get to it before it ran off. I was probably at about 15ft and moving very cautiously as it was about as tall as me and I din't know which way it would bolt when it ran. I took another step and it stared at me and then suddenly lurched as if to charge at me! I quickly bolted in the other direction!
I had venison stew in the pub by way of revenge.
I took a drive to Glenelg after to where the Skye Ferry still carries it's 6 cars over to Skye. I was surprised at just how close Skye was at this point - no more than about 400m.
Had a few whiskies in the pub, a chat with some people in the hostel, and then to bed - feeling very chuffed with myself and now expecting a bonanza week with some more epic walks which I would continue to excel at.....
Munro - Sgurr nan Conbhairean,Carn Ghluasaid, Sail Chaorainn, A Chraileag, Mullach Fraoch-choire
GPX - https://www.dropbox.com/s/fyfznzqwq7jmnij/15-09-15%20-%20Sgurr%20nan%20Conbhairean%2CCarn%20Ghluasaid%2C%20Sail%20Chaorainn%2C%20A%20Chraileag%2C%20Mullach%20Fraoch-choire%20-%20%28me%29.gpx?dl=0
Saturday, 1 August 2015
01/08/15 - Glenridding to Coniston via Helvellyn - (me, Luca)
Again, I woke earlier than Luca, this time I watched as the weather gradually improved and the sun burnt through the cloud. It was going to be a beautiful, sunny day. We'd also agreed that this would be our last day, rather than continuing for a fourth day - largely because I thought that the final few miles home were likely to be pretty dull and we would both be very tired by tomorrow, better to really push ourselves today and not prolong things too much.
We had tomato soup for breakfast and packed up our kit. The initial ascent was fairly steep (partly because I took the wrong route), and we both grappled with how to keep ourselves ventilated. As always, we made fairly steady, but respectable progress and before too long we were at the top of Helvellyn. I was surprised at just how many people had taken the Striding Edge route (it looked quite comically populated with little stick people when viewed from a distance), but with our back packs and tired legs I knew it would have been the wrong thing for us to undertake.
There were a couple of points on the descent where I worried that I'd gotten us lost, but my fears were unfounded. We were relieved to Grisedale Tarn at which point all complicated navigation was over, as was any ascent, or even steep descent - the rest of the walk would just be about mileage.
We stopped for a well earned rest just North of Grasmere and then continued on our way, taking shortcuts from the road where we could. It was warm now and we were tired. It was good to be walking on even tarmac, but equally, we were both counting down the miles to Ambleside which we'd decided would be our stopping point. From Ambleside we'd get a bus back to Coniston.
We finally made it back to Ambleside. I really fancied a nice big steak and ale pie and chips and a decent local beer. But we struggled to find anywhere suitable. We went past a Chinese and Luca said he wanted to go in there, so we did that - against my better judgement (Chinese food isn't the best after walk meal!). We then set off to find the bus stop, only to be told that the last bus to Coniston left about 2 hours ago. So we got a taxi back. Our taxi driver was a very chatty Scouser - why are there so many Liverpudlians in the Lakes? He estimated we'd done about 45 miles, but I think it was quite a bit less than that.
We got back into the car and set off for home. A good 3 days walking indeed.
We had tomato soup for breakfast and packed up our kit. The initial ascent was fairly steep (partly because I took the wrong route), and we both grappled with how to keep ourselves ventilated. As always, we made fairly steady, but respectable progress and before too long we were at the top of Helvellyn. I was surprised at just how many people had taken the Striding Edge route (it looked quite comically populated with little stick people when viewed from a distance), but with our back packs and tired legs I knew it would have been the wrong thing for us to undertake.
There were a couple of points on the descent where I worried that I'd gotten us lost, but my fears were unfounded. We were relieved to Grisedale Tarn at which point all complicated navigation was over, as was any ascent, or even steep descent - the rest of the walk would just be about mileage.
We stopped for a well earned rest just North of Grasmere and then continued on our way, taking shortcuts from the road where we could. It was warm now and we were tired. It was good to be walking on even tarmac, but equally, we were both counting down the miles to Ambleside which we'd decided would be our stopping point. From Ambleside we'd get a bus back to Coniston.
We finally made it back to Ambleside. I really fancied a nice big steak and ale pie and chips and a decent local beer. But we struggled to find anywhere suitable. We went past a Chinese and Luca said he wanted to go in there, so we did that - against my better judgement (Chinese food isn't the best after walk meal!). We then set off to find the bus stop, only to be told that the last bus to Coniston left about 2 hours ago. So we got a taxi back. Our taxi driver was a very chatty Scouser - why are there so many Liverpudlians in the Lakes? He estimated we'd done about 45 miles, but I think it was quite a bit less than that.
We got back into the car and set off for home. A good 3 days walking indeed.
Friday, 31 July 2015
31/07/15 - Windermere to Glenridding - (me, Luca)
I woke up feeling relatively refreshed, it was overcast and the air was damp, Luca woke about an hour later than me. We packed up and strolled into town for a large, pub breakfast. We then took the ferry up to Ambleside and walked North to begin our walk.
It was a long, steady walk alongside Scandale Beck. It remained overcast and damp, but not unpleasant for walking. We went past a large cave which would have made a great place for a fire. Under a bull which almost seemed poised to leap on us from an overhanging crag. We (well Luca), opted to stick to the valley rather than going over Low and High Pike (which was a shame, because the cloud cleared and it would have been an interesting (though possibly very tiring) route). We went at a pretty decent pace, but curiously a mother and her 2 young daughters seemed to be gaining on us....
We ascended over Scandale Pass and the descended Caiston Glen to continue the rest of the walk weaving alongside the road. It was interesting, but tiring. The main highlight being spotting a beautiful red deer about 80m from the road.
We eventually came to Glenridding where we enjoyed another decent meal. We decided to walk to the foot of Helvellyn to find an interesting spot to camp. The sun was out now and our meal had replenished our energy somewhat. However,it was a relief when Luca spotted a perfect spot to camp - near the path but also in an extremely picturesque yet practical spot next to a stream.
We started to build a fire, but it was stopped by rain. Luca then got in his pyjamas, just as it stopped raining. So an early night was had.
It was a long, steady walk alongside Scandale Beck. It remained overcast and damp, but not unpleasant for walking. We went past a large cave which would have made a great place for a fire. Under a bull which almost seemed poised to leap on us from an overhanging crag. We (well Luca), opted to stick to the valley rather than going over Low and High Pike (which was a shame, because the cloud cleared and it would have been an interesting (though possibly very tiring) route). We went at a pretty decent pace, but curiously a mother and her 2 young daughters seemed to be gaining on us....
We ascended over Scandale Pass and the descended Caiston Glen to continue the rest of the walk weaving alongside the road. It was interesting, but tiring. The main highlight being spotting a beautiful red deer about 80m from the road.
We eventually came to Glenridding where we enjoyed another decent meal. We decided to walk to the foot of Helvellyn to find an interesting spot to camp. The sun was out now and our meal had replenished our energy somewhat. However,it was a relief when Luca spotted a perfect spot to camp - near the path but also in an extremely picturesque yet practical spot next to a stream.
We started to build a fire, but it was stopped by rain. Luca then got in his pyjamas, just as it stopped raining. So an early night was had.
Thursday, 30 July 2015
30/07/15 - Coniston to Windermere - (me, Luca)
Luca and I set off on a sunny Thursday morning for a 3 or 4 day trek through the Lakes. I had a rough idea of a route, but the intention to play it by ear. Sleeping arrangements were to wild camp, but I was a bit concerned that I wasn't sure where we'd be each night and so where we'd sleep...
We parked the car in a campsite near Coniston and set off round the northern edge of Coniston Lake. We had some food with us, but intended to get a lot from cafes and pubs on the way. We stopped fairly quickly at a shop to get some local fudge and shortly after to get some lunch - I couldn't believe how busy everywhere was (the traffic had been pretty horrific too), but before long we were walking through Grizedale forest and the crowds had disappeared.
We wound our way through the forest. I thought it would be a fun to take an off beat route over the top and we ended up following a very old, but overgrown route. It was muddy but fun. It came to a beautiful open marshy plateau which was unlike anything I'd seen before. The light was amazing - I guess because of the reflections from the water in the grass. It looked something from the American prairies (I think). The way was marked by ancient looking stones.
But the way was very boggy and much to Luca's amusement (and somewhat to mine), I took a couple of miss-steps and ended up knee deep in boggy marsh. We were about 3 hours in to the trip and I was already filthy and wet.
We ended up a bit lost, but soon found our way again and wound our way back down. We stopped at a pub (I fought the temptation to have a pint and had sparkling water instead - which turned out to be far more refreshing). Eventually we made our way to the ferry which would take us across Windermere to Bowness.
In Bowness we re-met the crowds, but enjoyed some fish and chips. We now needed to find somewhere to pitch our tents. I'd figured that if we walked up to the east of Bowness and along the Cumbria way a bit we'd be able to find a suitable spot. We ascended the hill and I just hoped that I was right. Luckily, I was and we found a spot where we were reasonably comfortable that we would be undisturbed (and undisturbing), till the following morning.
My mood was somewhat sullied by my cold, damp feet, but a change of socks sorted me out.
We took a bit of a wander round after putting our tent up. The moon was full and the views from the top of the hill were wonderful. The night was topped off by the view of an owl in flight.
We parked the car in a campsite near Coniston and set off round the northern edge of Coniston Lake. We had some food with us, but intended to get a lot from cafes and pubs on the way. We stopped fairly quickly at a shop to get some local fudge and shortly after to get some lunch - I couldn't believe how busy everywhere was (the traffic had been pretty horrific too), but before long we were walking through Grizedale forest and the crowds had disappeared.
We wound our way through the forest. I thought it would be a fun to take an off beat route over the top and we ended up following a very old, but overgrown route. It was muddy but fun. It came to a beautiful open marshy plateau which was unlike anything I'd seen before. The light was amazing - I guess because of the reflections from the water in the grass. It looked something from the American prairies (I think). The way was marked by ancient looking stones.
But the way was very boggy and much to Luca's amusement (and somewhat to mine), I took a couple of miss-steps and ended up knee deep in boggy marsh. We were about 3 hours in to the trip and I was already filthy and wet.
We ended up a bit lost, but soon found our way again and wound our way back down. We stopped at a pub (I fought the temptation to have a pint and had sparkling water instead - which turned out to be far more refreshing). Eventually we made our way to the ferry which would take us across Windermere to Bowness.
In Bowness we re-met the crowds, but enjoyed some fish and chips. We now needed to find somewhere to pitch our tents. I'd figured that if we walked up to the east of Bowness and along the Cumbria way a bit we'd be able to find a suitable spot. We ascended the hill and I just hoped that I was right. Luckily, I was and we found a spot where we were reasonably comfortable that we would be undisturbed (and undisturbing), till the following morning.
My mood was somewhat sullied by my cold, damp feet, but a change of socks sorted me out.
We took a bit of a wander round after putting our tent up. The moon was full and the views from the top of the hill were wonderful. The night was topped off by the view of an owl in flight.
Tuesday, 14 July 2015
14/07/15- Oban....
The weather was gorgeous. I half heartedly decided to get a decent breakfast and then ascend Sgurr Dhonuill, which was is near Sgorr Dhearg which I'd done on the mountaineering course in Feb - usually these 2 are done in one trip.
My heart wasn't massively up for the challenge and I was concerned about having a tiring fail (the tracks through the forest were a bit patchy and I was in a bit of a rush as I had a long drive back), but the weather was the best it had been all weekend, so I dutifully went for breakfast at the cafe in Glencoe. But it was closed. In fact I struggled to find anywhere, but was enjoying driving around in the search. So much so, that I decided to start a slow and somewhat indirect cruise back home via Oban and to sack off my walk plans.
The drive was beautiful. I stopped for a walk on the beach, then for breakfast overlooking a castle in a loch (at first it was the best scrambled egg I'd ever had but it soon descended into an overly rich, sick inducing fest). I ended up doing the distillery tour in Oban and the driving back. A very nice, easy day indeed. The weather on the drive was beautiful all the way to Manchester.
My heart wasn't massively up for the challenge and I was concerned about having a tiring fail (the tracks through the forest were a bit patchy and I was in a bit of a rush as I had a long drive back), but the weather was the best it had been all weekend, so I dutifully went for breakfast at the cafe in Glencoe. But it was closed. In fact I struggled to find anywhere, but was enjoying driving around in the search. So much so, that I decided to start a slow and somewhat indirect cruise back home via Oban and to sack off my walk plans.
The drive was beautiful. I stopped for a walk on the beach, then for breakfast overlooking a castle in a loch (at first it was the best scrambled egg I'd ever had but it soon descended into an overly rich, sick inducing fest). I ended up doing the distillery tour in Oban and the driving back. A very nice, easy day indeed. The weather on the drive was beautiful all the way to Manchester.
Monday, 13 July 2015
13/07/15 - Nevis Range, Around Buachaille Etive Beag - (me, Steve) [mtb]
So we got up for Steve's final day which was due to be a biking day. The first part was doing the lift up and then downhill Red run at the Nevis Range trail centre - http://www.nevisrange.co.uk/activities_mountain_biking.asp . It was drizzly and bleak, visibility was poor and it was surprisingly cold, but we set off up the hill (in a ski lift) and then quickly set off down hill again.
I was somewhat nervous as we proceeded and my nerves soon started to feel increasingly frayed. The boardwalks were high, winding, steep and fast. I struggled to confidently take them at the speed which was required in order to stay on and had a couple of close shaves followed by a pathetic stumbling fall. At first I wasn't sure whether I was enjoying things, but increasingly I became sure that I was enduring rather than enjoying.
Eventually the boardwalk gave way to rock gardens which were enjoyable if taken fairly slowly.
Before much further we came across a group of lads who had stopped. We'd seen them before setting off looking full of boisterous humour and bullishness. Now though one of them was curled up in pain and making various animal type noises. Some of the party looked quite concerned, others were just asking about our bikes etc. We phoned the centre to ask them to send help and carried on our way. Even Steve slowed down a bit now though.
The rest of the trail was increasingly enjoyable, but I still had to stop a lot and walk various sections.
We got something to eat at the cafe and then set off through Fort William for our second, hopefully more serene ride through the valleys around Buachaille Etive Beag.
The traffic through Fort William was horrific and knowing that Steve was on the clock I started to doubt that he'd be up for doing the second ride. As we turned into Glen Etive he flashed me from behind and it was obvious that I was going to be doing the second ride on my own. I decided to throw caution to the wind and carry on anyway. I parked up and took a look at the steep ascent to the col which was the entry to the north valley around Buachaille Etive Beag I walked the first bit and it was obvious that it wasn't going to be rideable, but I decided to give it a try anyway. I ended up pushing and carrying my bike up the ascent, just hoping that the next section would be rideable. It kind of was, but there were a lot of gaps in the path which required stopping - some I could jump over, but some I couldn't and they were every 30 or 40 metres. I was also worried that my back wheel was going to get a snake bite due to the low pressure of my tyres. I had a pump with me but I wasn't confident in how to use it so I decided that I'd try and avoid pumping up the tyres until I reached the road which was my half way point. That way if I flattened the tyre completely I could walk to the car and drive back to pick up the bike.
Then I had my first highlight - riding past a herd of deer and scaring them (unintentionally) with my squealing brakes.
The cloud had been hanging around quite a bit, but visibility was generally good and the sun was making pleasant appearances. I stopped at a stream for some lunch and to generally have a good laugh at myself. I was walking and hiking my bike more than I was riding it even on this section.
I eventually got to the road and decided to pump up my tyre. It went about as badly as I feared. Before long the tyre was completely flat. I very nearly decided to give up, leave the bike and walk back to the car, but eventually managed to wangle a way to get some air into the tyre. After about 40 minutes I was on my way again.
First of all it was a case of following the West Highland Way (a wide, dull track - kind of put me off walking the thing), but before long I turned into the souther valley I passed some walkers who looked in in awe and admiration - but I felt pretty foolish as I knew that before long they'd see me walking my bike along. I was right. The track was (again) very difficult to ride. I started toying with different and inventive ways to hike my bike along and wonder if anyone had invented a shoulder pad to hang your bike off to stop the frame digging into your shoulder.
Despite it all I was enjoying myself and the challenge, but I was still worried that I wouldn't be able to descend the final section into Glen Etive.
I stopped for a while to enjoy the views up to Buachaille Etive Mor. The valleys were as beautiful as I hoped - probably better than the views and scenery of many mountains. This path was decidedly less easy to ride than it had looked from up on high yesterday though.
Finally, I reached the last section - the descent to Glen Etive. It looked like it was going to be doable, but not rideable. The sun continued to make it's presence known and highlight 2 occurred - the view down into Glen Etive was truly spectacular. It looked like something from a renaissance painting. Utterly idyllic. A view that was far less obvious when in the Glen itself.
The route required great skill in descending with bike in hand. Occasionally a small section was rideable. The ground was also quite muddy. I knew that the very last bit was going to be tricky, but I now knew that I would make it no matter what.
I eventually made it back to the car. It had taken about 6 hours. Very enjoyable, but utterly ridiculous - my guess is that I rode about 10 - 15 percent. I think a more experienced ride probably would have ridden about another 10 or 20 percent, but that's it.
A quote from an email sent to Steve at the end of the day "I feel exhausted and elated now though - even though I had to carry my bike on my bike more than I actually rode it! I got through it by taking inspiration from that guy who did the great north run with a fridge on his back - I thought of myself not as being on a bike ride, but actually just being on a walk, but dressed as cyclist and carrying a bike to add to the challenge!"
I finished the day off with a steak from the Kings House Hotel. And then had a couple of whiskies from Clachaig Inn.
I was unsure about the following day - could I face another walk....?
GPX File
I was somewhat nervous as we proceeded and my nerves soon started to feel increasingly frayed. The boardwalks were high, winding, steep and fast. I struggled to confidently take them at the speed which was required in order to stay on and had a couple of close shaves followed by a pathetic stumbling fall. At first I wasn't sure whether I was enjoying things, but increasingly I became sure that I was enduring rather than enjoying.
Eventually the boardwalk gave way to rock gardens which were enjoyable if taken fairly slowly.
Before much further we came across a group of lads who had stopped. We'd seen them before setting off looking full of boisterous humour and bullishness. Now though one of them was curled up in pain and making various animal type noises. Some of the party looked quite concerned, others were just asking about our bikes etc. We phoned the centre to ask them to send help and carried on our way. Even Steve slowed down a bit now though.
The rest of the trail was increasingly enjoyable, but I still had to stop a lot and walk various sections.
We got something to eat at the cafe and then set off through Fort William for our second, hopefully more serene ride through the valleys around Buachaille Etive Beag.
The traffic through Fort William was horrific and knowing that Steve was on the clock I started to doubt that he'd be up for doing the second ride. As we turned into Glen Etive he flashed me from behind and it was obvious that I was going to be doing the second ride on my own. I decided to throw caution to the wind and carry on anyway. I parked up and took a look at the steep ascent to the col which was the entry to the north valley around Buachaille Etive Beag I walked the first bit and it was obvious that it wasn't going to be rideable, but I decided to give it a try anyway. I ended up pushing and carrying my bike up the ascent, just hoping that the next section would be rideable. It kind of was, but there were a lot of gaps in the path which required stopping - some I could jump over, but some I couldn't and they were every 30 or 40 metres. I was also worried that my back wheel was going to get a snake bite due to the low pressure of my tyres. I had a pump with me but I wasn't confident in how to use it so I decided that I'd try and avoid pumping up the tyres until I reached the road which was my half way point. That way if I flattened the tyre completely I could walk to the car and drive back to pick up the bike.
Then I had my first highlight - riding past a herd of deer and scaring them (unintentionally) with my squealing brakes.
The cloud had been hanging around quite a bit, but visibility was generally good and the sun was making pleasant appearances. I stopped at a stream for some lunch and to generally have a good laugh at myself. I was walking and hiking my bike more than I was riding it even on this section.
I eventually got to the road and decided to pump up my tyre. It went about as badly as I feared. Before long the tyre was completely flat. I very nearly decided to give up, leave the bike and walk back to the car, but eventually managed to wangle a way to get some air into the tyre. After about 40 minutes I was on my way again.
First of all it was a case of following the West Highland Way (a wide, dull track - kind of put me off walking the thing), but before long I turned into the souther valley I passed some walkers who looked in in awe and admiration - but I felt pretty foolish as I knew that before long they'd see me walking my bike along. I was right. The track was (again) very difficult to ride. I started toying with different and inventive ways to hike my bike along and wonder if anyone had invented a shoulder pad to hang your bike off to stop the frame digging into your shoulder.
Despite it all I was enjoying myself and the challenge, but I was still worried that I wouldn't be able to descend the final section into Glen Etive.
I stopped for a while to enjoy the views up to Buachaille Etive Mor. The valleys were as beautiful as I hoped - probably better than the views and scenery of many mountains. This path was decidedly less easy to ride than it had looked from up on high yesterday though.
Finally, I reached the last section - the descent to Glen Etive. It looked like it was going to be doable, but not rideable. The sun continued to make it's presence known and highlight 2 occurred - the view down into Glen Etive was truly spectacular. It looked like something from a renaissance painting. Utterly idyllic. A view that was far less obvious when in the Glen itself.
The route required great skill in descending with bike in hand. Occasionally a small section was rideable. The ground was also quite muddy. I knew that the very last bit was going to be tricky, but I now knew that I would make it no matter what.
I eventually made it back to the car. It had taken about 6 hours. Very enjoyable, but utterly ridiculous - my guess is that I rode about 10 - 15 percent. I think a more experienced ride probably would have ridden about another 10 or 20 percent, but that's it.
A quote from an email sent to Steve at the end of the day "I feel exhausted and elated now though - even though I had to carry my bike on my bike more than I actually rode it! I got through it by taking inspiration from that guy who did the great north run with a fridge on his back - I thought of myself not as being on a bike ride, but actually just being on a walk, but dressed as cyclist and carrying a bike to add to the challenge!"
I finished the day off with a steak from the Kings House Hotel. And then had a couple of whiskies from Clachaig Inn.
I was unsure about the following day - could I face another walk....?
GPX File
Sunday, 12 July 2015
12/07/15 - Stob Coire Raineach, Stob Dubh - (me, Steve)
The day was a little brighter when we woke in the morning and I was questioning my stupidity for wanting to leave the night before. Steve was pretty stiff though and only just seemed willing to do a walk. We'd planning on doing Aonach Eagach, but given the weather that was off the agenda. We went for one of the safe back-up options - Buachaille Etive Beag (Stob Coire Raineach, Stob Dubh). Essentially this was the completion of the walk which I'd started on the intro day of my Scottish Mountaineering course.
We went for a fine breakfast in the cafe in Glencoe and then set off from the car park at the base of Buachaille Etive Beag. The visibility was improving and it the chill from the air (and our bones), was dissipating. In fact we soon got pretty warm as we ascended the fairly steep path.
The route was fairly uneventful, but very pleasant,with great views to Buachaille Etive Mor and beyond. I was keen to try and spot the route down from Etive Mor as I was thinking of completing it on Tuesday when Steve would have returned home. However, we were also taken with the view of the path which we could see winding through the valley and wondered if it would be rideable.
The descent was once again aided greatly by my walking sticks,which Steve once again refused to share.
We went went back to the camp site and then walked to the Clachaig Inn on what was turning out to be quite a pleasant evening. We studied the maps to see if we could find a route to ride the path we'd seen and found a potentially interesting route which would start in Glen Etive - this was added to the agenda for the following day. Then, a steak, a beer and several whiskies were enjoyed before turning in for the night.
Munro - Stob Coire Raineach, Stob Dubh
GPX File
Munro - Stob Coire Raineach, Stob Dubh
GPX File
Saturday, 11 July 2015
11/07/15 - Carn Mor Dearg, Ben Nevis (attempt) - (me, Steve)
I left Nantwich at about 8:30pm on Friday to meet Steve at the Red Squirrel Campsite in Glencoe the following day. Due to the late start I stayed at Abbotsford Hotel which was perfectly situated, just North of Glasgow. Had a decent breakfast and set off to meet Steve. He was about to have breakfast in Fort William when I got there so it took about 30 minutes for us to actually meet up. I should have used this time to put my tent up, but didn't. We set off for Ben Nevis in Steve's car, got half way there only for Steve to realise the he'd forgotten his waterproof trousers, so we ended up driving all the way back again...
The weather was pretty bleak when we eventually set off. I couldn't believe how busy the route was - we were starting on the tourist path up the Ben. It was pretty thankless and unappealing for the most part. Eventually we beared to the left where the hoardes bore right and found ourselves more alone. As we rose to the point where we reached the mountain rescue hut the weather had got bleaker still. The wind was up, as was the rain, but the visibility was way down. I warned Steve that if I didn't like the look of the arete when we actually got to it, I wouldn't want to proceed. Steve's risk assessment is decidedly less operationally alert than mine...
The ascent up to Carn Mor Dearg from the rescue hut is pretty steep and gruelling and due to the scree base which you're going up, not without risk. But eventually we reached the top. I was really starting to be concerned that I wouldn't want to proceed, but I was fine to proceed to the point where the arete got sharp so that we could make a proper assessment. Particularly bearing in mind that the walk back to the car would be quite problematic - i.e. we'd either need to descend by the exact same path (which would be very steep and would take a long time), or we'd need to find a more direct way back (which might not be possible).
As if to demonstrate just how bad the visibility was, Steve nearly walked us off the side of the cliff - only stopped by me saying that he was going the wrong way (and him insisting that he wasn't). Eventually we got to the arete - I wish I'd take a photograph because it looked the edge of the world, a place where vikings would have gone to worship the gods. Visibility was down to about 30ft, the arete was sharp as hell, and the top of it was small, loose, wet, angled rock. I took one look and turned straight round, Steve didn't even try and convince me (not that he would have tried anyway).
Fortunately,the way back wasn't too difficult, we essentially retraced our steps, but took a less direct route down the gully to the path. Steve was clearly disappointed that we'd not proceeded, partly because it would have been a much quicker route. However, I was absolutely resolute that it was the right thing to do, and I think he agreed, reluctantly.
I'd bought some walking sticks for the trip and my knees were glad, especially by the time we rejoined the tourist path, for the steep descent. Steve's knees really started giving him some grief though. Stubbornly he refused to borrow one of my sticks.
We eventually made it back to the car and went straight to the Clachaig Inn. We'd missed last orders for food and there was a band on - it was too packed to even get a seat. Steve was so tired he couldn't even finish his beer. We'd put our gear in the dry room, but 20 minutes of drying didn't achieve much. It was continuing to piss it down outside. I regretted not putting my tent up earlier when I had the chance!
At this point I was very near to just jumping in the car and going home. Only 2 things stopped me - 1) it wouldn't have been very fair on Steve and 2) we looked at the weather forecast on the board and it looked like things were going to get a bit better over the next few days.
Luckily I felt better when my tent was up and I was in dry clothes and a warm sleeping bag.
Munro - Carn Mor Dearg
GPX File
The weather was pretty bleak when we eventually set off. I couldn't believe how busy the route was - we were starting on the tourist path up the Ben. It was pretty thankless and unappealing for the most part. Eventually we beared to the left where the hoardes bore right and found ourselves more alone. As we rose to the point where we reached the mountain rescue hut the weather had got bleaker still. The wind was up, as was the rain, but the visibility was way down. I warned Steve that if I didn't like the look of the arete when we actually got to it, I wouldn't want to proceed. Steve's risk assessment is decidedly less operationally alert than mine...
The ascent up to Carn Mor Dearg from the rescue hut is pretty steep and gruelling and due to the scree base which you're going up, not without risk. But eventually we reached the top. I was really starting to be concerned that I wouldn't want to proceed, but I was fine to proceed to the point where the arete got sharp so that we could make a proper assessment. Particularly bearing in mind that the walk back to the car would be quite problematic - i.e. we'd either need to descend by the exact same path (which would be very steep and would take a long time), or we'd need to find a more direct way back (which might not be possible).
As if to demonstrate just how bad the visibility was, Steve nearly walked us off the side of the cliff - only stopped by me saying that he was going the wrong way (and him insisting that he wasn't). Eventually we got to the arete - I wish I'd take a photograph because it looked the edge of the world, a place where vikings would have gone to worship the gods. Visibility was down to about 30ft, the arete was sharp as hell, and the top of it was small, loose, wet, angled rock. I took one look and turned straight round, Steve didn't even try and convince me (not that he would have tried anyway).
Fortunately,the way back wasn't too difficult, we essentially retraced our steps, but took a less direct route down the gully to the path. Steve was clearly disappointed that we'd not proceeded, partly because it would have been a much quicker route. However, I was absolutely resolute that it was the right thing to do, and I think he agreed, reluctantly.
I'd bought some walking sticks for the trip and my knees were glad, especially by the time we rejoined the tourist path, for the steep descent. Steve's knees really started giving him some grief though. Stubbornly he refused to borrow one of my sticks.
We eventually made it back to the car and went straight to the Clachaig Inn. We'd missed last orders for food and there was a band on - it was too packed to even get a seat. Steve was so tired he couldn't even finish his beer. We'd put our gear in the dry room, but 20 minutes of drying didn't achieve much. It was continuing to piss it down outside. I regretted not putting my tent up earlier when I had the chance!
At this point I was very near to just jumping in the car and going home. Only 2 things stopped me - 1) it wouldn't have been very fair on Steve and 2) we looked at the weather forecast on the board and it looked like things were going to get a bit better over the next few days.
Luckily I felt better when my tent was up and I was in dry clothes and a warm sleeping bag.
Munro - Carn Mor Dearg
GPX File
Sunday, 31 May 2015
31/05/15 - Skiddaw - (me) - [mtb]
It was raining heavily when I woke at the camp site at Wasdale, my knee was also fairly bruised and a little weak feeling. I got myself a sausage and egg sandwich, packed up my tent and set off, a little unsure of whether I was going to Skiddaw (as originally planned), or whether to accept defeat and spend the day wandering round Keswick, or even greater defeat and just drive home. I'd also under estimated how long it would take to get to Skiddaw - well over an hour. Luckily though the sky started to brighten slightlyand the forecast looked like it was getting better in the afternoon.
I pottered round Keswick for a while looking for goggles (which I didn't find), and a large helping of lasagne (which I did find). Eventually, the rain ceased and I set off for the base of Skiddaw.
I realised even as I was going through the forest at the base that it was going to be a tough ride - steep and slippy. But I figured that as soon as I'd had enough I could just turn round and head back - which would be decidedly easier. After taking a wrong turn (downwards!!), I eventually go to the car park from which most people start their ascent. At this point it started to feel like I was actually going up a mountain. Before long I was hiking my bike rather than riding it, I was surprised both at how steep it was as well as how scree covered the ground was. I was expecting this to be a common route for cyclists but every walker I went past looked at me with shock, admiration, amusement or disgust. Luckily, due to the poor weather forecast there were few walkers out.
My own amusement at my endeavour bouyed my spirits as the wind picked up and I was reasonably determined to get to the top,particularly as I thought I saw it in front of me. However, when I realised that the top was some way further on and the wind picked up even more, I startedto get a bid tired of the whole affair. As I looked at the plateau/ridge which I'd need to cross at the last stage I was also worried at how bad the wind would be. Shortly after a walker came past and advised me against proceeding any further because the wind would be dangerous with a bike.That was all the encouragement I needed to turn around and commence the descent.
At first it was fairly shallow, but surprisingly fast and while I had to watch out for walkers, it was just outright fun. However, I knew that there were far steeper sections to come - on slabby and jarring scree! I'd seen some small tracks in the grass at the side of the main path so I decided to take that line when the path got steep, but I realised when I braked to slow down that it was too steep and simply went into a downward skid. I returned to the path,but it was so steep that I couldn't get on my bike! So, bizarrely, I actually ended up walking the bike down some sections - luckily no-one saw me!
The sections I was able to do I took reasonably slowly and they proved to be a fun, but technical challenge. Once I reached the forest at the base though it was just outright swooping fun again though. The weather had also picked up considerably and it was now glorious sunshine. I got back to the car, keen to do it again.
I should have taken timings, but I think the ascent was about 3 hours and the descent about 20 minutes.
GPX File
I pottered round Keswick for a while looking for goggles (which I didn't find), and a large helping of lasagne (which I did find). Eventually, the rain ceased and I set off for the base of Skiddaw.
I realised even as I was going through the forest at the base that it was going to be a tough ride - steep and slippy. But I figured that as soon as I'd had enough I could just turn round and head back - which would be decidedly easier. After taking a wrong turn (downwards!!), I eventually go to the car park from which most people start their ascent. At this point it started to feel like I was actually going up a mountain. Before long I was hiking my bike rather than riding it, I was surprised both at how steep it was as well as how scree covered the ground was. I was expecting this to be a common route for cyclists but every walker I went past looked at me with shock, admiration, amusement or disgust. Luckily, due to the poor weather forecast there were few walkers out.
My own amusement at my endeavour bouyed my spirits as the wind picked up and I was reasonably determined to get to the top,particularly as I thought I saw it in front of me. However, when I realised that the top was some way further on and the wind picked up even more, I startedto get a bid tired of the whole affair. As I looked at the plateau/ridge which I'd need to cross at the last stage I was also worried at how bad the wind would be. Shortly after a walker came past and advised me against proceeding any further because the wind would be dangerous with a bike.That was all the encouragement I needed to turn around and commence the descent.
At first it was fairly shallow, but surprisingly fast and while I had to watch out for walkers, it was just outright fun. However, I knew that there were far steeper sections to come - on slabby and jarring scree! I'd seen some small tracks in the grass at the side of the main path so I decided to take that line when the path got steep, but I realised when I braked to slow down that it was too steep and simply went into a downward skid. I returned to the path,but it was so steep that I couldn't get on my bike! So, bizarrely, I actually ended up walking the bike down some sections - luckily no-one saw me!
The sections I was able to do I took reasonably slowly and they proved to be a fun, but technical challenge. Once I reached the forest at the base though it was just outright swooping fun again though. The weather had also picked up considerably and it was now glorious sunshine. I got back to the car, keen to do it again.
I should have taken timings, but I think the ascent was about 3 hours and the descent about 20 minutes.
GPX File
Saturday, 30 May 2015
30/05/15 - Great Gable, Kirk Fell, Pillar, Red Pike, Yewbarrow - (me)
I drove up to the Lakes early on the Saturday morning with the intention of walking the Saturday, camping and then riding on the Sunday. The weather looked like it would be mixed so I knew I'd need to play it by ear, but the day of Saturday at least looked to be good enough for walking.
This would be my second attempt at this route (the first was in March where I was essentially rained and blown off the hill), and I knew that another failed attempt would be pretty bad for my morale and general attitude toward hill walking. It was therefore a bit unfortunate that I felt a bit lethargic and slightly under the weather. However as I headed up toward Great Gable at least this time I could see it and I decided that I just needed to plough on. I decided against taking the climbers route as I didn't want to slow myself down or tire myself out, however I did cut across at the top of the path so as to do a bit of scrambling up to the summit. The views of the Scafell massif and down into Wasdale were magnificent, but as usual I didn't pause for long at the summit of Great Gable and instead started the descent to the col to Kirk Fell.
It was at the bottom of the col that I slipped and slammed my knee against the rock - I think this was at least in part due to my lethargy, i.e. I was dragging my feet a bit. The pain was bad enough that I had to sit down for a few minutes, but in the end I decided that I could carry on. The walk up and over Kirk Fell was surprisingly arduous, particularly as I seemed to lose the path on the descent. I ended up scrambling down some fairly steep sections - not great with my knee. This was at the same time as getting a dramatic, and somewhat intimidating view of the rest of my planned walk - it was all laid out before me and looked very long indeed....
I walked toward pillar and wimped out of descending into the valley in order to scramble back up as I figured that my knee would let me down and that I would end up regretting it later. In hind sight I decided this was a smart move, because while the views from the top of Pillar made it obvious that the scrambling routes up would be exciting, I also think that it would be easy to get into trouble and I was aware that my balance and flexibility was somewhat "off".
I was properly into my stride now though, the crowds around Great Gable had long disappeared,the weather was settled and the walk felt very doable, even with my knee.
Red Pike virtually skipped by, but by the time I reached Yewbarrow the sun was showing signs of tiredness and so was I. I decided to continue on the planned route rather than taking the easy option. The ascent of Yewbarrow showed itself to be cheeky little scramble from the outset. I lost the path at one point, concerning myself that I was scrambling to the wrong point, but was quickly overtaken by a more confident fell runner who quickly disappeared in front of me. The walk over Yewbarrow was actually one of the most enjoyable parts of the day, it was small and spikey, challenging without being deadly, there were options and decisions to be made. It was difficult to detemine how far I could go before descending to the side though - it was obvious that at some point a turn to the right was needed in order to avoid going over the edge of the cliff, but it wasn't clear how far you could go. In the end I realised when I'd gone too far and retraced my steps (not without difficult), but soon realised that the descent to the path was not going to be easy. I had to scramble down and decided that it would be easier without my rucsac, so I threw it down about 7 or 8m, however it rolled down a further 30m, luckily to a point where it was still retrievable!
Eventually I arrived at the path, but it was still reasonably steep and by now my knee was really aching. I was very relieved to make it to the road and then the car.
I checked in at the camp site at the Wasdale Inn (much later and there wouldn't have been room) and treated myself to a steak, couple of local beers and some whisky before checking in for the night, by which time it was raining pretty heavily.
This would be my second attempt at this route (the first was in March where I was essentially rained and blown off the hill), and I knew that another failed attempt would be pretty bad for my morale and general attitude toward hill walking. It was therefore a bit unfortunate that I felt a bit lethargic and slightly under the weather. However as I headed up toward Great Gable at least this time I could see it and I decided that I just needed to plough on. I decided against taking the climbers route as I didn't want to slow myself down or tire myself out, however I did cut across at the top of the path so as to do a bit of scrambling up to the summit. The views of the Scafell massif and down into Wasdale were magnificent, but as usual I didn't pause for long at the summit of Great Gable and instead started the descent to the col to Kirk Fell.
It was at the bottom of the col that I slipped and slammed my knee against the rock - I think this was at least in part due to my lethargy, i.e. I was dragging my feet a bit. The pain was bad enough that I had to sit down for a few minutes, but in the end I decided that I could carry on. The walk up and over Kirk Fell was surprisingly arduous, particularly as I seemed to lose the path on the descent. I ended up scrambling down some fairly steep sections - not great with my knee. This was at the same time as getting a dramatic, and somewhat intimidating view of the rest of my planned walk - it was all laid out before me and looked very long indeed....
I walked toward pillar and wimped out of descending into the valley in order to scramble back up as I figured that my knee would let me down and that I would end up regretting it later. In hind sight I decided this was a smart move, because while the views from the top of Pillar made it obvious that the scrambling routes up would be exciting, I also think that it would be easy to get into trouble and I was aware that my balance and flexibility was somewhat "off".
I was properly into my stride now though, the crowds around Great Gable had long disappeared,the weather was settled and the walk felt very doable, even with my knee.
Red Pike virtually skipped by, but by the time I reached Yewbarrow the sun was showing signs of tiredness and so was I. I decided to continue on the planned route rather than taking the easy option. The ascent of Yewbarrow showed itself to be cheeky little scramble from the outset. I lost the path at one point, concerning myself that I was scrambling to the wrong point, but was quickly overtaken by a more confident fell runner who quickly disappeared in front of me. The walk over Yewbarrow was actually one of the most enjoyable parts of the day, it was small and spikey, challenging without being deadly, there were options and decisions to be made. It was difficult to detemine how far I could go before descending to the side though - it was obvious that at some point a turn to the right was needed in order to avoid going over the edge of the cliff, but it wasn't clear how far you could go. In the end I realised when I'd gone too far and retraced my steps (not without difficult), but soon realised that the descent to the path was not going to be easy. I had to scramble down and decided that it would be easier without my rucsac, so I threw it down about 7 or 8m, however it rolled down a further 30m, luckily to a point where it was still retrievable!
Eventually I arrived at the path, but it was still reasonably steep and by now my knee was really aching. I was very relieved to make it to the road and then the car.
I checked in at the camp site at the Wasdale Inn (much later and there wouldn't have been room) and treated myself to a steak, couple of local beers and some whisky before checking in for the night, by which time it was raining pretty heavily.
Saturday, 23 May 2015
23/05/15 - Fan y Big - (me, Luca, Ellis)
So I managed to con Ellis into agreeing into walking up a mountain as part of a wild camping weekend. We were going to go to the Lakes, but after a close review of the weather I decided that the Brecon Beacons was a better bet, I settled on Fan y Big as being a suitably achievable focus to our endeavour - particularly as the car park was reasonably high on the hill!
We arrived reasonably late in the day, each of us having our suitably sized rucsac (small, medium and large), filled with food, clothes and tent.
Ellis started bemoaning the activity pretty quickly but luckily I knew the worse bit was the start and sure enough, once we got going a bit it got easier and he started to get into the groove. The bogs provided some entertainment and I even saw a lizard. We reached the peak of Fan Y Big reasonably quickly (the name was cause of some amusement), my only regret was that it lacked the kind of drama that might be required to get him hooked.
We wound our way down into valley (the sun was pretty warm now), and past the reservoir. We were approaching the point where I wanted to start looking for somewhere to camp. This was a balancing act between finding somewhere fairly soon and finding somewhere where we wouldn't have a massive walk the following day. It also soon proved difficult to find somewhere level enough - the forest was far denser and wilder than I'd expected and the edge of the river was far steeper. The boys were starting to get tired (Ellis in particular) and I was starting to panic a bit. Ellis fell in a bog at one point while crossing over a plank bridge - luckily this caused amusement rather than distress.
We eventually found a flat bit of land, but it was right by the path and was lacking in any character or charm. We stopped for something to eat - beans and soup. Fortunately this gave everyone an energy boost so we decided to soldier on. We passed by an excellent site by the river, but it was already occupied. Before long we were on the road. Luckily I asked for directions from someone before proceeding the wrong way down the road.... By now were were just a mile or 2 from the car - I was starting to think we'd reach the car before finding anywhere suitable and that once we got that far we'd end up just jumping in the car and going home. However, we saw some more people camping by the river and this gave me confidence that the river was starting to become campable.
We had once last chance to find a spot as the road crossed over the river and luckily it was both perfect and unoccupied, slightly near the road, but that was fine. We scurried down to it and quickly setup camp. Fire wood was plentiful and we got a nice fire going in no time.
It was going to be a beautiful starry night, but everyone was too tired to stay up. I panicked a little when some local kids/yobs drove past and heckled us - made me think of my car back there in the car park and whether it would get broken into.... I was in my new bivvy and the boys were in the 2 man tent. The bivvy turned out to be pretty comfy, but was cold on the hips where the material just laid on the body - I need to get a better sleeping bag!
I woke pretty early and it was only then that I realised how beautiful the forest was. The trees were straight and elegant and bluebells covered the floor.
The boys didn't wake for a couple of hours, so I got another fire going. We cooked a breakfast of roasted frankfurters when they eventually woke up and then packed up camp. I just walked with them to a nearby car park and then left them there while I walked back to the car. Was a good job because it was all uphill.
Ellis summed up the trip on the way back to the car - "That was really good fun,.... but I'm never doing it again."
We arrived reasonably late in the day, each of us having our suitably sized rucsac (small, medium and large), filled with food, clothes and tent.
Ellis started bemoaning the activity pretty quickly but luckily I knew the worse bit was the start and sure enough, once we got going a bit it got easier and he started to get into the groove. The bogs provided some entertainment and I even saw a lizard. We reached the peak of Fan Y Big reasonably quickly (the name was cause of some amusement), my only regret was that it lacked the kind of drama that might be required to get him hooked.
We wound our way down into valley (the sun was pretty warm now), and past the reservoir. We were approaching the point where I wanted to start looking for somewhere to camp. This was a balancing act between finding somewhere fairly soon and finding somewhere where we wouldn't have a massive walk the following day. It also soon proved difficult to find somewhere level enough - the forest was far denser and wilder than I'd expected and the edge of the river was far steeper. The boys were starting to get tired (Ellis in particular) and I was starting to panic a bit. Ellis fell in a bog at one point while crossing over a plank bridge - luckily this caused amusement rather than distress.
We eventually found a flat bit of land, but it was right by the path and was lacking in any character or charm. We stopped for something to eat - beans and soup. Fortunately this gave everyone an energy boost so we decided to soldier on. We passed by an excellent site by the river, but it was already occupied. Before long we were on the road. Luckily I asked for directions from someone before proceeding the wrong way down the road.... By now were were just a mile or 2 from the car - I was starting to think we'd reach the car before finding anywhere suitable and that once we got that far we'd end up just jumping in the car and going home. However, we saw some more people camping by the river and this gave me confidence that the river was starting to become campable.
We had once last chance to find a spot as the road crossed over the river and luckily it was both perfect and unoccupied, slightly near the road, but that was fine. We scurried down to it and quickly setup camp. Fire wood was plentiful and we got a nice fire going in no time.
It was going to be a beautiful starry night, but everyone was too tired to stay up. I panicked a little when some local kids/yobs drove past and heckled us - made me think of my car back there in the car park and whether it would get broken into.... I was in my new bivvy and the boys were in the 2 man tent. The bivvy turned out to be pretty comfy, but was cold on the hips where the material just laid on the body - I need to get a better sleeping bag!
I woke pretty early and it was only then that I realised how beautiful the forest was. The trees were straight and elegant and bluebells covered the floor.
The boys didn't wake for a couple of hours, so I got another fire going. We cooked a breakfast of roasted frankfurters when they eventually woke up and then packed up camp. I just walked with them to a nearby car park and then left them there while I walked back to the car. Was a good job because it was all uphill.
Ellis summed up the trip on the way back to the car - "That was really good fun,.... but I'm never doing it again."
Saturday, 28 March 2015
28/03/15 - Great Gable, Kirk Fell [sort of] - (me)
Got up at about 6 without the usual vigor, but was set off by 6:30. It was raining most of the way and the forecast was for the same all day. Realised when I entered the Lakes that I'd forgot my lunch - and really struggled to find a shop. I very nearly turned round at this point, but decided to plod on anyway.
Parked at the car park at Wasdale Head and set off. It was rainy, and very cloudy.
The path up to Great Gable was surprisingly steep. There was a turning I needed to the right about half way up - this would take me to the first scramble. However, visibility was poor, as was my energy level and general enthusiasm for the prospect. I continued to the col and split off to head for Kirk Fell.
The wind had really picked up by this point as had the rain. Visibility was at about 30 feet (as before). I decided to just cut the walk short so that I didn't knacker myself out for the rest of the weekend just to continue with something that was pretty unenjoyable - I didn't really fancy the proposect of any of the upcoming scrambles. There was a path on the map which descended steeply form Kirk Fell, I aimed for that, however the wind was now so strong that I found it difficult to proceed. So I just completely gave in and turned round.....
I was drenched by the time I got back to the car. I decided against going to Wasdale Inn - a treat which I'll leave until I return to complete the walk later this year.
Parked at the car park at Wasdale Head and set off. It was rainy, and very cloudy.
The path up to Great Gable was surprisingly steep. There was a turning I needed to the right about half way up - this would take me to the first scramble. However, visibility was poor, as was my energy level and general enthusiasm for the prospect. I continued to the col and split off to head for Kirk Fell.
The wind had really picked up by this point as had the rain. Visibility was at about 30 feet (as before). I decided to just cut the walk short so that I didn't knacker myself out for the rest of the weekend just to continue with something that was pretty unenjoyable - I didn't really fancy the proposect of any of the upcoming scrambles. There was a path on the map which descended steeply form Kirk Fell, I aimed for that, however the wind was now so strong that I found it difficult to proceed. So I just completely gave in and turned round.....
I was drenched by the time I got back to the car. I decided against going to Wasdale Inn - a treat which I'll leave until I return to complete the walk later this year.
Thursday, 26 February 2015
End of course thoughts
I'd feel comfortable walking in winter conditions, but still need to improve navigation skills
Need to get a better grip on (by teaching myself):
Basics of navigation - need to carry a compass and actually use it, including measuring distance
My own pace - how many steps in 100m etc
Weather systems
Avalanche predictions
Basically all the stuff that I've read previously but never really taken much notice of or tried to use in action
The rope work was great fun, but I don't know enough to actually put this into practice. I think some more summer outdoor climbing is the way to go here. And then some lead climbing. I've then got all the pieces in place to do some outdoor climbing myself. I need to get a partner though....
Things to plan for:
March - Day in Lakes
March - Day in Lakes/Wales with Steve
April - Tryfan scramble with Steve/Andy
May - Walk-Camp-Walk with boys
Skye - May
June - Scottish wild camp weekend
July - Scrambling
August - Scrambling
Sept - Scottish hostel
Jan/Feb/Mar - Scottish Winter Mountaineering weekend
Need to get a better grip on (by teaching myself):
Basics of navigation - need to carry a compass and actually use it, including measuring distance
My own pace - how many steps in 100m etc
Weather systems
Avalanche predictions
Basically all the stuff that I've read previously but never really taken much notice of or tried to use in action
The rope work was great fun, but I don't know enough to actually put this into practice. I think some more summer outdoor climbing is the way to go here. And then some lead climbing. I've then got all the pieces in place to do some outdoor climbing myself. I need to get a partner though....
Things to plan for:
March - Day in Lakes
March - Day in Lakes/Wales with Steve
April - Tryfan scramble with Steve/Andy
May - Walk-Camp-Walk with boys
Skye - May
June - Scottish wild camp weekend
July - Scrambling
August - Scrambling
Sept - Scottish hostel
Jan/Feb/Mar - Scottish Winter Mountaineering weekend
26/02/15 - Stob Ban - (me and Matt)
Last day. Went somewhere a bit different though - Glen Nevis. Nice to do something Nevissy (Matt still didn't feel comfortable doing Nevis due to bad weather - there had been a rescue there last night).
Trek at start was really hard this time. My body felt like it was looking forward to the end of the course. I had to ask for a snack rest at one point - which was the first time during the whole week. We then continued with the "Alpine Plod".
Matt said not to use the Ice Axe on the climb today, which I thought was great at first, but still turned out to be unnerving because the rock was icy and the gloves far from delicate.
My energy levels were better after the climb, but my feel still felt loose and clumsy.
Plenty to see though - the cornices had fallen away dramatically in a number of places - you could see the remains of the avalanche below.
The walk back down Glen Nevis was lovely, not the usual slog return of most walks. The trees were stripped to the their skeletons and looked almost burnt out against the white background of the snow.
Met Matt for a last beer in Fort William. I asked him about climbs that he's done and it turned out the list was pretty impressive, including El Capitan, The Nose and a bunch of other very serious climbs. Really decent guy, hope to climb with him again at some point.
http://www.westcoast-mountainguides.co.uk/news/stob-ban/
Munro - Stob Ban
Trek at start was really hard this time. My body felt like it was looking forward to the end of the course. I had to ask for a snack rest at one point - which was the first time during the whole week. We then continued with the "Alpine Plod".
Matt said not to use the Ice Axe on the climb today, which I thought was great at first, but still turned out to be unnerving because the rock was icy and the gloves far from delicate.
My energy levels were better after the climb, but my feel still felt loose and clumsy.
Plenty to see though - the cornices had fallen away dramatically in a number of places - you could see the remains of the avalanche below.
The walk back down Glen Nevis was lovely, not the usual slog return of most walks. The trees were stripped to the their skeletons and looked almost burnt out against the white background of the snow.
Met Matt for a last beer in Fort William. I asked him about climbs that he's done and it turned out the list was pretty impressive, including El Capitan, The Nose and a bunch of other very serious climbs. Really decent guy, hope to climb with him again at some point.
http://www.westcoast-mountainguides.co.uk/news/stob-ban/
Munro - Stob Ban
Wednesday, 25 February 2015
25/02/15 - School House Arete and The Curtain, Sgorr Dhearg - (me and Matt)
An early start today so that we could make the most of the weather. Also involved taking 2 cars so that we could cut out the slog back round to the car at the end.
Walking was pretty tough at the beginning, but my tiredness was displaced by fear as we roped up and started the pitches up the tricky sections. This felt far more exposed than yesterday and considerably more dangerous. I lost my balance at one point and would have fallen off if it wasn't for the rope. Mind you, I guess that's what it's there for....
Continued to be fairly exposed, but exhilarating all the way up to the summit.
Went to Cotswold to get a patch for my trousers and then got the ferry across to The Inn at Ardgour. Fun, though food wasn't brilliant.
http://www.westcoast-mountainguides.co.uk/news/school-house-arete/
Munro - Sgorr Dhearg
Walking was pretty tough at the beginning, but my tiredness was displaced by fear as we roped up and started the pitches up the tricky sections. This felt far more exposed than yesterday and considerably more dangerous. I lost my balance at one point and would have fallen off if it wasn't for the rope. Mind you, I guess that's what it's there for....
Continued to be fairly exposed, but exhilarating all the way up to the summit.
Went to Cotswold to get a patch for my trousers and then got the ferry across to The Inn at Ardgour. Fun, though food wasn't brilliant.
http://www.westcoast-mountainguides.co.uk/news/school-house-arete/
Munro - Sgorr Dhearg
Tuesday, 24 February 2015
24/02/15 - Pink rib, Beinn a Chrulaiste - (me and Matt)
The weather was maybe a little better today, so we headed to do a Grade 1 Scramble up the Pink Rib and then if possible to the summit of Beinn a Chrulaiste (a Corbett).
The views to Buachaille Etive Mor were stunning - I was a little dissapointed not to be going up there but I knew that it would not be possible due to the weather. The walk to the rib was tough due to the deep snow. Once at the bottom we roped up and started off. This instantly felt more technical and demanding than yesterday - in a good and bad way! There were 3 pithces in all, the first being the most demanding and genuinely scary. Type 2 fun....!
We managed to get to the summit in howling wind. The views, when they appeared between periods of white-out were simple stunning, far more dramatic than what you'd get with a constant clear blue sky. The coffee and snickers which were eaten as I tucked behind the shelter at the summit were deeply satisfying to such an extent that it made me laugh. Felt like being in my own little world as the wind was so strong that it was impossible to try and talk to Matt.
The walk back down involved ploughing through waist deep snow. We passed another guide the Matt knew on route, they'd done the Pink Rib too, but had taken a different route to us. When we got to the bottom Matt suggested that we went back up via that route.... I said, "yes" eventually, but only after saying vague get outs like "I really don't mind" and "why not". However, I was pleased I did. We concluded that the first rib was more of a Grade II, the second being Grade I.
Total ascent was higher than a Munro, including 300m climbed.
Another beer in Clachaig, and then home for another early night.
WCMG Blog - http://www.westcoast-mountainguides.co.uk/news/beinn-a-chrulaiste/
The views to Buachaille Etive Mor were stunning - I was a little dissapointed not to be going up there but I knew that it would not be possible due to the weather. The walk to the rib was tough due to the deep snow. Once at the bottom we roped up and started off. This instantly felt more technical and demanding than yesterday - in a good and bad way! There were 3 pithces in all, the first being the most demanding and genuinely scary. Type 2 fun....!
We managed to get to the summit in howling wind. The views, when they appeared between periods of white-out were simple stunning, far more dramatic than what you'd get with a constant clear blue sky. The coffee and snickers which were eaten as I tucked behind the shelter at the summit were deeply satisfying to such an extent that it made me laugh. Felt like being in my own little world as the wind was so strong that it was impossible to try and talk to Matt.
The walk back down involved ploughing through waist deep snow. We passed another guide the Matt knew on route, they'd done the Pink Rib too, but had taken a different route to us. When we got to the bottom Matt suggested that we went back up via that route.... I said, "yes" eventually, but only after saying vague get outs like "I really don't mind" and "why not". However, I was pleased I did. We concluded that the first rib was more of a Grade II, the second being Grade I.
Total ascent was higher than a Munro, including 300m climbed.
Another beer in Clachaig, and then home for another early night.
WCMG Blog - http://www.westcoast-mountainguides.co.uk/news/beinn-a-chrulaiste/
Monday, 23 February 2015
23/02/15 - Zig Zags, Gearr Aonach - (me and Matt)
So this was my first morning with Matt Stygall from West Coast Mountain guides. The weather was still pretty horrific so we drove into Glen Coe to assess options. Matt quickly settled on doing the Zig Zags up the nose of Gearr Aonach in Glen Coe.
The snow was deep and squelchy as we made our way up. The spot was clearly the right choice as there were a number of other guides and their groups there. We roped up fairly sharpish and proceeded to scramble up the Zig Zags. Great fun and not too exposed or scary (but I'm probably just saying that because I'm now considering it as relative to the climbs we did since...). We lunched in style on a make shift ledge under Matt's emergency shelter (used 2 nights earlier in a genuine rescue). We managed to take in a "summit of sorts", but didn't go up as far as the summit of Gearr Aonach.
A good day, but with the snow being so deep the scrambles felt a bit easy - it was hard to go wrong, just stomp the snow down and trample up.
Went for a beer (along with a bunch of other guides) at the brilliant Clachaig Inn (http://www.clachaig.com/). Over 300 whiskies and I didn't try one......
Blog entry from West Coast Mountain Guides - http://www.westcoast-mountainguides.co.uk/news/snow/
The snow was deep and squelchy as we made our way up. The spot was clearly the right choice as there were a number of other guides and their groups there. We roped up fairly sharpish and proceeded to scramble up the Zig Zags. Great fun and not too exposed or scary (but I'm probably just saying that because I'm now considering it as relative to the climbs we did since...). We lunched in style on a make shift ledge under Matt's emergency shelter (used 2 nights earlier in a genuine rescue). We managed to take in a "summit of sorts", but didn't go up as far as the summit of Gearr Aonach.
A good day, but with the snow being so deep the scrambles felt a bit easy - it was hard to go wrong, just stomp the snow down and trample up.
Went for a beer (along with a bunch of other guides) at the brilliant Clachaig Inn (http://www.clachaig.com/). Over 300 whiskies and I didn't try one......
Blog entry from West Coast Mountain Guides - http://www.westcoast-mountainguides.co.uk/news/snow/
Sunday, 22 February 2015
22/02/15 - Col on Buachaille Etive Beag in Glen Coe - (me and Jacob)
First day of the Winter Mountaineering course with West Coast Mountain Guides (http://www.westcoast-mountainguides.co.uk/). Got picked up by Jake Phillips at 8am. My expectations were immediately set that options were going to be limited through the week due to excessive amounts of snow (who would have thought it!). Based on prevailing wind direction and avalanche warnings we went to the col on Buachaille Etive Beag in Glen Coe. The snow was deep and getting deeper. And the wind! 60mph with gusts up to 90mph....!
Lots of good crampon technique training, ice axe arrest, scrambling and all round good fun! I'd thought yesterday that I'd been doing the most scary stuff I'd be doing it all week, I now started to think different. However, the difference was I'd be doing it safer!
I was dropped back at the hostel at about 4, so I trucked up to Fort William and got a ticket for the Best of BANF film festival. After getting something to eat I took my (very uncomfortable) seat. I soon realised that it would probably be unwise to stay until the end because my body needed a more complete rest before embarking on tomorrow's activities. I left at the break - knowing that I'd regret it if I left, and also regret it if I didn't.
Lots of good crampon technique training, ice axe arrest, scrambling and all round good fun! I'd thought yesterday that I'd been doing the most scary stuff I'd be doing it all week, I now started to think different. However, the difference was I'd be doing it safer!
I was dropped back at the hostel at about 4, so I trucked up to Fort William and got a ticket for the Best of BANF film festival. After getting something to eat I took my (very uncomfortable) seat. I soon realised that it would probably be unwise to stay until the end because my body needed a more complete rest before embarking on tomorrow's activities. I left at the break - knowing that I'd regret it if I left, and also regret it if I didn't.
Saturday, 21 February 2015
21/02/15 - Beinn Ime - (me)
So this would be the first day of my week's mountaineering holiday in Scotland. I'd driven up on Friday night and stayed at Fascadail House in Arrochar - http://www.fascadail.com/ . I intended on climbing Ben Lomond the following day as a warm-up for the week, but realised on arrival that it was the opposite side of Loch Lomond and so was about an hour's drive.... I decided to take on Beinn Ime instead. I'd failed to compete Beinn Ime when attempted as the second half of a walk with Andy and Steve in September (the first half being Beinn Narnain). Weather wise this was due to be the best day of the holiday so I thought I could add on Ben Vane without too much trouble.
I parked up and set off the long forest track to the col between Beinn Narnain and Beinn Ime. Being all tooled up with crampons and ice axe, I thought I'd take a more direct scramble up the side of Beinn Ime, so off I set. It was a pleasurable challenge at first, but soon got a bit more hairy - I started to find news ways of using my ice axe which I wasn't sure were wise, but they were effective and necessary as I found myself somewhere approaching stuck. Once or twice I realised I was stood on top of a peak of snow which had piled up against sheer rock and quickly had to find a retreat.
But before too long I clawed my way to the brow of the hill and sat down to eat and consider my fate. The sun was shining and the views were fantastic, I set off again but after a few steps I realised that the yellow cord attaching my left crampon to my boot was missing, I then realised that my crampon was missing! Thinking that it had come off while I was sitting I turned back to where I ate, but it wasn't there. The increasing wind and snow had done a good job of covering my tracks and even if I had of wanted to retrace my tracks back down the scramble (no thanks!), I wouldn't have been able to see them.
I set off in pretty much a whiteout. Determined to complete Beinn Ime, but now accepting that Beinn Vane would elude me. The mildly undulating plateau was unproblematic except for the lack of any real visibility. The GPS did a grand job of showing me the way - I would literally have been lost without it. I made sure to stay away from the cliff edge in case of cornices. It was now a while since I'd eaten, but I wanted to continue to the summit even though I was starting to tire. I reflected on how I'd heard that whiteout's could make people paranoid - and then I started to feel paranoid. I thought I saw a man in the distance and then a hat on the floor, I laughed "I'm seeing things and my vision is going blurry....", I quickly decided I needed to eat!
Eventually after scrambling to the wrong summit, I found the actual summit and started to descend - this time taking the easier route to the col. The snow was extremely deep in places, especially as I walked over the gully of a stream (!). But eventually I made my way back to the car, 1 crampon lighter than when I set off.
I piled my stuff into the car and set off merrily to Glen Coe, I was intending on going to the climbing talk at the Fort William Festival. After a while I decided that I wanted to listen to some of the music that I'd put on the sd card in my wallet. I then started to wonder where my wallet was... I stopped the car to look for it, but after routing around for quite some time concluded that despite my memory of taking it out of my pocket, I probably hadn't. I felt sick. What would I do for money. I drove glumly to the hostel in Inchree (http://www.inchree.co.uk/). I threw myself at the mercy of the woman who checked me into my room, and fortunately she was incredibly helpful and manged to help me sort my money worries. I was far too late and not really in the mood to go to the festival, so took a trip to get food from Morrisons in Fort William, then beer and dinner in the pub, then bed.
Munro - Beinn Ime
GPX File
I parked up and set off the long forest track to the col between Beinn Narnain and Beinn Ime. Being all tooled up with crampons and ice axe, I thought I'd take a more direct scramble up the side of Beinn Ime, so off I set. It was a pleasurable challenge at first, but soon got a bit more hairy - I started to find news ways of using my ice axe which I wasn't sure were wise, but they were effective and necessary as I found myself somewhere approaching stuck. Once or twice I realised I was stood on top of a peak of snow which had piled up against sheer rock and quickly had to find a retreat.
But before too long I clawed my way to the brow of the hill and sat down to eat and consider my fate. The sun was shining and the views were fantastic, I set off again but after a few steps I realised that the yellow cord attaching my left crampon to my boot was missing, I then realised that my crampon was missing! Thinking that it had come off while I was sitting I turned back to where I ate, but it wasn't there. The increasing wind and snow had done a good job of covering my tracks and even if I had of wanted to retrace my tracks back down the scramble (no thanks!), I wouldn't have been able to see them.
I set off in pretty much a whiteout. Determined to complete Beinn Ime, but now accepting that Beinn Vane would elude me. The mildly undulating plateau was unproblematic except for the lack of any real visibility. The GPS did a grand job of showing me the way - I would literally have been lost without it. I made sure to stay away from the cliff edge in case of cornices. It was now a while since I'd eaten, but I wanted to continue to the summit even though I was starting to tire. I reflected on how I'd heard that whiteout's could make people paranoid - and then I started to feel paranoid. I thought I saw a man in the distance and then a hat on the floor, I laughed "I'm seeing things and my vision is going blurry....", I quickly decided I needed to eat!
Eventually after scrambling to the wrong summit, I found the actual summit and started to descend - this time taking the easier route to the col. The snow was extremely deep in places, especially as I walked over the gully of a stream (!). But eventually I made my way back to the car, 1 crampon lighter than when I set off.
I piled my stuff into the car and set off merrily to Glen Coe, I was intending on going to the climbing talk at the Fort William Festival. After a while I decided that I wanted to listen to some of the music that I'd put on the sd card in my wallet. I then started to wonder where my wallet was... I stopped the car to look for it, but after routing around for quite some time concluded that despite my memory of taking it out of my pocket, I probably hadn't. I felt sick. What would I do for money. I drove glumly to the hostel in Inchree (http://www.inchree.co.uk/). I threw myself at the mercy of the woman who checked me into my room, and fortunately she was incredibly helpful and manged to help me sort my money worries. I was far too late and not really in the mood to go to the festival, so took a trip to get food from Morrisons in Fort William, then beer and dinner in the pub, then bed.
Munro - Beinn Ime
GPX File
Friday, 13 February 2015
First post
So this blog will be mainly to capture my walking and activity exploits, but maybe some of my other mundane antics too....
Monday, 2 February 2015
02/02/15 - Coniston Round - (me and Steve)
Met Steve in Coniston as he was driving over from Northumberland. This would be my first venture out with (newly aquired), Ice Axe and Crampons. There was any snow in the valleys but was some on the peaks (less so than on the peaks a bit further from the coast, but nevermind). We parked up another pretty steep hill (I hoped it wouldn't snow today as I could end up having to leave the car...).
We set off on what was initially back up the route that Luca I returned from on our weekend wild camp. It wasn't too long before the crampons had to make an appearance, they were fiddly to put on at first but certainly did the trick. That said, we felt pretty silly when passed by 2 descending walkers without axe or crampon.
It's nice how the snow means that you end up being less constrained by path and can often take a more direct route without overly struggling with uneven ground.
The top was gained reasonably quickly and as we walked the ridge we took the crampons off - which made us quite a bit quicker.
The weather was bright, but bitterly cold in the face as we walked into the wind.
The crampons made further appearances as we crossed more tricky terrain - there were a number of points where things would have been very difficult without them.
We nearly went wrong as we inadvertently took in an extra peak (Great Carrs), but corrected before actually setting off.
The crampons were getting pretty easy to apply and take off now.
The descent was easy and picturesque as it we circled the reservoir. Boulder Valley would have offered opportunity for bouldering, but we were pretty tired by now.
The weather had been kind again and the road of return was nice and dry.
A beer, and then home.
GPX File
We set off on what was initially back up the route that Luca I returned from on our weekend wild camp. It wasn't too long before the crampons had to make an appearance, they were fiddly to put on at first but certainly did the trick. That said, we felt pretty silly when passed by 2 descending walkers without axe or crampon.
It's nice how the snow means that you end up being less constrained by path and can often take a more direct route without overly struggling with uneven ground.
The top was gained reasonably quickly and as we walked the ridge we took the crampons off - which made us quite a bit quicker.
The weather was bright, but bitterly cold in the face as we walked into the wind.
The crampons made further appearances as we crossed more tricky terrain - there were a number of points where things would have been very difficult without them.
We nearly went wrong as we inadvertently took in an extra peak (Great Carrs), but corrected before actually setting off.
The crampons were getting pretty easy to apply and take off now.
The descent was easy and picturesque as it we circled the reservoir. Boulder Valley would have offered opportunity for bouldering, but we were pretty tired by now.
The weather had been kind again and the road of return was nice and dry.
A beer, and then home.
GPX File
Saturday, 17 January 2015
17/01/15 - Hay Stacks - (me and Andy)
Traveled up to the lakes with Andy who'd decided that he wanted to do more walking (this is good, I seem to be gathering more people to share my activities with!) We had an early set off which was somewhat thwarted by Andy realising that he'd forgotten his boots just as we were coming up to Sandbach!
The road was a bit icy as we went up the M6 and as we turned off for the Lakes the fields were full of snow. We turned onto the final road to Buttermere and it became obvious that we were only the second people to go down the road since recent snow fall. To make matters worse, it also became clear that the road was ascending quite steeply. We had little choice but to continue. The traction control on the car really earnt it's money! We eventually came to to a YHA and drove into the car park, I intended to turn round and go back, but a man came out smiling woefully and commenting "I didn't expect to see a car like that up here today".... He advised against descending until he'd gritted the road, which he'd be doing later in the day. So we set off for our walk from the YHA car park instead.
I really wasn't confident as to how far we'd get, because the snow was pretty deep and we didn't have crampons etc. However, the snow was light and fluffy (like polystyrene), and so just added cushioning to the ground rather than making it slippy.
We set off with GPS in hand, but from a completely different starting point. I was happy I knew where we were, but didn't spend a long time checking..... The intention was to walk up Hay Stacks and cover off as much of the rest of the route as we could - essentially going backwards.
Andy had his new DSLR attached to him and we stopped on a few occasions for him to take shots. There was a bothy which was particularly interesting. After which we walked up past a quarry (which looked like it was still in use up Fleetwood Pike. It was at this point that we realised we were heading in the wrong direction.... We course corrected by deciding to head to Buttermere and up to Hay Stacks from there. the descent to Buttermere was picturesque but arduous, especially bearing in mind that we then needed to make a full ascent to hay Stacks. I pointed out to Andy that this only seems to happen when I'm with him.
I felt a bit stupid to be honest, especially bearing in mind that I had both GPS and map with me. No excuse really. Irrespective, the views were stunning, the location secluded, the weather chilly but clear.
We ascended Hay Stacks pretty quickly and proceeded along the ridge. Andy was enjoying his DSLR - the attachment to his ruck sac was pretty nifty, so it hardly got in the way.
The only concern as we returned was that it might get dark and the road might freeze meaning that we couldn't descend even if it had been gritted. I was reasonably worried about having to go back to work and telling them that I'd had to leave the car in the Lakes. What if I couldn't retrieve it till spring!
Fortunately we made it back to the car before it was dark and the road was well gritted. I paid for parking despite the woman in the YHA hut not wanting anything - felt like the least I could do.
We got down in one piece and without too many nerves frayed. The obligatory beer on the way back was always welcome.
Definitely a walk to be done again - by the proper route. My guess it that it would be particularly nice in the autumn.
The road was a bit icy as we went up the M6 and as we turned off for the Lakes the fields were full of snow. We turned onto the final road to Buttermere and it became obvious that we were only the second people to go down the road since recent snow fall. To make matters worse, it also became clear that the road was ascending quite steeply. We had little choice but to continue. The traction control on the car really earnt it's money! We eventually came to to a YHA and drove into the car park, I intended to turn round and go back, but a man came out smiling woefully and commenting "I didn't expect to see a car like that up here today".... He advised against descending until he'd gritted the road, which he'd be doing later in the day. So we set off for our walk from the YHA car park instead.
I really wasn't confident as to how far we'd get, because the snow was pretty deep and we didn't have crampons etc. However, the snow was light and fluffy (like polystyrene), and so just added cushioning to the ground rather than making it slippy.
We set off with GPS in hand, but from a completely different starting point. I was happy I knew where we were, but didn't spend a long time checking..... The intention was to walk up Hay Stacks and cover off as much of the rest of the route as we could - essentially going backwards.
Andy had his new DSLR attached to him and we stopped on a few occasions for him to take shots. There was a bothy which was particularly interesting. After which we walked up past a quarry (which looked like it was still in use up Fleetwood Pike. It was at this point that we realised we were heading in the wrong direction.... We course corrected by deciding to head to Buttermere and up to Hay Stacks from there. the descent to Buttermere was picturesque but arduous, especially bearing in mind that we then needed to make a full ascent to hay Stacks. I pointed out to Andy that this only seems to happen when I'm with him.
I felt a bit stupid to be honest, especially bearing in mind that I had both GPS and map with me. No excuse really. Irrespective, the views were stunning, the location secluded, the weather chilly but clear.
We ascended Hay Stacks pretty quickly and proceeded along the ridge. Andy was enjoying his DSLR - the attachment to his ruck sac was pretty nifty, so it hardly got in the way.
The only concern as we returned was that it might get dark and the road might freeze meaning that we couldn't descend even if it had been gritted. I was reasonably worried about having to go back to work and telling them that I'd had to leave the car in the Lakes. What if I couldn't retrieve it till spring!
Fortunately we made it back to the car before it was dark and the road was well gritted. I paid for parking despite the woman in the YHA hut not wanting anything - felt like the least I could do.
We got down in one piece and without too many nerves frayed. The obligatory beer on the way back was always welcome.
Definitely a walk to be done again - by the proper route. My guess it that it would be particularly nice in the autumn.
Saturday, 3 January 2015
03/01/15 - Cat Bells, High Spy, Robinson Crags - (me)
Set off in drizzly weather, felt very pleased to have my GPS as visibility was very low. There was still no snow, but I needed my waterproof trousers for the first time (well actually I should have used them up Helvellyn, but I didn't....). The going was pretty steep at first. The views almost appeared, but never quite.
I realised after a while that it was going to be the longest walk I'd done in a while and with a lot of ascent and descent along the way.
About midday the sun started to appear and the weather suddenly became like that of a warm October day. The GPS gave me confidence in route finding and I did quite a bit of optional scrambling along the way.
The halfway point took some time to reach and the sun was gently getting low, I was pleased I'd packed a couple of torches. I was surprised to see a group of mountain bikers at the top of High Spy - I watched their descent, it looked like a lot of fun, they clearly knew what they were doing.
The sun was starting to set, the light and temperature continued to be pleasantly autumnal. Only the distant hills had snow (I worked out later that these were Scafell, Skiddaw and Helvellyn).
The main descent was steep and long, I considered sliding down the valled on a steep path, but decided against it. I did slide at one point (deliberately), and another point (accidentally).
When I finally got to the valley floor, I realised I needed to ascend a bit again in order to reach the car.
My knees ached for days after, but it was a great walk.
GPX File
I realised after a while that it was going to be the longest walk I'd done in a while and with a lot of ascent and descent along the way.
About midday the sun started to appear and the weather suddenly became like that of a warm October day. The GPS gave me confidence in route finding and I did quite a bit of optional scrambling along the way.
The halfway point took some time to reach and the sun was gently getting low, I was pleased I'd packed a couple of torches. I was surprised to see a group of mountain bikers at the top of High Spy - I watched their descent, it looked like a lot of fun, they clearly knew what they were doing.
The sun was starting to set, the light and temperature continued to be pleasantly autumnal. Only the distant hills had snow (I worked out later that these were Scafell, Skiddaw and Helvellyn).
The main descent was steep and long, I considered sliding down the valled on a steep path, but decided against it. I did slide at one point (deliberately), and another point (accidentally).
When I finally got to the valley floor, I realised I needed to ascend a bit again in order to reach the car.
My knees ached for days after, but it was a great walk.
GPX File
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