Re: Lakeland 3 Day Weekend

nice pics sandy did you manage without crampons
cheers rob


"sandy saunders" <sandy.saunders@xxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:E2GMf.52606$494.44953@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
I can think of nothing better than wandering the Fells of the English Lakes
in snow, ice, wind and any other elements, although its far better for
photos without low clouds! So, seeing as there was a good snow covering on
the Helvellyn range, and a promising weather forecast for the weekend, last
Friday was the ideal time for a 330mile drive north from Hampshire. I was
heading north by 4am up the A34, M40, M42 and finally the M6. Passed
through a 'mean' snowstorm on the M6 Toll, which soon turned to rain on the
M6 proper. Good speed after the snow, and I was parking in Glenridding car
park by 10am.



My first aim was Helvellyn via Mires Beck, Red Tarn Beck and Swirral Edge.
Swirral Edge has beaten me the last two winters through wind, snow and
lack of confidence, but I was determined this year would be successful.
Reached Red Tarn after a pleasant walk, and made my way up to the ridge.
More exposed to the strong wind on the ridge, which certainly kept me
focussed on my footing. Plenty of snow, but gritting my teeth I
eventually made it to the final col below the top. A final push saw me
standing at the top of the ridge, exhilarated and excited. After a
conquering look at Swirral, I made my way to the wind break just south of
the Trig point. Very quiet, only a couple of climbers who had just
ice-climbed up the east face from Red Tarn. Coffee and sandwich over, I
set off south tracking the ridge-edge over Nethermost Pike and Dollywagon
Pike down to Grisedale Tarn. Extreme easterly wind too, which at times
made walking rather lopped-side, but still fantastic views. A Steady plod
from the Tarn and I was back at the car 6 hours after setting out. Slept
well that night, especially after a couple of Old Peculiars in the D&G,
Keswick that evening. 11 miles, 3700ft



Slideshow:
http://www.thewalkzone.co.uk/Lake_District/2006/240206/slide/index.htm



Day 2 - Saturday

Wasn't sure about snow conditions on the Central Fells, but decided today
I would have a visit to Scafell Pike. I wasn't disappointed! On my way
from Seathwaite Farm by 7.45am up to Styhead Tarn, then joined the
Corridor Route above the Tarn. From the Stretcher Box, the snow looked
good on Scafell Pike, and plenty of blue sky. (The Park Authority weather
report had forecast bright weather for AM, but strong wind with a
wind-chill of -15C - the day was looking good.) Easy going up to Lingmell
Col with a little snow and ice, then turned left up to Scafell Pike.
Wasn't long before I decided to put my crampons on. Wasn't too bad, but
felt safer with more secure footing. (No point carrying them and not
using them.) Started to get exposed to the wind as I neared the summit,
and boy was it strong. Certainly made me falter a few times. Anyway, once
behind the round stone tower, I was sheltered and settled down to enjoy
the views down to Morecambe Bay with coffee and a sandwich. Very quiet
too, with only a handful of other walkers arriving while I was there.
Eventually, I made an effort and packed up and set off back to Esk Hause.
Turned left at Esk Hause, then dropped down Ruddy Gill/Grains Gill path
back to Seathwaite farm. Another cracking day out on the fells. 9.2
miles, 3500ft.



Slideshow:
http://www.thewalkzone.co.uk/Lake_District/2006/250206/slide/index.htm



Day 3 - Sunday

Today I had planned another visit to Helvellyn, although this time
approaching from the Thirlmere side, with a walk along the ridge edge from
Grisedale Tarn north to Stick Pass. Was on my way from Swirls car park by
7:30am heading south along the path through the woods to above Wythburn
car park. Continued south to opposite Dunmail Raise, then up the path
alongside Raised Beck to Grisedale Tarn. Steady plod up to above ***
Cove, at which point I decided it was time for more clothing, crampons and
ice-axe. (Strong wind, compact snow and ice) Back under way, I made my way
to Dollywagon Pike summit, then north tracking the ridge edge over
Nethermost Pike to Helvellyn summit. (Excellent views today, with the
cloud base higher than Friday.) (Got talking to a couple of guys on the
way up to the top of Striding Edge, and the conversation turned to walking
website. It turned out one was Andrew Leaney, who's website I often visit,
and when I told him my web address, he said 'Its Sandy isn't it?' Amazing
meeting.) Coffee stop at the wind break, then continued north over
Helvellyn Lower Man, White Side and Raise, soon dropping down to Sticks
Pass. Went left here, down to above Stanah, then followed the footpath
south to Thirlspot Farm, then back to the car park. 13 miles, 4787ft.



Slideshow:
http://www.thewalkzone.co.uk/Lake_District/2006/260206/slide/index.htm



What a finish to a cracking winter-walking long weekend.



--
Sandy Saunders @ www.thewalkzone.co.uk

'Mountains or Mole Hills .....
summiting still brings the
same excitement'




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