Crib Goch and the Snowdon Horseshoe

Even though I have relaxed my "hill bagging" mentality, there are still some hills that hillwalkers want to see on their CV. The crib goch had been an outstanding job of work for some time, and almost perfect conditions, saw me get out of bed early for a journey to Wales to join about 10 million other people in ascending the highest point in England and Wales. A slight fear of exposure had held me back from this hill for some time, but recent trips to Skye and some climbing/Scrambling practice had helped me. I tagged on to a group of Ramblers from Brum (Sounds like a Jasper Carrott sketch) who provided good company on the traverse. The usual queue, including a couple who may not be together by the time this post hits cyberspace "Stop-Started" our way accross. I admit to not striding across the very pointy top and did occasionally drop a couple of feet to use the arete as a "handrail" but did try to keep to spirit of the occasion and did hit the top ridge proper for large periods and the took the pinnicles "head on"

I left my new friends at the summit as they were heading to Rhyd Ddu and I was on the "Snowdon Horseshoe". Some time to play around on Y Lliwedd, scrambling as close to the top of the ridge as possible, saw me return to the car nearly 7 hours later and very satisfied as to the days work. To think, I very nearly rolled over and went back to sleep that morning, and what a waste that would have been!!

Lakes weekend

I was joined by Paul last weekend for some walking in the Lake District. We were looking to boost his Wainwright count, but also get a good bit of hill mileage under our boots. The first day we decided to take a walk up Helvellyn, via the lengthy route of Sheffield Pike, Raise and then down via Dollywaggon Pike. I have done this route before, once in Winter conditions, so was comfortable with the directions. However, with early morning clag hanging on, we were forced to take a bearing off Raise to find Whiteside. However as we approached our target the cloud lifted as if switched off, leaving us with a fantastic view off the top of Helvellyn. The return to the car seemed to go on for ever, but a quick pint of local beer in the pub revived spirits. The second morning was met with sore legs, so a shorter walk was called for. I decided that a ramble around the head of the Easedale valley, bagging a few Wainwrights plus looking for some potential wild camp sites seemed about right. The walk still ended up at around the 9 mile mark (A standard "Wardle" being 10 miles). By the end we were both gagging for a pint which Tweedies bar (A regular in this blog) was happy to provide.

Fairfield (again)!!

Fells Climbed.: Stone Arthur, High Rigg, Fairfield, Seat Sandal
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Bank Holidays can be a pain in the Lakes with Tens of Thousands descending for a break. It takes a bit of thinking to find a quiet hill at this time, especially from Grasmere. An early start from one of our favourite start points in Grasmere, saw us make good progress up to Stone Arthur. The last time I did this hill was in the clag and drizzle. Today, apart from an unforecast stiff breeze, the weather was "grand" allowing us time to learn about contour interpretation and allowed me to play on the rocks (Still trying to further boost my confidence on scrambles). Climbing over High Rigg we eventually reached Fairfield. I have stood on this hill 6 times and with High Street, is my most oft climbed hill. We descended to Grisedale Tarn and back up to Seat Sandal. Rather than retrace our steps which is the usual for this hill, we put Claire's new found knowledge of bearings (With a little help) and "free-styled" down a ridge, joining the path further down. A nice spot of Lunch in the Travellers Rest and a potter around the shops in Grasmere, saw us heading home before the crowds decided to leave.

Central Fells

Fells Climbed: Armboth Fell, High Tove, High Seat, Bleaberry Fell, Raven Crag.

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One of the advantages of knowing areas such as the Lake District well is that you know when certain walks are better done in particular weather. The stroll Mrs W and I took over the central fells a couple of weeks ago was one such day where that knowledge came to the fore. Normally this walk is a bog trot of the worst sort (It still claimed Claire's Trousers up to her knees), but 2 weeks of dry weather made the whole affair bearable. Parking in a new spot for we eventually arrived at Armboth Fell. Being fairly featureless and with few paths of it, I took the opportunity to teach Claire some bearing work and basic map reading, including concepts such as "Hand-railing". A bit of scrambling for me on the rocks near High Seat and seeing some deer near Bleaberry Fell, saw us strike off for home, taking in Raven crag, where this picture was taken over looking Thirlmere. A brief stop in Grasmere (A pint or two in Tweedies Bar) and a kip in the car as Claire drove home. Job Done

Scrambling in Snowdonia

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I am always looking for something different to add to my walking and one of those things is scrambling (A cross between climbing and walking) A couple of years ago I had a near fall which shock my confidence moving over steep ground and was keen to get my "mojo" back. The week in Skye helped a lot and the next part was a couple of days with Rob Johnson of Expeditionguide.com doing some introductory scrambles. The days were something of a contrast with the first day being a hot, sunny scramble up the Griben ridge and descending down Seniors Ridge. The second day was wet and windy and it was decided that the East Ridge of Moel Siabod was the best option. I have been on courses with Rob before and find a patient and knowledgeable guide. The course had the desired effect and feel more confident on grade 1 ground, now about these grade 2 scrambles......

(Note. the pictures are Rob's and the ownership of them belongs to him (Thanks Rob))

Skye-Last Day

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By the sixth day, the week had taken it's toll and we were pretty all looking an easy walk. The weather was great, so wanted to do something. we decided on a scenic drive up to the Trotternish ridge and the Quiraing. The ridge was formed by a series of landslips and is the best example in the UK. The gentle walk (No more than 3 miles) was accompanied by a visit to the burger van we saw earlier in the week and an amble back to the car , a tour of the coast and then out for a very nice dinner at a local seafood restaurant in Portree. The week was excellent and thoroughly enjoyed my time with Paul, Hugh, the Two Daves, Hannah and Laurent. What do we do next time to top this is anyones guess.