Sunday 8 February 2009

Snow Lakes

I went to the Lake District yesterday, and experienced some of the best snow weather that the Lakes have seen in about 20 years apparently. We saw the weather forecast on about Thursday and decided that we had to take advantage of it with a quick day trip. So at 6.30 on Saturday morning 5 proud Ben Lairig members set off towards the lakes.

We arrived at about 9 ‘o’ clock and kitted up, aware that we would need Ice Axes and Crampons to get the most out of the day. And what a day it was, we cramponed up a snow slope onto Catstye Cam and followed the ridge around. Then did Swirral edge which about 25 times better in winter with ice everywhere to summit Hellvellyn. Then round onto the Dodds and did Raise and then down via Sheffield Pike.

In the end we were on the hills for just over 8 hours and walked 10.98 miles (Jamie checked) bagging 5 peaks which allowed me to double my Wainwright count to 11.

It was a lovely day, made all the cooler as it was an unofficial trip and was really just a bunch of mates messing around on hills. We got a lot of walking and a lot of messing around done, taking photos and the like. Then it was off the hill for an expensive pint and then home to York for a cheap pint, a cheap burger and 14 hours sleep.

1 comment:

Rebecca said...

sounds like you had a great trip. I cannot believe how you have taken to the mountains. Perhaps your father and I backpacking you up mountains before you could walk laid down a great love for them!