Another Fine Weekend

Making the most of the glorious weather conditions saw me out with the Saturday Squad and then up to the Lakes with FSS on Sunday. Couldn't wish for better.

Saturday

Last Saturday happened to be the first Anniversary of my outings with the boys and what a day it was warm, sunny and although a little hazy first thing, clearing to fine views as the day unfolded. A great morning on the hills, over Two Lads and down across the moor to Smithills Reser, it was warm enough to swim - and so he did!  Whipping off his T shirt EtU amazed us all by diving into the black depths and swimming across to the other side. What can you say!

As if this was a normal everyday occurrence we carried on over Winter Hill where our swimmer had a bit of a 'Joss Moment'.  An LDWA chap from Chorley hailed our presence and remarked on EtU's appearance on the telly last Sunday.  I thought any minute now he's going to ask for a photo shaking hands with Ed at the trigpoint. However, he showed admirable restraint from this request and we all made our respective ways off the summit.

Carrying on down to Horden Stoops we then took the diagonal path to the fire road and across the moor to the paths leading to the bomber memorial, where a stop in the sunshine for refreshment saw all of us savouring the conditions and not wanting to leave. A trot back and we were done - a splendid morning had by all.

Setting off with JTE, MS and EtU I remembered my first outing a year ago and my fears of keeping up with these hard men of the fells. A year on, and thanks to the support, friendship, advice and encouragement I feel stronger and fitter and quite a bit lighter! Thanks guys.

Sunday

Up to the Lakes with FSS for a further recce of the last bit of the first leg and the first bit of the second leg of the Joss Naylor Traverse. Again a glorious day in the offing with clear skies saw us parking at Cow Bridge car park with a trot along the road and through the lovely hamlet of Hartsop. 

Looking up from the car park over Middle Dodd with Red Screes beyond

Up and over Grey Crag where a further layer of clothing was called for. Stunning views but even from yesterday a change in direction of the wind heralded what felt like the onset of more autumnal temperatures. Could this be the last weekend of shorts? (at least for me).

Next up - Thornthwaite Beacon and quite a bit of time spent finding the best way off to avoid the dreadfully eroded path down toThreshthwaite mouth.  Lots of runners about reccying for next week's Ian Hodgson Relay racing.  As we look for the path to the right of the climb up to Stoney Cove Pike, three runners appear and show us the way, avoiding the treacherous rocky scramble.

Looking across at the Kentmere Fells, one half of the horseshoe

Looking back to Thorthwaite Beacon from Stoney Cove Pike

An out and back to Hartsop Dodd, to bag a Wainright for our third round and the view down to Ullswater was breathtaking (below).

Over Caudale Moor and then a good deal of time spent trying to locate the grassy rake from the crags above the Kirkstone Inn, which apppeared straightforward when we were looking up from the road a couple of weeks ago.  Finally got it and discovered a cairned route out to the wall, which turned out to be a bit of a distraction for us.

Looking across at Red Screes with the Kirkstone Pass in the foreground

A wonderful day to savour with better weather than we've seen in the Lakes almost the whole of the summer.  Not too strenuous 13 miles with around 4,000ft of climbing.  

Looking forward to next weekend at High Moss in the Duddon Valley, next to Newfield Inn with a Rucksack Meet organised by Paul Murray - a classic Fell Race for fun apparently - EEK!  Week after a superb LDWA event 'Autumn in Lakeland', starting at Crosthwaite Church, Keswick and taking in Cat Bells, Seatoller, Watendlath and Walla Crag.  Fingers crossed for good weather.

Out Saturday UTUP 18th October.

NLN