Aversion Therapy

I think that TM is going t be a problem - she keeps wanting to do things other than meander gently round Winter Hill. Monday's outing pandered to her wanting to recce the Langdale Horseshoe race route. Being a weekday meant that there was a limited turnout:- two OAPs, one educationist and the instigator who is privileged to enjoy flexi working.

With the weather here at BL6 being very fine we set off in high spirits for the Old Dungeon Ghyll where the weather was equally promising. A little hesitation whilst we found our way out of the car park (always the most navigationally challenging aspect of any Lakeland outing) then it was out onto the fell.

The first climb is along the left bank of Stickle Ghyll, seen here in fine form, in sunlight and refreshed from recent rain. Then Angle Tarn...

...with Pavey Ark behind. Thunacar Knott was gained after a little more effort and as we left there, the incoming front became apparent (note the ubiquitous green shorts):-

In no time at all heavy cags were donned and we wondered why no-one had thought to bring gloves. This was the worst of the squalls that we encountered, but from that point on the weather was made up of cold showers interspersed with spells of sunshine. There was some deliberation over the best route to Angle Tarn; we opted to head slightly north of west, avoiding too much loss of height but adding on a little extra distance to the more direct route which would have taken us slightly south of west. Then over the Rossett ridge and down to Angle Tarn:-

We picnicked here in fine conditions before ascending once more into the clag and up to Esk Hause. From here our progress slowed significantly as we contoured below Esk Pike until Ore Gap indicated where we should turn for Bowfell Summit. The rocks were slippy and progress continued to be slow.

The weather cleared briefly and TM pretended to consider how we might proceed from Bowfell to the Crinkles - was she still looking at the Duddon Valley map?

A fine shot of the Scafells and Mickledore, where the guy in the foreground hopes to have his ashes scattered - hope you have better weather on that day, guys. A lot of discussion about the best route to the middle Crinkle, which was attained rather more directly than our navigation deserved. Then on to the (very) Bad Step - someone said not to mention the war Bad Step, so I won't.

From there we should have tackled Pike o' Blisco, but on crossing Browney Gill we voted and the sandwiches awaiting us down by the ODG won, and we headed for home. We were out significantly over 7 (yes 7!) hours - race record is 1:55 - say no more.

We'd had a great day out, and whilst the route was challenging and interesting, no-one fancied tackling it under race pressure - so we've got that one out of TM's system - next silly idea please.