TF and TLofB Winter Epic

Sat 2nd Feb was set aside for second attempt at our first JN recce, the first attempt last November being abandoned due to weather conditions.

Well the two of us were determined that the weather gods were not going to get the better of us this time. The starting point was Dunmail Raise and the finish Grasmere. We had plan A, B, C......

Plan A was starting well when I spotted a trail of snowy footprints heading up the Fell. Whoever the early bird was, had big feet and was clearly used to winter conditions making a zig-zag trail up the Fell. I was soon making good progress, TLoB however was finding it tougher going as you can see from the picture, it’s not often that TF gains that much on him up a hill!

We finally made it to the fence line after well over 50 minutes of b(****)y hard work. Once on the gentler slopping stuff, TLoB recovered his mojo and was soon zooming ahead to the first summit.

It was here that Plan B was put into action. Surveying the route ahead we could at least see the fenceline to follow, but could predict that progress would be slow. So it was a day for taking in the views and enjoying the experience of the wintery conditions. Our next target was the top of the Easdale valley where we would make our descent back to Grasmere.

After a couple of little detours to check out the views, we duly arrived at the head of the valley after a further one hour of effort.

So in all, 7.75m (on my Garmin) 1370ft and just over 4hrs. Was it worth it - yes!