Hi folks,
I'm back after a long break from this NG - stuff to do with
leaving university and having no money for my own Internet
connection and blah blah blah - anyway I hope to visit here
often again, so here's a TR from Sunday...
Most of my recent walks have been ultra-hard, not just one
or two "big" peaks in a day but three or four. Getting in
training for a week in Glen Coe (leaving on Friday
morning, yippee!), but the training walks have been harder
than the "event"!
Started from Glenridding up the Mires Beck path en route to
Striding Edge. Straight away it was roasting and no breeze
at all. As well as the usual platypus I bought an extra
bottle of water from the shop. It didn't last long once the
climb started.
First walk in new boots too, a pair of Scarpa SL's after
many many recommendations. Took some getting used to after
2 years in heavy 4-season boots which were sold to me as
3-4 season. Treads had worn down to almost non-existent on
the heels.
Lovely stroll across Birkhouse Moor enjoying a full-on view
of Helvellyn, then got started on Striding Edge. Oh dear.
I'm getting old and my confidence is disappearing. Last
time, 2 years ago, I romped along the crest, hands-free,
sniggering at those using the easy path. This time progress
was slower and shakier. I'm blaming the wind though (it was
getting pretty strong now) and the fact I had new bendier
boots to get used to.
Quick stop on Helvellyn, really cold wind now, then turned
south to Dollywaggon Pike. Amazing views, the rain from the
last few days had cleared the air and the cold wind stopped
any heat haze. Could see every mark on the Pennines 40
miles away.
Headed direct from Dollywaggon Pike to Seat Sandal, ultra-
steep descent (not the big path to Grisedale Tarn) destroyed
my legs, it was a relief to climb again to Seat Sandal. Down
again to Grisedale Hause, and up again, up the screes to
Fairfield (I accepted at this time the walk was getting
tough). Yet more amazing views down Windermere whilst sat in
the stone shelter.
One more peak to go, St Sunday Crag. Leaving via Cofa Pike
the wind was seriously freezing but further down we were
sweating again. After the monstrous climbs and descents we'd
had so far, St Sunday Crag was a long easy stroll and we had
a siesta on the summit, half past six, the sun low in the
sky, everything ahead of us picked out perfectly, everything
behind us silhoutted a different shade of grey, not a sound
anywhere, not a soul for miles around. Easy to see how
Wordsworth & Co. got all poetic.
The steep descent into the end of Grisedale at the end of
the ridge was too much for my legs though, they were
screaming at me, pounding down the steep path. One short
climb left over Lanty's Tarn and back into Glenridding.
12.5 miles, a whopping 5620 ft ascent, in 8.5 hours. Now two
days on, sunburnt, knackered, legs still stiff & sore,
Glen Coe here I come! Top marks to Scarpa and of course
Gaynor Sports in Ambleside.