Lakes Expedition 2009

The Cumbrian mountains presented an excellent introduction to my UK travels for the following reasons:

There was a wide variety of low and high level walks encompassing some of the finest fell trails in the country with spectacular lakeside walking and water falls of the finest grade.

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It enabled me to visit my sister and family who I had not seen for a long time○

There was an excellent Mountain rescue service across all the fells with short response times○

Areas of habitation were relatively close by, increasing safety levels if I got lost○

I wanted to test out the recommended routes of Alfred Waignwright in areas he highlighted for solitary walking.

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The area would give me a fantastic range of social history, Roman influence, Fauna and flora, mining history and geology to explore

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I chose Patterdale on the edge of Ullswater Lake as my base camp area for the first two weeks because:

I could explore the Eastern Fells and Far Eastern fells from a central base camp positioned between the two ranges of Helvellyn and High Street.

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There was a bus service from Patterdale to Penrith Railway Station○

It was easily accessible by road from Penrith and Windermere from the M6○

It was away from the main tourist areas of the south and would be quieter.○

There was an excellent variety of scrambling and walking of different difficulty levels○

I chose Scales village for the last week because:

Dusk was arriving increasingly early and I wanted immediate access onto the Blencathra range without lengthy approach and egress time.

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There were several recommended routes up to Blencathra from the A66 side near Scales including scales fell, Halls fell and Doddick.

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There were no nearby base camp sites○

There was a good bus service from Penrith to Keswick stopping at Scales.○

Eastern Fells Area of Operation

Northern Fells Area of Operation

Area Choice12 November 200916:14

Area & Route Choice Page 1

Nethermost Pike1.

Patterdale Hotel and follow road north towards Glenridding. Turn left into Grisedale Lane after passing St Patricks church and the Patterdale Mountain Rescue centre.

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Follow the lane all the way up to the top keeping Grisedale Beck on your right down in the gorge.•At the end of the Lane there is a fence and gate dead end. Turn right and cross the Beck using the bridge and follow the path up the slope to the turnstile

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Here, rather than following the path up Birkhouse Moor to the Hole in the Wall, keep to the valley bottom path and walk due South West past Braesteads Farm and the small underground reservoir.

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Walk all the way to the 3rd footbridge on the OS Map below Nethermost Pike, where the Nethermost Cove Beck joins the Grisedale Beck.

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Leave the main path and head up the fell side due west to the dry stone wall which crosses ahead of you. Climb over this and push through the thick bracken up towards the beck waterfalls above you. Try and follow the sheep tracks and you will probably meet the old miners path which is partially hidden.

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Cross the beck carefully and then decide whether you want to scramble up the right hand or left hand channel to the midway plateau. I chose the left hand side.

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Zigzag your way up slowly across the crags. 3 point contact at all times.•Cross the plateau noting the old mine buildings and calf's hole•Scramble slowly up onto the final ridge and note Hard Tarn down on your left and Striding edge over on your right

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At the summit you have a choice of returning vide Swirral edge Helvellyn or descending to Grisedale Tarn and then back down the valley to Grisedale woods and Patterdale. I chose the latter.

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Total distance:7 miles Time:6-7hrs Ascent:2,800feet Level: Moderate

Helvellyn (via Striding Edge)2.

Choose day carefully otherwise crowds. Midweek and low season. Nov-March preferably weather permitting. Avoid high wind, rain or ice.

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Approach as above to Grisedale turn stile•Long slog up Birkhouse Moor to Hole-in-wall. Stop frequently and enjoy the views•Take the left hand path towards Striding edge via Bleaberry crag. Wonderful views down to Red Tarn on the right and Swirral Edge opposite

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Follow the established path or if you feel daring the crest. Slow walking with some 3 point scrambling.•Unpleasant scree slope at far end up to summit but otherwise relatively easy•Walk to summit noting memorials and then turn north to Swirral Edge•Slightly more difficult descent with frequent 3 point scrambling but still relatively straightforward.•Walk across to east side of Red Tarn and then back up slope to Hole-in-the-wall,•Descend to Patterdale on the same route you came up. AVOID descent via Glenridding on the other side of Birkhouse Moor. This is a tedious slow zigzag over stony ground with lower standard views.

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Total Distance:5 miles Time :5 hours Ascent:3000feet Level: Easy

Blencathra (via Sharp's Edge)3.

Choose day carefully otherwise dangerous. Avoid high winds, rain and ice•Start at Scales village pub/hotel and walk due west beside A66 to small cottage positioned close to road•Turn right up footpath beside cottage to gate and then turn right again walking due east up scales fell.•Ascend path which is a smooth gradual climb up to top and then bare to the left around fell side walking •

Scrambling Routes14 December 2009

17:24


Ascend path which is a smooth gradual climb up to top and then bare to the left around fell side walking north west with the Glendermackin beck to your right in the valley below. Watch out for shrews.

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Climb the rock steps beside the scales Beck and at the top you meet Scales Tarn with the daunting Sharps Edge towering above you to the right.

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Follow the track up to the start of the ridge and then decide whether you wish to follow the established path on the north side or "ride the crest"

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Move very slowly and pick route carefully maintaining 3 point contact at all times. Avoid long smooth rock faces.

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At far end choose right hand channel up to summit albeit scree ridden. Smooth rocks on left side dangerous.

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At summit turn due south to highest point and then follow ridge to Knowe Crag. Descend down to Blencathra Centre car park and then back via Threlkeld

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Distance: 6 miles Time: 5 hours Ascent:2800feet Level: Moderate to difficult


Aira Force, Ullswater1.

Patterdale Hotel and follow road A592 towards Glenridding . Alternative journey using bus every hour.•Follow footpath from glenridding beside lake, off road, wherever possible.•At Aira Force entrance follow good footpaths either side of beck up to main falls and 1 mile beyond to very attractive High Force falls.

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Keep on East bank and walk on up to Dockray village and have lunch at village pub•Return same path or consider longer route across Round Howe back to road•In season there is a new tea room at the foot of Aira Force grounds.•

Distance: 14 miles Time: 6 hours walking time

Grisedale Valley, Patterdale2.

Follow route as to Nethermost Pike (see scramble section)•From the bridge you can either turn left eastwards and cross the Grisedale Beck at this point or walk further up the west bank towards Ruthwaite Lodge. Before reaching the lodge cross the bridge to the other side and return down the valley towards Patterdale.

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There are magnificent views of St Sunday Crag above you and the wooded plantations at the bottom contain a population of Red Squirrels

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Join Grisedale Lane again back down to Patterdale•Watch out for the belted Galloway cows•

Distance: 7 miles Time: 4 hours

Scales Farm to Threlkeld3.

From Scales Farm walk west beside A66 towards Keswick.•On reaching the small cottage beside the north side of the road turn off right up the slope following the footpath to the turnstile.

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Here turn left west towards Threlkeld and follow the path at the foot of the fells.•At Scaley Beck there is a tricky bit of scrambling down and up the other side but nothing too challenging.•Continue on crossing Doddick Gill and then Gate Gill, immediately on crossing the latter turn left down towards the Farm and the Blencathra Fox Hound Kennels (very famous)

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Follow the path down joining the lane into Threlkeld Village.•Make sure you visit the Horse & Farrier Pub for a meal and pint of "Sneck Lifter" Outstanding Food.•Return on the same route or follow the bridleway below the kennels through an avenue of trees to the A66 and then back to Scales

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Distance: 4 miles Time: 2.5hours walking (lunch extra)

Mungrisdale Common (via scales fell)4.

Ascend Scales Fell from Scale Farm as before but at top cross eastwards to other side of ridge and then descend to the Glendermackin River path and follow the path on the east side up the valley behind Blencathra mountain past the old lead mine workings.

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Keep going up valley to top where the path joins Mungrisdale Common and then return down the other side of the valley closest to Blencathra to Scales Fell

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Look across A66 from the top of Scales Fell towards old railway and you can see Mosedale Viaduct •

Easy Grade Routes14 December 2009

17:24


Look across A66 from the top of Scales Fell towards old railway and you can see Mosedale Viaduct Bridge

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Place Fell and Lake Ullswater Walk1.

From Patterdale Hotel turn right along the road to Kirkstone, past the Post Office and then cross the road and walk up to the next lane joining the road on the left side.

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Cross the Goldrill Beck Bridge and walk up the lane to the hamlet of houses at the top•Cross the gated entrance to the footpath signed to Boredale hause•Slow south easterly plod up fell side to Boredale with spectacular views down to Patterdale and Brothers Water

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At Boredale Hause cross roads take the far left hand path north up to Place fell. This is a long hard and steep climb zigzagging upwards. Get into a short step padding rythym

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Place Fell summit is marked by a rather incongruous trig point on an overlarge stone plinth. Magnificent views South East to Martindale and Boredale

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Descend down to old sheepfold and then turn left around High Dodd northwards past the old slate quarry. The sound and sight of Scalehow falls can be picked up hereon in on your left.

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Follow the left hand path down below high knott and a fantastic vista of Ullswater Lake will open up before you looking across to Aira Force.

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Turn left at the bottom and follow the lakeside path thereon over the Scalehow footbridge towards Silver Point

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At Silver Point you have a choice of the easier low path or the high path around Silver Crag back towards Side Farm.

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At side farm you can turn right back across the farm track crossing Goldrill Beck to the A592 or carry straight on to the hamlet you started from. If the former watch out for the Alpine club House at the road junction on the left. There are rare endangered Yellow Hammers feeding at the Beck.

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Medium Grade Routes14 December 2009

17:25


Grisedale Tarn and St Sunday Crag (via Fairfield)1.

Route as Nethermost Pike to footbridge•Carry on up Grisedale Beck gorge past Ruthwaite Lodge (Renovated by Outward Bound Trust in memory of trainer killed in NewZealand on Mount Cook)

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Slow slog up path and make sure you detour at top to see Wordsworth's Brothers Parting Commemoration stone just below Tarn

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Enjoy Grisedale Tarn which is beautiful in any weather. Stop for a picnic.•Follow path on south side of Tarn up to Grisedale Hause cross roads and then gird your loins.•Turn left up steep slope for 45mins of 1:2 gradient on your toes•On reaching the summit at Fairfield pause and take a compass reading and orientate yourself using the map, particularly if there is mist.

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Head down off your current ridge to the left northwards onto the lower ridge known as Deepdale Hause. This is a narrow strip connecting Fairfield to St Sunday crag. DO NOT carry on up the cairn signed path oblivious to the direction change required otherwise you will join the highway to hell , eventually ending up in Ambleside.

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Continue along St Sunday Crag ridge all the way towards Patterdale eventually rejoining Grisedale Lane at Home Farm. There are magnificent views across the valley to Helvellyn.

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However you may feel masochistic and in this case walk due South East to Hart and Dove crag all the way to Ambleside. Return via the Kirkstone pass.

Distance: 12 miles Time: 6 hours (12 hours via Ambleside)

High Street (via Angle Tarn)2.

Up to Boredale Hause as route for Place fell walk.•Take the south path towards Rake Crag and Stony Rigg following the high level narrow path around the Angletarn Pikes towards Angle Tarn.

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On reaching the tarn walk around its perimeter and then carry on southwards towards Satura Crag.•You will reach a long stretch of dry stone wall and follow this along the ridge with views leftwards across Bannerdale.

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At the end of the wall turn right down the slope towards Hayeswater in the distance. At the bottom of the slope the going gets slow due to constant dips into peat bogs. Follow the path upwards towards the Knott zigzagging your way up. This is a slog to the top.

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At the top you join the old Roman Road High street which connected Penrith with Ambleside forts. Take time to enjoy the views across to Martindale and look out for the Red Deer on the slopes.

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Continue south around the junction with Rampsgill Head Crag and then walk up the long hard slope of Racecourse Hill to the Trig point at the top. This slope was used for Horse Racing at the yearly Shepherds festival in July which ended a hundred years ago

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Walk back to the junction with Rampsgill and then turn North East towards Wether Hill following the Roman Road. Pass High Raise and on down the slope crossing the peat bogs. These are festooned with bird life

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Wether Hill marks the 9 hour walking point on this route requiring an overnight wild camp or bivvy. Highly recommended.

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From Wether Hill follow the dry stone path westwards down the fell side towards Gowk Hill past the old shepherds House and on towards the Steel Knots overlooking Martindale Hamlet. Follow the path or detour to get a vantage point from the Knots.

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Martindale Hamlet and church are delightful and the church well worth a visit (Elizabethan)•Follow the lane around and head up to Dale Head Farm past the Fox Hound Kennels on the road. At the •

Difficult Grade Routes14 December 2009

17:25


farm turn up the slope to the right onto Beda Fell side•

Hard slog up to the top and join Boredale Hause again OR take the lower path up to Heck Crag past the old settlement and then hard scramble up to Angle Tarn and then back to Boredale Hause.

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Distance : 18 miles to Wether Hill and 10 miles back to Patterdale via Beda Fell or 14 miles via Angle Tarn Time: 9 hours 1st part and 6 hours 2nd part

Alternatives: (a) Martindale Hamlet start and walk up to Angle Tarn and/or Boredale Hause via Beda Fell or Heck Crag, and then return down Beda Fell (Moderate)(b) Mardale Head Car Park near the Rigg and walk up Riggindale ridge (Waignwright recommended) to High Street watching out for Golden Eagles (Difficult)


Sunday 4th October 2009

I was up at 3.30am. A little earlier than normal with a little apprehension about the journey ahead and a fear of missing the train. My ticket was limited to travelling on the 0815 to Glasgow or bust! I was also conscious of my somewhat laboured sequence of dawn activity to get mind and body moving. The BBC world service magazine round up at 4am with lashings of Fair Trade Arabica Coffee, shave and bath, breakfast of porridge and a frenzied last minute pack of auxiliary items, divided between my Aztec 70litre pack and a big holdall stuffed with dry freeze food bags, trail mix and numerous gas canisters.

There was no threat of starving on my journey but there was a small risk of explosion and I just hoped that no security operations were imminent that day to screen luggage on the underground or Euston station. I was facing a jail term of at least 25years after an overzealous prosecution under the Explosive substances Act, Offensive Weapons and Food hygiene regulations.

At 7am I ventured out of my front door in Soho, central London full of enthusiasm and energy. This was soon punctured as I came to terms with the enormous weight of equipment I was carrying. Not so much the backpack which was well balanced and comfortable but the holdall which skewed the entire effort. My initial springing step quickly evaporated into a lopsided crawl similar to an HGV loaded with hay bails going up a hill and threatening to topple over due to loose tethers. The assembled groups of drug dealers waiting for their early morning punters watched in awe as this Neanderthal like man waddled towards them.

I reached Leicester Square underground Station sweating and panting after a journey of 250m. This just did not bode well!

Reached Euston at 7.45am. Managed to topple over the newspaper turntable in WH Smiths after turning too quickly in a narrow corridor of space and my backpack cut through like a scythe in summer corn. No chance of retrieving anything or I would have toppled over like a turtle on the beach with no hope of recovery.

Virgin 0815 train to Glasgow on time. Not too crowded. Got two seats to my self and found space for my equipment. Quickly engaged IPod after listening to two middle aged couples trying to impress each other with their travels and life experience. It never ceases to amaze me how many people on public transport talking to complete strangers try to summarise their entire life story in the first 15 minutes of their meeting. Why?

1117 Arrive Warrington Bank Quay. Met by my sister Hilary who I hadn't seen for 2 years. Back to Lymm, Cheshire. The last time I was here was in May 1984 (25 years ago)during my honeymoon, when Liz and I had lunch on the patio before returning to Ruislip from the Lake District.

The house sits in a residential road with tightly compacted semi -detached post war properties, opposite the primary school where my nephew and niece attended. David, my brother in law welcomes me and I am pleased to see him after so long. He is recovering from cancer surgery but he does not look very different from how I remember him except much thinner.

In the afternoon we all take a 1.5hr walk to Hilary's allotment where I am asked to choose the leeks I would like for supper. Very impressive. Then back home via the canal and Lymm village centre.

Rowan, my niece comes over for supper, she is 28 years old now and teaching sciences in a Liverpool secondary school in very difficult circumstances. I also spoke to Jonathan my nephew in Texas on the phone. He is a vet working at one of USA's biggest veterinary research hospitals.

Bed 9pm

Little Olde England -Destination and Direction of Travel

Oh take me back to my Cave!

Somewhere in the heart of Englandthere be a village so sublime

On the Allotment with my Supper inthe background

Super Fast Bendy Busdriven by Richard Branson

Travels Through my Land and Mind by James Cooke

12 November 2009

16:16

Diary Page 9

Up 5.30am. Last shave and wash for 5 days!

Re-packed rucksack absorbing fuel and food rations for week. Pack feels comfortable and well balanced. I estimate approx 25Kg in weight.

Hilary drives me up to Lakes starting out at 7.10am. M6 vide Preston and Penrith. Traffic not too bad and kept moving throughout. Slowest before Preston. Arrive Patterdale exactly 9.10am (100miles). Full cooked breakfast in the Patterdale hotel for both of us . Very busy restaurant with elderly tour groups. Manager informs me hotel full throughout year. £159 for 5 nights half board (Breakfast and Dinner). Single night £58 Bed and Breakfast per person.

The farm is completely quiet and my attempts to contact the owner fruitless. By recalling the web pictures in my mind I decide to walk north along the track closer to Ullswater Lake, to try and identify the camp site. After 10 minutes my search is concluded successfully and I locate the field. There is only one other tent and I spend 15minutes walking around to find the best location to pitch avoiding trees and rough ground. I have a clear view across Ullswater to the quay side at Glenridding with two ferry's moored alongside. Place fell ascends steeply behind me. I pitch tent, which takes me 1.5 hours (first time)

The day is clear, sunny and warm!

At 1.15pm I set off for Place Fell with just my day sack and essentials. I ascend southwards up the fell side to Boredale Hause and am surprised how steep it is. Big bags of stone in black plastic wrappers are piled at the bottom to repair the paths. The views west to Brothers Water and Patterdale are great. I get into a stride pattern of short steps and "pad" upwards.

At Boredale Hause (crossroads) there are five path choices and I select the North East one towards Place Fell. The climb is very steep and winding and I eventually reach the trig point at 2.30pm. Rest for water and trail mix. Very few others about, wonderful!

I head off down the fell side and turn NW at the bottom around the old sheepfold and cross the former slate quarry on towards Scalehow Falls and the edge of Ullswater Lake. As I reach the final descent to the lake I can just see the falls cascading over the rocks in the distance but it would be difficult to approach due to the vast amount of bracken and undergrowth so I just take a picture using zoom. The early evening light is breathtaking and the views equally so across the lake. I reach the lake at approximately 4pm and take on more water and trail mix. As I do this a rather surreal situation develops before me. For the first time that afternoon walkers come towards me along the lakeside path. Junior, teenagers, parents and grandparents from what I can only assume as being a family of orthodox Jews. The older males have beards, hair wringlets and skull caps. What on earth is going on? They take an eternity to pass me saying nothing but pass in a single file 8 persons in total. I cant help chuckling out loud at this whole bizarre sight in a corner of England I least expect them. Its almost like meeting Osama Bin Laden on a country stroll in the middle of nowhere.

As I head off SW I am approached by another group of walkers and I suddenly feel angry and irritated that my solitary walk is being spoiled. This group is led by a younger man followed by an assortment of relatives some of whom are clearly disabled. A woman pushing a man in a wheelchair calls to me hello and asks how much further it is? I think how much further to where? and answer mischievously that its a long way still. I immediately regret this as the man at the front turns to the group and says" I'm terribly sorry we should never have come this way its all my fault" There is a look of desperation in their eyes. I guiltily rush on.

Return to camp via Silver crag and arrive 5.45pm. There are now 3 more groups, one full of giggling school girls. Oh god why me?

Cocoa and curry for supper.

Bed 8pm. Can't get warm and at 4am it started to rain hard.

Check weather forecast on Hotel notice board. This is very comprehensive and has been taken from the Mountain Weather Service web site http://www.mwis.org.uk/ld.php. Weather looks good today but heavy rain on Tuesday.

10.15am, Hilary drives me up the approach track to Side Farm and then declares that she does'nt want me to lose that "Wilderness feel" by taking me all the way to my base camp and deposits me half way despite my earnest pleas that this wont be necessary. After a last hug and kiss to her condemned brother, she accelerates away in a cloud of dust and squealing tyres.

An Oasis of Good Ales

First Day Area of Operations

Base Camp - "Palace of the Fells" back, side and front view

Scalehow Falls

Looking East from Place Felltowards Boredale

Monday 5th October16 November 2009

09:58

Diary Page 10

http://www.mwis.org.uk/ld.php

The Vista from High Dodd acrossLake Ullswater towards Aira Force

Diary Page 11

6.10am wake. I've been in my sleeping bag for 10 hours, not all of it sleeping mind you. Turning is a frustrating manoeuvre often resulting in the side zip of the bag being wrapped around my ear and a sense of slow strangulation. There is a slight ridge on the ground and although my new "Neoair Therma-Rest" is very good I have been rolling off the edge to either side of the tent wall. My dreams have been adversely affected as a result, probably requiring some psychiatric care on my return to London.

I struggle to escape and put my trousers on lying down, an art to be practised in the days to come. I vow to keep my woolly hat on next night to increase warmth and to avoid the wet condensation feel of the tent in the morning on my head.

The alpine stove bursts into life (my old reliable friend I love you) and I brew up my cocoa, an immediate morale raiser, using my new trangia mini kettle. I immediately sense another friend in the making.

Opening my first "lunchlite" bag of freeze dried bacon and potato breakfast I realise that it was designed for frying not boiling but doggedly continue in need of the calories. The result is a mulch of little taste and of truly "yuck" immensity.

Its raining hard and I plan a low level walk to Aira Falls 5 miles north of my position on the north west bank of Ullswater Lake. The cloud is so low there is no point going up high.

0845 Leave camp fully togged up with water proofs and day sack. I head straight for Patterdale Post Office, where I had spied the previous day, the supply of freshly cooked bacon baps all day. Having abandoned my own boil in the bag spectacular I felt I deserved a treat. I was not on an SAS survival course but an expedition of enlightenment! I make friends with Gillian and Tom, the post mistress and master eagerly, realising my future well being may depend on this relationship. They sense my slight desperation and offer me a double bacon bap with sweet tea and make cooing noises about the days ahead and how much I'm going to enjoy myself.

I head off up the A592 and pass St Patricks church, Patterdale and the new Patterdale Mountain Rescue Centre positioned next to the Fire Station and old Police House. All look extremely well maintained although the Police house is now private. The Rescue centre is extensive and very modern looking and was funded by the Sports Foundation. Its many garage doors indicate a range of vehicles and I envisage something of the Thunderbirds HQ about it all. I find this all very reassuring in my planned circumstances of assaulting some of the Lakes more demanding fells and crags.

I thread my way through Glenridding and cross the road repeatedly to join the path beside it overlooking the lake. Its still raining but I begin to relax relishing the smell of rain, autumn leaves and being alone at last. I feel somewhat unsettled again passing the boat yard where Liz and I had hired a motor launch during our honeymoon and had zig-zaggged our way across lake Ullswater. Where had 25 years gone and why had things gone so wrong? I knew many of the answers to that immediately. I felt sad and poignant about the whole situation.

There were several points where I was forced to join the road and became very much aware that I was fair game to the idiots driving, who saw me as open season sport, to see how close they could pass me at 80mph without launching me skywards and then having to suffer a lot of tedious form filling at the police station. This in turn pressured me to find alternative routes which inevitably led to boggy ground, field crossing, barbed wire man traps and countless gate crossings. I loved it all nevertheless! Perhaps I am an outdoor type after all. So many years traversing Scotland Yard politics and gang psychology had temporarily dismembered my natural instincts for the wilderness. Oh Ray Mears how lucky are you!

At 1140 I eventually arrive after 2 hours walking. I feel dry, comfortable and fit. My walking boots are fantastic and there are no blister hotspots at all.

Aira Force is managed by the National Trust and as expected things are well organised and well designed. The routes to the falls are over prepared but understandably so due to the number of disabled people visiting. Its very different from my last visit 25years ago when things were a bit more wild. I climbed the numerous timber stairs with high expectation of the falls being in full spate due to the heavy rainfall. My expectations were amply fulfilled and Aira Force was a roaring plume of water deafening and magnificent falling 100feet into the narrow granite gorge.

I trudged up the side and marvelled at the numerous tributaries and inlets all of which funnel into narrow gorges of plated granite 2-4 ft apart and up to 30ft deep. I made High Force a mile further up, which was a much wider expanse of waterways cascading downwards. I sat at the side on a stone and refuelled with grapefruit flavoured water and trail mix. The view was magnificent, only spoilt by the numerous visitors on either side ,crowding out what would otherwise have been a scene fit for Wordsworth to describe.

I moved slowly down the gorge filling my senses and enjoying the views, sounds and smells. Passing via one of the many bridges to the other bank I manage to avoid most people and get space on my own. The bridges are interesting in themselves, one dedicated to a younger brother killed in the first world war.

On reaching the main gate I realise I've missed an opportunity of a circular route vide Dockray village, a further mile up from high force, where there is a recommended pub. Oh well..................................

I cross the road and walk down to Aira Beck's exit into Ullswater. The afternoon ferry to Pooley Bridge is passing. It looks sleek and elegant. A party of ducklings with mum swim out, seemingly to meet it. I'm on my own again and all is well!

My return to Patterdale is much faster as I trot down the sections of road I avoided earlier. My tactics are far more brutal this time and I take up a position in the middle of the road where there is no ignoring me. I practice a rather forced grin and pretend to be an escaped lunatic. This has the desired effect and cars are forced around me, many quickly closing their automated windows and putting on their hazard lights. Oh what fun. I laugh until I cry!

On one section below the road I come across a party of about 30 Kendal Mountain Rescue bearded beasties practising abseiling on the short cliffs. All in red kit. I give them a cheery hello and mutter under my breath "might see you later in the week"

I arrive back in Patterdale at 4.50pm (1hour 10 min) and head for the Hotel happy and fit albeit covered in wet clothing and equipment. Treat myself to a pint of Tilleys "old faithful" and a bar meal of burger

Lake District

Expedition...

Lake District

Expedition...

"Bacon Bap paradise"Patterdale Post Office

Glenridding to Pooley Bridge Steam Ferry"who says the age of romantic travel is dead"

Aira Force on a Quiet Day

Thunderbirds HQ

Aira Force Video Diary

Prince William with the Team July 2009

Tuesday 6th October17 November 200909:51

Diary Page 12

and chips. Fantastic. Rang Hilary to assure her I was still alive and living modestly off slugs and rain water.

Back to camp and lights out 7pm.

Diary Page 13

6am awake and up in the dark. Feeling fit and well. Back stiff but hey, I've lived with that for 18 years. Just get rocking and rolling. Before opening up the tent I can feel that there has been a massive drop in temperature and that it has stopped raining.

At 3 am there had been a visitor to the tent. Heavy breathing and rustling sounds just beside the ventilation flap above my head. Unfortunately I knew it wasn't Beyonze fatally attracted to my wilderness aroma but some other less attractive creature probably a fox or badger. Lying there in the darkness hearing and sensing this is always a bit unnerving. You feel exposed as you cant get out of your bag and tent quickly to chase "it" off. The only thing you can do is shout or blow your whistle. Something I had done in the Brecon Beacons camping with my son to hilarious effect as he thought I was being murdered and thrashed about furiously until I explained what I was doing and calmed him down by offering him several swigs of whisky from my hip flask.

The night had been quite noisy with the geese on Ullswater having had an all night party and the owls calling to each other ,interspersed with the hourly chime of Glenridding clock tower. I was getting used to this natural cacophony but was still aware of it as I rested.

I got out of the tent and my head torch displayed a layer of frost on the ground. I switched off and looked up to a sky emblazoned with thousands of stars. It was crystal clear and the light of a 3/4 Moon cut down. I watched entranced. The eastern horizon dominated by Glenridding Dodd was gradually illuminated by the dawn light. As I watched, a sudden shooting star flashed across Birkhouse Moor. Magical.

Drinking my cocoa I watched the early morning trans- atlantic flights turn towards London and realised Lockerbie was very close to the north . Their vapour trails crossed the sky one after another. The sun rose behind me and all the autumnal glory of the fells and crags was revealed. Hues of brown, red and green. Fantastic. God it feels good standing here!

Big day today. Long trek up onto the old Roman Road of High Street and a high level overnight bivvy without any tent. The weather was going to be sunny and clear. Perfect.

I loaded my Rucksack with sleeping bag, mat, weather proofs, Stove, food, tarp and bivvy bag. Feels heavy but well balanced. Head out of base camp 0845hrs via Patterdale and the Goldrill Beck Bridge up to Boredale Hause. Slow padding walk getting into a rhythm. Legs feel very strong and all the gym work seems to have paid off. Very few people about, perhaps my cunning plan of visiting during school term, low season and mid week is paying off.

I traverse across the fells from Boredale to Angle Tarn slowly treking my way around the narrow paths high up overlooking Brothers water (so named after two brothers who drowned there in 1860) and past the two stumpy Angle Pikes arriving at Angle Tarn shortly after. Its large with three distinct islands (not all shown on the OS map)and a peninsular jutting out from the north side. There are a lot of people walking around its edge or picknicking at the side . Just what I didnt want to find! I move quickly on and pad towards Satura crag, stopping for a refuel hidden behind a hillock beside the dry stone wall overlooking Bannerdale.

As I sit there I'm struck by two major factors one positive and the other negative. As always I'll start with the bad news. During my brief stop of 20-30mins about 20 walkers pass my unnoticed position in groups of between 2-6 every 5 minutes. They are of various ages and nationalities almost all with those damned ubiquitous telescopic sticks you see festooned across outdoor equipment stores. Some with one and many with two. I'm sitting on the hard shoulder of the M1 of the far Eastern Fells and I don't like it! I came here for a solitary walk of self re-discovery. Where the hell are all these people coming from. Don't they have jobs to go to. This is not the summer season when I would expect these numbers. I can hear the approaching "clickety clack" of their walking sticks, like blind people moving forward on an urban street. Wainwright promised me solitary wilderness in this area. His popularity has magnetically attracted people to this route spoiling the experience in just the way he would not have wished.

The second factor was the spectacle before me of mile after mile of dry stone wall stretching across the head of the crag and down into Bannerdale valley. Who had done this, why and how long had it taken? The sheer enormity of the venture was humbling, getting such quantities of stone into position on this difficult terrain. I vowed to research this on my return to London.

Most of the main walls in the high fells had been erected by 1850 as a consequence of the various Enclosure Acts of the 18th and 19th centuries. These empowered certain landowners to create a boundary around their claimed land against the previous common land grazing

rights of all the locals . Gangs of unemployed miners were often used to build the walls.

I continue on and the going gets very tough approaching the Knott. A very rough zig zag ascent with lots of sticky bog in the dips. Eventually I reach High Street overlooking Riggindale Beck and Haweswater in the distance. I watch two Red Deer stags fighting just below me rutting with their antlers. They must be part of the Martindale herd which is the oldest in England.

Night Visitor Chief Suspect - Looks Nothing like Beyonzeexcept for a big......!

Area of Operations Day 3

My view from Satura Crag down into Bannerdale.Note the long stretches of dry stone walls

The old Roman road now called High Street connected the two forts at Penrith and Ambleside.Built in approximately 100AD, it crossed very boggy ground in parts but avoided the heavily forested valleys at the time by being positioned high up on the connecting fell ridges. Below is a cross section of the building technique, the shadow of its course on Race Course Hill and one of the wagon types used at the time.

The Barnacle Goose - "Wild Night-time Party Animal"

Wednesday 7th October17 November 2009

12:23

Diary Page 14

part of the Martindale herd which is the oldest in England.

I can see the distinctive Riggindale Crag leading up from Haweswater. Waignwright describes it as a "connoisseurs" route onto High Street. This as I was to discover in the days ahead was code for hell. Rough climbing, sapping your soul and entire body!

I kept a sharp eye out for the Golden Eagle, as this was the area in which one of the few UK breeding pairs remained. I carried on up the deceptively steep slope to the cairn and trig point of Racecourse Hill 2,800 ft up. The wind was cold and bracing as I admired the thought of past dales folk racing their horses on this ground 200 years previously, in the annual festival. I sat behind the wall at the top sheltering from the westerly wind and refuelled. The numbers of people passing was relentless. Its 4pm and I decide to head towards Wether Hill on the Roman Road and find a spot for my bivvy. This would allow me a route back to base camp via Martindale and Beda fell the next day.

As soon as I crossed onto Rampsgill Head the number of people fell away dramatically and I began to enjoy myself. I then started a long weary walk north past High Raise and Red Crag. The ground was very boggy and peat banks were all around. However, I was alone in the dwindling light and felt exalted looking down into Rampsgill valley. I could see smoke rising from the red roofs of "The Bungalow" and imagined the deer herdsman stoking the fire. I could hear the sky larks above and my steps surprised one particular bird from the marshy ground which l thought could have been a snipe. I began to move west off the Roman Road which was becoming increasingly boggy and followed the fence bordering the deer park and then the dry stone wall. I had been walking almost continuously for 9 hours over rough ascending ground with about 25Kg. I was "cream crackered" and felt very concerned that the ground was totally unsuitable for a bivvy. Then I saw a possible opportunity, an opening in the wall where an old gateway had been with a small grassy bank beside it. It was perfect almost preordained.

I set up the tarp on the diagonal to the wall and pinned one side under the top stones of the wall and the other pegged to the ground, forming a shelter underneath. I unrolled my bivvy bag and inflated my neoair which I placed inside the bag together with my sleeping bag. I suspected it was going to be a cold night and put my neck warmer and extra fleece on. I pulled my hat down and my neck warmer up so only my eyes were exposed. In the failing light I donned my head torch and assembled my stove and had a brew and meal. The air was still, very cold and the sky clear. The long grasses around me wafted gently and there was almost complete silence apart from the baying deer stags below me. What was more an almost perfect sunset cast a rich light across the distant peaks. I stood there feeling a sense of oneness with all around me, something I had not experienced since childhood. Its hard to describe but I felt at peace, perfectly relaxed and not at all afraid in my solitude.

I got into my bivvy without difficulty using my rucksack as a partial pillow and pulled the cord up. I could stretch out without difficulty and felt very warm and cosy. My only concern was my bottom half which was sticking out into the gateway and uncovered by the tarp. Any passing deer stag could have trampled me or pinned me with its antlers "A bivvy on a barbecue stick". I was so tired I didn't care and felt reasonably secure.

I watched the dwindling light across the Helvellyn range to the west and followed the progress of a large Sea King Rescue helicopter between the peaks. Perhaps some poor bastard hadn't had such a good day as me and the mountain rescue boys were in full swing.

At about 7.30pm I fell asleep more comfortable and content than I had been all week. I could feel the cold air on my face and see the distant mountain shadows. All is well. This is why I had retired from the police, a pressing need to reconnect with mother earth!

Snipe spotted and confirmedidentification. Not to be confusedWith Snape from Hogwarts

Riggindale Crag. The "connoisseurs" route up to High Streetfrom Haweswater reservoir

The Golden Eagle, Riggindale. The Manchester Water Authority are attempting to introduce another breeding pair.

High altitude bivvy, Wether Hill.Pyjamas and night cap.

Diary Page 15

At Midnight I awoke. There was a blaze of white light around me and feeling somewhat startled I peered out. Not to worry, the Moon was throwing down its stage lights on the set around me and what a set! The fells were lit up with heavy shadow in part and sparkling crystals from the forming frost shone out like countless jewels. I estimated that it was about -2celsius. Above was a perfect carpet of stars. Believe me I felt very humbled and moved by the whole experience. Tears welled up and I felt a deep sense of being truly alive for the first time ever!

I eventually fell asleep again but was awoken at 3am by the sound of very heavy rain on the tarp above my head and a growing wind which was pulling at the anchor points. All remained secure and I fell asleep again.

At 7am I woke up feeling very refreshed and rested despite the nights interruptions. The wind was blowing cold and hard from the west and low cloud shrouded parts of the valley below me. It took me 30mins to boil the water in my kettle and I had to build a shelter around the stove. What's more, the gas canister froze fast to the stone it was sitting on.

I gathered my kit together and took the tarp down in a brief shower of cold spiked rain. The tarp had developed a small hole in the corner where it had been pinned with the stone.

I truly didn't want to leave this place and felt I could have stayed in that spot for several days and nights in an affinity with the elements.

At 9am I donned full kit with waterproofs and set out north westwards towards Martindale via Gowk hill . I was completely on my own and revelled in my solitude. I marvelled again at the vast expanse of dry stone wall and noted the derelict shepherds shelter Wainwright had mapped in his books. I wondered when the last time it had been in use and the life of a shepherd in the centuries before me. Could I have been happy doing this sort of work. I suspected that I could have been, perhaps with some seasonal variations and a damned good woman to go home to.

I wound my way towards Martindale with a slight detour to the overlooking Steel Knots where I encountered my first people of the day. I tried to be polite but wished they would all bugger off! A lifetime of working with people and seeing humanities worst degradations had eventually caught up with me. Perhaps I would be better off in the Canadian Wilderness as the new Grey Owl.

I descended to Martindale taking a short cut down the fell side through thick bracken. My knees were beginning to scream at me on the descents and my progress slowed considerably. I rejoined the main path and was overtaken by an elderly couple who gave me a cheery hello and asked whether I was OK. I answered that the knees were complaining and they replied " Oh the joints the joints!" in something of a jolly ode like delivery. I'm not joking, these two had the legs of athletes and were supremely fit. We had a brief chat and I discovered they were 70 and 75 respectively. They moved off ahead of me and soon were out of sight. There is hope for all of us and I found these two a bit inspirational, particularly as they were NOT using those damned telescopic sticks! I hobbled after them feeling distinctly inferior.

I reached Martindale at about 1130 and had a good look at the village church of St Martin. It was small and compact with a simple Methodist feel about it. Just what I liked. There had been a church on this site for over a thousand years and the current one had been built during Elizabeth I reign. The Yew tree in its grounds was about 1300 years old. There was one service a month now run by one of those new type travelling vicars with 20 parishes. The church looked remarkably well maintained and I mused on many things. Why here? Well, I suppose it may have served the mining population as well as the village and it was now well maintained due to the number of visitors donating. My research revealed a similar degree of well being in these small chapels throughout the lakes. One benefit of all these blasted people I suppose! I sat outside and refuelled. The day was now sunny and clear. I could live here if it was just a "tadge" more remote.

At 1215 I set off again towards Beda Fell passing several farms and a kennels which I guessed was the Martindale Fox Hound pack. I was disappointed to note on passing the gateway to the Bungalow whose smoke I had seen the previous evening that it was NOT the Deer Herdsman's but was a holiday let. Oh God not more tourism.

I stripped down anticipating the hard slog up to Boredale Hause and joined the track at Dale Head enjoying the sight of a small group of young red deer on the fell side close by. Beda Fell was a slog but my ascents were very strong and my knees briefly stopped hurting. I noted the tracks of Mountain bikers on the path and had to admire their tenacity and fitness. If I had the opportunity again I would have diverted via Heck Crag past the old settlement up to Angle Tarn but I was committed before I knew it . I reached Boredale Hause and rested with some trepidation about the last descent to Side Farm and the state of my knees. I edged off and padded down the fell side trying to even the weight between both legs acting as a brake. My knees were screaming but didn't give way as I feared. I hobbled into base camp at 3.10pm

I spent the rest of the afternoon having a slow shower, tending cuts and bruises, kit drying and preparing a meal. I spread my bivvy and tarp out on the grass in the evening sunshine and stretched out.

My evening entertainment arrived shortly after with a young couple in a large 4x4 with trailer, who commenced setting up camp on a spot ahead of me. I'm not exaggerating but it took them over 3 hours to assemble what can only be described as an earth bound equivalent of the international space station. The tent kept expanding with multiple tunnels like a Tomato plantation. The bed was erected using an air compressor on the car, and was of gargantuan proportions. I wondered whether the couple were going to move from one compartment to another, like the winter palace, throughout their stay. You could have fitted about 30 people into the tent. Next came the inflatable sofa and chairs then the Gazebo, cooking range and lastly various wines and candles (you know the ones on stands you get at Shakespearean plays in Regents Park open air theatre) I watched in eager anticipation of the inflatable plasma TV being erected and fell about in fits of hysterical laughter.

I fell asleep at 7pm and was vaguely aware of three sets of owls across the valley competing with each other using increasingly flamboyant calls, one seemingly off key.

I awoke at 7am the next day!


The Elizabethan Church of St Martin, Martindale

Moon Light over the Cumbrian MountainsThis is the form of light I experienced - Breathtaking

The West Wing of the "Camp Spectacular"

Thursday 8th October19 November 200910:19

Diary Page 16

7am up and got a brew on. Noticed Mountain Rescue vehicles parked in Glenridding opposite with emergency lights flashing. Another wayward soul being sought on the Helvellyn fells. Dangerous place this!

My right knee was very painful and I could only move it slowly. I rubbed in vast quantities of Juniper cream which helped. No other part of my body was sore or stiff which I thought was amazing considering the distance and terrain I had covered the previous 2 days. I was obviously much fitter than I thought. I suspected the knee problem was a cartilage tear due to the steep descent braking with a full pack. My other knee had had all the cartilage removed after an RTA in 1985 and had settled down overnight. I sent a text to my Trainer John bollocking him for missing this preparatory area of fitness. He replied "sorry" and informed me his hourly rate had gone up!

I decided that it would be prudent to have a rest day of sorts and planned a day of note completion, Cumbrian ale and a trip up Ullswater to Pooley Bridge in one of those very sleek looking ferries.

8am walked up the track to Patterdale. I was ambushed by a very fine looking Guernsey herd of cows spread across my way, including a very large bull. There seemed to be a lot of high value herds wherever I walked and mused whether the farmers had had a big compensation payout after the Foot and Mouth outbreak of 2001 which I knew had hit Cumbria very hard. As I crossed the Goldrill Beck bridge I caught sight of a very unusual looking bird in the trees beside. It had a bright yellow head with black flecks and a brown body with black stripes. It had a long tail with squared off feathers. Another piece of research.

I pulled into the bar of the Patterdale Hotel at 9.55am and startled the barman tidying up from the night before. " A pint of old faithful please" He replied "I cant serve you until 11am". I asked him to check his licence as the hotel hoardings clearly indicated otherwise. He disappeared off into the Hotel archive section and came back somewhat defeated duly pulling me a pint.

After delivering my post cards direct to the "postie" outside the hotel I walked up to Glenridding Ferry Quayside stopping off on the way at the National Parks office to try and identify the birds I had seen at Wether Hill and Goldrill Beck. This caused much merriment when I referred to the first bird as a possible Snape sighting. The young bearded assistant looked at me mischievously and told me Snape had never been sighted this far from Hogwarts and it didn't bode well. I took it in my stride and roared appreciatively at my faux pas. After an extensive look at the bird books and on line I was however no further on in identifying the little blighters.

I walked across the road and just caught the 1.45pm ferry to Pooley Bridge. I travelled on TheLady of the Lakes, which had been re-launched by Willie Whitelaw in 1979 after a fire. It was a beautiful boat, clean shining veneered woodwork and sleek lines. It was freezing cold and I was glad to have brought a lot of outdoor clothing. I wrapped up and stayed on deck to marvel at the landscape on both sides. There were about 10 other passengers but this was soon to change at our one and only stop at Howtown. About 60 young people wearing nothing but T shirts and trousers got on board evidently having finished an outdoor training course with the Outward Bound Trust. They were made up of youngsters from Blackpool 6th Form College and BAE Systems. They obviously hadn't learnt anything about dressing appropriately for the weather and they all sat on deck shivering, thinking this was the macho thing to do. Oh dear. As we left Howtown an older walker rushed up the quay and shouted to the crew that he had a train to catch and must get on board. He attempted to jump the 10foot gap before being dissuaded and the ferry pulled back in to avoid an incident. Human behaviour never ceases to amaze and amuse me.

As I watched from the upper deck I could see many of the spots I had walked down in the previous week; Aira Gill, Martindale, Wether Hill and Scalehow falls. The sky was cloudy but majestic and the lake looked wonderful. I had a short chat with the helmsman who told me that people often tried to jump on board and they were petrified of being sued if they encouraged it at all. The ferry service was year round except Christmas day, and they had just had a very busy season, only yesterday having taken 100 passengers on this particular service.

We arrived in Pooley Bridge at 2.45 and I walked into the village which was very toursisty with poor souvenir shops except the Ullswater Steam Ferry Shop which was excellent. I had a steak and a pint of Hartley's cask ale in the local and then walked slowly back to the Quay, again startled by the sheer numbers of people about on a low season Friday. My journey back was uneventful on the 4.55pm ferry and I stayed on deck again in a bitter SW wind. I walked back to camp at 6pm in heavy rain. Both knees were painful particularly the right one. I had made the right decision to rest.

I had a bad night with a neighbouring couple having a deep philosophical conversation until 2am. Why cant people have noisy sex and then just go to sleep. I could accept that. The heavy rain forced me to use the porch twice as a latrine. Blast the cask ale drinking of the previous day. Kneeling and peeing to avoid all utensils and food supplies is no mean feat.


The Yellow Hammer - Identified after research. Graded Red Endangered by RSPB

The ever majestic Lake Ullswater slippingaway behind us.

My life and other humans

Friday 9th October19 November 2009

12:12

Diary Page 17

Awoke at 5.30 and was pleased to note that the rain had stopped. I got a brew going in the porch and looked out of the tent to a clear star covered sky and the light of a half moon.

It took me 1.5hrs to pack my kit and tent and then I tottered off at 8.30am to the Patterdale Post Office and had a chat to Gillian and a very welcome double bacon bap. I sat and ate this on the bench opposite and watched the hoards of walkers arrive, all seemingly hell bent on climbing Helvellyn on a clear sunny day. Goodness knows what its like in high season. The roads and car park soon filled up with parked vehicles and the "clickity clack" of you know what!

The 108 Bus was very prompt and I sat back for my £4.60p ride to Penrith Railway Station which took 50 mins. I then caught the 1124 Birmingham New Street Virgin Train calling at Warrington. The train was packed. I firmly pondered the rapidly emerging population crisis in the UK which all my antennae had already sensed both in London and now in the Lakes. In such a small island the numbers of people were in danger of overwhelming the infrastructure and spoiling the enjoyment of hitherto unique areas of countryside. What was to be done?

Met by David and back to Lymm to sort kit, R&R and CBS (cuts, bruises and swellings)

Looking a bit rough after the first week

Saturday 10th October22 November 2009

10:51

Diary Page 18

Set off 7.20am. Driven by Hilary using a different route via Kendal and Windermere, up the Kirkstone Pass. Arrived 9.10am (97 miles vs 117 via Penrith). Clear sunny day, no wind.

Set up base camp in Patterdale within 1hr. Its getting quicker each time.

Due to the weather conditions I set off for Helvellyn at 11.45am intending to take the classic route of Hole in the wall, Striding edge and then back down Swirral Edge. This would need a certain degree of scrambling and care over my route.

I walked up the Grisedale Lane towards the Grisedale Beck crossing, with the beck roaring beside me on the right down in the gorge. It was quiet, no people just the sound of the trees and beck. Bliss. I padded on up the steep slope and stopped at the bridge to spy out my route up Birkhouse Moor to the Hole in the wall at the top. I could see the faint line of the track ascending to the heavens and prepared myself for another slog.

As I started my climb another quirky situation developed. At about 1230 a man looking like a commuter with smart open necked shirt, slacks and ordinary shoes passed me. He was holding a brief case. He looked like a tax inspector, aged about 40, clean shaven, lean and fit. He rushed past me with the comment "Got to catch a bus" I, thinking he was throwing some good old Cumbrian humour at me replied "What, to Piccadilly Circus?" He said " No I've got to get back for the 2.10pm to Penrith" I let this pass thinking "shit thats quick. How is he going to get to Helvellyn and back in that time. Is he on his lunch break and doing a bit of fitness training? or is he just another mad Englishmen".

He rattled on up the fell side at an incredible pace and I felt somewhat inferior again, until my next encounter with him later in the afternoon.

The views were breathtaking up the valley but I had to keep my eye on the track as there were many deep gullies and other foot snares for the unwary. I did however feel fit and my knees were not hurting at all on the ascent. There was no other person about at all, and I thought, at last, I have found the solitude I craved and everyone's gone back to work. I reached the break in the dry stone wall at about 1.45pm and before me was a very unwelcome sight.

Like aircraft stacked above Heathrow there were about 15 young walkers (20-30yrs old) grouped at the top waiting for landing instructions from the Helvellyn control tower. Looking ahead was striding Edge with a thin stream of walkers along its length like a multi coloured column of ants. This is where the nations unemployed were on a Monday afternoon in October! Either that or there were an awful lot of young people pulling a "sickie".

The ridge however looked spectacular and rugged in the bright light and below lay the wide expanse of Red Tarn in the hollow, its water looking Mediterranean blue. There was nobody around it or camped so that was a small blessing at least.

I rearranged my kit putting on a fleece and hat and packing away my map case in anticipation of some slow tricky scrambling. I took my place on the approaches of Bleaberry crag and refuelled with a piece of my sisters excellent flapjack she had prepared the previous Sunday. As I did so a large blue commercial helicopter approached Striding Edge and hovered overhead. It was so close my concern was its down draft dislodging some of the climbers below. I discovered that it was the Great North Helicopter Ambulance, training due to the fine weather. This was closely followed by a glider crossing from the west. My jibe earlier about Piccadilly Circus was not far off the mark at all. I now half expected a Lucianis ice cream van to be selling cornets at the summit.

Just at that moment the "Tax Inspector" I had spoken too earlier appeared just below me at about 2.15 and he recognised me and said" I'm getting too old for this sort of thing I'm going back" I replied " I'm afraid you've missed your bus". He looked crestfallen and slunk off. Inwardly I cheered and mumbled to myself " Ah blown yourself out have you. I'm still going with plenty in the tank!" A self satisfied grin stretched across my face.

I crossed Striding edge with relative ease, walking across the uppermost crest, climbing two chimney sections and completing a short dangerous traverse. After ascending the final slopes of scree, I reached the summit at 3pm. After all my concerns about vertigo I surmised that this was not a problem in open spaces and my fears were more focussed on lift shafts and bridges in more confined surroundings. However many Die Hard movies I watched, I couldn't get used to this scenario, after having been involved in some hairy rescue situations during my police career.

I walked up to the Gough memorial stone in a cloud of midges and stood quietly transfixed by the story before me of Thomas Gough whose body was found in 1805 at that spot. He had evidently fallen or been hit on the head by falling rock but had managed to reach the summit mortally wounded. There he died and he lay watched over by his loyal and loving pet dog. The body and still watching dog were discovered 3 months later!

After taking in the distant views to NSEW I walked down to the start of Swirral edge and enjoyed 30 minutes of scrambling and then a walk on the north side of Red Tarn to the Hole-in the wall. Here I varied my route and descended Birkhouse Moor to Glenridding via Mires Beck. The descent went on and on zigzagging its way down the fells. My knees were ok as I had a support bandage on the right one and the left was only grumbling. However, I regretted not going back the way I had come as the route was tedious and stony. I wound my way past the old slate mine, the YHA centre, upper and lower Glenridding and finally back to Patterdale at 6.45 after almost 3 hours. It had taken me 2 hours to ascend.

Lights out 7.30pm feeling very weary. Immediately fell asleep.


The author on Striding Edge with theGough memorial stone at the summit& Red Tarn below

Monday 12th October22 November 2009

11:26

Diary Page 19

Up at 7am. Flapjack and cocoa. Sunny, good visibility and no wind.

I plan a serious days scrambling in an area which I hope will be devoid of people. I'm going to climb Nethermost Pike via the East ridge, approaching from the Grisedale Beck side. There are no paths and the area is covered in steep crags and bracken. This is an outward distance of 5 miles rising 2,500 feet from my current position.

I set off late at 10am having been very careful over equipment selection and weight. I followed the same route as the previous day except rather than ascending to the Hole -in-the wall, I remained on the valley floor, beside the beck, working my way up the north side. No one in sight, clear and sunny. Bliss. Another herd of exotic looking cows were grouped in a field to the left on Braesteads Farm. They were squat, plump and all black except for a very distinctive broad pinkish loop around the midrift .

I reached the main footbridge over the Beck below Nethermost at 1225 and surveyed the way up for suitable routes. The Pike looked daunting with large areas of dark craggy cliffs at two levels with a small plateau midway. The fell side below was covered in thick bracken split in the middle by the fast running Nethermost Cove Beck which fell towards me over cascading waterfalls to join the Grisedale Beck. My route was further barred by a very high dry stone wall cutting across from east to west. Still no one in sight.

I stowed my map and outer clothes, refuelled and set off up the mountainside. I estimated that the entire ascent would take 2 hours. I crossed the wall easily using the through stones as a ladder and eventually found a sheep track through the bracken up the fell side towards a likely looking crossing point on the beck. The water channels were deep and fast flowing and I hopped across protruding stones easily until I made the mistake of stepping onto a dark area of one stone which appeared dry. It was however covered in algae which was like ice and I slid off into the water and thumped down onto my backside with water up to my knees. A mistake I was careful to avoid again over future days. I got up somewhat bruised and continued up opting for the left channel up the crag where there appeared to be more footholds. I zigzagged my way slowly, painfully aware that I was on my own and couldn't afford to make any more mistakes.

I reached the plateau at 1.30pm and was presented with an interesting sight of disused mine houses and discarded mounds of stone. In the middle of this area was a protruding smooth rock face with a vertical slit down the middle. I came up close and discovered that the gap was about 2 foot across and beyond was a void. I could just make out a shelf below some 300 feet below and stepped back quickly realising the danger. My later research revealed this was a natural feature called a calf hole, often indicating an entrance to a cave system below. I hadn't got the right equipment or experience to explore this so I moved on.

I reached the second set of crags leading up to the east ridge and slowly ascended with frequent stops to take photos and video footage. I could see Hard Tarn below me on the south side which was eloquently described by Waignwright, who noted the passage of a newt swimming around its edge in 1962. Thick cloud was coming across from the west which made for a dramatic scene around me and I revelled in my solitude at this wild high spot. This was clearly going to be one of my best days so far!

At 3pm I reached the top after 2.5 hours climbing and scrambling and in the gathering cloud mist took a compass bearing towards Dollywagon Pike, which I renamed Dolly Parton. My bearing became crucial with the enveloping cloud, but my compass work did not let me down and I reached this shortly after without mishap.

In the mist I could unfortunately make out the voices of several people and as I joined the good descent path to Grisedale Tarn was dismayed that I was on another of the Lakes motorway systems with several groups of walkers behind and in front. Just before starting the descent I noticed a rather interesting metallic structure in the ground. It was triangular in shape with a supporting strut and pineapple shaped crown to the top. It looked victorian and I surmised that it was a type of trig point with the perpendicular side pointing north. I checked my compass and noted that it was about 10 -15 degrees off north but magnetic variation each year could account for this discrepancy. Another bit of research to do.

I descended the path and at 4.20pm near the bottom a break in the clouds revealed a very dramatic view of the Tarn, which was large and eerily surrounded in tumbling banks of mist. There were several young people grouped around 5 tents on its Eastern shores. I quickly moved on down the valley NE arriving at the bottom at 5.20pm. I then took the south bank of the Grisedale Beck and walked beside the waterfalls. Several birds were hovering over the bright red berried Rowan trees. They were sparrow sized and almost black in colour with a white flash marking on their backs. Their calls were shrill, short and continuous.

Passing beside woodland in the Grisedale valley I recced a possible low level bivvy position for the following night. I wanted to experience a contrasting location to my earlier camp, this time in woodland. There seemed to be plenty of possible locations behind a high dry stone wall, which offered shelter from the wind.

I reached base camp at 6.45pm after almost 9 hours of walking and climbing

Lake District

Expedition...

Lake District

Expedition...

The Belted Galloway - Dates Back to Charles II. Very HardyUpland Breed. Low fat meat & high quality milk. Becoming popular again.

Nethermost Pike - A Glorious Day's ScramblingThe pictures show the whole pike on the left and a close up of the last section

The Plateau containing the old mine, outbuildingsand Calf's Hole entrance

Video Diary

The old Victorian Trig PointDollywagon Pike Summit

Tuesday 13th October23 November 2009

11:03

Diary Page 20

Up 6.15am. Not a good night. Couldn't get comfortable. The Geese had been having another all night party on the lake and by the sound of it a big fight at closing time.

I spent the morning preparing for that nights bivvy and a long days walking the following. I decided not to take the tarp as there would be a certain amount of shelter from the trees and I wanted to get the weight down with reduced pressure on my shoulders. I was also inquisitive about the true protective nature of the Gore-Tex bag.

I wrote up my notes, rested my knees and had a long siesta in my tent watching the Lady of the Lakes ferry leave Glenridding on its 1.45pm service up to Pooley Bridge. I counted about 60 people on the upper deck through my binoculars, so another good day for Ullswater Steam Ferries in the supposed low season.

I left camp at 3pm under low cloud with positively balmy temperatures and headed back up Grisedale Lane into the Grisedale valley. I arrived at the Grisedale Plantation woods at 4.15pm and reconnoitred the dry stone wall I had seen the previous day. I wanted a spot where there was good shelter from the westerly's and I was hidden from view. I needed level, well drained ground that was not stony. I chose an area of slightly raised ground behind the wall that formed a type of platform from which I could observe the wood. It was under an oak tree.

Unpacking I put a brew of cocoa on and arranged my equipment, using a moss covered rock beside me as a form of bedside table. I then walked out in all directions making sure I could not be seen from the path or the edges of the wood. Taking off or hiding any coloured clothing I then arranged my bivvy into a seat so I could dangle my legs over the step's edge and be camouflaged as much as possible. I then sat back with my mug of cocoa, flap jack and soaked up the atmosphere.

The wood before me was mixed deciduous and pine. There was a clear aroma of pine and foliage with a slightly soporific feel of being swathed in a warm blanket. There was no wind whatsoever and you could have heard a pin drop. The stilled hush was broken occasionally by the deep croak of passing crows flying across overhead and the gentle swish of falling leaves hitting the ground. Nothing else.

My Bivvy - Goretex Army Grade 1 bag withNeo air Therma-Rest mat and sleeping Bag inside.Note the bed side table rock

Wednesday 14th October23 November 2009

12:14

Diary Page 21

The Carrion Crow - Clever and fearless. I watched them frequently enjoying the thermals at the highest points and soaring as well as any bird of prey.

After about 15minutes I became aware of a slight movement in a tree before me and reached for my binoculars. To my complete amazement I got a focussed view of no less than a large adult red squirrel foraging in the canopy. It had a big bushy tail with a black tip which it was using as a counterbalance. To my further amazement it moved closer and closer to my position until it was in the oak tree above me and then it climbed down and sat looking at me about 4feet away. It seemed completely unfazed by my presence and I half expected it to require a ticket from me for viewing rights or to open negotiations for some of my trail mix which contained large quantities of hazel nuts. The smell of these had probably attracted it, either that or the smell of my sisters flapjack. Whatever reason I was looking at the first Red Squirrel I had seen in 25 years since Loch Garten in Scotland and it was 4 feet away looking at me. Its body and head looked much more fragile than the grey squirrel but the colouring was exquisite. It eventually hopped away and continued its search before dusk. In total I watched it for 1 hour with an uninterrupted view.

Next came a wren sitting right beside me on the wall above my head, hopping to and fro with a shrill chirrup call for about 10 minutes.

At 7pm in the growing dark I got into my bivvy bag and just lay in complete comfort listening to the woods sounds. I felt elated and at complete peace with my surroundings as I had at Wether Hill the previous week. The atmosphere though was in complete contrast, being at low level, warm, enclosed and quiet. The emotions I felt were very strong for some reason and the tears welled again. My notes read " I felt happy at long last, as though I was at complete one with my surroundings, in effect I had come home" Strange that being 400 miles from my flat in London. I had a real sense that I could have stayed there quite happily and lived out my days. Quite extraordinary.

Diary Page 22

stayed there quite happily and lived out my days. Quite extraordinary.

At 7.30pm the silence was rudely broken by the spine chilling short bark of a dog fox beside me, behind the wall on the path. It ran west along the edge of the wood and then around the other side with short choked off screams as it went. A very eerie sound but I couldn't help smiling as I was getting the full repertoire of woodland animals. It faded into the distance and it then began to drizzle heavily with rain. It hit my face but I relished its feel on my skin as the rest of me felt warm and snug in the bivvy. I fell asleep with the water dripping off my nose.

Diary Page 23

My slumbers were suddenly rendered at 4.15am when an owl directly above me on a low branch started an earnest morning's revele of screeching. This took many forms of short and long blasts but with no soothing hooting sounds in between. "My territory, what the hell are you doing here type of thing!" I could see its shape above me but could not see whether it was a tawny or barn owl, probably the former. It was literally about 4-5 feet away and my concern was one of those nuclear explosion like owl deposits, as a final passing shot, straight down onto my position. It eventually flew off without a sound from its flapping wings. It was a clear demonstration of its deadly stealth qualities.

At 7am I awoke and packed up feeling really sad that I was leaving. I left eleven hazel nuts on a rock further into the woods as a gesture of goodwill to the squirrel and set off again west towards Grisedale Tarn. It had been an extraordinary night, one that I will never forget.

At about 9am I reached Grisedale Beck in heavy mist quite alone, and listened to the cascading waterfalls below and beside me, shrouded but insistent. There was a chill in the air and heavy dew on the ground. The fells and rocks were dripping.

I padded up the steep track past Rowthwaite Lodge which was used by the Outward Bound Trust as an overnight shelter, and on up to the Tarn. Just before reaching it I detoured to an unusual looking object sticking up from a rock face. I found a metallic sign with an inscription celebrating "The parting brothers". Below on the stone was a half hidden extract from Wordsworth's poem to the same, chiselled into the rock face.

I walked up to the eastern end of the tarn and was pleased to note no one about although there was a single tent pitched. A row of empty beer cans lay outside the porch which I earnestly hoped was going to be cleared up. The waters of the tarn were lapping onto the shingle and I noticed that there was a large quantity of foamy suds in the water and along the shoreline. Again , I hoped this was not man made from people washing and if so it was bio-degradable. I feared the worst and felt angry about these supposed nature lovers camping out. Some were clearly not fit to be here, exporting their selfish habits from home into this pristine environment.

I carried on westwards up the fell side above the tarn looking back at its breathtaking beauty in the swirling mists. I took a few photographs and then girded my loins for a very steep climb up to Fairfield. It took me 45 minutes of leg breaking ascent up a 1:2 type gradient, wherein I was constantly tottering for balance on my toes. I reached the top exhausted at 11.15am just as the mist broke to reveal a wondrous landscape around me with deep gullies, a wide plateau and a ridge to my left below me.

It was then that things started to go wrong to a degree that I have named the following event as "The Fairfield Incident"

Feeling somewhat cocky from my surefooted navigation so far I struck out on the cairn marked pathway ahead towards my destination St Sunday Crag. I was intrigued by the ridge below me but read this on my map as being a secondary path up from Grisedale tarn. Therein lied disaster, as I should have taken a compass reading at this point, which would have revealed the truth that this ridge was in fact Deepdale Hause leading to St Sunday Crag. After recovering I strode off confidently on a route which I was to later re name as "The Highway to Hell" slowly descending what was in reality Hart Crag and Dove Crag. The mist and cloud closed in again and the ground was initially very rough with great shoals of loose rock and slate to cross carefully. This then gave way to fields of peat bog of varying depths forcing me to hug

Lake Distr...

Lake Distr...


Ruthwaite Lodge - Any room at the Inn?

Grisedale Tarn in the clouds

The Fairfield Incident Begins -

Night Time Visitor - BlessHim

Thursday 15th October25 November 2009

11:03

Diary Page 24

and slate to cross carefully. This then gave way to fields of peat bog of varying depths forcing me to hug the dry stone wall to avoid being sucked down. My progress was slow but determined although my knees were beginning to complain again. Several groups of walkers passed me in either direction.

Where the hell am I?

It was only when the cloud broke at about 2pm that I realised my folly. Before me in the distance was a great stretch of water with a narrowing waist in the middle. There was what could only be described as a multiple decked ship slowly making way into mid channel. This certainly was not Ullswater and could only be one thing. Lake Windermere. I had been walking due south instead of north east. I could see the large town of Ambleside stretched beside the lake at its northern tip. I stopped feeling a little desperate and considered re tracing my path, but the descent had been so difficult I resolved to press on. I repeatedly swore at myself for being so stupid. The ground got no better and I slowly trundled my way down several difficult crags having to scramble down in places with my heavy pack. In between these crags were further dangerous fields of deep bog, one of which was actually fenced off with danger signs. I managed to keep my sense of humour as I was joined by a large swarm of midges above my head who followed me thereon. "Blood tonight boys. He'll be dead by dusk" I kept ranting breaking into hysterical laughter. I consoled myself that this was not a life threatening situation as I had food, water and shelter but sensed that if I had been navigating Napoleons army, a portable guillotine would have been erected and my head taken swiftly. What made matters worse I was no longer on the map, having disappeared off the southern edge, so I could not plan a contingency route out of my predicament.

My right knee was now screaming at me and repeatedly giving way. It clearly indicated that I had a torn cartilage . I went into endurance mode and resolved to carry on regardless thinking about Joe Simpsons crawl back to his Andean base camp with multiple injuries in "Touching the Void". It was funny but I felt supremely fit apart from my knee. However, I began to make mistakes and fell at one small crag scrambling, cutting my fingers as I braked. I thought to myself that this is how disasters can happen with a catalogue of incidents running together to cause a situation to develop.

Several fell runners passed me in the opposite direction with no equipment at all just shorts and a thin singlet. One of them was bloodied down his head and arms like a gladiator leaving the ring. He had evidently fallen but was undeterred. Perhaps it was Joss Naylor himself, the local hero of fell running folklore.

I limped down the final fell side into the outskirts of Ambleside at 4.30 walking down luxury villa lined lanes dreaming of a hot bath. I reached the centre bloody, sweaty , bog covered and exhausted . Diving into the nearest newsagent for two cans of ice cold coke, I think the female assistant thought I was a vagrant and almost threw the cans at me hoping I would leave asap. I limped over to a bench and drank both in quick succession. As I came to, I realised the shoppers were looking at me strangely, as though I was an alien. They were all well dressed and around me was a succession of very trendy outdoor clothing stores and cream tea shops. Evidently no one had seen a real walker before and most had clambered from their 4x4's in Gucci moleskin clothes into these twee retail stores before returning to their hotels and luxury villas. I left my bench and gave the onlookers a 21 gun coke belch salute!

I briefly considered getting a taxi but decided to punish myself and really test my endurance capabilities. I adjusted my equipment and walked out of town heading for the Kirkstone pass. The road was narrow, 1:3 gradient and very busy. I had to constantly dodge into the ditch to avoid oncoming traffic who thought I was fair game. I eventually reached Kirkstone Inn at 6pm and then came off the road following the fell side track down the valley. It went on and on. In the growing dark I momentarily mistook Brothers Water for Ullswater and gave myself false hope. I crossed the swiftly flowing Kirkstone Beck at 7pm at the safest point I could find but still found the water coming up to my thighs. The gradient down thankfully slowed and my knees calmed down. In the pitch black I walked around Brothers Water on a twisting path and then rejoined the road, alternating between each side depending on the direction of oncoming traffic. Eventually, at Hartsop, a footpath started which reduced my risk of sudden death by about 80%.

I staggered back into camp at 8pm after 12 hours continuous walking covering approximately 25 miles of rough extreme terrain!

Lake Distr...

Joss Naylor in his element

I took a fall down this shortcrag injuring my hand

The Fairfield Incident Begins -A video diary entry full of falsehoods!

On The Highway to Hell!

Diary Page 25

I woke up at 8am after almost 12 hours sleep.

No doubt about it, rest day today. After a very slow breakfast and wash I wrote up my notes and tended my CBS (cuts, bruises and swellings) Apart from my knees and cut hand I was feeling fine, even my back was bearing up apart from the usual morning stiffness. There was no stiffness in my leg muscles at all. Amazing, and a testament to my fitness training beforehand.

I had another long siesta between 1-4pm and did some major kit drying and sorting. I was filthy and needed to be put through a car wash.

I then had a slow dinner and went to sleep again at 8pm

I got up promptly at 6am, on the saturday, and went to work packing my kit carefully. This time it took 55mins (I'm getting quicker each time). It was a clear sunny day and I went for my customary bacon bap with Gillian and Tom at the Post Office.

They had just come back from a short break in the Hebrides and were very cheery. I gave them my weeks news and related the Fairfield Incident to them which caused much mirth and merriment. Gillian explained that walkers constantly came in asking why Windemere Lake looked so different and where was Ambleside, having walked the other way to me from Fairfield. It was what the locals called one of the Fells "Twilight Zones" where time and place became very confused. I vowed not to be so cocky next time and take a damned compass reading. I then gave my farewells explaining that I was going to explore the Blencathra range the following week. Gillian leaned across the counter and whispered "you be careful on Sharp Edge, its very tricky!" How right she was, as I was to discover.

I caught the bus to Penrith and got on the 1124 back again to Warrington Bank Quay.

Friday 16th - Saturday 17th October26 November 2009

14:56

Diary Page 26

Up 6.15am and caught the 0827 train to Penrith from WBQ.

Impressed with WBQ. Clean, refurbished and new ticket office. Very friendly newsagent who called me " her darling" I told her I was single and available.

In Penrith I caught the 1022 bus to Keswick. Very prompt and efficient with a friendly bus driver. He gave me a very comprehensive briefing on all the different types of bus ticket you could get across Cumbria and drew my attention to the old railway bed which took the old Penrith to keswick service. He highlighted this as a good way of walking from Scales to keswick. All this conversation took place over 30 minutes whilst he drove the bus and took on more passengers. I had to stand close to the drivers compartment to hear him, right beneath an enormous sign saying " Do not speak to driver whilst bus in motion" I think if you had given him a microphone he would have been very happy giving guided tours.

I got off at Scales village, having booked a B&B the previous weekend. There were no nearby campsites and as the light continued to draw in each day it was crucial to make the most of each, particularly as I wanted to make my assault on the Blencathra range. So out of a pressing need for efficiency rather than cowardice I had retreated indoors. I was met by the landlady Angela and was pleasantly re -assured that her mission was to make me as comfortable as possible. I had had a vague sense that she could have been very prohibitive, making me wear slippers and delivering statements such as "I do hope there will be no alcohol drunk in the bedrooms or sex with wild animals before 9pm"

I was shown to a very carefully re furbished annexe and my room. A shower, loo and double bed with heating. Oh luxury oh heaven. I lay stretched out on the bed feeling both guilty and indulgent.

At 1145 after rearranging equipment and clothing I set off in the pouring rain for Threlkeld Mining Museum via the fells route. Mining was and had been so integral to Cumbria that I felt it was important to learn a lot more about the methods, people and way of life. What better time to do this as the weather was so inclement and not a thing could be seen at high level. I walked slowly along the foot of the Blencathra fells, Doddick and Hall's crossing the scaley beck and Doddick Gill. These were in full spate and I had a tricky time at Scaley where the path descended and ascended to the beck over very craggy ground. At Gategill Farm I turned towards Threlkeld Village past the hunt kennels and the old lead mine. The rain was pouring down and my walking boots were no longer waterproof as indicated on the label. The first time they had let me down.

I called in at the Horse and Farrier Pub at 1245 and had a fantastic fish and chips lunch and made my acquintance with Jennings "Sneck Lifter" cask ale. Setting off again, I crossed the road and discovered the most bizarre Post Office. It was set in a private house with the counter at the original front door and a converted front room. I had a chat with the post mistress who told me that the original one had been closed due to the national closure programme and that she was determined to keep things going. I left feeling so much that this was an England that had been and Cumbria was one of the last remnants of defiance and old England spirit. The people were largely warm, welcoming, generous and determined.

I spent 3 hours at the museum. It was run by a group of volunteers and I met the curator Donald who was one of those larger than life characters. The museum was a relatively recent addition to the old quarry site and the team had created a whole set of tunnels and workings to demonstrate mining life to visitors, together with several rooms of static presentations.

Donald explained that mining in England had got serious during Elizabeth I's reign due to the realms desperate need for metals on the growing navy. German miners were considered the best in Europe and Elizabeth set up the Royal Company of Mining with their guidance and training. The Threlkeld lead mine stretched almost 2 miles into the mountainside and its employees were expected to work until they were 70 retiring with no pension. There was an average of 120 deaths a year and the miners were divided into unofficial classes of " Bull dogs" and "Crusts" denoting the most seasoned and those doing just enough to earn their daily crust of bread.

The lighting was provided by sheep's wax candles, fixed to the miners caps, which stank dreadfully . More modern inventions such as drills had often added to the suffering ,due to the vibration, causing gradual paralysis. Shafts would be mined up from a deep seam position to allow gravity to help extraction and water would be allowed down from the surface to draw air into the shaft. http://www.cumbria-industries.org.uk/copper.htm

At 5pm I walked back to Scales. The rain had stopped and the sky was clearing. The Blencathra range looked daunting with the five separate fell sides stretching down to the valley ,like stubby fingers on a hand.

Lake DistrictExpedition ...

Monday 19th October26 November 200915:27

Diary Page 27

http://www.cumbria-industries.org.uk/copper.htm

Up at 6.30am. Clear blue sky and sunny. Perfect for an ascent of Blencathra's notorious Sharp Edge. I felt excited and well rested.

Full cooked breakfast and asked astonished kitchen crew for a Kipper as well. I was joined in the breakfast room by an extended American family from Arizona, comprising Dad, Mum, two daughters and daughter in Law. They had come to Cumbria in pursuit of knowledge about their ancestors and the areas they had lived in. We had a great time discussing the world credit crunch, over population of UK and the merits of President Obama (All talk and no action)

I set off at 9.20 with no wind at all and quickly ascended Scale Fell side behind the B&B farmhouse. The path was good and a relatively gentle slope stretched upwards diagonally rather than vertically. A pleasant surprise from what I had previously experienced in the 2 weeks before. I padded along with no one in sight which I thought was a little strange especially as the weather was so good. I passed a dead shrew on the ground, something I had not seen since living in Herefordshire as a teenager.

At 1010 I scaled the last section of path beside the Scale beck which cascaded down a 100ft section from the tarn above. As I reached the top a bitter wind blasted into my face and was the first sign of what was to come. Stopping briefly at the Tarn's edge I adjusted my equipment and put on my fleece, neck warmer and gloves. Sharps Edge towered over me black, craggy, forbidding and ominous. I didn't feel frightened but certainly apprehensive and I was going to approach the Lakes most difficult ridge with the utmost respect. I had meticulously researched the climb and would not have tried it at all in the wet. There was still no one about. Curious. For this diaries readers I have to emphasise that Sharps Edge is classed as a grade 2 scramble without the need for ropes so it should have been fully within my ability range. I was however becoming concerned about the wind force.

At 1030 I started out on the short track up onto the ridge and felt confident enough to scale the ridge onto the crest itself which was 2feet wide, very rough and undulating with 1000 foot drop on both sides. I was elated and felt no sense of vertigo at all. However, the gusts of wind were hitting me with increasing force and I descended from the crest onto the north side away from the wind. The danger was clearly being blown straight off the mountain. I took out my camera and shot several short streams of movie thinking this was rightly a life event and no -one would believe me otherwise. I slowly traversed the side above the established path. The wind was almost nothing but the rocks were very smooth with few footholds. My progress slowed considerably and I took my time planning each movement. What I had judged to be a 30 minute crossing was going to take considerably more time. At one point I got stuck on a smooth stone and realised there was no foothold at all. I relied entirely on arm strength and levered myself away from the precipice. Thank god for all that gym work and my high level of fitness. It slowly dawned on me why there were so few people. This was in a completely different league to Helvellyn.

My slow climb gradually forced me onto the lee side into the wind and I found myself at a sheer smooth cliff face leading up the south side of the final section. There was a narrow chimney which I planned to scale and started my ascent. A combination of the wind force and the difficulty of my chosen route stopped me in my tracks and for the first time I felt a heady adrenaline burst. I was balanced on the rock face trying to force my foot up towards the next foothold but the surface was so smooth from previous climbers that I couldn't get a grip. I was literally hanging on by my arms and hands. The realisation of my exposed position became acute. Suddenly a voice behind me shouted " Are you OK? I think your taking the hard core route there" I looked briefly and two climbers in full kit were standing on the crest below me. " If you come down from that spot and move across to your right I think you will find things easier" I shouted a cheery thanks and obliged. My instincts told me that they knew what they were doing. Sure enough I found another chimney up with more foot holds in the loose scree and protected from the wind.

I got to a ledge and rested, my heart pounding so hard I thought it would burst. The two climbers joined me and we had a brief conversation. They were seasoned mountaineers and they themselves thought the ridge was tricky in the wind. One of them then explained what they were doing . " My friend here is a Wainwright faggot and we are following his favourite climbs" I laughed out loud, this was such a brutal but telling bit of humour from an outdoor type. I feared I came within the same category.

I reached the top of Blencathra at 1145, 1hr 15 mins from starting and commented on camera how much more of a challenge it had been than Helvellyn, albeit I went the hard core route in gale force winds. I now understood why there had been very few people about. This was confirmed at the summit, where I rejoined the Lakes M1 corridor with a multitude of walkers, fell runners and assorted cranks strewn around me.

The views were breathtaking all around me and looking north Mungrisdale Common looked very inviting with no one in sight and just miles of rolling fell side. I bade farewell to my climbing advisors who strode off northwards. Studying the map I could see Blencathra Centre to the SW, and thinking this was a visitor information point decided to head towards it along the ridge.

I was passed by a throng of fell runners training and people walking their dogs. Some were obviously much fitter than me and bounded down the descents suffering no problem from their knees unlike me. I moved off the ridge above Threlkeld and stumbled down the very sharp fell side trying to even the weight of braking between my two legs.

On reaching the centre I wondered around the perimeter trying to find the entrance. The buildings were victorian and sprawled along a short plateau with several separate sites. Throngs of young "studenty" types passed me and I began to wonder what the place was until I saw a sign proclaiming it as a Further Education Study Centre for the Environment. Later my research confirmed this and also uncovered that it had been a TB Sanatorium in the 19-20th century.

Lake District

Expedition ...

Lake District

Expedition ...

Lake District

Expedition ...

Winter Rescue on Sharp's Edge - Keswick Mountain Rescue

Sharp's Edge from Scales Fell

A long lost Friend - The Shrew


Tuesday 20th October26 November 200915:57

Diary Page 28

I walked down to Threlkeld and couldn't resist lunch at the Horse and Farrier again. I had a fantastic meal of sirloin steak and two pints of Jennings Cask ale but attracted a bollocking from the barmaid as I scooped up a large handful of paper napkins. Force of habit I'm afraid. When you've had children you would understand. Spillages are inevitable !

I moved off again feeling slightly inebriated and went to have a chat with the Blencathra Fox Hounds on my way back to Scales. As I came up to the fence I went into a drunken eulogy about beagles (which they are not) remembering my childhood family pet, Fred. All of this took place on camera until the huntsman came out of the neighbouring house to see what all the barking was about. Seeing me by the fence I suspect he thought I was an intruder or a nutter and went back into the house and reappeared with a shotgun. I waved cheerily and moved swiftly on up the fell side fearing I was about to be shot.

Arrived back Scales farm 3.45pm

Lake DistrictExpedition ...

Mad Dogs & Englishmen

Diary Page 29

Breakfast at 8.15am and a long chat to Alan. I'm the only remaining guest and after I leave the guest house will close for the winter re-opening in April. Alan was a former London based Insurance Agent negotiating in disputes, whilst Angela had been a florist. Both in retirement had got heavily involved in charity work with the church in Keswick whilst renovating and running the guest house.

I decided to have a good look around Keswick as one of the main market towns in the northern Lakes serving the local population rather than solely the tourist trade. I caught the 10am bus getting to the main bus station in 15 minutes.(£3.05)

The main store was Booths next to the bus station which was a Cumbrian chain stocking local produce. It was bright, well laid out and very busy. Impressed. However, going up the rest of the high street I wasn't so impressed, counting 15 separate outdoor clothing stores and about 20 void spaces. There were no high quality craft stores except in the tourist information centre. Here I bought an award winning book "Iver Sen" describing the life of different local people in all walks of Cumbrian life. Fascinating but the views expressed were somewhat downbeat about the changes rather than thinking about how to harness the tourist trade more productively to protect the traditions.

Coffee and scone in Rembrandts coffee house (oldest in Keswick) very good with separate booths and good menu. Sat and read my new book.

Continued walk up high street noting the huge level of holiday let trade in all the estate agents (70% of business)

I caught the bus back thinking that unless Keswick took a much more innovative approach to commerce it would continue to decline in the recession. There was no excuse for this as visitor numbers were very high and the centre had been very busy even on a Wednesday. I was looking for a lot more and outdoor clothing was ridiculously over represented. Arts and crafts, theatre, food and literature should have been exploited with a strong quality Cumbrian perspective.

On my return to scales I waterproofed my boots and set out up Scales fell with the intention of going up the entire Glendermackin River valley beside Blencathra. It was clear, sunny and freezing cold. I didn't see a sole over the next 3 hours. Bliss. I took photos of the Blencathra approaches, talked to the sheep (nothing more!) and just soaked up my solitude. I felt happy again. It was becoming clear to me that a large part of my future life should be outdoors with not too many people about at a time. Food for thought.

Lake District

Expedition ...

Wednesday 21st October02 December 2009

10:03

Diary Page 30

Breakfast 8.15am and I excelled myself. Muesli, Banana, Bacon, 3 eggs, Cumberland sausages, hash browns, tomatoes, mushrooms, toast and coffee. I wiped my plate just as Allan arrived gloating that he had probably at last defeated me. I looked up and with a straight face said "same again please Allan" He looked crestfallen and I then fell about laughing realising he thought I was deadly serious. The strange thing was my trouser belt was 3 notches tighter indicating massive weight loss. I liked this "eat whatever you want business as long as you walk your socks off"!

I settled up my bill and planned a short excursion down onto the old Keswick to Penrith railway line before getting an afternoon bus to Penrith and back to Warrington. This had been recommended to me by that very friendly bus driver and I thought it would be a good contrast to all the fell walking I had been doing.

Out at 10am I crossed the frantic A66 and trudged across the fields to Guardhouse bridge over the Glendermackin. The fields were sodden and my feet sank right up to the ankle in mud. The waterproofing held fast and my feet remained dry. After wading around in the river washing my boots like a naughty schoolboy I walked up the lane and joined the old railway bed course.

There is something very eerie and exciting about these ghosts of the past and there laid out before me was a long straight embankment section in both directions designed for an up and down line, grassed over but with many features still intact such as the fencing, sleepers, driver signs and shingle. With the amount of traffic on the A66 I reflected that closure had been a big mistake. I walked east towards Mosedale viaduct bridge. I had seen this the previous evening walking back along Scales fell and I was intrigued as to what condition it was in. I continued and crossed several stretches of barbed wire slung across the track. The farmers were obviously trying to stop walkers and I felt angry about this as it was meant to be open public access. I got to the old road bridge and popped my head up over the parapet and noticed an old delapidated house on the corner. Intrigued, I went to investigate .

There was a two storey house with about 3 bedrooms, 3 living rooms, outhouse and kitchen. There was a big for sale sign. I was vaguely interested and planned to call the agent. The cottage appeared to be an old railway man's house and this was evidenced by the number of track bolts in the out -house. The main problem I could see was drainage at the back under the railway bed, with the convergence of a stream and the houses own close foundations. I estimated at least £100K would have to be spent but the privacy, stillness and views were astonishing. I skirted up the side around another stretch of barbed wire and re-joined the old track.

At Mosedale viaduct I was amazed to find it in recently renovated condition and wondered whether a reopening was indeed planned. All that previous effort would not go to waste perhaps after all. The bridge was multi arched with new shingle and pointing to the brick work.

http://www.ckpr.fsnet.co.uk/ CKP Railway History and Photographs

Walking back to the Railway house I got on the phone to the agent and discovered that the asking price was £350K. I spat out my contempt to the well spoken salesman and explained how much needed doing albeit it was within the National Park. I offered £150K cash and he thanked me for calling. I walked up the road lane towards Scales Farm laughing contemptuously and shouting " Your living in la la land"!

In later research I discovered the route I had taken was all private land and indeed there were plans by a private consortium to re-open the line. As a trespasser I had delighted in the spirit of the old line and had spent a wonderful 4 hours pottering about soaking up the atmosphere.

I caught the 3.30pm bus to Penrith and then sat in the "Agricultural Hotel" with a bacon and egg bap (named "bamp" on menu) and a pint of Jennings, then toddled across the road to Morrissons and ate a big slice of apple pie and cream before boarding the 1805 train to WBQ. Makes you hungry all this walking about.

Lake District

Expedition .. .

Lake District

Expedition .. .

Lake District

Expedition .. .

The Mosedale Viaduct

The Cockermouth Keswick Penrith Railway(CKP) started in 1864 and was designed totransport the vast quantities of mined minerals from the neighbouring mountains to smelting sites around the UK. Latterly passenger transport picked up due to the growing tourist trade in the 19th & 20th Centuries.

Part of the CKP Line between Threlkeld and Mosedale

Thursday 22nd October02 December 2009

13:53

Diary Page 31

http://www.ckpr.fsnet.co.uk/

I sat in my sisters study reflecting on my three week extravaganza and struggling to munch my way through the remaining trail mix of wine gums, nuts , raisons and toffee.

I researched various loose ends around birds spotted, dry stone walls, mining and Cumbrian local history using the internet and leant back with a large glass of red wine to look back on the whole experience.

Several things were clear:

I had really relished the outdoor life and being on my own had been bliss although sometimes I regretted not having a good friend to enjoy the experience with who I could trust and get on with.

The Cumbrian mountains were beautiful, varied and inspiring. I had seen them in all weathers and each had brought a different atmosphere and quality. Mists, rain, wind, frost, moonlight, sunsets and dawn. With the right equipment and experience you could be comfortable and happy in all these elements.

I was much fitter than I thought and only my knees had caused any problems. The "Fairfield Incident" had reminded me of my core powers of physical endurance and determination which I had tested before but many years ago.

I suspected that I would need to do more outdoors work in the future and give my eyes a rest from all the detailed planning and research work I had been immersed in over the last few years

I had at key points and in particular, whilst bivvying out in the open, been mentally and spiritually elated with a feeling akin to complete peace and a merging with the elements.

I did not suffer from acute vertigo after all and I had tested my courage at such points determinedly. I suspect I would not feel so comfortable in enclosed places such as caves or lift shafts.

Parts of the Lake District were being spoiled by the sheer numbers of walkers using key routes, which Wainwright had recommended, a fact he would not have rested easy with. Pathways were being damaged at an alarming rate through footfall and there was no sense of solitude in many places. Having chosen the low season, mid week and out of school holidays I shuddered to think what high season was like.

Tax surcharges at Hotels, B&B's, restaurants and visitor centres to help pay for infrastructure improvements. This could be seasonally varied.

○

A Cumbrian Heritage Partnership to promote arts and crafts with input to planning processes○

Re-opening old railway lines such as Penrith to Keswick to relieve vehicle pressure○

Cumbrian Farming and Foods strategy to promote and fund training, delicatessen outlets on farms, apprenticeships and sustainable commerce.

○

A ban on all non commercial traffic within the Park with expanded public transport 24/7○

I think there is much Cumbria can and should be doing to protects its heritage and traditions through the innovative harnessing of the tourist trade to boost farming, arts & crafts, food and culture. There is a concern that many are being very negative and are not seeking out any concerted action to overcome the threats. This could include:

On the Saturday I caught the 0920 Virgin non stop train to Euston which took just 1.45hrs. The train was once again massively overcrowded with standing room only and it took me 30mins to find my seat

Friday 23rd-Saturday 24th October02 December 2009

15:01

Diary Page 32

once again massively overcrowded with standing room only and it took me 30mins to find my seat reservation and stow my kit under, over and beside me. I treated myself to a taxi home arriving at 1145. I felt no relief in being back and yearned to be out on the open hills once again. They were calling loud and true to me.

Diary Page 33

"Hilleberg Akto" Tent - One Man Type

An excellent choice but very expensive at £340. I got a £40 discount. Highly recommended by Ray Mears and extensively tested in all climates and conditions.

•

It sets up in approximately 15 minutes in benign weather with only one rod arch and six guy lines.•To my dismay I found the same tent on sale reduced to £200 in a Covent Garden outdoor shop. The cheapest I could find on the web was £290

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Folded the tent was very compact and light. •Plenty of room for a big 6ft 3inch man to stretch out IF you put all your gear in porch. I put large items such as my ruck sack in goretex bivvy bag and slung it outside tent wrapped up.

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Ground choice is critical and a very close inspection using hands is needed to ensure there are no stones or ridges. On expeditions where a base camp will be used throughout I would recommend getting a ground sheet protector to prevent tears.

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My ground choice was sometimes compromised with a slight incline. This did not help sleeping as my neoair mat slipped down.

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The tent had illuminous strips at the corners and sides. These were great when I got back in pitch black night conditions. The tent stood out and I could find it easily.

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As ever my condensation caused a problem in the night, particularly cold conditions. This caused wetness on the tent inner surface. The ventilation flaps helped at either end but ultimately the use of a wooly hat prevented any discomfort .

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The porch was more than adequate for cooking items, boots and sealed food bags. There was an outer and inner zipped flap easy to use.

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Although I was comfortable lying down, reading books and maps was not practicable for extended time periods

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I rigged up a line inside for my magilite torch and drying my towel.•

Goretex Grade 1 Army Bivvy Bag

I was really pleased with this purchase costing £50 from an online Army surplus store.•Folded it is relatively light and can be strapped rolled onto the outside of my rucksack.•I became so comfortable in it that I would probably give up my tent if there was a critical choice.•It had an open top with a draw string and was about 8 feet in length. I could store boots and some items of kit at the bottom leaving the rest in my weather proof ruck sack.

•

For security and personal reasons of claustrophobia I had to have an open top as I wanted to see around me for approaching dangers and to feel the fresh air on my face. By keeping a woolly hat on and neck warmer at night I could leave just my eyes exposed.

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By very careful choice of ground I could avoid flooding and discomfort. I chose flat grassy ground with some shelter from the wind. I was careful not to lie on ground exposed to rain streams and chose well drained areas.

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I bivvied out at high and low altitude in a variety of low-medium temperatures, sometimes with heavy rain and wind

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By placing my Neoair mat and sleeping bag inside the bag I achieved a high degree of comfort and in very cold conditions donned my fleeces. In very heavy rain I put my outer jacket on to protect my shoulders and head.

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I had no problem with condensation unlike the tent.•There was a high degree of connection with my surroundings which I just did not get with the tent. In heavy rain you just have to get into a new mind set, move slowly and plan each activity meticulously. If your clothing is high quality and ground choice sound bivvying is just extraordinary. I had heard so many concerns from other people, none of which were bourn out.

•

Whilst using the tent I put all my large items inside the bag and slung it outside the porch to make room•

Sleeping Bag - Cosi-Tec 350

By far the worst bit of kit I took. It was heavy and not very warm albeit it was a 3 season hollow fibre type. It was a nightmare to fold into the compression sack until I discovered a stuffing technique rather than folding and rolling.

•

I will search for a much higher spec which can be used with my bivvy bag and will still retain warmth if wet.

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"Neoair" Therma-Rest Mat

What a fantastic bit of kit. All the hype is true!•Its very light and folds up in 3 minutes to a fist sized ball.•It inflates very quickly and has very good insulation and support qualities•It is expensive at £90 but well worth the money, particularly if you use it with a bivvy bag as well•Make sure you get the mat under your shoulders to stop it slipping down in the night. You do'nt need your lower legs on it so get the medium size.

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Be careful to look after it as punctures are a threat. Get a repair kit.•

Australian Army Tarp

Very high quality but somewhat heavy. The tarp is very well designed and comes with guy lines and central rope support for tying between trees.

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It cost me £70 off Ray Mears on line shop.•I would highly recommend this if you are travelling in wooded areas and/or keep a base camp throughout. It is also a fine companion to the bivvy bag and gave me shelter on the fells by securing one side to a dry stone wall and pegging the other to the ground.

•

Its very easy to use if you prepare the guide ropes beforehand with bowline knots for the pegs and the •

Shelter & Sleeping Kit12 November 2009

16:17

Equipment Choice & Appraisal Page 34

tarp can be rolled and secured with straps to the outside of your ruck sack. It took me 5 minutes to set up and take down.


FoodI selected the "Lunchlite" range as this allowed water to be poured into the bag rather than boiling the bag in my small kettle. It comprises standard freeze dried food of varying calorie sizes. Very light to carry.

•

This range is expensive at £4 a main meal but the convenience and quality is high with no dirty pots to wash up after.

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By far the best menu choice was the various pasta dishes and the meusli breakfast. The potato bacon mix was wretched and the chilli con carne too salty

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I had one main meal for breakfast and one for supper•

Trail Mix

I used a personal mix of nuts and raisons, wine gums and wrapped Devon toffees in a zip bag. These gave slow release high energy and a morale boost. You have to go easy on the wine gums and toffee though as blood sugar levels soar giving you a head ache.

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I ate these for refuelling stops along the way during the day. Excellent and more than adequate in extreme exercise situations.

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Water

On a full days walk I took two 1.5 litre bottles with me, which was just about enough for my size•I mixed in a small amount of Robinsons Grapefruit juice to each which made the drink highly thirst quenching and appetising. Big morale boost

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Cocoa

I used the Galaxy chocolate drink powder which I could mix with hot water.•I put the powder in a small plastic screw top jar for overnight use and kept the main container at base camp.

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3 teaspoons per mug adequate•I generally had one mug at breakfast and one at supper but if I had had a flask I would have enjoyed a mug at lunchtime also.

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No mess and no need to add sugar•Excellent energy and morale raiser•

Food & Drink08 December 2009

11:42


Epi-Gas Alpine Stove

I bought this set in 1995 and it has never let me down since. It comprises a fold away tri-pod stand, Burner, gas tube flex and brass connection seal. It is part German and British construction. The gas canisters come in a variety of sizes and types. Epi gas went into liquidation in 2000 and Go Systems have taken over.

•

I chose a propane/butane mix for high altitude use which burns to a higher intensity with reliability•I chose a large canister for base camp use and a very small canister for overnight away use. This fitted neatly into my Trangia mini kettle, saving space. The mini canister is sufficient for 3-4 boils of the 0.6litre kettle.

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When using in exposed windy areas a shelter is needed for the stove, otherwise boiling times can increase 4x. Stones and or rucksack will suffice as a wind break.

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The flexible gas tube allows the stove legs to be set on the ground with substantial stability and the canister positioned remotely

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The thing I like about the system is its ease of set up, storage and reliability.•

Trangia KettleI bought a £10 0.6 litre kettle which serves, in one full boil, enough water for a large mug of cocoa and a boil in the bag meal of average size. There is therefore no wastage.

•

The design allows safe pouring from a good spout and a fold down handle for easy storage•There is a lid to help prevent escape of heat and quicker boil•The interior has enough room to store a mini gas canister saving space in the rucksack •

Fire Lighter

I bought a £10 jet lighter from Cotswold which can be refuelled. This was excellent and reliable in every weather condition. I stored it inside my mug whilst travelling. The flame can be adjusted. I kept this at the lowest setting which was quite adequate and saved fuel.

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I kept a waterproof canister of weather proof matches as a back up.•

Spork

I bought a plastic spork which has a fork at one end and a spoon at the other. I used this for everything from stirring to eating. Excellent and strong.

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Mug

A large plastic mug with detachable lid and drinking hole. This was excellent for retaining warmth.•

General Arrangements and Recommendations

If you are using a base camp I would highly recommend getting a medium sized thermos flask for your day sack. Make up your drink in the morning and save space by not having to take the stove

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I stored all my cooking equipment in a heavy duty bag to keep them together without loss and perfected an arrangement inside of interlocking the items to save space.

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Use your boots as a mug holder to prevent spillage whilst using the tent porch for cooking.•

Cooking Equipment08 December 2009

11:42


Plastic Bags & Dry Bags

I had considerable difficulty finding suitable re-sealable plastic bags for foods, medicines and equipment. Eventually I found what I was looking for in Rymans. I chose A3, A4 and A5 sized heavy duty zipper bags retailed as project folders. These were outstanding and were very easy to use.

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I bought one large and one medium sized dry bag for spare clothing and as a sack liner. The latter did not need to be used due to the quality of my Ruck sack and day sack which proved rain resistant.

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Ruck Sack and Day Sack

I borrowed an Aztec 70litre Ruck sack and 20 litre Day sack from my son. Both proved outstanding although I would prefer a slightly bigger (30 litre) Day sack

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There was a separate compartment for my sleeping bag and mat at the bottom of the ruck sack but this could be opened up to form one space if you wanted.

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Both had a multitude of pockets and straps all positioned in exactly the right places for a balanced load•The ruck sack had an inner and outer weather proof liner enclosure and none of my kit got wet even in torrential rain. I did not have to use one of those dreadful coloured coverall bags.

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There was a fully adjustable shoulder and waist strap system which once corrected took all the pressure off my shoulders and was easy to use even with a full load.

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Head Torch

I took a Highlander head torch wherever I went, which had 3 settings for halogen, ordinary and flashing red light. Perhaps not as fashionable as a petzyl but more than adequate. When I was late back on the Fairfield incident I used it on the road to warn drivers of my presence in the dark.

•

I did take a small magilite as back up and hung this from the line I rigged up in my tent with a hook.•

Knives and saws

I took a sheathed Swedish knife for belt use and a fold away wood saw. Neither of these were used as I was not in a wooded area, building shelters or hunting. They are both of very high quality but their choice would have been more appropriate in other circumstances.

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All I needed was the occasional use of my folding swiss army knife•

Compass and Maps

I used a standard Silva compass with a 1:25000 OS Explorer map of the NE and NW Lakes area. These are excellent and combined with a waterproof transparent map case meant I could navigate adequately in all weathers. Revision of techniques is essential at home and on the plot in good weather conditions.

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I did however take the three relevant Waignwright books which were invaluable for micro route planning where no paths were shown on the OS map. 50 years on they are still highly relevant.

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The one major problem I had was when I miss-navigated on the Fairfield incident and literally walked off the map. Without a mobile GPS system it is hard to know how to get round this unless you take both maps in situations where you are close to the border on your selected route.

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Reading contours on a map is not straightforward and needs practice particularly in areas made up of multiple crags and hills. These look like swirls on the map which sometimes are difficult to interpret as rises or depressions. There are no altitude markings close by often.

•

Diary and Camera

Personal Items08 December 2009

11:42


Diary and Camera

I kept a small pocket diary with abbreviated notes to highlight events, funny situations and flora/fauna observations. Just enough to jog my memory which I have now expanded into this current diary

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I toyed with the idea of taking a dictaphone but the amount of bits needed seemed excessive•Keeping a video diary intrigues me due to the quality of footage I took on my Casio digital camera in movie mode. A very large memory card would be needed with a spare battery. Storage space on the computer would also be excessive

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I took many excellent photos but practice is needed with a standard digital camera especially long distance stuff. Pictures of the every day stuff and kit is essential to make the expedition come alive.

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Hi-Tec Pathfinder Walking Boots

I bought these in a sale for £35 (RRP £60) and I have to say were excellent contrary to all the reviews I read on the web.

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They were reasonably light with excellent grip whilst scrambling and walking. Moreover the arch gave me excellent thrust forward.

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In 3 weeks of extreme terrain I did not have one blister or hot spot which was astounding as I am normally bedevilled with these.

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The ankle support was excellent preventing several sprain situations.•The only negative was after 2 weeks they lost their water proof qualities and I had to apply a spray additive. Since then no problem again, even after total immersion in water and mud.

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Feet are critical to an expedition and their condition and welfare must be towards the top of priorities•

Karrimor Approach Shoes

I took a pair of old favourites as I was using a base camp and these gave my feet relief and a change at the end/beginning of the day before starting out. I would have used a light slip on in the tent area If I had been moving each day.

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Socks

I bought 2 pairs of bridgedale liner socks and 2 pairs of icebreaker over socks. These wicked sweat and gave me added support and comfort. They are expensive at £10 per pair but used with a non gore-tex boot meant I did not go down with any foot infections such as athletes foot.

•

They undoubtedly helped prevent blisters also•

Trousers

Due to the time of year I took 2 pairs of quick dry trousers (1 Mountain Warehouse and 1 Mountain Hardwear type) The former had more pockets and proved much more useful with belt buckles. I used a strap as a belt on these. Both were bought for £15 each in a sale.

•

Both excellent quality and comfort. Spectacular drying time even after total immersion in becks.•

Fleeces

I took 2 (1 red Craghopper and 1 navy Mountain Warehouse) This gave me a range of options in various situations and was perfect with neck zips and excellent warmth and comfort. I used both when bivvying outdoors. One may have been sufficient if I had had a higher spec sleeping bag

•

I used the fleeces as a pillow at night tied together. Excellent.•

Base layer & Underpants

I took a Northface vest and Mountain Warehouse leggings. The former was very expensive albeit lighter and thinner costing £30 as against £12 for the leggings. I was dissappointed that the velcro straps on my equipment caused holes in the Northface top when I was climbing without other outer garments. I would expect it to be much more hardwearing at this price.

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In whole day scrambling sessions I would not use the leggings again as they were a slight restraint in climbing situations

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I used loose fitting cotton boxer shorts which were fine.•

Clothing and Footwear08 December 2009

11:43


I used loose fitting cotton boxer shorts which were fine.•

Gloves, Hat and Neck Warmer

I used a thin Polar-tec glove, which was excellent for insulation whilst also allowing high movement such as climbing or tent erection

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I used a synthetic woolly hat which was excellent sitting either commando style or pulled right down over ears and forehead

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I used a Polar-tec neck warmer at night and in cold windy conditions. Excellent comfort and warmth which raised morale

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Outer Shell Trousers and Jacket

I bought an expensive North Face rain jacket with hood for £70. This is a hi-vent type material not goretex but is very light. It was and is perfect for me as it folds away easily and is very rain proof. I judge it to be excellent 3 season choice but not suitable for winter extremes

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I bought trousers in sale for £15 (RRP £40) with ankle zip to allow removal over boots. Again light high vent materials not gore-tex.

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I placed all my outer shell clothing in a draw string net compression sack wrapping the gloves etc inside to protect them. I then strapped this to the outer side of my ruck sack and/or day sack for ease of access due to quick turn Lake weather conditions.


Analgesics various○

Water purification tablets○

Blister plasters○

Knee support bandages○

Wound dressings○

Plasters○

Scissors○

Imodium○

Medium sized world traveller first aid kit adapted with:•

I used special juniper cream from justrich on line supplier. This has outstanding bruise and swelling treatment qualities for overnight use. Highly recommended

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There were still vast quantities of midges but they were not biting. In the summer I would have tried one of the new cloaking sprays available on line

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Medical08 December 2009

11:44


Wild Camping

Position the tent above the highest dry stone wall boundary

Single overnight position

Tent should be small and use dark colours. Groups of tents not encouraged

Toilet code to be followed using dug hole AWAY from water courses

No litter left

Bio- degradeable soaps used

This is generally allowed anywhere within the National Park with the following conditions:○

I would recommend Bivvying without a tent using the right equipment. See equipment section○

Base Camp Sites

Side Farm. Patterdale £6 per night. Water available. April-October only○

Brothers Water Hotel. Hartsop. All year camp site and bunk houses○

Camp Sites14 December 2009

17:41

Camp Sites & Accommodation Page 43

Scales Farm B&B. Blencathra. Alan and Angela. £30 per night. April -October Excellent1.

Grisedale Lodge B & B A592 Patterdale Village2.

Fell View Holiday Lets Cottages. Patterdale village3.

Gable Cottage B&B. Patterdale village4.

Dridale House Farm B&B. Grisedale Lane, Patterdale5.

Patterdale Hotel. £58 ppp night B&B and Dinner. £150 for 5 nights half board6.

Brothers Water Hotel. Hartsop7.

Home Farm B&B. Grisedale Lane, Patterdale8.

Cherry Holme B&B Ullswater A5929.

Bed and Breakfast Guest Houses15 December 2009

11:44

Camp Sites & Accommodation Page 44

Lakes Expedition 2009

Sports

striding edge

grisedale beck

left hand path

main path

right hand

swirral edge helvellyn

sharps edge

valleybottom path