LD3000

Work arranged a long distance walk and raised over 8K for Cancer research, great result for everyone. Labelled LD3000 it was about climbing as many of the 4 mountains you wanted. I opted for Skafell Pike, Skafell and Helvellyn along with our team.

After a great night preparing with pasta, beer and Bingo at The Churchill a few people were a bit jaded. If they weren't then the minibus drive up to Skafell didn't help either with us all feeling car sick as we careered around the hairpin bends and over bumps on the way there.

We were the last bus to arrive and was the last group to get going. With groups gone before us then some of the slower people were picked up in our group and we spent quite a lot of time waiting around.

However it allowed us to conceive some energy for later. The weather gradually got worse as we climbed up and when we eventually reached the top the visibility was very poor.

It was then felt that it would be too dangerous to attempt Skafell especially as we had to go up a wet grassy exposed area. Fair play. After a good walk down and a chat to loads of people the 4hrs 17mins was not bad. The minibus drive to Helvellyn took ages and by that time i was feel pretty lethargic.

We took the route up Helvellyn from Thirlmere and it was straight up from the off and never let up. A a group went off in front and Laura and i settled into walking together as the rain got harder.

It was a tough walk and we both dug deep but we made it to the top and down again in 3hrs which felt like a great achievement.

Mam Tor

Unfinished business for the work crowd after we didn't get to Mam Tor. We had a great day climbing Mam Tor from the Edale railway station and the along the ridge. We were in clouds for some of the time with a ferocious wind blowing at times. However when we dropped down a little the weather cleared and it was just a great walk with great company and another few thousand pounds raised for cancer research.

Ska Fell Pike from Langdale

I had been meaning to do this walk for ages and was really looking forward and wasn't disappointed. It started with the climb up Rossett Gyll and that felt harder this time. I thought i was a bit fitter but it just goes on for ages and when you think you are there it bends around another corner. I thought that once up alongside Great Gable it was going to be plain sailing but no, it was rock hopping most of the way with some big downhills and ups and the last push was harder than i wanted it. However once again it felt like being on top of the world when i was there and some good weather and views too. A good look at Ska Fell started to get me prepared for my Lake District 3000 challenge in July.

Kinder Scout on Crutches

Beers and walking were in order today as we headed to the Peak District for a few days. The weather was good for today but it is looking poor for tomorrow, never mind just one day will be great - it’s not always great walking with a hangover and aching legs anyway.

Today was Kinder Scout - Again! However you can’t ever get fed up of it. Mike had turned his ankle over at the weekend and was still in quite a bit of pain but with crutches from Dave there was no stopping him. It wasn’t as fast as we were used to but that suited me as i could relax into the walk and keep my eyes and ears our for Ravens, Grouse, Skylarks and woodpeckers - Nice. We parked in Edale and walked into the village and across the hills to Jacobs ladder. My fitbit walking had been paying off and it seemed a lot easier this time and more enjoyable. The sun was out but as we needed the top the cloud came in and wind got up. However it was only temporary and brighter up again.

I have never walked along the ridge before and i was surprised how tricky it was, hopping across deep peat and picking the right path. Mike was doing amazing and just kept up a steady pace, hobbling along. The route off was a bit tricky but with the pub beckoning it was not too bad.

Allan Craggs

A quick visit today to the Lansdale valley as i tried to squeeze a walk in before any serious weather hit. When i started the walk with snow on the tops, i wasn't so sure.

The walk down Mickledore was great but a harder push up Rossett Pike than i remember. It was freezing cold and where streams of water had run down the path it had froze into black ice so you had to pick your way carefully. As i got over Rossett Pike and Esk Hause opened up infant of me it looked great with a carpet of white.

The ground wasn't as bad here as you were walking on an inch of soft snow but just had to avoid the ice. As i arrived at Esk Hause you had a great view and the enormous opportunity for walking. I chose Allen Craggs and was planning to carry on to Glenmara.

As i arrived at the top the path on was indistinct and thought i had done enough for the day so headed home and time for a great photo of angle tarn and .