Fairfield in the snow the wrong way round. 16/2/10

The third big meet up of the year and its only halfway through Feb. This was a joint effort by mick and I to get some ticks in advance of the summer where we intend to do the north Face of Tryfan, the Snowdon horseshoe and a 2 day, all the three thousand footers. That and fifty wainwrights, although that's my goal. Mick is happy to be there and I wouldnt class him as a "list whore"
Unashamedly I am, its all because of the RAF you know, there has to be mission and a final objective. I digress. The Fairfiled horseshoe starts in the honey pot of the lakes, Ambleside. This place has a special feel about it, its a "walkers" place, loads of places to eat, even more pubs and its right in the middle of some outstanding walking (where isnt in the lakes, except perhaps mungrisedale!)

It is a tuesday meet so we werent expecting a big turnout but some of the lads we met in january were making the trip up and some familiar faces in Mike and Mark and Paul (who'd conquered his fear of the early morning boogey man to be at the start for 0830.) Myself and Mark set of just after 5 met up with Mick and a new face, Paul from newark and Mick took us up in the Chelsea Tractor. Yet again the weather was all over the place and we arrived in ambleside with heavy snow falling. We were early and first there so Mark went to find caffeine and we drove about a bit and thought negative thoughts about not getting going. Half an hour later it stopped but a good inch had fell and everyone immediately lifted. We moved car parks to shorten the walk (not by much, more a case of being nearer the pub) and hung around as we had 2 no shows. Note to self, get numbers in advance so we can call up and noy keep people waiting.

All introductions done the 9 of us set off. The route was soon forgotten as we went by low sweden bridge, no matter, it brought us out to the same place. The weather was cold and misty now and the banter began very early with Max and Howie telling 2 very different versions of the same story. Just ask them about a camcorder.

Heres the scene leaving ambleside and low sweden bridge.



It was a popular opportunity so most of the gang took the cameras out. Some taking pictures of people taking pictures. Heres Max (respelndant with "wheres wally" hat) taking a snap of Howie and Mick lurks behind Max.

Shortly after the bridge, theres a right turn after nook end farm and up on to the slopes of the horseshoe heading for Low Pike. We would pass Rydal village on our right in the valley but it was too misty.
Heres the gang ascending the pike in true seven dwarves stylee.


Its easy navigation the eastern side of the shoe. Just keep the wall on your left or right and keep going.


We soon approached the first scramble of the day in "dead sheep gulley". Don't look on the map for it, Mike named it after the dead sheep that was in the gulley. Get up early to get one over on the resident pharmacist. The scramble is short but difficult in the fact that it was covered in ice and the usual legs akimbo technique didnt work as one foot just slipped off, it was a case of knee up and pray.


We all made it despite the snow mortars being fired from Paul and Mick. I would never throw snowballs, so immature. Especially not at Welshman who couldn't see who was throwing them. Heres one of said welsman Max, about to knee up the gulley.


Once everyone was over the step general snowballing was undertaken. This was to provide the theme for the rest of the day. A short time after we arrived at Low Pike 508M. 2 cameras were used for the self timing shots. This is the picture mine took. Howies went tumbling down the back of the rock so we haven't seen that effort. I wouldnt chuck my expensive SLR down the fell just to make sure I made the picture, how vain is that!! Luckily howie and his camera worked OK after both went for a dive!

Left to right: Mike, Paul (from newark), Derek (Robbo), Mark, Howie, Max, Mick Paul (Cogstar) and yours truly.



It started to get a bit tougher now. In summer its a bit boggy and wet. Today it was misty, Icy and there were deep drifts. There weren't any easy routes.


Onwards and upwards to Dove and Hart Crag and Fairfield. the mist gradually eased and gave us a better view.


I liked the wall covered in snow and frost.


It is a very hard slog up there at the best of times and with snow depths of between a couple of inches and six foot every step was a lottery. It was certainly very hard work on the legs. The mist came in and out and the temperature was all over the place. Dove crag was in mist and hart crag was in sunshine.

The ascent to Fairfiled is straightforward enough but in poor visibility a satmap or micro nav skills are needed to find the summit cairn and not fall off the NE ridge and end up either back in patterdale or in Grisedale tarn. Luckily we had a freshly cut path of footsteps to follow and there were a remarkable number of people up on the plateau. We waited for everyone and took a slow wander to the point where it was "mostly" downhill.
Again we were lucky, visibility wise to descend the west leg without falling off the Rydal head crags. On the way to Great Rigg the mist descended again and we were slowed by poor visibility and also legs began to ache following the remarkable efforts of the morning.
There was a plan to descend and reascend via Stone arthur but some were obvioulsy dreaming of the pub and werent having it. It was too cold to be waiting for those of us that were keen so I took one for the team and called it off. We carried on down, some quietly relieved that they wouldnt be doing an extra 600 foot or so. Rydal fell was soon reached and Erne crag, then the field began to spread out. I stayed at the back with Paul, who was doing very well considering his lack of hill time. The Goats and the Welsh crashed on ahead, some waited at vantage points and everyone closed up and almost became one again at Nab Scar which has a wonderful vista down Windermere and Rydal water and across to the Langdales.
The end was in sight and only the pathed and stepped descent down to Rydal Hall was left to get down to the road and the last mile back to Ambleside. We caught up with some of the group, Mick and Max decided to stop for tea and cake at rydal tea rooms? I thought about joining them for about a millisecond but the golden rule was calling. I also didnt want to stop as i wouldnt get started again. We all ended up in the pub and had a beer or two and we all agreed what a fantastic day it had been. There were some very tired bodies and i think everyone would have been happy to stay in the pub rather than travel home..........Brilliant day with a great bunch of lads.

The NW fells. Clear skies in January.

I have been lucky this month. Feel good too, been to the Gym, no aches and pains and fit as a (knackered old splintered and worn out)fiddle. Pete had set a meet up and if history was anything to go by, a great day and a cracking route, starting at Little Town, we'd do the second half of the Newlands round, (in reverse) taking in Hindscarth and Dale Head. Then about turn, head for Robinson down across High Snockrigg (buttermere moss)and down then up to Knott Rigg and Ard crags.
Big big ask in Jnauary but the snow had almost gone so it would be OK.
The group included four people I'd never met in person; Mark who lives a couple of miles away and we have never managed a day out together yet. Tony, a long time lurker on the forum, Dibble and her collie dog Lexie, a newcomer to the forum who was very apprehensive about everything and Dave from Leeds who was also a new member of the forum but had Lakes experience.
The other members were my mate Mick from Hilton (clay head) and Pete from Manchester, the trip "leader" and all round good egg! (even though he's a Citeh fan)
I drove and Mark, Micky and oneself left Selston at 5:15 to pick Dave up from Boroughbridge. The trip went smoothly and we arrived at Little Town spot on time. We were last to arrive (Well we did come the furthest.) In to the boot, first out was Dave's expedition rucksack and then squashed in the corner was everyone elses kit.

Everyones Kit apart from Marks boots.

Now Mark is a lovely lad, he's just over the road from me and there is history of him forgetting some boots and having to buy some more on one occasion. People say you learn from your mistakes! A message that is lost on Mark as his his footwear was missing. Luckily he was wearing some passable outdoor footwear and he said he'd be OK. We geared up and off we went toward Hindscarth. The weather was glorious, almost cloud free, cold but still on the valley floor. This would be a profilgate day for pictures (I took 71 works out at about ten an hour!so go get a beer or a coffee and settle down!)

The view toward our first destination Hindcsarth. The route was straight up the spine of the hill:

As we climbed/walked/scrambled up the hill the views opened up over to Skiddaw.

The way ahead was on the top of the ridge and the steep ascent to Hindscarth on the right and across to Dale Head in front.

The walking stopped, truncated by several areas of easy scrambling.
Heres Micky offering Pete some advice. Along the lines of "You can climb that you **** stop crying you **** *****"

By the time Pete had his mojo back we could see Blencathra as well.
The two big boys north of Keswick. Thats Skiddaw and Blencathra not Pete and Mick.

Turning round we could see the top of Hindscarth (right of centre) and Dale Head (left) above the snowline. It looked "interesting" up there and there was a bit of cloud about. I sped along as there was a view across to Great Gable and Scafell Pike. I hadn't seen the top of England for 6 months and that was 5 and a half too long.

Above the heather the path became icy and High Stile or High Crag across the Buttermere valley showed its face in the Col:

We hit the snow line and Tony and I had a quick break and some food. Micky caught up soon after and posed above the snowline with the "Great to be here" Lake District grin.

Time to concentrate a bit now, We should have had crampons on in places going up but it wasn't that bad if could avoid the nasty verglas. Not me! I took a crack on my knee that smarted a bit!
We got to the top and the view was there! Breathtaking.

Fleetwith Pike, Honister, The Gables and the Scafells, all in one!


If that wasn't enough, a jaw dropping vista of Catstye Cam, Hellvelyn, Nethermost and Dollywagon Pikes and St Sunday Crag across to the east over the Watlendath fells.


It was definitely Alpine weather and the light was amazing on the top of Hindscarth.


Looking beyond the shoulder of Robinson to the afternoon traverse of Knott Rigg and the bleak looking Crag Hill and Wandope with Grassmoor and Eel Crag behind.


Moving across Hindscarth edge looking to the Newlands valley with Maiden Moor and High Crag and Cat Bells on the right. I love this picture. The big two at the back.

We'd left a couple of the party to climb up Hindscarth at a leiurely pace as some of the "summitt baggers" were after Dale Head. Not me of course, definitely not doing the 214 Wainwrights again, what would be the point? Apart from the fact that i'd done them lightning quick with no reposte, pause for breath or gazing all lovingly at them and it turned in to a bit of an unfinished chore. Especially the odds and sods north of Keswick not the honey pot hills.
So off to Dale Head then. We started off as a group of 5 but when the point and shoots come out the group spreads. Some people try and get out of the way even though you want them in the shot for perspective Mark!

Speaking of Mark, I have to thank him for the next couple of shots. Some people see a good image, it has to smack me in the Gob. What happened was, Mark took a picture of some indistinct looking rocks (see the pic on Marks FB page, its the dogs)near the summit. I looked at them puzzled for a second then burst out laughing. I GOT IT. This clump of Lakeland rock wouldnt have been out of place ten thousand feet higher in another country. I despatched Mick to pose and said trust me. This is the result. Nice one Mark, in 46 years that has been my most (and only) creative moment, not particularly brilliant but OMG i laughed till it hurt. Mick got it too once he'd framed up!

Here are the pics. Micky.


Yours truly: Not quite how I imagined them but we have point and shoot and we are not pro photogs!


The wind was whipping up a treat and we were treated to some serious spindrift from all directions. If you don't climb high up then take it from me it hurts your face and your eyes.


The summit of Dale Head. very windy and a bit of a drop off to the left. Nice cairn! Not quite Thornthwaite crag (coming soon!) But a smaller cousin, it wasn't falling over, i was hanging on.


We didn't hang about as the other three had been and gone and were some distance in front. Looking westwards the weather was closing in, surely it wasnt going to clag us in this afternoon? looking southward Bowfell was in amongst the langdales and a whole host of others.


The view west with some nasty clouds coming in off the IOM. We were heading straight in to all that lot


We sped back along to the rendezvous and two became seven plus Lexie once again. Lunchtime. Again it was a hurried affair as the sun had gone and the wind had picked up. The climb to reagain the height of Robinson is one of those rubbish bits that you dont really want to do. Theres no scrambling and its a trudge, much like the wythburn ascent of hellvelyn. The rewards are there for those who get up there but its goddam awful in places. It reminds me of chunks of the tourist track up the Ben too. Its that horrible angle. Then it started to snow......and snow and snow.

Heres Pete and Dave:


And Mark. They breed em tough in Mansfield he's looking in to the whiteout:

(dont think he is really but its a good thought!)


Big decision time. We were tired by now, some more than others. Should we quit and run or wait it out and see.

We begrudgingly quit, but it didn't last long. We turned round and went back to carry on. Brilliant move as after 10 minutes the storm had gone as quickly as it came. We were well equipped for the conditions though.


Me wrapped up toasty on the summit


I like Robinson, its name has character, like Hellvellyn, Blencathra, Scafell, Raise, Loughrigg and many others. In fact they all have great names, some greater than they are. Mungrisedale Common pictures images of dramatic mist covered pine forest amongst swathes of open land, unlike the reality.

I digress.

We'd set off home but turned back and that woke everyone up. there are times when you put your head down and knock a mile or two off a walk. This was one of them, you couldn't see much and all you had to do was keep more south than west and not fall off the edge of the fell. As soon as we started to descend we lost the path (very easy to do) and luckily the sun came out as we were a bit close to aforementioned edge. respected courses were altered and we stumbled and fell down the slopes toward High Snockrigg or Buttermere moss (whichever map you read). I decided on a bit of sledging then quickly changed my minds as a couple of the lads thought it was a bit steep from where they were. They were right!!
here is a view looking back of the way off Robinson


Walking over the moss was a relief after all the ups and downs. I hung back a bit and had some "me" time as we approached the descent to Newlands Hause and Moss Force waterfall. We were hungry again and a rest stop was agreed on, just a case of finding somewhere out of the wind. We started on the steep descent and the wind wasn't in our ears now so we rested with a great view of the last couple of miles of the walk. The fitter of the group were going down and straight back up across the road to Knott Rigg and Ard Crags, the others were calling it a day and going back along the tarmac. They would get some great views along the valley floor.


Robinson from our rest stop - thats why you keep more south than west off the top! Dibs and Dave trying to get out of the shot but failing, ha ha.

Kescadale. Its as if a massive football has rolled down the valley, beautiful in its winter folly.

After some scoff it was now time to part company and sad farewells were said and see you back at the car! I was now in serious mode, i needed to test my stamina and went for a no stop ascent, much like Mark had done on Hindscarth earlier. It was a tough climb but I made it and felt good for the exertion. I felt like i had earned my pint at the end of the day.

Mark Pete Mick and Tony at the summit of Knott Rigg, happy and tired. Sail, Crag Hill and a bit of Wandhope in the background.


Told you i'd got all serious.


Sail and Crag Hill. Spectacular.


A look back to Robinson and the Buttermere fells.


Knott Rigg to Ard Crags is a great ridge, wide enough to be able to not worry about falling off and good job because the parallel traverse across from Causey Pike to Whiteless Pike draws the eye constantly with the mighty Grassmoor lurking behind. Its not a well known fell but its a beast! Here is the summit of Ard Crag looking back in that direction


The last summit of the day and it was literally all downhill from here. Unfortunately I relaxed a bit early and took a bit of a fall. I say fall, it was a fall followed by a bounce down the hill and a painful crack on the back. OUCH. Only Mick saw it and came rushing to my aid once he'd stopped pissing himself laughing. Cheers mate. Safely down there were a few fields to cross and we found the road and back to the cars. We'd lost Dibs and Dave who waited for us up the road a bit, but Pete being the ultimate gentlemen (and the leader!) went looking for them in the car with no indicators (BMW drivers have no need for indicators, you should YIELD in the presence of Romani.......errm German engineering. Eventually everyone was re-united and off we went insearch of refreshment.

I'd been looking forward to this all day. My favourite pub in the whole of the world was down the road. The Farmers Arms in Portinscale. Its that good I even have their own T shirt. The food is excellent and the Beer (Jennings) is better. I'd insisted we went there and thankfully nobody objected too much. Imagine my horror when we arrived and it was closed. We'd suffered this problem in december with The White Horse in Scales and it was here again. You try and help out the local businesses and they dont want your money! Im seriously considering ringing ahead next time to see if they'll open an hour early, however I guess its not the season so we quickly decided to try the Pheasant which would save us the trip in to Keswick and a potential parking problem. That was also closed so it was the bright lights of Keswick. Luckily the gear shops were all closed but the Queens Head wasn't. A pint of thirsty winter from the Keswick brewery went down an absolute treat and those not driving took full adavantage. Another great day in the lakes. Next up in Feb is the Fairfield Horseshoe and a pint in Ambleside. Bring it on.

Credits:

Mick - Mr Giggle (never stopped laughing, especially when i hurt myself)
Mark - Mr Forgetful (how can you forget your boots TWICE!)
Pete - Mr Cool (nothing fazes this feller)
Tony - Mr Strong (never out of breath or if he was he hid it well)
Dave- Mr Organised (He'd packed for a full blown assault on the south cwm)
Dibs - The Queen of the fells
Lexie - Little Miss Perfect.
Ian - Mr Bump (falls over a lot)