There was another good turnout for the March trip to Patterdale, staying at the Cleveland MC's Agnes Spence Memorial Hut for the first time in over 10 years.
On Saturday, an unusually large mountain biking contingent went off pushing their bikes round a series of cake shops. Rob and Nigel did a fine little scramble up the outlet gill from Angle Tarn, followed by some navigation practice and a few more Wainwrights for Rob's tick list. While I went for a long run/walk, Carmen decided on something easier due to a nasty cough, but still ended up doing a 15 mile round of the Helvellyn Range from Raise to Fairfield and St Sunday Crag – unfortunately mostly in the rain, which the rest of us managed to avoid.
My run took me on an extended circuit of Ullswater. Fast going along good paths took me quickly to Pooley Bridge. A short diversion to the (rather disappointing) earthworks of Maiden Castle, was followed by another diversion up Little Mell Fell and back. From here I crossed Great Melldrum and Gowbarrow, before a long slog up to Stybarrow Dodd, and then back over Sheffield Pike. Route map here.
Sunday was bright and sunny, and most people went for a walk (or run in Alan's case) up Helvellyn via Striding and Swirral edges. Carmen, Rob and I headed for Gouther Crag for some climbing, but spent more time sitting in the sun listening to the birdsong and Carmen's coughing. We did manage to fit in ascents of Kennel Wall (S) and The Fang (MVS).
Photos:
Nigel
Fliss
Simon & Carmen
Tags: birdsong, cake shops, sun