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Message 1.Ìý
Posted by Simply_Duncan (U2867875) on Tuesday, 9th September 2008
Climbed Scafell yesterday to start our second Wainwright round.
First round finished atop the same fell a few years ago.
Weather was better yesterday but it was still cloudy above Mickledore so a further ascent will be required in due course as the amazing rock architecture requires closer examination.
Why this round will be different.
1. The first round was only started by accident after we had climbed a dozen or so random fells and then discovered 'The Wainwrights' and that there is a sad hobby to be had from climbing all of them.
2. Digital cameras hadn't been invented when we started last time.
3. Lightweight Goretex hadn't been invented when we started last time so we shall now travel in greater comfort.
4. We are older.
5. I shall intersperse my boring theatre and cinema reviews with boring mountain reviews.
6. Wordsworth has sadly passed away since our first round.
7. 6. was a joke (I can't help myself)!
Thankfully some things don't change. Wasdale Head remains much as I always remember it.
Despite the popularity of the LD, finding tranquillity is still fairly easy (we were the only people on the summit at 5pm and saw no one from 4pm until 7pm - and I don't think people were avoiding me!)
Kendal Mint cake tastes great during a hike but disgusting at all other times. -
Message 2
Posted by That Old Janx Spirit (U2140966) on Tuesday, 9th September 2008
I wish I could join you.
I saw the Wainwright Walks programmes and thought the scenery was stunning. -
Message 3
Posted by Reggie Trentham (U7102122) on Tuesday, 9th September 2008
Ever thought of upgrading to Munros, Dunc?
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Message 4
Posted by Simply_Duncan (U2867875) on Tuesday, 9th September 2008
Only - if they put them nearer the Northern Line!
Munros are an altogether more serious undertaking and unless you live in Scotland you spend too long in motor cars, trains or planes reaching them.
You then have a long walk in, serious vertical ascents and midges to contend with.
Also Munro techies spend ages debating whether a particular peak is a munro or a top due to the pseudo objective nature of their measurement.
Wainwrights are more laid back and based on the subjective judgement of a cumudgeonly obsessive misanthrope (sounds familiar?!). They are also convenient as (like the sausage) I am now a Cumbrian.
All that said - Buchaille Etive Mor viewed from the top of Glencoe is a visual feast. -
Message 5
Posted by tinners-hare (U9904261) on Tuesday, 9th September 2008
Do you sleep all 'coiled' up then, Simply-Dunc?
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Message 6
Posted by Simply_Duncan (U2867875) on Tuesday, 9th September 2008
Indeed - Julia Bradbury is a good looking woman!
I thought they made a good job of capturing the spirit of fell walking. They should have made it clear that you should take a map & compass (& know how to use them) though rather than just rely on the guide books. -
Message 7
Posted by Simply_Duncan (U2867875) on Tuesday, 9th September 2008
It's inevitable at my age. -
Message 8
Posted by Lady Trudie Tilney Glorfindel Maldini (U2222312) on Tuesday, 9th September 2008
<< I shall intersperse my boring theatre and cinema reviews with boring mountain reviews. >>
Excellent - I like a good mountain review.
(I'm partial to Tryfan myself).
I have been to the Lake District twice and still don't know what it looks like. -
Message 9
Posted by Simply_Duncan (U2867875) on Tuesday, 9th September 2008
<(I'm partial to Tryfan myself).>
Me too - choose your own line to scramble to the top. Then Bristly Ridge to the Glyderau.
Haven't had the courage or stupidty to step from Adam to Eve yet though.
Don't give up - you do get days like this one below.
-
Message 10
Posted by Dabchick (U2231736) on Tuesday, 9th September 2008
a cumudgeonly obsessive misanthrope Ìý
One of the best things about living in the Lake District, apart from all the glories Dunc mentions and being able to see them from our windows and go and walk in them whenever we felt like it, was getting our Rates demands signed by A J Wainwright! -
Message 11
Posted by Mustafa Grumble (U8596785) on Tuesday, 9th September 2008
Tue, 09 Sep 2008 15:55 GMT, in reply to Simply_Duncan
Thanks for the link, Duncan - those pictures bring back so many memories, although walking in those temperatures would not be my idea of fun! OTOH, doing the Troutbeck round one sunny day in deep snow was truly spectacular, if also not too much fun at times. -
Message 12
Posted by Simply_Duncan (U2867875) on Tuesday, 9th September 2008
Wow - that dates you D. Was he famous by then? I suppose he was although less so than in retirement.
I walked around Kentmere on Sunday - on my part a much neglected valley and village . There were hens and farm dogs and a farmer's wife (not being sexist just descriptive) with her apron on in the morning and off when we returned as she had clearly finished her chores.
Should have used the bus from Stavely though.
PS Wilfs is going strong. -
Message 13
Posted by irene (U13046047) on Tuesday, 9th September 2008
oh booger, i was hoping that no.5 was a joke too!
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Message 14
Posted by Dabchick (U2231736) on Tuesday, 9th September 2008
Wow - that dates you D. Was he famous by then? I suppose he was although less so than in retirement.Ìý
Don't care, nothing to be ashamed of in having survived into late 60s.
Yes, he was indeed famous, every walker carried one of his little books, but his fame was mostly amongst walkers then. I just loved it when the first big book came out with the stunning colour photos (I think it was the Derry Babbs (?) one) and shot up to No i in the bestsellers list, to the bemusement of all those who weren't walkers, which just proved how many of us there were, quietly toiling away on the fells. -
Message 15
Posted by Lady Trudie Tilney Glorfindel Maldini (U2222312) on Tuesday, 9th September 2008
<< Haven't had the courage or stupidty to step from Adam to Eve yet though >>
I did when I was 18! Don't think I would give it a go now. -
Message 16
Posted by Redbookish (U1335018) on Tuesday, 9th September 2008
Tue, 09 Sep 2008 17:02 GMT, in reply to Simply_Duncan in message 1
Ah Dunc, I am jealous! I wish I were brave enough to do Scafell. Most adventurous I've done was Borrowdale to Grasmere bit of the coast to coast, & got lost just past White Stones & High Raise. On my own & I FORGOT my compass, so "bushwhacking" (as they call it in Australia) across the fell above Easedale Tarn, hoping I wasn't going to break my leg. But it was lovely -- just me & the sheep.
Back up there next Sunday. What's the weather like there? I eschewed an easy gentle walk on Sunday because it was tipping it down in Lancaster & I am too amateur to walk in bog. Now stuck in a big dirty city far south, I am regretting every minute NOT spent in the fells.
Do you know these sites?
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Message 17
Posted by tinners-hare (U9904261) on Tuesday, 9th September 2008
Had a couple of lovely evening drinks at the Wainwright Inn after a good walk with the children. I think that part of the Lake District is my fave...........quiet without feeling isolated.
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Message 18
Posted by flutter-by (U2729197) on Tuesday, 9th September 2008
Duncan - have you thought about other lists???
My DH and I have just started Marilyn bagging (for details see here which are all hills with 150m of height drop all around there. There are 1500 odd, and no-one has ever done them all. But they are great because you can get them pretty much anywhere you fancy going and usually have great views (apart from the one we went to last weekend which was in the middle of a pine forest). I like the list because it is nice and inclusive and I can pursuade him to go most places on the promise of another one in the bag. Even plenty of scope for island holidays, though I'll not be volunteering for any of the ones on St Kilda.
Other lists are available - what about Donalds? (all in southern scotland so not sooooo far away), or corbetts or grahams or if you really wanted to branch out there are even scottish islands to bag ( ) or if you are feeling like going for the very esoteric you can even bag trig points ( )....
F-b (married to a list obsessed serial ticker) -
Message 19
Posted by Anne-Marie (U1474870) on Tuesday, 9th September 2008
Duncan - I am jealous.
Flutterby - interesting lists/ideas. Have you tried geo-caching?
AMx -
Message 20
Posted by Simply_Duncan (U2867875) on Tuesday, 9th September 2008
<Borrowdale to Grasmere bit of the coast to coast, & got lost just past White Stones & High Raise. On my own & I FORGOT my compass, so "bushwhacking" (as they call it in Australia) across the fell above Easedale Tarn, hoping I wasn't going to break my leg. But it was lovely -- just me & the sheep>
A superb route - I love high level grassy routes although as you say the grass can be long and boggy over that area.
Changeable! So don't take Sunday's forecast as guaranteed. My macho 'summit regardless of weather days' are over so I stick to the valleys when it rains.
Having become a soft southerner I thought we might have gone off fell walking but thankfully not.
Equally I do appreciate 'big dirty city cities far to the south' - leastways being a hill walking guide doesn't pay.
I think it is the contrast that I particularly enjoy. -
Message 21
Posted by flutter-by (U2729197) on Tuesday, 9th September 2008
We've got a LOOONG way to go on the lists already! I do quite like them though, plenty of scope for exploring random bits of the uk, and if you are going for enough lists then you never have to go too far out of your way. My favourite list is the island one though, great fun on Pabbay, Mingulay and Berneray this year.
I think trig point bagging is quite popular with the geo-caching crowd, but we haven't got a GPS yet.
F-b -
Message 22
Posted by politebirder (U4482231) on Tuesday, 9th September 2008
I am waiting to have a ligament op so am unable to do much in my beloved LD just now.
Please post regularly on your Wainwrights walks, Dunc: I do miss my fells. Did most of the Ws when I was young & fit, now confined to valley walks & tiddlers until my op. -
Message 23
Posted by Simply_Duncan (U2867875) on Tuesday, 9th September 2008
Indeed FB and then there are the Deweys, the Hewitts and the County Tops.
There is a register for many of them (hosted via the LDWA) - it works on an honesty system and they send you a certificate.
Our Wainwright's certificate has an image of Yewbarrow on it - reversed in error which appeals to the pedant within.
The important thing (and this is a lesson for life!) is that enjoying the journey is as important as enjoying the arrival. -
Message 24
Posted by politebirder (U4482231) on Tuesday, 9th September 2008
Dunc, are you in pre-mod, you bad boy?
Last year I managed Catbells, with the aid of OH & trekking poles. I do miss the scrambles & Striding Edge & scree-running. -
Message 25
Posted by Anne-Marie (U1474870) on Tuesday, 9th September 2008
Duncan are you in premod or something? Your last post says 22mins ago, while politebirder's post, above yours, is 13 mins ago. What you been up to?
Think you might have to start a thread in TVH if you are going to get all philosophical on us! -
Message 26
Posted by Simply_Duncan (U2867875) on Tuesday, 9th September 2008
I don't think so although Reggie suggested I might be earlier - how can I tell?
<Last year I managed Catbells, with the aid of OH & trekking poles. I do miss the scrambles & Striding Edge & scree-running.>
Fantastic views from Catbells. Don't forget Castelrigg stone circle too (not a W but great views without too much of a hike), then there is Surprise View, Watendlath and top of Honister pass - still hopefully you can be fixed up for some more scrambling yet. The back of Hollow Stones up to Mickledore an then Foxes Tarn gully provided ampe sport yesterday. I fancy Lords Rake but the stonefall remains an issue at present.
I always though Mrs A was being kind when she said size didn't matter but once I'd climbed Binsey, Castle Crag and Lords Seat I realised she was right. -
Message 27
Posted by politebirder (U4482231) on Tuesday, 9th September 2008
Fantastic views from Catbells. Don't forget Castelrigg stone circle too (not a W but great views without too much of a hike), then there is Surprise View, Watendlath and top of Honister pass - still hopefully you can be fixed up for some more scrambling yet. The back of Hollow Stones up to Mickledore an then Foxes Tarn gully provided ampe sport yesterday. I fancy Lords Rake but the stonefall remains an issue at present.Ìý
We usually stay in the LD every October, just a short walk from the Castlerigg Stone Circle. We were there when we heard John Peel had died. I love Derwentwater & the Newlands Valley. Then there is Coniston Old Man & the wonderful ridge walk to Dow Crag; Crinkle Crags...this is torture! I see the Surgeon on Thursday... -
Message 28
Posted by Lady Trudie Tilney Glorfindel Maldini (U2222312) on Tuesday, 9th September 2008
Duncy i think this one could run....you'd better set up the ML fellwalking club in TVH!
(I'm sure you can think of a better name) -
Message 29
Posted by Firefairy (U6169662) on Tuesday, 9th September 2008
Tue, 09 Sep 2008 19:58 GMT, in reply to politebirder in message 27
Then there is Coniston Old Man & the wonderful ridge walk to Dow Crag;Ìý
You're talking dirty now polite!
My favourites part of the country with my favouritest people and my favouritest pub
Not able to do big hills but love the peace and solitude of the area
Ff -
Message 30
Posted by politebirder (U4482231) on Tuesday, 9th September 2008
Old Dungeon Ghyll on a late Autumn evening as the sun goes down...paradise.
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Message 31
Posted by Redbookish (U1335018) on Tuesday, 9th September 2008
Tue, 09 Sep 2008 20:09 GMT, in reply to Firefairy in message 29
ooooooooooh, this is a howl of pain from Rummidge. Not up in North Lancs till Sunday, and then I have so much work to do ... My plan is to walk if it's fine & laptop in library if it's not (how to get a book written in 3 months ...)
What I want to know is, how are these walks solo? I don't really have friends who like walking, and I am both shy and reluctant to walk in a group.
Please please can we have a fell-walking club in TVH. -
Message 32
Posted by politebirder (U4482231) on Tuesday, 9th September 2008
I used to walk solo but had a nasty fall & realised how I could have perished if I had actually broken my leg, rather than bashing it about & being able to limp home.
Also had the Mountain Rescue out when I was walking with OH & broke leg. In the 15 minutes he was away getting help, I became incredibly cold, despite having all the right gear & being below 2000ft. If I had been on my own I would have died.
Valley walks only if you are on your own, IMO. -
Message 33
Posted by Firefairy (U6169662) on Tuesday, 9th September 2008
Tue, 09 Sep 2008 20:13 GMT, in reply to politebirder in message 30
Duddon any time of year tried and tested!
Redbookish, are you up for setting up a Fred?
Ff -
Message 34
Posted by Simply_Duncan (U2867875) on Tuesday, 9th September 2008
No idea AMF - everything seems fine my end. Is my name appearing in Red or something?
The day that happens - get Mr Keri to open up a new board called 'The Laurels' and wheel me in!!
Mind what with your lad of to yewnee and Bella's daughter starting A levels it could be time quite soon. How the years fly. -
Message 35
Posted by posh_scouse_pinnedwithpride (U2514024) on Tuesday, 9th September 2008
The old Crown round is a good un... start from the Old Crown in Hesket Newmarket, and 'walk the beers' being back in the pub by sunset.
the beers are, Blencathra, Catbells, Great cockup and Carrick [fell]. -
Message 36
Posted by politebirder (U4482231) on Tuesday, 9th September 2008
Dunc, you are either in pre-mod or there is a tear in the space-time continuumthingy.
I agree with posters upthread that we need a fell-walking thread.
As you are showing worrying signs of mellowing, Dunc, it has to be you! -
Message 37
Posted by Nomadnomore - XNo - Quiz Queen (U3180380) on Tuesday, 9th September 2008
this is torture! I see the Surgeon on Thursday... Ìý
And I probably have a year's rehabilitation to do before I can walk around Hebden Bridge.
Seriously, I've just gone and got the box of OS maps out, I find it had a compass thrown carelessly on top (sob).
I'm a bit of a wimp on heights so I would freak out at Scafell. OH got his children up Helvellen with his previous wife by promising the kids there was a cafe at the top.
However, there can be just as much pleasure and isolation and spectacular views from some of the less challenging walks. I'm thinking Loughrigg, Eskdale, the Langdales, Ullswater.
BTW, the rain is part of the pleasure, go prepared, there is a reason there are so many lakes.
XNo -
Message 38
Posted by politebirder (U4482231) on Tuesday, 9th September 2008
We'll go to the top of a LD mountain together in the next 2 years, XNo; they can re-build us!
Agree re the low-level routes: since my leg has been carp I have discovered the joy of LD valleys; Grasmere is lovely. -
Message 39
Posted by Simply_Duncan (U2867875) on Tuesday, 9th September 2008
Absolutely yes. All the Wainwrights are within your ability from what you have said elsewhere.
Not a problem - I will post at greater length in due course (have to dash) but if you want to do them you can and providing you follow some sensible guidelines it is no riskier than living in a city. -
Message 40
Posted by Anne-Marie (U1474870) on Tuesday, 9th September 2008
Nope - name not in red, but you are obviously posting from a parallel universe tonight.
You have good memory - I got rid of that initial years ago (on the boards at least). Or are you a weirdo cyber stalker and should I be very scared?!
Well I'll be in The Laurels before you, seeing as I am your senior and that's my /youngest/ off to uni - well applying anyway.
Back on topic, anyone climbed Muckish Mountain, Co Donegal?
AMx -
Message 41
Posted by mrs-nostalgie (U3136537) on Tuesday, 9th September 2008
Bookmarking, tho' lord knows why, it's making me homesick & jealous. Although near the Pyrenees, we don't seem to walk half as often as when were in the UK. I had to dubbin some mould off my boots last time.
I have 2 letters from Mr Wainwright. -
Message 42
Posted by Simply_Duncan (U2867875) on Wednesday, 10th September 2008
Dubbin! Bless - that takes me back. It's all fabric boots these days and hight tec silicone sprays. It was a sad day when I ditched leather boots thouhgh. Still dry feet are nice.
Were your letters from Mr W overdue demands or more personal correspondence.
BTW Betty died last month. -
Message 43
Posted by Simply_Duncan (U2867875) on Wednesday, 10th September 2008
<ooooooooooh, this is a howl of pain from Rummidge. Not up in North Lancs till Sunday, and then I have so much work to do ... My plan is to walk if it's fine & laptop in library if it's not (how to get a book written in 3 months ...)>
Sunday is still looking like fell waling weather! Fingers crossed.
As I said earlier all of the 214 Ws can be walked. Each peak has a variety of routes so you can make them easier or harder to suit.
If you walk alone then it is prudent to let someone know where you are going and when you will be back. Then in the unlikely event that don't return or call them by your planned return time they can call out Mountain Rescue and suggest where they should start looking.
There are companies who will carry your bags between accomodation points if you want to do multi day walks although as Alice says 'as long as you have clean knickers and a toothbrush that's all that matters' and of course you can add these to your day pack and walk point to point. This has the added benefit that the guest house that you are walking to can act as emergency call out should the need arise, providing you tell them when you hope to arrive and where you are walking from.
Anyway - I can bang on about safety at length but there is so much more;
Where to go? When to go? Which way to go? Contingency plans? How to walk? (you thought it was a one foot in front of another kind of thing)What to take? What not to take? Walking solo? Walking in small groups? Walking in large groups? Leading? Navigation? Planning? First Aid? Photography? Nature? Environment? Weather? Good (and not so good) guidebooks?
Apologies if you already know all this.
I did pop in there and was immediately distracted by 'prettyannehanah' offering infidelity. Only she wasn't she was complaining about her partner running off with her best friend.
Personally I'd prefer the odd fellwalking thread in The Bull (it's the anarchist in me) but equally if someone sets up a fellwalking thread in TVH I'd be delighted to contribute. -
Message 44
Posted by Simply_Duncan (U2867875) on Wednesday, 10th September 2008
Furher Reading;
This one for how to (pricey but good);
Any of these for where to (cheap and effective);
These for a treat;
This one for planning (go for the two day options unless you like 12 hour days!)
Oh yes and don't forget Maps - I use laminated OL 4 to OL 7 inclusive though Harvey also publish good maps. I would avoid 1.50,000 scale unless walking in deep snow all day! -
Message 45
Posted by Redbookish (U1335018) on Friday, 22nd February 2013
Here's an old Duncan fell-walking thread I have bookmarked. This was the knowledgeable, kind, and genial Simply Duncan at his best.
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Message 46
Posted by Stuart Pearce Badger (U3742750) on Friday, 22nd February 2013
Ever thought of upgrading to Munros, Dunc?Ìý in my youth, my best friend and I set about the Munros during many Scottish holidays - I got up to around 120, and then when I moved further South he got up to 160 I think.
Alas, waistline has stopped me adding to the list for many years now. But with retirement approaching, and a wish not to spoil it by being totally unfit, my initial objective is to get fit enough by July, when we've got a week staying in the Torridons, to be able to get up Beinn Alligin , the Jewel of Torridon, which is my no. 1 of all the ones I've climbed.
And if I get the bug again, we'll see..... but I think not to try to tick off the list, too many good ones I'd want to do again - Liathach, The Saddle, Bidean up the Lost Valley, the list goes on. Though I'd like to try the Knoydart ones one day. Anyway, I'd never get the set even if I wanted to, because there's no way anyone will ever get me either across the Aonach Eagach, or up the In Pin.....
And not forgetting the Lakes either - probably twenty years since I've been up Great Gable - something to be corrected there.
But in the meantime - local walking and the gym to have a chance of making it happen.
SPB -
Message 47
Posted by fellman (U14848647) on Friday, 22nd February 2013
Tue, 09 Sep 2008 17:02 GMT, in reply to Simply_Duncan in message 1
Ah Dunc, I am jealous! I wish I were brave enough to do Scafell. Most adventurous I've done was Borrowdale to Grasmere bit of the coast to coast, & got lost just past White Stones & High Raise. On my own & I FORGOT my compass, so "bushwhacking" (as they call it in Australia) across the fell above Easedale Tarn, hoping I wasn't going to break my leg. But it was lovely -- just me & the sheep.
Back up there next Sunday. What's the weather like there? I eschewed an easy gentle walk on Sunday because it was tipping it down in Lancaster & I am too amateur to walk in bog. Now stuck in a big dirty city far south, I am regretting every minute NOT spent in the fells.
Do you know these sites?
Ìý Look in on the Striding Edge site Redbookish Usually photos of two walks per week and lots of archives to access and goodies to buy. - a contact from where I lived opp thur tells me it is 'damned cold and cloudy' just now Loughrigg may be the safest option ths weekend! -
Message 48
Posted by Anne-Marie (U1474870) on Friday, 22nd February 2013
Fellman, thanks for the weather update. If you check the date you will see that this is a thread from 2008 that has been bumped. Not sure if Red is really heading there this weekend. I'll be there next weekend (briefly) and then for a week at the end of March.
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