08-10 March
This trip took place at The Robertson Lamb hut run by the Wayfarers Club. A nice hut with a good kitchen and lounge with several dorms, most of which are recently updated, conveniently placed at the head of Langdale.
Friday
The early arrivals headed out in some quite wintry conditions (snow on the Bowfell heights) although sadly not enough for proper winter climbing. Gill, Loz and Peter went up the band and took the climbers traverse path to the Glaciated slab and went up this to the top of Bowfell. A gentle traverse in the snow down to Angle Tarn then a descent to the valley and pub.
Andy, Dan, Dave and John headed up the Band and around Crinkle Crags.
Greg took the more active option and headed out to run the Langdale Horseshoe Fell Race route whilst Sophie took the even more active option and ran out over the Wrynose pass into the hills in the back of Coniston and looped back – “a big run round here” as she called it.
John and Dave went for a dip in the sluice controlled plunge pool next to the hut – BRRRR!
Peter picked up Kathy from Oxenholme station at 7 and then there was a cosy curry dinner for everyone at the hut cooked by the excellent Dan which was most welcome.
Saturday
Various groups headed out to Scafell via Bowfell (Sophie); Lingmoor Fell and Elterwater (Andy and John); Fell Running in Langdale (Greg).
Peter, Kathy, Dave, Gill, Loz, Juan and Dan scrambled up Jack’s Rake (1) being surprised once again at the sting in the tail at the top! Then over to Sergeant Man/Thunacarr Knotts. Here the group split with Dan heading over Rossett Pike and then down the Cumbria Way – keeping in touch via Walkie Talkie which worked surprisingly well from Ullscarf to Rossett Pike. Gill and Loz headed back via Blea Rigg early enjoying the nav challenges. Peter, Kathy and Juan headed out and back to Ullscarf in the clag and then back via Blea Rigg.
A few headed off to the Stickle Barn for dinner or to watch the Football at the NDG.
Sunday
Dan, Andy and John headed home early. After tidying the hut Juan walked Pike o Blisco; Peter and Kathy did the figure of 8 route around Pike o Blisco; Lingmoor Fell and Side Pike; Sophie went up Jack’s Rake and Gill, Loz, Dave and Greg went up Side Pike and “the Squeeze”. A generally wet and windy day to add to the fun! All back safe to MK except Peter who headed up on the train to see his mum that evening having walked most of Langdale between us.
Great trip and some quality climbs. And some extensive abseil practise!