22-24 November
Eleven brave souls travelled to Patterdale despite the imminent arrival of Storm Bert to the Lake District.
Friday actually turned out to be a beautiful day on the hill with snow on the ground and sun in the sky. Helvellyn was the natural destination with two groups both heading for the beautifully frozen Swirral Edge as the ascent route.
Andy, Kent, Dan, Simon and Alex then travelled to Nethermost Pike and Dollywaggon Pike before Dan, Kent and Alex traversed a breezy St Sunday Crag while Andy and Simon experienced the ice rink of the Grizedale path. Gill, Loz and Alan were not far behind, but the summit was already in cloud, so they travelled back down via Swirral Edge before crossing over Birkhouse Moor and into Glenridding.
Saturday saw the arrival of the forecasted storm, so plans were scaled back accordingly.
One group took a low-level route to from the hut in Patterdale to the Brotherswater Inn, in search of coffee. However, we clearly walked too fast because we arrived 20 minutes before it opened, then gave up and walked back. Another group attempted to travel to Kendal for the film festival, only to be turned back as the Kirkstone Pass was inaccessible, leading to the prospect of reversing a camper van back down the pass to the nearest turning spot.
Alan kindly offered to cook a group meal so ten of us enjoyed a delicious coq-au-vin while Shane enjoyed (?) the vegan alternative. This was followed by cheese and port and some whisky may have been sampled later on.
Sunday was still a bit breezy and wet, so two cars carrying two injured parties made an early getaway. Those of us remaining settled on a walk over Beda Head with views across the northern half of Ullswater, before crossing back over Boredale Hause and returning to the hut.
The last two members left the hut on Monday morning, with Alan making his usual pilgrimage to the Rab outlet store on the way back.
Great trip and some quality climbs. And some extensive abseil practise!