I find they actually slow me down.
The Outdoorsy "Sofa".
- Thread starter chilango
- Start date
Idaho
blah blah blah
No fire alarm this morning, just the rosy glow of dawn. Got breakfast and got packed up and was out walking at 8.30. The forecast was for sun and very little wind. The sun part of this was hazy at best. More of a white cloud day, so not so good for pictures.
Walked along the river, then abandoned the Cumbria Way for higher ground. Heading up past Stickle Tarn and on to the Langdale Pikes:
The way to High Raise gave great views to the surrounding hills. Helvellyn to one side, Scafell Pike to the other, and Skiddaw and Blencathra ahead. The lack of wind at the top allowed for a leisurely lunch, pouring over the view:
I decided to head down via Eagle crag. Although after garnering comments from a couple of walkers coming up, the main route was ok ascending, but wasn't a nice down climb. I walked down that way anyhow and went towards the edge to check it out. A series of slips and slides on the steep peat and I turned tail. I hadn't even got to the tricky bit and it felt very dodgy.
Fortunately there was a longer way around that brought me onto a decent path. After a kilometre of steep and rocky path, it eased off to a more manageable gradient and I saw, a little way ahead, two cyclists, one pushing a bike and the other repeatedly trying and failing to pedal against the slope and rocky obstacles. When I got to them they asked if the summit was much further, already red, sweaty and disconsolate. They were barely at the start of the climb, and it got much tougher. I tried to tell them it would take them a couple of hours to haul their bikes up there, but it said it was just a mile on their GPS. Hopefully they made it up and over. I wouldn't have been wanting to carry a bike up that on an October late afternoon.
I saw a lovely series of waterfalls, the best of which were maddening dangerous to get to. But I was able to get to one small but perfectly formed one for a restorative plunge:
Got down to Rosthwaite and got the bus to Keswick. It was open top! Bargain for £2, but I was freezing by the time we got into town.
Walked along the river, then abandoned the Cumbria Way for higher ground. Heading up past Stickle Tarn and on to the Langdale Pikes:
The way to High Raise gave great views to the surrounding hills. Helvellyn to one side, Scafell Pike to the other, and Skiddaw and Blencathra ahead. The lack of wind at the top allowed for a leisurely lunch, pouring over the view:
I decided to head down via Eagle crag. Although after garnering comments from a couple of walkers coming up, the main route was ok ascending, but wasn't a nice down climb. I walked down that way anyhow and went towards the edge to check it out. A series of slips and slides on the steep peat and I turned tail. I hadn't even got to the tricky bit and it felt very dodgy.
Fortunately there was a longer way around that brought me onto a decent path. After a kilometre of steep and rocky path, it eased off to a more manageable gradient and I saw, a little way ahead, two cyclists, one pushing a bike and the other repeatedly trying and failing to pedal against the slope and rocky obstacles. When I got to them they asked if the summit was much further, already red, sweaty and disconsolate. They were barely at the start of the climb, and it got much tougher. I tried to tell them it would take them a couple of hours to haul their bikes up there, but it said it was just a mile on their GPS. Hopefully they made it up and over. I wouldn't have been wanting to carry a bike up that on an October late afternoon.
I saw a lovely series of waterfalls, the best of which were maddening dangerous to get to. But I was able to get to one small but perfectly formed one for a restorative plunge:
Got down to Rosthwaite and got the bus to Keswick. It was open top! Bargain for £2, but I was freezing by the time we got into town.
UnderOpenSky
baseline neural therapy
Amazing. You really have had the weather. Some familiar and wonderful views.
Idaho
blah blah blah
Final day was a real crescendo. Blencathra in perfect conditions! I couldn't stop talking pictures.
Early start from the hostel. I was walking at 8 along a bike path running along the river. I passed the holiday park place that me and the family stayed at one Easter, 15 or so years ago. Fields and fenceposts were frosty and in shade and the hills were all radiant in full sun. Saw a character in a tree on the path up to the Blencathra centre.
It was a steady climb up with no view ahead. Only when I stopped and turned round could I take in the valley and all of the surrounding hills. At the top a paraglider was just getting himself ready. He seemed very casual about it. Jumped off and glided alarmingly close to the cliff face. The ridge was fantastic. Massive drop on one side, but easier to walk away from the edge. To the north I could see Galloway and the Solway forth.
I saw a tarn and deviated from my original plan and headed down for a quick dip. Cold, but not as cold as the waterfall yesterday. The last few km to the bus stop were a sunny farmland ramble. The bus arrived just as I did, giving me some time to wander round Penrith before the train.
It's been a fantastic long weekend. I've been very lucky with the weather. Let alone being lucky to be able - physically, domestically and financially - to do it at all.
Early start from the hostel. I was walking at 8 along a bike path running along the river. I passed the holiday park place that me and the family stayed at one Easter, 15 or so years ago. Fields and fenceposts were frosty and in shade and the hills were all radiant in full sun. Saw a character in a tree on the path up to the Blencathra centre.
It was a steady climb up with no view ahead. Only when I stopped and turned round could I take in the valley and all of the surrounding hills. At the top a paraglider was just getting himself ready. He seemed very casual about it. Jumped off and glided alarmingly close to the cliff face. The ridge was fantastic. Massive drop on one side, but easier to walk away from the edge. To the north I could see Galloway and the Solway forth.
I saw a tarn and deviated from my original plan and headed down for a quick dip. Cold, but not as cold as the waterfall yesterday. The last few km to the bus stop were a sunny farmland ramble. The bus arrived just as I did, giving me some time to wander round Penrith before the train.
It's been a fantastic long weekend. I've been very lucky with the weather. Let alone being lucky to be able - physically, domestically and financially - to do it at all.
neonwilderness
What would Badgers do?
Looks like you've done well with the weather. The last couple of times I've done Blencathra you could barely stand at the top!
I think I've mentioned this before, but I met Doug Scott a few years ago and he lived nearby. He talked about going up Blencathra most days as though it was just a morning stroll
I think I've mentioned this before, but I met Doug Scott a few years ago and he lived nearby. He talked about going up Blencathra most days as though it was just a morning stroll
Took my newly-waxed Meindls out for a 5 hour hike around Sabden and Spence Moor. Verrry impressed. Lots of marshy, muddy and downright wet conditions, and they didn't let a drop in. My Salomons would have left me with squelchy feet for sure. Also, comfy as FUCK.
Never had leather hiking boots before. Not sure I'm going back to goretex anytime soon!
Never had leather hiking boots before. Not sure I'm going back to goretex anytime soon!
Idaho
blah blah blah
Excellent. I love my leather boots. I'm not convinced by the new lightweight shoes movement in long distance hiking. Yes, when leather gets wet, it takes ages to dry. But good boots, well maintained can keep your feet dry even in several days of wettish conditions. All the gortex stuff is just immediately wet. Wet feet blister easily.
Do you wax after every wetting (and subsequent cleaning)? I'm gonna be proper diligent in the care of these, but not sure how often to wax.
UnderOpenSky
baseline neural therapy
I think Gore Tex can be the worst of both worlds. It doesn't stay dry long enough, but when it's wet it stays wet.
For warm wet conditions I want almost a mesh and good running socks.
Idaho
blah blah blah
It depends on how much walking I do really. I gave them a good clean and wax before my 4 day walk in the lakes. I've been on two fairly soggy (underfoot) walks since then... And probably I out ought to give them a clean and wax. So maybe I'll wax them once for every 5-10 soggy walks. I've no real idea if this is optimal tbh - but seems to work fine.
I got sold some fancydan beeswax when I got the boots. Soft as you like, the leather just eats it straightaway
baldrick
hmmmmm
Anyone got any suggestions for a 2/3 day run/hike/camp/whatever adventure weekend of 28-31 March?
I'm on the waiting list for a dartmoor running weekend with Jasmin Paris (!!!!) but I'm feeling like it's not going to happen.
I'm at work on the Friday until 4:30 in Devon & i have to be in Birmingham at 10am on Tuesday. I never have time off during term (it's because eid is likely on the Monday & my school is 99.7% Muslim so they are closing Monday & having inset on Tuesday)
I really want to make the time off worth it
There's no bucket list races that weekend that I can see.
I then had an idea of doing the Madeira coast to coast route but I think 3 days is going to be pushing it.
It also has to be accessible by public transport.
I'm on the waiting list for a dartmoor running weekend with Jasmin Paris (!!!!) but I'm feeling like it's not going to happen.
I'm at work on the Friday until 4:30 in Devon & i have to be in Birmingham at 10am on Tuesday. I never have time off during term (it's because eid is likely on the Monday & my school is 99.7% Muslim so they are closing Monday & having inset on Tuesday)
I really want to make the time off worth it
There's no bucket list races that weekend that I can see.
I then had an idea of doing the Madeira coast to coast route but I think 3 days is going to be pushing it.
It also has to be accessible by public transport.
Went out on a foggy morning to hike around Blackstone Edge, walked up and through the mist to find a different land entirely. We saw mist bows and had messianic halos round our heads. Fucking magical. Never seen owt like it.
Attachments
Ahh, didn't know it was called that. Omg yes, wasn't expecting that, never seen it before. We sat on boulders at the top in bright warm sunshine having our picnic, looking out across it. I could feel the sun burning my cheek, then when we descended, it became really cold again. Wow
