On the 14 December 2012, the group making up the annual Fellwanderers tour made their way to Thirlmere Recreation Hall for five days hiking in the Lake District. In all, there was ten of us and were expecting freezing conditions meaning the walking ice-axes were packed!
The first day saw us taking in the fells surrounding the hall, ticking off our first four Wainwrights — High Tove (515m), Ambroth Fell (479m), High Seat (608m), and Bleaberry Fell (590m). The weather was, unfortunately, very wet but our spirits weren’t damped by the relatively poor visibility. The next morning, we set out with some trepidation regarding the planned ten peak walk. After a steep ascent to Grisedale Pike (791) , we then continued along the first stretch of the ridge to bag Hopegill Head (770m) and Whiteside (707m), the latter providing an excellent view of CrummockWater. We then lost a lot height moving along the toe of the ridgeline followed by another steep ascent up to Grasmoor (852m). Unfortunately at this height the we were well and truly within the clouds, again restricting visibility but not dampening spirits. Continuing along this branch of the horseshoe we ascended Crag Hill (837m) and, with the sun low in the sky, Sail (773m).
It was a pleasure to attend the tour and we'll be back for many more
Monday morning offered a simple choice — a gentle walk to recover from the previous day or to run 23miles over 11 Wainwrights. Sensibly the vast majority of the group chose the former and headed off towards Conniston Water, dropping off the runners along the way. This is the last we would see of them until the evening. With everyone reunited at about six, thoughts turned to the roast beef dinner (much to the relief of the runners!).
Tuesday’s route followed another ridge around Levers Water and Low Water. The going was mostly good though very undulating meaning the day was characterised by lots of ascent. First, and after many false summits, we were up Weatherlam (763m) and stopped for lunch in the sun — a rarity this year and made all the sweeter by roast beef sandwiches! Taking every opportunity to skate on the frozen lakes, we made our way towards Swirl How (802m) followed by Brim Fell (796m) and The Old Man of Conniston (803m). Here, it was possible to see both Snowdon, despite it being over 100 miles away, and the Isle Of Man. The day was rounded off beautifully by a visit from the village carol singers — cue hearty reditions of “Oh Come All Ye Faithful” and “Good King Wenceslas”!
After bagging our final wainwrights on the final day, we all trooped into the bus and headed towards London after a thoroughly rewarding and entertaining five days walking in, arguably, the most beauti- ful landscapes England has to offer. In total we covered in excess of 100km horizontally 5km vertically, crossing 23 Wainwrights. A special thanks must go to Jack Redvers Harris for organising the trip, both logically and route planning, and James for coordinating dinner. Of course, we couldn’t have gone anywhere without our drivers Claire and Sarah. I’m sure everyone would agree it was a pleasure to attend the tour and will be back for many more trips and tours!
