A return to the Lakes but just to keep things mixed up we headed to Stair Hut in the Newlands valley which was great to do some northern fells. Sadly no real fire which was missed but a good location and a lovely pub about 1km away where we had a good meal out. We managed to avoid hospitals and helicopters for a change, had some fantastic walking with very little rain (if any?) and some great views from Blencathra and Crag Hill finished off with a day of unbroken blue sky for a short stroll along the western edge of Derwent Water (where they filmed Swallows and Amazons for those of us who like that kind of thing), I also spotted a Goosander that day!

Attendees

James Malden, Gareth SB, Richard Wilson, George Lewis, Toby Matthews, Peter Wilson, Bekki Farrar, Adam Pharoah, Sam Keam, Richard D’Silva, Justin Gorbold, Sarah Witt, Paul Prayle, Rowan SB (am working on my portrait photography)

Friday 22nd February – Catbells/Dale Head horseshoe

From the hut we split into two groups, one driving to the base of Catbells (to reduce road walk if memory serves) the other heading straight from the hut to the base. We then all met up, then up to Dale Head. I can’t remember which route we took down…

Saturday 23rd February – Crag Hill/Grasmoor

Drove from the hut to Crummock Water, parking at the car park about half way along, then up the valley to Whiteless Breast and up to Whiteless Pike, then up to Crag Hill. Most then went over to the peak of Grasmoor too. We then descended to Coledale Hause and again splitting so that those with energy in their legs could also take in Hopegill Head and Whiteside with the rest returning via Gasgale Gill. Back to the road and along the road to the car park along the lake.

Sunday 24th February –  Blencathra

Park at the car park at the top of Threlkeld, up the river, join path heading WNW then turn right up main track along the ridge to the top! Nice ‘n’ simple. Amazing sparkling sky with ice and sun glittering, quite a lot of snow on the top. Justin joined us just for the approach as his back was still not very well. From the top we wandered over to Atkinson Pike for a look, then back to descend via Scales Fell, fair bit of ice on the track. Back along the bottom which was surprisingly difficult (harder than the rest of the walk I think) and we had to lend a hand to a few other groups along the way!

Monday 25th February – Derwent Water

Rich W., Peter W., Bekki and Toby all had a short walk along Derwent Water from the car park at the bottom of Catbells, along the lake, then up to the path that follows the contours along the foot of Catbells and back to the car park. This was because the weather was amazing and it seemed a shame to be sat in the car on a day like that!