20-23 November 2014
Our meet started a day early to try to make the most of the lakes, and we took the chance on the Friday to head up Helvellyn via Striding edge, this was a little too exposed for my liking but thankfully the Jessie path was fine where the edge was too much except for the very last bit where a down-climb is compulsory, sadly there was no view from the summit. We returned by Dollywagon Pike and Grisedale before seeking out a cake shop in Glenridding On the Saturday we collected some more of the group and set off up the Old Man Of Coniston, with Rally Cars echoing in the vanishing forest below we disappeared in to the mist as we scaled Brown Pike and then Dow Crag before heading round to the Old Man, the weather didn’t make for a longer day and we returned to the cars before seeking out more cake in Coniston village where some battered rally cars sat waiting to return home. After Bangers and Mash and hut made sticky toffee pudding we set off on a slightly more adventurous journey to the local pub than we expected with a wall traversal required to make it to the pub with dry feet. Unfortunately something must have made me unwell as the next morning I was worse for wear and was awoken by another mountain club “The Wayfarers” arriving at their neeburs hut for lunch the next day! Once their visit was over I eventually strayed out to explore the area around the hut discovering some Landrovers making used of the Green Road Code and a slightly less treacherous route over the river. All in all an excellent trip at a hut to which we must return!
- Niall
Tricky to find for the first time in the dark and much faith required on the deteriorating track, my car full were pleased to find the cosy hut and the rest of the gang. Dominoes with added rules and Snakes n Ladders kept us amused into the small hours.Saturday was supposed to improve but didn’t and hopes of a view down Wasdale from the summit of Kirk Fell were dashed by 500m cloud and light drizzle. Gulley ascent and scree descent were enjoyed by the newbies and we returned to the warm hut. After a fine supper the majority sought the delights of the Three Shires Inn where we all managed to sample the full range of locally brewed ales which set us up nicely for some whisky back at base. Sunday turned into a wonderful sunny but fresh day and my party enjoyed a 3hr bimble onto Stony Cove Pike from Kirkstone Inn before retiring to Ambleside for coffee to set us up for the ride home.
- Greg
