Thursday 18th February, 2004

Skiddaw

A fantastic day in the company of other members of the OFC.

The walk was also recorded by the following:

Mr. Leaney's excellent report.

The Hiley's equally fantastic account.

This group photograph taken at the Hawell Monument

(Please be patient whilst this better quality photo loads)

Left to right:  Roger, Mike, Dave, Pam, Andrew, Jill, Ann, Bill, Alex, Ian and Mark

(Oh! Holly and Layla came along too!)

Start Point: NY 280253  (Gale Road car park) 

End Point:  NY 280253

Distance:   7.64miles / 12.3 km

Max Height: 3053 feet / 931m

Height Ascended:  2589 feet / 789m

Estimated Time:  3 hrs  44 mins

Weather: -1°C at 3000 feet

Route Map:

The new Skiddaw 'Walkerway'.  Like the M6 but wider!

In all honesty, the path has to be an improvement.  It is a compromise between a vast erosion scar visible for miles and a neatly constructed packhorse style path - I think this is adequate and should deal with the thousands of ascents each year.

The graded route makes for easy progress.

Mike and Andrew discuss the finer points of walking as an ever increasing vista appears behind.

Pam didn't realise there was public transport. 

The path gains height quickly and steepens over the threshold of Jenkin Hill

.....but we soon became submerged in cloud.

"What do you mean this is Ullock Pike?  We better not get lost or Jill will lose all faith in the navigation skills of her fellows." says Roger. 

"You just had to mention getting lost on Fairfield again!" says Jill! 

"And in any case, isn't this Coniston Old Man!" says Peter.

The group arrive at the south top, Little Man. 

I suppose this could be anywhere - Skiddaw Little Man.  This was the supposed aim of today's expedition.  However, with further discussion our heights were set higher.  I had initially considered having coffee at Abraham's Cafe after a stroll down to Friar's crag, now we were all keen to bag a Munro!

The whole party atop Skiddaw. 

The 'Sellafield' glow to Peter's hands cheered everyone up no end!

Lovely tints silhouette this view of Causey Pike on our descent of Lonscale Fell.

Mr Leaney leads the way.

Ian in gallant spirit after a lovely walk in great company.

Peter M. Burgess, 2004

'fellrunning'