BB1213 : The Book of the Month, part 1

Thursday 5th April 2012

Every webpage about the Fairfield Horseshoe seems to talk about its fell race and the best time of 75 minutes.    Bryan might have been able to do something close to that once upon a time but not me so no more mention.

We, i.e. Bryan, decided we should do the route anti-clockwise which suited me as I remembered the climb up Nab Scar to be hard work.  It was a superb day as we parked by Rydal Mount.  I switched on my GPS and we followed the track by the Hall and then south. Here we met our first obstacle.  Yesterday's gales had brought down a tree that was presenting an almost impenetrable barrier.  Almost.  Fortunately we found a way through.

On reaching Scandale Beck we turned north and attacked our first objective Low Pike.

The Conistons and round from Low Pike

High Pike with Dove Crag behind

So far so good.  The next was more exciting.  There was a rocky cliff in the way and people struggling to get up.  Bryan decided that we should take the direct route by the wall. Once there I could see why others had opted for a more central route.

We pressed on up the steepish climb at too great a speed.  I had to slow down to keep my heart from bursting.  Once past these slopes, however, we made good progress over up to Dove Crag and a coffee stop.

A distant view of Great Gable

Hartsopp Above How and Ullswater

Helvellyn with Striding and Swirral Edges

I decided to pull out my GPS to see how well we were going and, disaster, found it was no longer in my pocket.  Nor my rucksac.  It must have fallen out lower down on one of the several occasions when I pulled my map out of the pocket.  Why, oh why had I not kept it in my rucksac as I normally do?  Or put it in a more secure pocket?  Foolish BOOTboy.   A present from some very good pals.  Sorry lads.

One direct consequence is that today's statistics are estimated by plotting the route manually from memory so should be treated as no more than a reasonable approximation.

Fairfield round to Cofa Pike ....

..... and on to St Sunday Crag

We made our way round to Hart Crag and the Fairfield summit taking several minor detours to look down into the gullies that lead down eventually to Brothers Water.  Lunch and stunning views were consumed just past the summit.  Is there a better vantage point in the Lake District to see the panorama from Coniston Old Man right round past Bowfell, Scafell, Gable, Skiddaw, Helvellyn to High Street, with Ingleborough in the distance to the south and the Scottish Solway hills to the north west?  If so, where is it?

Fairfield panorama

The way back, Windermere and Coniston Water in the distance

Looking back at the horseshoe

After rounding the top we began the return, first to Great Rigg. Bryan wanted to take in a detour to Stone Arthur; not normally part of the horseshoe, but if this were included it would make the rest of his month's challenge just a little easier, logistically.  I think he had been worried about overstretching me but I have to say that other than being puffed on the steepest parts, I was going well and keen to add to the day.  Stone Arthur was therefore duly knocked off and we traversed round the head of Greenhead Gill to rejoin the main path to Heron Pike.  

I thought my legs might start to protest after sitting supping in the sun but am pleased to report that they made it safely back to the car.  I am not sure that there would have been enough life left in them to drive home, however.  It's a good job that Bryan is a lot fitter than me.  He needs to be if he is to do all the Easterns this month!

Don, 5th April 2012

A Call of Nature

Sorry if anyone was offended by last week's rear view of Tony apparently responding to a call of nature but it was included by specific request.  I shall refrain from saying from whom came that plea but an examination of the Comitibus from either today or last week might give a clue!

When the Hair Turns Grey

Just when you think there is nothing more to be added to the Big Josie story, another tale crops up on the internet.  This time the wheel goes full circle as the posting refers back to the BOOTboys website!  Provided you are not put off your beer or otherwise easily offended, see When the Hair Turns Grey.

When the Hair Turns Green

Jamie seems to be sprouting big green hair.  We shall see more when he is home soon.

STATISTICS:

BOOTboys routes are normally put online in gpx format which should work with most mapping software. But not today.  Route estimated by hand.

To see which Wainwright top (excluding Outlying Fells) was visited on which BB outing see Which Wainwright When?

For the latest totals of the mileages and heights see: BB Log.

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