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BB2117 : The Rule of Six
Thursday
22nd April 2021
I can’t recall exactly when the
Coronavirus Rule of Six was reintroduced but throughout the pandemic we have
been pretty good at respecting the Government's rules and recommendations of
the day; splitting into
two groups or groups of two when necessary.
This week we had exactly six volunteers
so that wasn’t a problem.
Today our objective was
Wansfell which would put it back into the clear lead as the most visited BOOTboys
Wainwright; total 18. It is not a
surprise that it holds that position. It
is close to us, has splendid views and a variety of accesses. Indeed I don’t think I have ever repeated a route
and the same was true today.
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Starting
from Troutbeck we opted to ascend by the route to the west that Stan and I had
discovered when descending on BB2023
The Three Meanings Of Chai.
This meant one of the gentlest of starts as we meandered along Robin
Lane until we reached Skelghyll Wood.
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Here a minor path leads diagonally up through the trees, emerging at a
rather unusual structure, presumably associated with the Thirlmere Pipeline.
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Thereafter it is open fell with superb views
ranging from the Kent Estuary, to the Coniston Fells and onwards past the
Crinkles, Bowfell and the Langdales. The
Scafells and Great Gable also came into view as we climbed.
Nearing the summit I ventured
off to the left to climb the gully on the Ambleside route, this being the most
interesting final approach, or so I thought.
Stan berated me, saying that the best way was up the gully he had just
climbed on our new route. I went down to
look at it and started the ascent, claiming that there was no comparison. "No," he shouted. "You have to climb up the slab without using
your hands". I saw what he meant. It was a bit of a challenge.
Wansfell Pike summit
was busy which was no surprise given the magnificence of the day. We set off for the true summit of
Baystones.
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Normally this is very
quiet. However today, as we walked along
the ridge, a very large group gradually overtook us. No concept of the Rule of 6, I counted at
least 15. I got talking to one of them,
not in a provocative way, just the normal chit chat of a chance encounter. Out of this I learned that they were from all
over the country on a walk organised by the Ramblers Association.
Later on, whilst descending to
Troutbeck, we saw them clustered together having their lunch. An old couple (probably younger than me but I didn’t ask)
passed by. The man was beside himself with rage. I explained to him that the
Ramblers had special dispensation to be able to walk in groups of 30. “Yes,” he spat. “And do you know why that is? It is because they demanded parity with
grouse shooting parties. It’s a disgrace.” I have to say that I rather agree with him. I am sure they are all nice people who
respect the fells and leave no litter.
However what example does it set to other walkers who are unaware of
their dispensation? And why should they
have dispensation when we BOOTboys don’t?
Either six is a good idea to restrict the spread of coronavirus or it is
not. I believe that some Ramblers affiliated
groups, the Kendal Fellwalkers for example, have decided to respect the Rule and all
credit to them. Rant over.
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This
otherwise glorious day finished in a manner in
which we have not managed for Locked-down months. The recently revised Rule of Six meant we
were able to sit at an outside table and drink beer, in this case at the Mortal
Man. However Tony’s Rule of Six was not
observed. We only had two.
Don,
Thursday 22nd April 2021
PS
A further Rant about the Ramblers. A
group of 15 means an awful lot of cars at a
time when parking space is limited. Fortunately
we had outwitted them and arrived first!
Relive:
Wansfell Baystones
Click
on the picture to Relive our outing, although
the route shown from Baystones to Troutbeck
is not entirely accurate as something went
wrong and it straightlined us.
Route:
Map: OS
1:50k
Comitibus:
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Comitibus: Tony,
Stan,
John, Martin, Mike, Don
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