Get out the Factor 30!

Day 23 – Saturday 11 April. Hut life is not the same as a B&B or Hotel – dormitory sleeping, no en suite facilities, etc – but it has its attractions, not least of which is the fellowship. Continuing the string of chance meetings that we’ve had so far, there seem to be more people in the hut from Clitheroe and the Ribble Valley than anywhere else. Also present are Tom & Paula from Holmfirth, who are competing in today’s Newlands Fell Race, and two very sensible Scottish lads who are today going to cycle the route of the Fred Whitton challenge – 112 miles over virtually every Lake District pass including Hardknott & Wrynose. And they won’t be getting off to push either!

The weather is glorious with blue skies and a light breeze. We (Val and myself, Mike, Michael & Liz Parkinson, John & Catherine Taylor, Bill & Carol Bristow) drive to Lanthwaite Green and set off for Whiteside (2317’) via Whin Ben. A super climb even if a bit steep at times, with a great view in clear conditions from the top. Then along the most excellent ridge, with the breathtaking views continuing the whole time, to Hopegill Head (Hobcarton Pike)(2525’). Descending over Sand Hill we stopped for lunch at Coledale Hause (where déjà vu set in, having been there yesterday). As usual the Taylors handed out drinks of wine to everyone: they transport this in a transparent container which looks for all the world like a sample destined for the doctor’s surgery, but one taste confirms its true vintage.

We all then went different ways to the summit of Grasmoor, at 2791’ the highest of the North Western Fells, Mike taking the most direct route, me the longer, gentler footpath, and Michael and the Taylors somewhere inbetween. We all got to the top within a couple of minutes of each other. Time to renew the sun cream (!!) and enjoy another view before heading back towards Wandope (2533’) and then down to Whiteless Pike (2159’) down another pleasant ridge.

The final top, Rannerdale Knotts (1160’) is only reached by descending almost to valley level and then taking a long rising path back along the top of the fell. It really is a pleasant walk, with great views of Buttermere and Crummock Water, and the summit is satisfyingly craggy. Liz had walked there yesterday and declared that she wouldn’t do it again today, so ‘us boys’ carried on thinking the girls would stick together and go to the pub or something. Imagine our surprise when, as we were leaving the top, Catherine and Val arrived, still going strong.

We were soon enjoying a pint in The Bridge before heading back to the hut, saying to each other how fantastic the weather had been and how ridiculous it would be to expect another day as good as this…

Val’s 3-fish terrine, hot-pot and sticky toffee pudding were quickly demolished, aided by the consumption of a few more bottles of wine. Tom returned from the Newlands Fell Race having finished a fantastic 6th and yet not being awarded any prize – nothing short of scandalous – while Paula had the misfortune to pull a calf muscle and was clearly disappointed. Never mind, there’s always next year. One of the Scottish cyclists wast last seen lying on his bed on his back with his legs in the air, apparently to get rid of lactic acid. That’s what he said.

Photos: 1. On the summit of Whiteside; 2. The ridge from Whiteside to Hopegill Head; 3. Grisedale Pike from Hopegill Head; 4. Liz and Val arrive at Grasmoor like a scene from Lawrence of Arabia; 5. Buttermere from Rannerdale Knotts.