alpinejane

Teesdale

A sense of deja vu came over me this week. Lockdown v2 seemed to be as unexpected as lockdown v1 and once again I had time for one last trip to the Lakes. Driving over there I wondered what would be stopping me from coming this way over the next few weeks, but deep insideContinue reading “Teesdale”

Sgor Gaoith

Another early start, another deteriorating weather forecast, but enough of a weather window to climb a Munro and get most of the way down before the bad weather arrived. That was the plan anyway. We started from Glen Feshie, about 3km south of Feshie Bridge and were walking by 8am. Surprisingly enough someone had beatenContinue reading “Sgor Gaoith”

The Cairngorms

The joys of winter walking with a 9 year old in the highest Scottish mountains 😀. We were in Boat of Garten for a few days during October half term and I was keen to get out into the hills. Hannah, my 9 year old daughter, would rather spend her days playing Minecraft, but enjoysContinue reading “The Cairngorms”

Hindscarth and Dale Head in the rain

A wet and at times windy walk today, but the mountains are amazing in all weathers if you can somehow stay warm and dry(ish). We started from the small car park near Littletown which is of course where Beatrix Potter based her story of Mrs Tiggywinkle. After passing the small Newlands Church we attempted toContinue reading “Hindscarth and Dale Head in the rain”

Helvellyn and Blencathra

Not on the same day obviously. That would be a bit much, even for me. I’ve been up Helvellyn many times, usually by the same routes, so it is always good to explore new ground. We started from Patterdale and walked up Grisedale as far as the Ruthwaite climbing hut which is owned by OutwardContinue reading “Helvellyn and Blencathra”

Covid angst

Bit of a departure from the mountain theme this week. I won’t do it too often, I promise 😀. So here we go again. Covid cases rising, the threat of more lockdown measures and the prospect of a winter of uncertainty. I could make a lot of negative comments about the incompetence of those paidContinue reading “Covid angst”

Sleeping under the stars

I returned to Ennerdale to walk the south side of the Ennerdale Horseshoe that I had cut short a few weeks previously due to bad weather. I parked at Bowness Knott and walked along the shores of Ennerdale Water before crossing the River Liza, walking up through the trees and eventually along the long, broadContinue reading “Sleeping under the stars”

A eulogy

My dad died in February. He was 91. Both facts continue to surprise me. We all thought he would live forever and he never seemed to get old. The grief gets easier with each day and now, 8 months later, I can reflect on his life. He was born in 1928 in Warrington, the youngestContinue reading “A eulogy”

Thornthwaite Beacon and High Street

A less adventurous walk this week but no less enjoyable for that and I was glad to give my knees a rest after the battering they received last weekend. We started from Cow Bridge near Brotherswater and after walking through the small village of Hartsop turned right over the stream and followed Pasture Beck upContinue reading “Thornthwaite Beacon and High Street”

The Mamores

The Mamores. 10 Munros, 3400m of ascent, 21 miles, 2 wild camps and perfect weather. Narrow ridges, rocky summits and views that stretch for miles under a deep blue sky. Scotland at its very best. The best trips are often those planned at the last minute. The weather forecast was good, I had a clientContinue reading “The Mamores”