Ennerdale Meet

Members: Sandy Gregson. Jim Gregson, Lester Payne, Virginia Castick, Phil Ramsbottom

 

Plenty of people seemed to think that this meet was 'interesting and different', unfortunately most of them looked at the weather forecast and suddenly discovered 'previous commitments'.

As the meet leader I did not have this option, so I was at the car park at the promised start time, despite looking hopefully around the other cars I couldn't find any other takers so I started on my own. Lester did arrive later, but as I had already set off we were destined to spend the rest of the day a couple of miles apart, eventually we met up 9 hours later at Dubs Hut.

I had arranged to meet up with Jim and Sandy at Beck Head but I was not at all surprised to get a phone call to say that they had decided to miss out Great Gable summit. I, being a fully paid up member of the 'Noble Order of Pig Headed B*****ds, continued on over the top.

As I was crossing Windy Gap on all fours I started to realise how windy it was, looking up I could see four people trying to get down off Green Gable, they were leaning into the wind at about 30 degrees and still struggling to avoid being blown over the edge.

Eventually we all met up at Dubs Hut, Midge had walked up from Honister to say hello and bring up a very welcome pint of fresh milk and a bottle of brandy - a very kind gesture, which was much appreciated. Her comments about 'looking forward to her electric blanket' were not quite so welcome.

After a very hard day on Saturday I was expecting to write off the second part of the walk, however the wind started to abate around 5 on Sunday morning, by the time Lester and I said goodbye to Jim and Sandy it was clear, dry and only slightly windy. Jim and Sandy set off back to their warm FRCC hut in Borrowdale whilst Lester and I continued with the walk over Haystacks, High Crag, High Stile and Red Pike.

Just after leaving Red Pike summit we got away from the wind for the first time all weekend. Within twenty minutes we were sitting in the sunshine enjoying our lunch having shed several layers of clothing. This weather lasted all the way back to the cars.

So you were right - it was interesting, but you will just have to imagine how interesting.

Many thanks to the four people who were prepared to 'give it a try'.

Phil Ramsbottom