Attendees: Katie Horgan, David Bish, James Hoyle, Kasia Hoyle, Chris Thickett, Al Metelko, John Cox.

Guest: Des Chadderton.

Six arrived on Friday evening to the warmth of the fire at Rawhead Barn and good conversation.

Saturday saw three parties try their luck as Dave and Des ran in challenging conditions from Threlkheld to Dunmail Rise via the Helvellyn ridge. Dave then continued to New Dungeon Ghyll via Steel Fell and High Raise. Chris, Kasia and James made for Blencathra to climb Sharp Edge but retreated due to poor conditions and Katie went running with her 'Lakeland 50' team mate at lower elevation.

After a day of troublesome weather, all visited the pub. Followed by a sociable evening in Rawhead Barn, including the late-comer Al. Then disturbed by a recurring Bob Graham nightmare Dave awoke Des at midnight to go for a run and after five hours staggering atop the summits of Skiddaw, Great Calva and Blencathra the recorded return time was 6.30 am. And bed called!

Sunday saw the arrival of John Cox and because of said sleepy runners a very late start. Kasia and James climbed at Scout Crags while Katie kindly offered to recover walking victims at Wasdale Head. And so Chris, John, Dave, Al and Des set off walking up to Pike of Stickle where Chris set off to scramble up another peak before returning to Rawhead Barn. John, Dave, Al and Des continued walking to Wasdale Head via Rossett Pike, Bowfell, Esk Pike, Great End, Ill Crag, Broad Crag and Scafell Pike. A wet Broadstand stopped the party making it up Scafell.

From Scafell Pike it was a slog downhill. With beer and food as compensation and Katie offering lifts via two of the scariest passes in the lakes; Hardknott and Wrynose. Adrenaline junkies just drive this road! It is unbelievable! [But not as unbelievable when you meet a caravan!]

Des Chadderton

The original information supplied by Des for the Website has been modified by Mr "Fleet of Foot Bish" for this edition.

Des Chadderton put this meet together as a training aid for me (Dave Bish). I'm suggesting a slight revision on Des' original plan so that most people can cover 40 miles of the BGR route over two pleasant days. I will go for the full route but I will be able to walk with the group most of the time and not stay alone at Brackenclose.

On Friday night any keenos and I can do the 12 mile Skiddaw section in the dark before driving down to the Wayfarers Hut opposite the Raw Head Hut (FRCC) in Langdale NY304066.

SATURDAY 4th (20 Miles)

If not staying in Wayfarers' Friday night, early Saturday morning drop 1 car in Langdale with second car driving to Threkeld.

Start at Threkeld to climb over the Dodds up to Helvellyn and then on to Fairfield and down to Dumail Raise. Cross the raise and over Steel fell to High Raise dropping down past Sergeant Man back to the hut.

SUNDAY 5th (18 Miles)

Walk from hut to Pavey Arc and up to Thunacarr Knott then Langdale Pikes on to Bowfell, Scafell Pike and Scafell (including the roped scramble of Broad Stand) . That's about 9 miles - David (plus keenos?) will then drop down past the Rawhead hut continuing on to Yewbarrow and around via Great Gable to Honister (12 more miles with only 10 more back to Keswick!). The rest of the party can retrace their steps back to Bowfell and then pleasantly descend "The Band" back to the ODG and on to the hut to collect their car.

If interested in this meet please contact Des or David so that we can arrange cars and accommodation.

IMPORTANT

This event is not for the faint hearted and very much dependent on the weather. Anyone attempting the walk will have to carry all relevant equipment to make an independent exit from the main party and foreshorten their walk because of blisters, lost lunch boxes, dropped beer funds, etc. Also depending on the number interested you may also have to hitch to someplace warm to await recovery.

You may also choose to stay in the hut and do your own thing or support the walkers or Dave. So why not support him?

Des Chadderton