Easter walks in the lake District are so special

I thought I would take a short (ish) walk up Blencathra today just to wear my new winter boots in before an epic trip to the Cairngorms next week. With so much snow up there, I’m in two minds whether to take walking or skiing equipment! Anyway best try and loosen my boots up for some Scottish winter days so off I trotted to Threlkeld en route to Blencathra.

The weather was cold -4 at the car and a forecast 35mph wind on the tops with some snow flurries and plenty of spindrift so it promised to be a good visibility day with some sun in between the flurries. I was amazed that I could get parked easily in Threlkeld so I was off to a great start. The Blencathra Hounds were in fine voice as I bade them good morning – such lovely dogs and so well kept – although itching to be out and running!

My plan was to walk along the intake wall and head off uphill via Doddick Fell or a bit further round to Moulscomb then hed uphill all the way past Scales Tarn and on to the top. I must have been enjoying the solitude, sunshine or my own company far too much because I walked straight past the route up Doddick so Moulscomb it was to be – it can happy to the best  if you are content with your day!

The snow was down at about 400m but there had been some significant lifting of the snow from windward slopes and dumped on to the lee slopes and into gullies because it was deep in there. As I came over the initial slope, I got my first real indication as to how much snow had been blown around. Looking over to the edge, there must have been at least a 2m cornice – although no way was I going any closer – the windslab didn’t look that stable.

I know that there is an edge somewhere near here……must have been at least a 2m cornice in places

A little further up, the ‘Mighty Blen’ came into view with some lovely clowd cover setting off the snow cover just to highlight this incredible mountain vista – must be one of the best mountains in the Lake District in my view.

The top of Blencathra soon came into view

There was even a lone skier coming off the top as I looked up – magic indeed!

The view across the valley towards Penrith and the Pennines in the far distance – what a beautiful view back towards my house!

I love the views from Blencathra – maybe it’s because they are so different and complementary – maybe it’s because it shows the variety in landscape – or maybe I’m just biased in favour of Blencathra – who cares?

 

Looking towards St Johns in the Vale and Clough Head

I have developed two nice hot spots on my heels with my new boots and can’t be bothered to take them off and apply zinc oxide / duct tape so I’ll settle for a shorter walk having got to the top and head home for a warm bath but not before I practice some ice axe arrests and self belays on the way down – a good day!

If you haven’t decided where to head to this weekend – this could take some beating – remember there is no such thing as bad weather – just wrong clothing! Head to the Lake District for some fresh unpolluted air, great views and delightful places to stay.

Have a great Easter whatever you do from us all at Lakeland Mountain Experience – if you would like a guided walk this weekend, call me on 01768 361949 or come along to the free National Trust guided walk at Sticklebarn in Langdale on Monday (just turn up at 1000) or why not try some basic navigation training with the Lake District National Park Rangers at Glenridding Tourist Information Centre on Saturday (booking essential) at 1000.

See you this weekend I hope,

Malcolm

A brilliant August day at Ullswater

The weather around the Ullswater valley yesterday was simply beautiful! For me there isn’t a better place in the world to spend a day walking than around Ullswater. I was leading a group of visitors to the National Park on a Lake District National Park guided walk high above Glencoyne. In the evening two of us led a commentary cruise on Ullswater with Ullswater Steamers and the Lake District National Park. As you can see, the weather was stunning and the scenery …..well very special! Check out the free guided walks at the Lake District National Park website and the Ullswater Steamer site too for some unforgettable days out around Ullswater.

Looking towards Patterdale from “High above Glencoyne” – a Lake District National Park free guided walk.

All aboard for an evening cruise with Ullswater Steamers and the Lake District National Park

View over Sandwick Bay into Boredale from ‘Lady of the Lake’ – Ullswater Steamers evening cruise with a Ranger

‘Reflections’ – view from ‘Lady of the Lake’ back into Howtown and Hallin Fell – Ullswater Steamers and The Lake District National Park Guided Walks

by Malcolm Wade, Mountain Leader Lakeland Mountain Experience

for guided walks in Cumbria’s Lakeland, wild camping and navigational training

Training day on Windermere tomorrow

Tomorrow I will be training on the Lake District National Park Ranger boat on Windermere so that I am ready for the relaunch of the Ullswater Ranger Patrol boat for the new season. It won’t be walking the fells but hopefully with half term holidays on us, we will feel the emergence of another new season. With the economy the way it is, I would anticipate that ‘staycations’ will feature large again this year. I may be biased but I think the Lake District has so much to offer everyone whether for a family, couple, or singles holiday. Where can you get the wide variety of landscape, scenery, activity, and places to stay, eat and relax all within easy reach. No planes, air traffic disputes, strike action, or ‘average’ customer service.

I don’t have a favourite season in Lakeland – each offers a different perspective, varied activities to enjoy and glorious weather – I love it all – but Spring heralds the dawn of a new season of growth and promises.

Let’s hope the season gets off to a great start, and that all of our friends in the tourism sector enjoy a successful half term.