Fairfield

Saturday 16th February 2013

Not a great forecast but need to get out today as am on family duties tomorrow. I decide on Fairfield from Grasmere via Stone Arthur and see how it goes from there. Quite wet underfoot to start with but then things became gradually more frozen. The summit of Great Rigg Man was bleak. From there the snow became more crusty and icy. The breeze picked on Fairfield, not a place to hang around today.

The descent to Grisdale Hause is not great in summer. Today decidedly unpleasant. As height was lost the snow became softer and rocks more prominent. Care needed. Once down it was a relief to be out of the wind. Most of the ascent of Seat Sandal was in deep snow and very hard going. I can only gain comfort from the fact that this must be good training.

From the summit I take a bearing and head off into the whiteness. However I find myself heading too far right. The snow drifts have a crusty surface as my shins can testify. After correcting my line I am soon at the pointy rock spike. Although below the snow now the steep and rocky ground is tricky. I am careful.

At Dunmail I consider Steel Fell, wanting to recce an alternative line. Conditions are against me on this so part way up I contour to the ridge and head back down to Town Head. Only 2 and a half hours but very hard work at times.

Always try to take a positive.

Russell