TWA

Saturday 27th April

I have been thinking about this race route for some time. Combined with the fact I have never been to Grasmoor and need some long training runs it seemed the perfect choice. Earlier plans had been thwarted by the weather and I wanted to do it in good conditions. I couldn't do the race because I had a meeting in Blackpool with Jim Kerr so this Saturday provided the perfect opportunity. It meant I would be on my own but sometimes that can be a good thing. Friends were having successful runs in The 3 Peaks and Highlander MM.

The forecast was good, breezy and the odd shower early in the day then sunny with light winds later, this worked out perfectly. Looking at the results from the race the week before I planned to be out for 5 hours. So leaving Stair at 9.07am I head up Causey Pike. At Sleet Hause I reach the (fresh) snow line and have to put on cag, hat and gloves. Soon over the summit the route to Outerside is straight forward. Although I can see the next objective at Coledale Hause the best route is unclear. I go with what looks right. Employing proven MM tactics of the more direct the better. Avoiding unnecessary climbing. There is enough of that without adding more.

Not sure how well that worked out, I would like to know the race line. As I ascend I see the cloud lifting and at the Hause all the summits are clear. My earlier thoughts were that if the summit of Grasmoor was in clag I would cut the corner direct to Whiteless Pike. No question now so I climb enthusiastically for the summit. What a great place to be on such a perfect day (alone). At least it felt that way after such a long winter. The views are a privilege but the cold northerly breeze prevents loitering.

Descending now and onto the Buttermere Sailbeck race route to Whiteless Pike. Conditions are much more benign. A brief photo stop and into the unforgiving descent to Sail Beck. Here I remove the cag etc. Hat and gloves would be on and off later in the day. Once again it is pick a line time to Newlands Hause. I am happy with the line. Climbing again by Moss Force and on to High Snockrigg, another new summit. Across Buttermere Moss, boggy, with Robinson looming. It had been my plan to look at my watch here to make a decision but it was such a good day I decided to continue and finish the route whatever. Almost all the snow from earlier in the day had gone and all the high summits are clear. I am forced to slow and take in this incomparable vista.

Now it was a case of following the AW route. Easier said than done but it goes OK. The main thing being the descent from Dale Head. I am happy with the line I chose. A mixture of pleasure and pain at the end. The river provides welcome welcome cooling relief. A fraction over my allotted time but the day demanded a slower complementary pace.

Photos are:
Looking back from Coledale
Robinson from Whitless Pike
Grasmoor from Whitless Pike
View from Dale Head to Gable.

Russell