The Dodds but not Helvellyn.

Out for the second day in a row so I know this is going to be a tough day. Especially as I am out with DW, CB and KA. The plan I think was to do Helvellyn and the Dodds. However, shortly after we leave Threlkeld it becomes all too apparent that I won't be able to keep up. I urge the others to go on at their own pace and pick me up on the way back but they keep waiting for me. At Great Dodd it starts to get proper wintery and at Stybarrow Dodd spikes are needed, we decide to turn back at Raise. I think a good decision in the conditions and at my speed. KA was OK with this and I hope the others didn't mind the shortened day too much. It did have the advantage of allowing us time for a pint (or two) in the Eagle and Child. Plus chips. By the fire!

Legs ache all over today but I look upon it as one step on a return to fitness and take it as a positive.

I might even start 2014 with a race as Nine Standards is in the club championship.

Russell

Loughrigg Silver Howe Loughrigg

Saturday 28th December 2013

Having spent most of the festive period suffering from a cold it is time to get out even though probably not fully recovered. The weather has eased a bit but I do not want to go too high so I decide on Loughrigg Silver How. My route out is a little convoluted but return is more or less via the race route.

Cool and breezy on the tops so I find shelter to enjoy the views.

However perhaps due to my lack of recent training or illness the pace is noticeably slow. To achieve anything in 2014 I will have to get down to some serious work.

Russell

Longsleddale round

Saturday 30th November 2013

I have arranged with DW to go out today and the route choice is up to me. I decide that Longsleddale would be good as we can take in some summits that I have never visited before. CB and CS come along too and we set off from Sadgill on a perfect bright clear morning.

I had no idea how to get onto the fell from the parking area but we spot some walkers and a gate nearby so are striaight into I the first climb of the day. Hard work for me as I usually need half an hour to get going these days. The others take it in their stride, chatting as we ascend. The path takes us nicely to the first top at Grey Crag.

With the way to Tarn Crag unclear and me in the lead thing do not go well. The trod I pick runs out and we are crossing boggy ground. Still we are there soon enough admiring the view and taking a few photos. Next it is on to Branstree via a loveley grassy descent and climb then descend to the top of Gatescarth Pass.

Climbing again to Harter Fell a deer crosses our path some distance ahead. Haven't seen them in the valley for a while. Then we follow the main path over Kentmere Pike and on to Shipman Knotts. We try to unlock the secrets of the descent back to the main Sadgill track and then drop down to the cars.

A good outing and an area I would be keen to visit again.

Russell