Lake District

[Trav Le Bleu]

Thought I'd resurrect this topic. Despite having been to the Lakes numerous times and climbed Blencathra, Helvellyn, Skiddaw and others, I am planning to do Scafell Pike for the first time next month. Anyone done it? If so, which route? Kind of leaning towards the ascent from either Eskdale or Borrowdale. Trouble is, we are going on a Saturday in June and it's likely to be rammed which is a shame. Any idea which route might be quieter (away from "3 peakers")?

 

Only been up from Seathwaite and Wasdale. Wasdale is the piece-o-cake tourist route, Seathwaite is the "where's the path gone?" route. I understand the route from Dungeon Ghyll is nice and there is a bunkhouse there that is very economic and decent eating and beers.

[Bellend Sebastian]

I got right primal fear on Striding Edge. I know that kids and old people do it, but the way it falls away on both sides made me feel all funny I can tell you

[Finnegan]

I got right primal fear on Striding Edge. I know that kids and old people do it, but the way it falls away on both sides made me feel all funny I can tell you

 

 

 

HARDCORE.

[Fez of Mahrez]

 

 

HARDCORE.

Well if Boris Johnson can do it...

[Finnegan]

Well if Boris Johnson can do it...

 

!

 

 

I shouldn't actually take the piss, you know in a couple of weeks you're going to be reading about a Leicestershire man that's fallen from a mountain in the Lake District after scrambling recklessly.

 

Foxy Peter will have no sympathy.

Edited 21 May 2014 by Finnegan

[Fez of Mahrez]

!

 

 

I shouldn't actually take the piss, you know in a couple of weeks you're going to be reading about a Leicestershire man that's fallen from a mountain in the Lake District after scrambling recklessly.

 

Foxy Peter will have no sympathy.

Always be full of reck when you're scrambling.

I'm doing the Col de Portet Aspet in July for the TdF (walking not cycling!), about the same height as Snowdon. Currently trying to find out what the best thing will be to wear, I have literally no idea what it will be like!

[FoxesAreBlue]

Having recently found myself single again - and all my mates shacked up with women I wouldn't mind a quiet few days in the lakes but I've never been before.

Can anybody point me in the direction of a decent website for me to do some research and that explains where all of the decent walks/mountains are (ie that "Striding Edge thing looks brilliant) andc an you recommend any cheap b&bs close to a lake/mountain/hill?

[stripeyfox]

Having recently found myself single again - and all my mates shacked up with women I wouldn't mind a quiet few days in the lakes but I've never been before.

Can anybody point me in the direction of a decent website for me to do some research and that explains where all of the decent walks/mountains are (ie that "Striding Edge thing looks brilliant) andc an you recommend any cheap b&bs close to a lake/mountain/hill?

There are so many great walks and places to stay, you're never going to nail it first time. Just buy the OS maps and book a room in a village pub (Coniston, Ambleside, Pooley Bridge) and get out there. A decent pair of walking boots and some wet weather gear are essential. Avoid Windermere, as it is just a tourist trap.

[Finnegan]

Having recently found myself single again - and all my mates shacked up with women I wouldn't mind a quiet few days in the lakes but I've never been before.

Can anybody point me in the direction of a decent website for me to do some research and that explains where all of the decent walks/mountains are (ie that "Striding Edge thing looks brilliant) andc an you recommend any cheap b&bs close to a lake/mountain/hill?

A fit young man like you, get yourself fell running! Get yourself a pair or inov8 off road shoes and get yourself up Skidaw in record time. You'll have a blast!

Gear wise, don't go crazy. You can probably get most of what you need from Sports Direct. Karimor do most of the water proofs, undershirts, fleece tops et all that you could ever need.

If you're going alone, take an OS map, a compass and a whistle. This isn't paranoid advice, all you need is a bit of low cloud at altitude, to get turned around for a few minutes and you're lost. Most of the easier routes are going to be very well marked trails and you're going to be fine but be prepared anyway. It'll cost you less than a tenner to pick all that up and stuff it in your bag.

In regards footwear, this is becoming a more modern and open minded debate. It used to be that if you weren't in big leather (or Gortex at least) stomping walking boots you'd be scorned by everyone on the hill. These days, as footwear improves, people are becoming more open to wearing lighter, especially in the drier months.

I've been up Skidaw and some of the easier walks in the Lakes in a pair of Adidas running shoes, in good weather. I wasn't going off trail, I'm a young guy with fairly sturdy ankles, it was dry and I was probably a lot comfier and blister free than the old boys in their boots.

Plan a few walks and then plan your footwear. Unless you're going October - March I personally wouldn't take heavy boots to many places in the lakes. A pair of Merrell hybrid shoes, approach shoes or trail running shoes will be fine if you want to combine rugged soles with lightness.

Or just go in your Nikes and risk a few pretentious scoffs!

[FoxesAreBlue]

Thank you both for two greats posts - I've actually switched to full version to +1 you both!

I was looking last night at a few tourist websites and discovered the tallest mountain in England is around there (Scafell I think?). That's something I'd like to do too for sure!

[Finnegan]

Be careful because Scafell is actually not the highest, what you want is Scafell Pike. They're two different peaks. Although you'll probably have better views from Scafell / Sca Fell.

The Pike is probably the toughest of the three peaks challenge but the most common ascents are still fairly straightforward walks.

The above mentioned Striding Edge is a popular grade 1 (the easiest) scramble up to Helvellyn which is about the second or third highest peak in England. If you fancy getting your hands on and mixing up walking with a bit of more rugged terrain then check that out. Plus, there's some stunning views down over Red Tarn.

[stripeyfox]

I'd second what Finnegan said about boots, and much as Mike Ashley is a complete cock, I'd also recommend Sports Direct for most of your gear. I have a pair of Berghaus boots which cost me £100 but which are really heavy after a few miles. In contrast, I got some walking shoes for Christmas which are brilliant and they are my first choice now. Decent socks are a must though!

Get a map and compass and know how to use it! As he said, many of the paths are pretty well marked and trodden but I have gone off track a couple of times, fortunately in good weather so we were able to correct ourselves, but if it had been in mist or low cloud then it could have been dodgy.

There are loads of good gear shops up there as well, even in the small villages like Glenridding and Patterdale (a good base for Helvelllyn and Striding Edge).

Also, I've been up there on my own a few times (is a great place to get away from stress) and you always meet friendly folk, both on the walks and whilst enjoying a pint in the pubs afterwards.

Just go for it, book a place to stay and you'll find once you get there it is easy to find places to walk - all the shops sell local walk guides for a couple of quid. I tend to use online walks as a starting point and then check the OS map to vary them a bit (we quite like starting and ending a climb with a riverside or woodland walk)

I'm not an expert, but happy to help with any questions you may have.

[Rincewind]

My brother does a lot of walking up there. One of the reasons he moved there. The hotel he used to have (The Castle Inn) was a good location and he hired the walking gear out. He would know all the do's and don'ts about hill walking. Like others have said if you are serious then get decent boots and walking gear.

[FoxesAreBlue]

Thanks again gents.

I had better bone up on how to use a compass.

[Fez of Mahrez]

Well, there's a new signature for me.

[Finnegan]

Well, there's a new signature for me.

 

[Finnegan]

Sat with my feet up back in Keswick after 10 miles that started with Helvellyn via Striding Edge. The original plan was to come back via Swirral but we opted for the longer, scenic ridge route instead.

Off for an enormous beef pie in the pub now to recover!

Scafell Pike tomorrow!

[stripeyfox]

Sat with my feet up back in Keswick after 10 miles that started with Helvellyn via Striding Edge. The original plan was to come back via Swirral but we opted for the longer, scenic ridge route instead.

Off for an enormous beef pie in the pub now to recover!

Scafell Pike tomorrow!

Enjoy your evening. Where are you staying?

[Webbo]

Sat with my feet up back in Keswick after 10 miles that started with Helvellyn via Striding Edge. The original plan was to come back via Swirral but we opted for the longer, scenic ridge route instead.

Off for an enormous beef pie in the pub now to recover!

Scafell Pike tomorrow!

I envy your sturdy ankles.

[Finnegan]

A rented house in Keswick near the park off Station Road. Literally three or four minute walk from the middle of town.

I envy your sturdy ankles.

They feel glorious, as do my feet. I love inov8s.

[stripeyfox]

Just got back from a scorching weekend in Langdale. Attempted, and completed Jack's Rake on Pavey Ark, as well as the Langdale Pikes. Beautiful sunny skies and lots of great waking rewarded with a few pints and pie and chips in Wainwright's Bar.

Aching all over tonight but well worth it, and already planning the next one (in September)

[DANGEROUS TIGER]

Sat with my feet up back in Keswick after 10 miles that started with Helvellyn via Striding Edge. The original plan was to come back via Swirral but we opted for the longer, scenic ridge route instead.

Off for an enormous beef pie in the pub now to recover!

Scafell Pike tomorrow!

Know Keswick very well, and even had my honeymoon there. Fantastic area.

 

Followed in the footsteps of good old A.W. (Alfred Wainright) Too old to be bold now, though.

[Rincewind]

I'm going up there in the morning. Threw a few things in a rucksack so nearly ready.

[Rob1742]

Went to the lakes a month or so back and couldn't believe how great it was.

Stopped at Linthwaite Hall Hotel, which is owned by a bloke who is a Leicester fan. Comes from Leicester apparently.

Villa Positano is a lovely Italian in Bowness.

Can't really comment on walks, I pottered around in the car.

Really enjoyed going out in the little motor boats that do about 6mph.

Don't know what I have been missing, absolutely amazing place for a holiday.

[stripeyfox]

Went to the lakes a month or so back and couldn't believe how great it was.

Stopped at Linthwaite Hall Hotel, which is owned by a bloke who is a Leicester fan. Comes from Leicester apparently.

Villa Positano is a lovely Italian in Bowness.

Can't really comment on walks, I pottered around in the car.

Really enjoyed going out in the little motor boats that do about 6mph.

Don't know what I have been missing, absolutely amazing place for a holiday.

Hope you get a chance to go back soon. Bowness is really just the tip of the iceberg. Strike out further and higher in to the LD to really appreciate what it has to offer.