TWO PASSES AND THE REST - 16.3.08


01. READY FOR OFF

The Lake District National Park Helvellyn Fell Top report on Saturday evening forecasted freezing of old snow and recommended ice axe and crampons, so leader Rosemary abandoned ideas of traversing the Helvellyn ridge. To make up for any disappointment the "low level" Passes walk was longer and weather for the most part was clear with only two showers (one rain, one snow) and icy winds just at the passes. The first climb from Patterdale to Grisedale Tarn went quickly to be followed by a descent down Raise Beck to Dunmail Raise. Wonderful views are now available through the forest alongside Thirlmere as so many trees have been felled. Continuing to the bottom of Sticks Pass gave more spectacular views towards Skiddaw & Blencathra. After lunch by the busy waterfall of Fisher Gill, a tougher climb brought us to Sticks Pass before the long downhill to Greenside Mine. Then it was over to Lanty’s Tarn and back to Patterdale. As well as several Group members, we welcomed ten visitors from all across the North - both regulars and first timers - a grand total of eighteen walking for the second month running.

02. HEADING UP GRISEDALE. 03. IN GRISEDALE VALLEY NEAR RUTHWAITE LODGE 04. DOWN RAISE BECK. 05. ABOVE THIRLMERE. 07. HIGH RIGG & SKIDDAW FROM STICKS PASS PATH 08. GREENSIDE MINE 09. LANTY'S TARN