As last year this was billed as a mystery tour of the North Western fells probably because leader, Tony, had no fixed route plan – we’ll just see what the day brings! As it happened the day brought 8 members and 4 guests on a day of heavy but infrequent showers with an uncomfortably strong northwesterly. High level was still best as water abounded everywhere in the valleys; there being little dry land to see between Bassenthwaite and Derwent Water. This was the day after the deluge that put paid to the OMM in Borrowdale triggering an amazing media feeding frenzy!

Grisedale Pike was the first objective and after the usual grind to its highest point the lively wind made short work at least one rucksack cover – last seen sailin’ Londonwards! The caravan then wound on to Hopegill Head where arch bagger, Tony, announced it as his 5,000th Wainwright. Following a brief rest the wind strengthened as we staggered down to Coledale Hause before pushing onto Grasmoor’s frigid plateau. Space in the summit shelter was at a premium so lunch became a brief truncated affair.

With the wind now helping, the col before Eel Crag was soon reached for some to peel off into the valley to grapple with the inflated Coledale Beck crossings while the main party continued along the ridge past Sail. In the finest tradition of these mystery walks, a further split saw some heading home via Outerside and Stile End while the tigers continued over Causey Pike then Barrow in a final vigorous shower before returning to the comforts of the Coledale Inn in good time for the delights of the AGM.