AGM MYSTERY WALK - 23.10.16


OVER WATER AND BINSEY

For the second year in a row this fixture enjoyed good weather with long views and occasional sunshine. When out of the fresh north-easterly wind it was almost balmy though the latter adjective was often applied to the leader as he headed from the start at Fellside, gateway to the Northern Fells, unerringly towards Roughton Gill.

Seven members plus visitor, Wendy, enjoyed the initial relaxing two mile valley walk before the fun started. Once up the unpleasant loose scree a short but enjoyable scramble up Roughton Gill lead to easier ground and a sheltered coffee stop before the plod up to Knott, the day’s high point at 710 metres.

Now on paths, albeit rather boggy, the tops of Great Sca Fell and Meal Fell were soon surmounted en route to an earlier and again sheltered luncheon in the lovely pass of Trusmadoor. Great Cockup was the next objective followed by a foray to visit Little Cockup, a ‘Birkett’ in great demand by some.

This magnificent peak was shared with a docile herd of Belted Galloways who declined to follow us further into the depths of the Uldale Fells. Longlands Fell reared ahead though a determined assault in varying directions saw the party reunited for a final stop in the lee of the summit. Again refreshed we contoured round to Brae Fell, our final summit and sixth Wainwright of the day.

An easy descent lead to the last obstacle in the form of unbridged Dale Beck. Undeterred this was soon overcome with differing degrees of immersion and agility before a final amble back to the start. It was agreed that some 12 miles and 3500+ feet of climbing in something over six hours was an ideal precursor to the AGM and subsequent celebrations.