PLUS OR MINUS 20 - 22.3.09


A LITTLE OF WHAT YOU FANCY..... photo Dennis Walker BARRIE'S WAINWRIGHT COMPLETION ON LINGMOOR FELL

Unfortunately Rosemary was unable to lead as planned but Derek proved an able understudy once all eleven starters eventually passed the initial test of finding the start – alright only Tony and Barrie failed! The first objective on a cloudy and windy morning was Loughrigg with its fine retrospective views over Grasmere. Both members and (our five) visitors duly admired the vista before traversing the fell and descending to its eponymous tarn en route to a brief coffee stop at Elterwater.

Excitement mounted during the ascent of Lingmoor as all gradually became aware that this was to be Barrie’slast Wainwright. Having duly completed his Round (amid wild adulation?) celebrations were delayed until we reached Blea Tarn for lunch where conditions were considerably warmer and calmer. After lunch a welcome bottle of champagne was surprisingly unearthed from his rucksack and his exploits duly toasted with enthusiasm.

For some reason the homeward miles along Great Langdale flowed easily with improving views of the Pikes and even a little sunshine. The last pull out of Langdale over to Grasmere was undertaken without too many grumbles and the White Moss finish was soon regained after a pleasant trundle along the lakeside.

The eventual result was minus 20 but only by the odd digit. Celebrations continued both at the nearby ice cream van and the Kings Head at Thirlspot before all dispersed suitably refreshed.

1. THE GANG ON LOUGHRIGG WITH GRASMERE AS BACKDROP 2. BARRIE & JIM ON LINGMOOR 3. A WINDSWEPT BLEA TARN 4. CONGRATULATIONS 5. SIDE PIKE 6. DESCENDING INTO LANGDALE