Ambleside Weekend Jan/Feb 2009


Whose Knees are these?
January 30th saw 16 hardy souls arriving at The Old Vicarage Ambleside for the weekend. The evening was spent eating, drinking and generally socialising. Saturday dawned and 12 people set off to conquer Red Screes and beyond. It was not to be; although the summit was reached, treacherous icy conditions made the descent dangerous and the group had to abort the walk and return the way they came. There were casualties even so; Viv wrenched a finger, Tony an ankle and there were untold bruises to knees (see the above photo) and er, nether regions. Bernard gained new skills in pushing ladies across sheet ice, he's only sorry that he couldn't appreciate this properly at the time! The evening was spent recounting the great adventure. Just pity the poor people who had booked a romantic table for two and were treated to a rendering of the Hallelujah chorus East Lancs style. No wonder the restaurant had put us in the basement!

Sunday was a lower level walk over to Troutbeck via Wansfell and back via Jenkyns Crag. An early finish meant some ventured on to Rydal and Grasmere. The evening meal saw a short walk to the lakeside and real ale at the Waterhead pub. Monday's snow left most anxious to return home whilst they still could. A good time was had by all, the pairing of the weekend was a certain Lancashire fireman with a certain Yorkshire goose farmer, many were the ribald comments from these two. Thanks to Viv for organising it and to John for planning the walks.
Rothay Waterfall Setting off for Troutbeck Snow over Ambleside Sunny morning from Wansfell Top of Wansfell Which Way?