Scramble Meet Report

[Judith Brown]

Predicted freezing levels forced a rethink of location from the advertised Pillar Rock. Instead, we headed to Coniston where the meet leader almost lost a battle of wills with, firstly, the car park ticket machine; secondly, her debit card, which deliberately hid itself; and, thirdly, the turnstile in the ladies loo. By the time all that shenanigans was over, the whole team had arrived and it was a relief to set off for a nice, relaxing scramble.

A very short approach brought us to Long Crag for undemanding but pleasant scrambling on excellent rock. From the top of the route we contoured round to join the track through the mines and up into the somewhat boggy fastness of the Red Dell and up to our next objective Lower Hows. This proved to be rather more technical than Long Crag, but with variations possible and the rock fantastically grippy throughout, everyone ascended safely. From there, new member, Tom, took a direct line up the hill to bag the summit of Wetherlam whilst the main party did some more contouring to the col, where Tom joined us again.

Then it was along the track to Swirl How enjoying brilliant views into the Bowfell and Scaffell Pike Massifs and the coast, with Blackpool Tower just about discernible. Andy, Lorraine and David left us at Levers Hawse to make a direct return, with the rest of us continuing on to Coniston Old Man and the long descent via the Miners’ Track to Coppermines Valley. Knees were refreshed at the Crown Pub.

The team was Anne B, Lorraine, David W, Mick, Ed, Tom, Andy, Ros, Geraint and Judith.

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