Jan 13/14 - There has been a continuing trend to the training for this BG attempt - worsening weather. Yet again Mother Nature saw fit to demonstrate her powers, prompting the mountain weather forecast to utter the unforgettable words, "mobility may be impossible in places."
Undettered, having been mentally prepared for shocking weather in any event, Nick, Casper and I holed up on Friday night in our usual stop-off at Burton services and on Saturday morning drove to Wasdale Head.
Light rain laced the route straight up the side of Yewbarrow from the car park and we made good time to the top. Sadly we forgot to bring the BG directions but this only means that next time we'll be quicker (bear right at the foot of the screes). It certainly explains why I suspected that the BG route didn't actually go down Stirrup Crags (bear left halfway along the ridge to cut down and round the cliffs), but for a day out they proved an entertaining descent in what had now become a steady downpour, and spiced up our morning.
The summit of Red Pike was gained shortly thereafter in quickening winds and by an unconventional route (again giving cause for celebration that next time out will be significantly quicker). From thereon the going got tough. The winds quickened further, peppered with violent gusts, and the clouds descended.
We found the summit wall of Scoat fell remarkably easily but opted not to venture out onto the summit of Steeple as balance of any kind was an issue. Casper and I, lacking the ballast of Williams, were in particular need of steadying one another and loving the fact that we had yet to reach "windy gap".
By the summit of Pillar, mobility really was almost impossible and the light was starting to go. All three of us had been knocked clean off our feet on at least one occasion and an accident would have meant an exceptionally miserable bivvy for the remainder. As darkness fell we bailed down into Ennerdale and some hours later set up camp just shy of the Black Sail YHA.
Sunday brought fairer weather, higher cloud and the knowledge that Casper's tent had not been blown away in the night. He had secretly been listening to Five Live though. Jealously at this concealment momentarily threatened moral until it was confirmed that the writer's fantasy football team had done rather well.
The BG trail was rejoined at the saddle between Pillar and Kirk Fell and the team were greeted with a fantastic view back along the route to Stirrup Crags and Yewbarrow. Mentally noting to keep right on the initial, rocky ascent of Kirk Fell, and then to follow the fence posts, the summit reintroduced us to the howling winds as well as a sprinkling of snow.
Heading right of the next tarn saw us make good time to the saddle before Great Gable. Casper, faced with the seven hour drive home, made the sensible decision to head down early while Nick and I braved the winds once more to go up and over Great Gable.
Another weekend of horrific weather had been survived without mishap but the team are still without a completed stage under their belts. Fairer weather should rectify the situation but whether all 5 stages can be stitched into one remains to be seen.
Bring. It. On.
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