We've been helping our friends at Highpoint Mountain Guides - guiding Geology students up Jacks Rake on Pavey Ark. This classic scramble is always memorable and can be enjoyed during most weather conditions.
We've been around the Elterwater circuit a couple of times too. Organising guided walks for Canadian couple Monty & Frith, and a couple from Devizes Gemma & Jonathan. This walk never fails to impress, with so many highlights along the way and something of interest around every corner.
The water in the gorges is still rather pleasant. We've been in the Langdale gorges a few times recently, and water levels have been low - moderate meaning all the big obstacles have been successfully tackled by our parties.
Not satisfied with only day work, I was also involved in a 3 Peaks challenge event (working on behalf of Advocate Events) on Scafell Pike. The moon was so bright that head torches were not needed even though we walked between the hours of 11pm and 4am!! I think this is a first for us.
Towards the end of the week it was back out on the rock for an indoor to outdoor climbing transition course with Tom, Alice, and Jack from London. We did this at Church crag in St. John's in the Vale. Catching all the morning sun, this proved a perfect venue for our early session. Views to Blencathra are unsurpassed too.
Then it was onto a Navigation skills course for Renata & Anna. We based this above the village of Elterwater and covered skills ranging from basic map reading, to walking on bearings, pacing, back bearings, and re-location techniques. A full day with loads covered.
Despite being really busy, there's still been time to get out climbing with friends, with visits to Sergeant Crag Slabs in Langstrath, Raven crag in Langdale, and Black crag in Borrowdale for an ascent of the classic Troutdale Pinnacle.
Great times, thanks everyone.
Mark
Here's a few photos of the days
