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Fell running over Coniston Old Man

20/9/2019

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#guided-trail-running-lake-district
Looking down to Low Water and Levers Water from the summit of Coniston Old Man
Recently we were contacted to help out with some trail running and race preparation. Naturally we were glad to be of help and hatched a plan. The route in question is the 'Lakeland Trails' Coniston 15km Trail Race. Not a route we already have experience of, but we do know the terrain well.
After telephone discussions and when meeting Lynne, it was established that some tougher and more technical terrain could be of help, so a route was quickly put together and plenty of flexibility built in for any last minute changes required.

We set off from Coniston and aimed for Levers Water, much of this section is on wide tracks and makes for easy, if sometimes steep running. The first more technical section came as we ascended by the big waterfalls of Levers Water Beck. It was already becoming clear that Lynne would take the rocky sections in her stride. From Levers Water we ran through Boulder Valley, another tricky section, to pass by The Pudding Stone. From here we had a birds eve view of the Trail race route.
​From here we continued up to Low Water before taking a break. The water in the tarn was wonderfully refreshing and the views sublime. From here we had a good view of the route up to the summit of Coniston Old Man. Lynne was keen to go for it and include the top, it only took us about 18 minutes to be standing up there and enjoying even better and more far reaching views. It was plenty busy with walkers and a couple of other runners.

We began our descent with nice and gentle terrain and did some off-path too to get on the soft grass. This took us easily down to Goat's House. Back on the technical and rocky slopes to gain the shores of Goat's Water, all the while admiring the impressive Dow Crag to our right. Next up is Walna Scar and a pleasant and mostly easy downhill back into Coniston.

With wide variety of terrain types covered and strategies considered for each type, Lynne was feeling pretty relaxed and prepared for her forthcoming race. We wish Lynne and all the competitors the best of luck.

It's been fantastic to be out guiding on fell runs, something Kate has done many times, but still a new area for me. I'm hoping for more of it.

Thanks for reading

Mark

#guided-running-lake-district
Making our way to Levers Water
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Autumnal climbing days - Lake District

19/9/2019

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#rock-climbing-ambleside
Gimmer crag - high above Langdale
This week has seen a dramatic turn in the weather, and so much for the better! Cool autumnal nights, clear mornings, and warm, sunny days. The mountains and valleys are changing colour, the autumn coat is going on, meaning much orange on the fells. September really is a fantastic time to be in the Lake District.

So what have we been up to? Lots of getting out in the mountains and by that I mean lots of rock climbing.

Back on Monday this was with Joe who was looking to get some mileage in on the rock and simply have a good day of climbing. Wallowbarrow certainly delivered that, with 3 routes and 8 pitches up to VS 4c. For most of the time we had the crag to ourselves, we just noticed another pair of climbers enjoying the classic Severe of 'Thomas'. With wonderful views,  a serene ambience, easy access, and great rock, there's always good reason to pay this place a visit.

On Tuesday I was meeting my good friend Tony, who is always rather partial to an adventure of some kind! This time it would be involving the magnificent Gimmer crag, perched high above the Langdale valley. Our sights were set on a tougher than normal route (for me anyway) going by the name of 'Whit's End Direct' at E1+
Tony took the lead for this long single pitcher. Taking care to place plenty of protection and make use of all the small ledges for a little rest and shake out. He cruised the route in style, keeping cool and going forth with confidence and composure. I'd become pretty cold whilst belaying in the chilly wind, but still, the rock was warm so hands didn't suffer too much and allowed me to thoroughly enjoy the climbing and the sublime situation.
Time had run away with us, so with a couple of abseils we made it back to the base of the crag and bid our farewells for this time.   

Today was to be another climbing day, Joe was back for more. This time we headed for Castle Rock near the Thirlmere reservoir. A footpath diversion led us to an interesting approach walk via the North crag. Here we picked a way through the jumble of massive boulders that had fallen last year, these were quite a sight!

As promised, the South crag was warm and sunny, just how we like it. We climbed 5 routes from VD - HS and included some very long pitches, so got plenty of mileage in. Due to the descent route being so short and friendly we had rattled through all these and enjoyed a few rest stops all by mid-afternoon. Joe was pleasantly tired, as was I, so we called it a day. We had been the only people at the crag, the only others nearby were a couple of forestry workers cutting back the Larch woodland on the hillside below.

3 top class climbing days in the same week is pretty good going, it's been a lot of fun. Thanks to Joe and Tony :-)

Mark

#guided-rock-climbing-lake-district
Enjoying the super grippy rock at Castle Rock
#rock-climbing-lake-district
Cruising to the overlap on 'Whit's End Direct' at Gimmer
#how-to-set-up-a-trad-climbing-anchor
Anchor set up at the top of Castle Rock. 3 pieces of protection all equalised using a Dyneema sling so that 'guide mode' can be deployed with the belay device
#outdoor-activities-lake-district
End of a great day of climbing at Wallowbarrow crag in the Duddon valley
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Lake District activities for families

3/9/2019

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#activity-days-near-ambleside
Enjoying the brilliant scrambling on Raven crag
This summer has been our busiest to date, with pretty much non-stop activities happening daily. So a BIG thanks to all who joined in the fun, we really appreciate you choosing us for your Lake District adventures and activities.

September too is looking nicely busy, but with a more generous helping of downtime, so time to do some of our own exploring in preparation for yet more fun times next summer and beyond. This exploring has already began and I'll be writing about one such place in the next blog post.
It is also time for us to start preliminary planning for our winter activities in the Costa Blanca. It's only a month until I head out to sunnier climes, so time to be thinking about any shiny new equipment that may be needed for the coming season.

This post shows some a few recent days out amongst the beautiful Lakeland Fells with many lovely people. Firstly, an afternoon spent Scrambling on Raven crag in Yewdale. We had a warm, sunny day, dry rock that is super grippy, and our reward for reaching the top was loads of Wild Bilberry and stunning views over to Coniston Water. We were joined by 2 families, including 4 youngsters. This proved to be an ideal afternoon activity with just the right amount of challenge to ensure the youngsters were all stretched.
You will find some organisations impose a lower age limit on various activities and we can understand why this is so. However, we only have advisory age limits as each individual is different, with some adventurous 5 year olds being very able and more willing than much older kids. As an example, we are taking a 4 year old rock climbing next month! Along with his parents of course!
We have taken quite a few youngsters through the upper section of the Church Beck canyon in Coniston and to the remote Esk Gorge. All have absolutely loved the experience. But these are not first timers, they have been on similar activities previously, so we and they know capabilities.

The photo below showing us dry scrambling alongside Stickle Ghyll was the start of a mountaineering style day in Langdale. This family had contacted us looking for a scrambling day based on Langdale and at some point Jack's Rake was mentioned. We put together a flexible plan of scrambles that would take us to the summit of either Pavey Ark or Harrison Stickle. As with many of our days out, flexibility is key to success. We began scrambling within a couple of minutes of the National Trust car park at Stickle Barn and followed the Stickle Ghyll water course all the way to Tarn Crag. And yes we stayed dry all the way :-)
We then meandered our way through the rocky spurs and buttresses of Tarn crag, deploying the rope for some short, steep sections. Whilst walking around Stickle tarn it became clear that some weren't keen to go up Jack's Rake, whilst others had unfinished business there. So the team split into the 'picnic by the tarn' and 'Jack's Rake' teams. Naturally I was in the Jack's Rake team with Tim, who was quite apprehensive about the scramble ahead.

We took our time and discussed good scrambling technique and movement, but also stopping to enjoy the views and increased exposure. I could sense the doubt still present in Tim, but this was subsiding as we gained more and more height. His feeling of elation and achievement when I announced we had reached the top was quite a WOW moment. It's times like this that makes our job so worthwhile. The satisfaction and happiness on peoples faces is priceless. A hop, skip, and jump (no, not literally) and we were back at the tarn and fast catching up with Carman and Edith. Another hugely successful day out in the mountains, oh yes.

Gorge scrambling has been a big hit this summer, and rightly so as it's tons of fun and still tons of fun in the rain. The final photo in this post shows perfectly how to jump into that pool in Stickle Ghyll. Some of the gorges here can be equally suitable for 5 - 50 year olds and complete novices or seasoned mountaineers. They really are that varied.

This goes back to being flexible. And as we know hundreds of routes throughout the Lake District, you can rest assured that we can be flexible not only in our approach but also venue choice and how we help you through the activity.

Thanks again all, we hope to see you again soon.

Mark & Kate  


#family-activities-lake-district
Walking through the wild heathers whilst picking Bilberry
#mountaineering-days-lake-district
The aim this time is to stay dry :-)
#wet-weather-activities-ambleside
A somewhat wetter ascent of Stickle Ghyll
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