Today I’m playing the role of Corporal Jones from Dad’s Army.
Jarv and I have parked up at Dunmail Raise. The plan is for both of us to run north on Leg 2, over Helvellyn, and down to Threlkeld. There, we are to pick up Doc Martin (who will have completed Leg 1 – Skiddaw, Great Calva and Blencathra), and turning south, we will then retrace our route back over Helvellyn to the car. Not for us, the activity of hill reps – this is mountain reps!
The Corporal Jones bit? Well, that’s me taking a look at the lashing rain, strong winds and low cloud, and muttering “they don’t like it up there.” The urge to run around in circles shouting ‘don’t panic!’ I decide to keep in reserve for when I really need it.
From Dunmail, it’s a climb up the side of Raise Beck where the recent heavy rain has turned the beck into a series of cataracts. All the while I’m thinking that the others are going to have a job crossing the stream on Leg 1.
Just short of Grisedale Tarn, we contour just west of north to take a direct line for Helvellyn (The Old County Tops race route). We pass the stone marking the first plane to land on the ridge (22 December 1926 – the pilot, an Australian named Bert Hinckler, going on to make the first solo flight from England to Australia two years later), and then the summit shelter comes into view through the low cloud. It’s wet, cold and windy up here. Not a day to linger.
Picking up the path to White Side, it’s down and up to Raise (narrowly avoiding being blown off the ridge by some fancy footwork in the other direction), and then to Stybarrow Dodd, Watson’s Dodd, Great Dodd and Wendy Dodd (the last isn’t actually a summit, I just sort of mentally add it to the Dodd grouping – sorry Wendy).
From Clough Head, the cloud lifts and we take the direct line down to the Old Coach Road, and down again to Threlkeld. It’s taken us just over three hours. Jarv’s food advice: Peaches in juice.
Starting the climb to Blencathra, a phone call establishes Martin (accompanied by Dave Deason, Andy McCracken, Ray D and Neil) are starting down on the ‘parachute’ route. We wait for them at the old mine workings. They had a struggle crossing the beck (told you), with the water up to chest deep.
 |
| The planned rendezvous works |
Quick bite to eat, and the three of us are off on Leg 2 (the others having come for Leg 1 only). Doc Martin is soon pushing ahead (not at all like the medic Private Godfrey) and we lose sight of him quickly, so it’s the two of us retracing our route back over Helvellyn and then onto the last summit of Dollywaggon…..? What is its name? “Don’t tell him, Pike.” Thanks, yes Dollywaggon Pike.
 |
| Martin approaching Clough Head |
Back down Raise Beck, where bad footing on wet slate sees me slide out-of-control towards a rocky outcrop. Faced with the prospect of grazed shins, the best way of self-arrest is a headplant into moss. It’s cool, damp and soft – I could stay in this position all day.
 |
| Jarv on the climb to Stybarrow Dodd (second time) |
But we need to press on, so we continue to drop until we’re back at the start in just under eight hours - with enough time in hand to lock ourselves out of the car.
Martin (and, more importantly, the spare key) isn’t too far behind, having completed the whole of Leg 2 to also take in Fairfield and Seat Sandal. Jarv’s response: “Stupid boy.” This was said in the best traditions of Captain Mainwaring.
No comments:
Post a Comment