After a weekend filled with multi-activity work for Mountain Journeys and other local guiding companies, it made a nice change to out walking again.

Working for Highpoint Mountain Guides today, we guided Sue & Steve over Harrison Stickle.

Somewhere in the region of 40 years previous, Sue had walked as far as Stickle Tarn, admired the beautiful views from there but alas had not ventured further. Today was all about changing that.

Stickle Tarn was gained easily and a sheltered place found to enjoy a rest before tackling the steep ascent onto the summits. Sue was apprehensive as to what lay ahead. Taking the next section of the route at a steady pace allowed Sue to become accustomed to her surroundings and begin to enjoy the ascent once again.

It wasn't long before we had the summit in sight. Standing on Harrison Stickle and seeing Sue's face light up with happiness was definitely the high point of the day for me. Without doubt, the best part of our job is bringing enjoyment and happiness to others.

After taking in the great views in all directions, we began our descent via Thorn crag and back to the New Dungeon Ghyll.

The weather was very kind to us all day, clear and cold, but not a hint of rain.

A special thanks to Sam who came along on todays walk and was a great help. Sam is in the final stages of preparing for his Mountain Leader assessment, so keen to log a few extra guiding days in a variety of terrain. His level of skill and professionalism is already showing through and no doubt he'll cruise through the award.

We are often asked 'What do you do on your days off?'

It's always an easy question for us. Because we are so passionate about the mountains, that's where we spend most of our time. Whether it be walking, scrambling, or rock climbing, we're likely to be doing something up in the mountains and usually in the Lake District.

Yesterday (Thursday) was one such day. The sun was shinning and a warm day predicted. Kate was wanting to climb more of the Classic Rock climbs on Gimmer crag in Langdale, so we made a bee-line for there.

It's about a 1 hour walk from the New Dungeon Ghyll and what a lovely walk it is too. Meandering steadily upwards below the Langdale Pikes until Thorn crag is reached, here the ascent finishes and an easy traverse path is taken until the crag is reached.

My previous visit to Gimmer with Kate had been to climb the Hard Rock route of 'The Crack' - which is excellent. Today there were easier climbs on the menu.

We began with Ash Tree Slabs - a Vdiff route that can be climbed in one long pitch. This is difficult for the grade and requires good route finding skills to weave around the large slab in the correct direction.

At the top of this climb is the large Ash Tree Ledge. We had a break here and chatted with some fellow climbers.

Then it was to 'C Route' - graded Severe so a bit tougher than our first climb today. 4 pitches of immaculate rock led us to the very top of the crag. Here not only did we enjoy magical views but also some top banter from more fellow climbers. They then kindly allowed us to use their ropes for the long Abseil back to Ash Tree Ledge (this saved us having to set our own ropes up for the same abseil). Thanks guys.

Another Abseil from Ash Tree Ledge took us into the big gully near North West Arete climb. We arrived back at the bags to find Don sound asleep in the sun, clearly enjoying himself but glad to see us too.

The walk back to the valley with the sun now lower in the sky, allows us to fully appreciate the splendour of the Langdale valley, wow what a place.

What a fantastic day off!

Thanks to Kate & Don

Ben was keen to get to know the Scafell Pike trail marathon route as he has entered this awesome race taking place in June, organised by High Terrain events.

Not knowing the area he asked us to guide him along the route and also persuaded three of his friends, Darren, Colin and Tony to join him on the walk.

Overnight snow had fallen on the Lake District mountains and we were expecting a wet and cold day, quite a contrast from the sunshine we'd been enjoying all week.  Temperatures had also dropped from the previous day by about 10°c
and snow showers were forecast all day.  Luckily this proved wrong and although fairly cold and windy we had a pleasant, dry day with glimpses of sunshine. The covering of snow was very light and gave us no problems, but gave drama to the mountain scenery. 

We had a quick ascent with all four being quite fit and enthusiastic!  Ben kept running on ahead with his Go-pro to get photos to remind him of the route.  

Our route was from Seathwaite, up to Sty Head Tarn and then up the Corridor route to Lingmell Col and the summit of Scafell Pike.  The descent was past Broad Crag and Ill Crag to Esk Hause, then returning to Sty Head Tarn and back to Seathwaite.  This was a good 10 mile walk taking us around 6 hours to complete.