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Night shift on Scafell Pike and another 3 Peaks challenge

29/9/2019

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#3-peaks-challenge-scafell-pike-guide
The river crossing en-route to Scafell Pike
Last night we were working in conjunction with Cambridge Coaches to help a US Airforce team complete the 3 Peaks Challenge.
After a big day on Ben Nevis the team were a little tired but highly motivated to get started on Scafell Pike.

Weather conditions were poor but workable, although the forecast was for a rapid deterioration through the night. We had to keep in mind the crucial river crossing if the rains did become very heavy.

Setting off soon after 11pm it was head torches on from the word go. Progress was good and steady, we clearly had a strong team with us, and even as the rain become heavy spirits remained high showing strong mental conditions amongst the team, always good.

Shortly before Lingmell Col a couple of the team decided they'd had enough and were simply too tired to continue. After a short chat with everyone there were 4 that joined the returning party and I began the descent with them whilst Will continued onwards and upwards with a super strong and fast team of 11. Splitting a team to give such a large ratio when on a night walk is a difficult decision for us and meant that I needed to be thinking of getting back up the mountain to support Will and the team as soon as possible.

Thankfully the weather abated and we started to dry off. I left the returning team within stones throw of base and raced back up the mountain, reaching the advanced party just below the Hollow Stones boulder field. All were still in super high spirits and flying down the mountain. Rain mostly stayed light and the river level was maybe even a little lower on our return crossing.

We were all safely back at Wasdale Head 4 hours and 15 minutes after setting off. As it was the early hours of the morning we were all suitably knackered, but happy to have this one in the bag.

It's been a pleasure to work alongside the US Airforce and Cambridge Coaches - thanks all :-) A quick plug here for Cambridge Coaches. They have a number of Sleeper coaches so no need for accommodation during a 3 Peaks and it's far more comfortable than being on a minibus. The 3 Peaks Challenge feels tough enough for most people, so why not enjoy some extra rest and comfort and give these folks a call to get a quote.
​
Thanks too to Will for top quality guiding and customer care throughout the early hours of the morning.

We're soon to make our winter trip to Costa Blanca, Spain and can offer guided walks and more activities there. But rest assured, we are still arranging Scafell Pike days and nights throughout the autumn and winter.

Thanks for reading

Mark & Kate
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More Glorious conditions on Scafell Pike

24/9/2019

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#guided-walkslake-district
Our route to Mickledore
On Saturday we had the pleasure of welcoming a corporate team from Omnicell Ltd. Keen for a big mountain day and with Scafell Pike in their sights, we set off from Wasdale Head with as perfect conditions as we could ever hope for. Warm sunshine, completely clear skies with views as far as Scotland and The Isle of Man, and a moderate / strong south-westerly wind to help keep us cool.

Of course this did mean many others were out enjoying the great weather too, so yes it was rather busy. However, we always have a plan for this. We turned off the main path and aimed for Mickledore. This route includes a short section of easy scrambling to reach the col, everyone seemed to find this quite easy and I heard plenty of comments about how much fun it was, always nice to hear.

A meander through the boulders on the summit plateau and we reached the top and rejoined the masses!! It was very windy up there, so we didn't hang about for long, instead finding a nice sheltered spot not far away and a much nicer place to enjoy a lunch break. For some this involved Jet Boils, brilliant stuff.

With some finding the rocky terrain difficult during the initial descent, and the paths being very busy, we decided to take the path less trodden and descend the lovely grass slopes of Lingmell. I think apart from 2 walkers a way behind us, we had this route all to ourselves. The soft grass certainly helped. This route also has the most wonderful views down to Wast Water, it is so magical. 
Lots of happy smiley faces back at Wasdale Head and we bid our farewells to the team. Thanks to you all.

And thanks too to Anna and Will for their excellent guiding and customer care skills.

Mark

#scafell-pike-via-mickledore
Approaching the steep gully to Mickledore
#scafell-pike-summit
On the summit plateau with just a few more steps to the top
#guided-walks-scafell-pike
Making our way back to Wasdale Head
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Back to Back trips up Scafell Pike

12/9/2019

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#wastwater
A moody afternoon in Wasdale
The last couple of days has served up a double helping of Scafell Pike. Firstly on Tuesday with Team Nomad and again yesterday with Gary.
On Monday I had been Gorge Scrambling with Team Nomad, and we had pretty ideal conditions for it too, with a wet morning but giving way to a brighter afternoon - see photo above.

Tuesday brought yet more excellent conditions for an ascent of Scafell Pike. Cool and clear, in the valley at least! We took the regular route from Wasdale Head up to Lingmell Col and on to the summit. We enjoyed spectacular views for a while, but were shrouded in thick cloud on the summit. So no summit views, but it wasn't long before we were surrounded by stunning panoramas once more, making it all even more worthwhile.

Wednesday morning saw us back in Wasdale, this to with regular Lakeland walker Gary. He hadn't made it up Scafell Pike before and was keen to change that. The forecast was for a damp morning but improving throughout the day. However, we saw no rain all day which was a pleasant surprise. This time we turned right at the Hollow Stones junction and headed on up to Mickledore, taking in the drama of the Scafell crags along the way. There was water gushing everywhere after torrential overnight rain. 
There were mini waterfalls flowing down the gully below Mickledore, this added to our fun as we climbed up to the col. As it was a windy day we expected to get a buffeting at the col, but it was actually really calm. We had arrived here in thick cloud but slowly the cloud began to lift to show off the huge crags of Scafell and we enjoyed a wonderful light show over Eskdale as sun broke through the clouds and landed on the wet ground of The Great Moss. Right now I was feeling pretty lucky.
We continued on up through the boulders to the summit. It was super chilly up there so we didn't hang around too long, just time for a few snaps and a refuel.
Our return walk was via Lingmell Col, in thick mist for a few minutes before coming back out into the light and glorious views.
Crossing back over Lingmell Gill was slightly easier on our descent, but only slightly. Overnight rain had clearly been heavy and prolonged. I had expected wet feet after crossing this, but thankfully my boots kept the water at bay. For those equipped with trainers they would have had wet and cold feet without doubt. Gary had gone one step further and was wearing waterproof socks too! Something I may invest in soon.

A fab few days, thanks all :-)

Mark

#scafell-pike-summit
Even when the weather is clear and warm in the valley the summit can look like this!
#guided-walk-scafell-pike
Descending back into glorious conditions
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