Five of us enjoyed a wintry walk up Ingleborough, We were blessed with cold clear conditions and headed up through a rather Icy Trow Gill.

Once out of Trow Gill we emerged into the sunshine and snow as we headed over to Gaping Gill and gradually up stopping briefly for spikes/crampon fitting and onto Ingleborough which by the time we reached the top was a little misty but not without a view.

It was not a long thought process to decide whether to have lunch at the top in at best “nithering conditions” or head down for shelter so we headed for calmer conditions and lunch. Once refuelled we headed down and back via Long Scar and Long lane and back into Clapham. A grand day out and just a reminder that we are always looking for members to lead a walking meet.

The weekend may have been rather damp but as usual, CMC spirits were high and 11 club members had an active weekend at the Smithy Gritstone hut in Thirlmere.

Some of us made the most of the Friday’s sunshine; Wardy cycled 17.5 miles (2850ft ascent) from Langdale to Coniston via Little Langdale and Tilberthwaite . Martin and Giles walked up Steel Fell to Helm Crag from Grasmere. Flo and I cycled a 17.8 mile (2560ft ascent) circuit around the back of Skiddaw from Threlkeld, repairing a puncture on route and still getting back in daylight !

Click here to view /relive the back of skiddaw ride video

Everyone had arrived at the hut by the evening allowing time to catch up and consider options for the weekend.

Saturday’s weather was as forecast …. wet and windy. Undeterred, Dick, Barbara, Paul, Michael, Giles and Martin decided to walk to Keswick via High Seat and Bleaberry Fell. The road on the west side of Thirlmere is still closed to traffic and in places quite tricky for pedestrians to pass. Careful route finding on the hillside took them under, over and around massive tees uprooted during March storms.  After refreshments in Keswick, they caught the bus back to the hut.

Wardy, Paul, Antony, Fiona and me, cycled a 10 mile circuit on bridleways to the south end of Thirlmere then back on the west side of the reservoir. Three high wire barriers on route meant bikes had to be passed over walls and under fences…. would have been tricky without Paul and Antony’s help! Almost back, we crossed the dam where unbelievably one of two sheep in a frenzied state ran up the sloping dam wall and leapt into the choppy reservoir. It survived the 12 ft drop and managed to swim to a rocky island where Antony kept a close eye and alerted the farmer – hopefully it’ll have been hoisted to safety by now.

Our communal meal was a the usual feast with contributions from everyone and a joint effort in the preparations. In the cosy dining area with the log fire blazing, and all doors open to let the heat out, we tucked into nachos and trimmings, chilli and a delicious selection of apple desserts.

The weather on Sunday was a little better in the continuous rain had changed to drizzle!  Paul and Antony ran a wet and windy 6 mile loop on Wansfell on route home. Martin and Giles walked to Swirls and back along the lake side and
FIona, Dick, Barbara, Paul, Michael and me went for a wander over High Rigg – atmospheric views over Skiddaw to the clear weather beyond.

This was another great hut meet gathering and very enjoyable weekend  at a hut that has become a club favourite. Thank you to all who supported the meet.

Eleven of us (plus 3 dogs) set off from Sedbergh and as we made our way along the valley towards Cautley under grey misty skies those of a pessimistic nature may have thought it was not a day to be on the hills

however there was no such thoughts from CMC and shortly after the ascent up the hillside by Cautley Spout the skies started to clear and blue skies appeared.

Various lines of approach were made to get to the top but most seem to involve deep snow at some point.

Once reformed and with lunch on board we headed up to The Calf trig point.

Upon leaving The Calf the mist had rolled in and we headed along the ridge in atmospheric conditions with the sun threatening to break through

which it kindly did after the top of Calders.

We followed the ridge passing Arant Haw by which time the sun was begging to set

After a brief stop we left the main ridge and headed down to Sedbergh getting back before the necessity of a headtorch was required. Many thanks to John for organising the walk. T’was a grand day out.

A few more photos are on my facebook page (you don’t need a facebook account to view them)

Click here to view