Looking back to the crisp, snow covered peaks from last years winter trip to the Lakes, high expectations were set for this year.

High enough, that a 20 strong group packed, made excuses to to get out of work, skived off, took holiday (or willed the clock past 5pm) and gathered by bus, underground, rail and car to ultimately rendezvous at the Berry Hostel near Glenridding.

Early arrivals Harry and Paolo got to play the bonus game, unwittingly arranged by yours truly, of find the hut key. Maybe we’ll aim to avoid this one in the future, though they ultimately succeeded 😉

The first day, dry with scattered cloud, saw numerous groups head out on foot from the hut, nearby objectives including Striding Edge, Swirral Edge and Helvellyn lined up for the taking.

Nobody was disappointed by the scenery presented, i’ll let the pictures below do the talking! All were challenged by the conditions, and all got up and down safely (ish – a certain writer and meet organiser may have underestimated a muddy tuft of grass while cruising along the valley floor on the far side of Helvellyn and ended up head over heels with a suitably twisted ankle…)

Further drama was provided by a less knowledgable and unfortunately ill prepared group, up on the edge. One of whom fell, conveniently i guess, straight into some army mountaineers and kept the civi helicopter rescue services busy for a good portion of the rest of the day.

Back at the hut, regrouped and freshened, we made for the appropriately named and cosy Travellers Rest pub for some well earned pub grub and a few tipples. Fair to say an enjoyable and fitting end to a big day out in the hills.

Tied legs and thoughts of the long drive back to the big smoke saw mostly shorter routes picked out for Sunday but with no less enthusiasm. A little drizzle around also failed to dampen spirits. Despite being an early retiree in the injured/spent car back, I can for my part, say it was a fantastic weekend and I’m sure we’ll be back again.

By all reports successful days were had all round on the last day to. Thank you to everybody for making this such a memorable meet.

See you all soon – Chris