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It's Lancashire just outside the YD & LD National Parks
It’s Lancashire just outside the YD & LD National Parks
Ah, that'll explain why it's in the Lancs climbing guidebook 🙂
Actually I'm wrong. They're just inside the Cumbrian border - it's the old Westmorland area. The border does do some strange things around there which explains why Gragareth is in Lancs
Any one get out over the weekend?
With no work on I've been making good headway through the Wainwrights (decided I should visit them all while I'm 52). Highlights:
Lonscale, Skiddaw, Bakestale on the bike, from home, with a nice tailwind
Big day in T shirt and shorts - Base Brown, Green Gable, Seathwaite Fell, Gt End, Esk Pike, Bow Fell, Rossett Pike, Allen Crags and Glaramara.
Weekend at Skiddaw House in summer sun - Gt Calva and Mungrisedale
A winter round of Lingmell, Scafells (first time by Foxes Tarn) and Slight Side
A glorious day around the full Newlands Round to tick off Cat Bells and Robinson.
The last two days were done with a cold, which then really got a grip and has floored me for a week.
Mostly just the SE fells to do now for 'the completion' - not something I'd normally do, but has taken me to new places, close to home (some of which I won't rush back to)
Did the Paps of Jura at the weekend but haven't sorted photos. I'll get some up later in week as it was a cracking day. Nice to do them not in the race and be able to appreciate the view!
A few from Jura:
Where were you?
Second picture is Ardalanish bay on Mull looking due south, taken on Friday. You can see the Paps of Jura in centre, Colonsay to the right, Scarba, Luing and mainland left.
The hill was the toty small one on Iona - we walked a circuit of the two high points while my dad was at the Abbey. The picture of summit is looking North West at Mull, with Skye just visible in another picture when looking North.
The smallest days hillwalking in a while - and utterly blissful.
My friend the eagle on Maoile Lunndaidh a few days ago.
Lovely
There was a pair actually but I only got a good shot of one.
@Spin - that's great
Anyone got any weekend walking plans? We're off to the north Lakes with bikes and boots. Forecast is cloud and dry which is good enough for us.
Forecast is cloud and dry which is good enough for us
I hope it pans out like that for you, that's been the forecast in the Highlands for the last 4 days and it's rained for big chunks of it!
The forecast turned out to be correct for once.
Ended up doing much more hill walking than cycling last weekend in Iveragh. Couple of good signposted hikes (Castlequin / Paddy Casey & the Castlerock loops) and a brilliant largely off piste one near our house and up towards a lough we’d not been near before. The farmer who’s land it was (the second photo is his old home) gave us directions up his property to make a big loop of it. Only got soaked the once as well 🙂
No great heights, but picture perfect dales and improbably clear chalk streams from a long way south of the Highlands and Islands.
Decided that this year is the one to get back into fell walking after almost exclusively riding them for the last 35 years. I grew up fell walking from an early age with my old fella and the local club but switched to bikes in my 20's.
Anyway, replaced my trusty old Scarpa trionic's which served me well for years and years with a fancy pair of Altberg Nordkapp boots. My god, boots have come a long way. So comfy and supportive, but feel like I'm wearing some slippers.
Last weekend I did the Tarmachan Ridge above Loch Tay. Wonderful day out and rekindled my love for fell walking. However, my knees were utterly destroyed by the end of the day. No problem going up, but coming back down I was in agony. I'm told that getting a pair of walkiing / trekking poles will be a big help.
Before I commit to purchasing a pair could you experienced people advise if this is the case and they will help with the descending ? If so could you recommend any ?
Thanks all.
Gratuitous pic from last Sunday.
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Before I commit to purchasing a pair could you experienced people advise if this is the case and they will help with the descending ?
They do but I'd also be looking at exercises to strengthen the supporting muscles
I was going to say the same, in particular the exercise of walking down hills more often should be perfect😉
+1 on being hill fit is bigger benefit than poles are.
I spent 5 years with Tarmachan as the lounge view from my house. It's a brilliant day out - varied route, a few scrambly bits, some nav that needs a think, great views, still not overly busy. I've been up there about 50 times for work and play, and my eldest chose to have a Tarmachan dawn raid as his 18th birthday party - in December...
We've three sets of poles.
Expensive Leki - heaviest and least pleasant, but very old.
I've cheap Vango - they work.
Mrs_oab has cheap Spraway(!) carbon - noticeably lighter and nicer feel.
I've got Easton alu poles and they're very good. They replaced some old Lekis and the only thing I miss is the cork grip - on long hot days trekking in Europe the cork grip is much nicer to use.
Poles are great for extra support if carrying a heavy multi-day load, or for descending steep routes when you're an old git with dodgy knees. On big wide paths you can motor along with them so in Europe they're great
"Chase Mountains" on YouTube has some good hiking-specific exercise videos for your knees.
What works for me decending is lots of small steps always from a flexed leg down onto a flexed leg. Glutes get a kicking but knees don't suffer at all. I see lots of folk using poles to facilitate big downhill lurches, could be that their knees are screwed or just as likely that pole use is encouraging bad walking technique.
I meant quads not glutes, shouldn't write when pished.
As suggested, days in the hills to build supporting muscles but also suggest poles. I suffer with bad knees on the downhills, especially on multi-day hikes so swear by poles to take the pressure off.
I've had a couple of different pairs and I'm very happy with my current poles which are comfy, lightweight and sub £60 - https://www.outdoorgear.co.uk/Fizan-Compact-4-Poles-sku81380101.asp&ved=2ahUKEwiI5eqH4aj3AhXVMMAKHZGmC1MQFnoECA4QAQ&usg=AOvVaw3zsffHoSFndo5JKXwCScc y">Fizan Compact 4
Longshot but anyone been up Buachaille Etive Mor or Beinn Alligin in the last few days? Hoping to go up through the corrie on BEM on Sat and wondered if it’s holding any snow. Beinn Alligin should be less of an issue…cheers
Anyone else been oot and aboot in the good weather?
Ben Eigh?
Yes, went up Ling, Lawson and Glover's route.
Anyone else been oot and aboot in the good weather?
Got 6 days to walk Hadrians Wall starting Friday, hope the weather stays good, did 11 miles in the Chilterns today.
Got 6 days to walk Hadrians Wall starting Friday
Lovely bit of the country. I climbed at Peel Crag and Crag Lough last summer which are just below the wall near Twice Brewed. Are you camping? Nice campsite near there.
The section from Birdoswald to Housesteads is stunning
Have a great time
Are you camping? Nice campsite near there.
Not camping, mixture of bunkhouses & hotels - we have the shepherds hut booked at the campsite I think you might be on about 🙂
Have a great time
Thanks I'm sure we will
we have the shepherds hut booked at the campsite I think you might be on about
Winshields it's called, quirky place with friendly owners.
2/3 through our Hadrians wall walk
Winshields it’s called, quirky place with friendly owners.
5 of us stayed there last night in the bunkbarn, was more like a luxury dormitory & great host who's been there since 2019 👍 Twice brewed served nice roasts but less impressed with their brews 🤔.
Walking has been great if a little soggy today, had some great food in Cumbria Park Hotel, Carlisle & from Megs cafe in Gilsland, off grid camping in Banks was great - we stayed in their Shepherds hut. Been so nice to have such a variety of accommodation, food and terrain, just 2 days to go.
A few from Skye this weekend
Deleted because this site is a pile o poo for linking photos…
You may be in this spin, if you look REAL close...
Rum ridge
(Hopes posting image from phone works
🤞)
Ah it's posted as a link. Try this.
https://imgur.com/a/NzO15B 5" alt="rum ridge" />
Ah well guess Imgur on the mobile is a no no....
You may be in this spin, if you look REAL close…
Rum ridge
Can see it if I click the link. Never been to Rum, did you have a good trip?
Yes, brilliant but Only two days on rum, after 4 on Eigg. Rum cuillin is not as full on as Skye but still a wonderful wild place. White tailed eagle flew over us while we swam at kilmory bay this morning! Had a magical three weeks up here from sandwood bay down to th small isles. Skye looks brilliant, haven't been on the ridge for years......
A change of hills last week.
Mugarra (936m) in the Basque country - dozens of 3m wingspan Griffon Vultures and a seriously steep ascent and ridge. 👍
Now we've moved to Picos de Europa.
This week starts with the Cares Gorge walk - we went from North to South, about 20km. Just stunning - from the vertical drops, to the engineering of the path, to the vultures and eagles above.
Zoom in on first pic to see youngest_oab and mrs_oab
We're staying in Colio, with this as a view.
We have a few plans for the higher peaks of the Picos de Europa, but some dampness/thunderstorms may keep us lower the next two days.
Great photos. The last time we were in the gorge it was 38C.... 🔥🔥🔥
Electrical storms are common up high in the summer. We walked to Bulnes refugio years ago to do a multi day route. The guardian told us to go back the way we came the next day due to storms.
There are some nice easier, slightly lower peaks south of Potes with great 360 views if you want a warm up for the bigger hills.e.g. Coriscao
Cracking day on the hill.
Early start meant most of the climb was done in cool morning - it is 28*c this afternoon...
Cable car from Fuente De is pretty impressive - 4mins to do 740m of climb.
A cracking wander up an amazing valley, then last steep pull up onto the top of Torre de los Horcados Rojos (2506m).
Wandering down we were glad of the huge amount of water and extra biscuits we had taken.
Now sat with a cold one...
Happy days!!
Did you stop at the tiny refuge? The one that was an old US Navy gun turret? Cabana Veronica?
We didn't - it seemed 3/4 of the people were heading there, not to the hills. There was quite the crowd there buying drinks and snacks. An amazing little place though.
This was my 10th time to Arran. I've walked or cycled every hill on the island - except Goat Fell. This was due to having a buddy who lived and worked there not wanting to join the crowds for his 2nd or even 3rd ascent in a week. I've even walked up to the North Ridge with him, but headed into Glen Sannox without 'nipping up'.
Sorted it today.
Finished with a ferry ride home on what felt like the Mediterranean not the Clyde.
👍👍👍
What was really satisfying is the summit has a panorama ID going on. Apart from the Paps of Jura and one Argyll Corbett, we had climbed every hill visible - and there was a blooming lot of them.
Edit: I think I need to move house further north to get nearer to the hills I've not done...
Not just about the trails in Morezine 2466m and most of the day but well worth it
🙌
the Mourne Mountains, Northern Ireland, out and about
https://twitter.com/profkdlilley/status/1553850746252283904?t=L1xs2Ie8bRIyw-24m-xsxw&s=19
Nice - somewhere I've got on "The List"...
Some really inspirational pics on this thread.
I have tried the new forum search function, but thought I’d post on this thread regardless- anyone got a recommendation for a good comfortable day sack ? Just to carry the usual for 4 & the dog for hill walking.
I’ve got mtb hydration packs, large rucksacks, commuting bike ones, but trying Them all out last week - they’re all quite a bit bulky and heavy for carrying walking all day long. Looking online there’s simply a ridiculous amount of choice. I’d just be picking one out at random doing that.
We have (8!) Patagonia, Osprey, Gregory and Lowe Alpine packs in the household, all of which would be 'day sacks' of 20-40lt variety.
IMO, the Gregory and Lowe Alpine are best. Way better comfort than the Patagonia, more simple spec than the Osprey, more durable while also being lighter than the Gregory. The Lowe Alpine's 'just work'. The Gregory is an ace womens fit - but is a tad heavier and more rigid than the Lowe Alpine's.
One son got an Aeon 27 - and after borrowing it, his brother now has one. Which I borrow now.
And I have an Aeon 27 on my Christmas list....
https://www.ukclimbing.com/gear/rucksacks/medium/lowe_alpine_aeon_27_pack-11254
https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/reviews/camping-and-hiking/daypack-womens/gregory-maya-22
Just to carry the usual for 4 & the dog for hill walking.
What? You are carrying it all?
Anyway my default day sacs (all obsolete) are an ancient 25L KIMM for lightweight walks, Arcteryx Aerios 30L for longer trips, cooler weather, more stuff and a heavier weight Arcteryx Needle for winter use. Plus many many others gathered over the years for various activities.
Agree that Lowe and Osprey are well worth a look.
I agree with a lot of the above, for mainstream brands look at Osprey, Gregory, Lowe Alpine (now part of Rab)
If you see any Vaude or Deuter bags in the shop have a good look at them as they are very good quality too. The Germans know a thing or two about der rucksacks
If you know exactly what you want look at Aiguille Alpine as they make great kit here in the UK.
Anglesey coastal walk on Monday
Vaude
So tempted to do a German bike tour and include picking up some Vaude gear. My oldest rucksack was a Vaude - made it from 1992 to 2021, on almost daily use for university, commuting and riding in general.
A couple of local skips this last couple of weeks:
Catching A'an on an early morning before the hordes arrive.
Catching Dumyat after the hordes have gone.
Pen Pumlumon Fawr a couple of weeks ago. The cloud and drizzle were welcome after the hot weather.
The Mrs is getting very close to finishing her munros but had only done the four easiest Cuillin. She is terrified of exposure, hates scrambling, scree, steep grass and boulder fields so it really looked like it would never happen. This year we had two days in the Cuillin, Gillean & Bastier and MhicChoinnich and the In Pinn; somehow something clicked in her brain, she struggled on the scree, boulders, steep grass and scrambling but cruised the roped climbing and abseiling. I was really impressed!
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/zUdQdsNY2XIS4pjXetDgLrHrjVxAhzBEnRy8EbVE84OKKDBabtMgsH-hVyVhUwhleMFrVGNhosvO4WlMO28OrY6FQ8k4ESIvTh1PpdiSV-kRlegbGouyfYU_Xyb2z6PAuHU4aGLmO6E=w240 0" alt="" />
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/aPcngYeaVFHCDR6nBtdR_ZTMjf0Fk4o0wmuyKRSIVaS4Mlx5j4fMcR-66g7bakxsagC1Ypp14SQpiYnrJoBEaZkT0Hry0Xy5HacIxj3u8EId4NmEDfPde3FLu3sYaejx2691u5bmeqY=w240 0" alt="" />
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/A0JIkLrab2NN6QnZlyy_XfTzWuY-MK1WSJlb4ywa58fx63oOq-_MhLSCTY_qJTUzNF9XO2SYM3KEKWM-O8db8Bq09gxBv8K1Dy3l9frKOpuNzpKHd1gQLfZyFZfG4Ar3puJXAgXLaHE=w240 0" alt="" />
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/B-rvT4kb-Ne6wcEFayNJl8Nlo8vokDcKbjYq2Sk-SlveCmtCLze_r0_2hKaTRKHRZUfrN9A8CNdRjaCGMI5Kl8Tnuha7f4k3Y2Kb1wa7ahAErFdCFMp-3bPFJ5Zp4FfetysKC8inutE=w240 0" alt="" />
One son got an Aeon 27 – and after borrowing it, his brother now has one. Which I borrow now.
And I have an Aeon 27 on my Christmas list….
Good choice. I have one and love it. Just wish they made a slightly bigger version for winter rides.
It also makes a brilliant back protector, as I discovered in Austria last month.
cruised the roped climbing and abseiling. I was really impressed!
I recall the looks of confusion, consternation then bewilderment from the gathered Munro baggers when my missus lead the Inn Pinn... nothing special about that you say... except she was nearly 7 months pregnant and had to use one hand to keep her harness from slipping below her enormous bump 😊. Meant that placing any protection was impossible. But I guess you could argue it was too late for protection at that point 😄😁😆.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/qq6W9PELJ4OaegZmimsd2xCMZ4qcr5PU0gmfpr5kQb13RArrwVrbAIDhCge1Vm8HDBhzlF3_c3mBtSGC9UtPACDEAb4B8QBYpmWnbySwM5UNE2tUNkWNXjQ5wJWvICGbpugkgsAlxEw=w240 0" alt="" />
Another go at posting Google photos, wish me luck...
Another go...I'm a fud!
The wee man, same place aged nine (he's 24 tomorrow!)
Great photos!!!
Well it was a walk as I pushed my bike up (July this year) the mule track from near La Hermida up to Treviso in the Picos de Europa, it was about 35deg so bloody hard work. The plus side was the ride down, lots of loose rock to surf through but good fun, no idea if it's allowed.
Nice
Anyone got any hillwalking plans this weekend?
Heading up to Fort William for a week and hope to get out 3 or 4 days. Looking at the Carn Ghluasaid group, Loch Lochy munros and a couple up Glen Finnan.
Plenty choice up there so plans might change.
Does anyone have any suggestions for a big day out in the peaks, meeting somewhere fairly accessible from both north and south? Ideally a bit off the beaten track if possible.
How about Crowden - Laddow Rocks - Black Hill - Holme Moss - Crowden ?
I've heard of none of those places but will certainly investigate - thanks for the suggestion.