Keswick Mountain Festival 2013

 Just a few photos from the last two days of the Mountain Festival, here we all are on day one Wednesday when we walked the ridge from Red Pike over High Stile to High Crag above Buttermere. It did not rain on our parade either!

 Here we are again, just waiting for the stragglers to catch up before we descend down to the valley.

This photo is on the top of Helvellyn on Thursday, and as you can see it keeps it's snow as long as it can.  This was another lovely day when it did not rain until the bus arrived way down at the bottom.

Another lovely photo from the top of Helvellyn, Bella our Border Terrier really enjoyed the hike.

Winter Walks and some Welcome News

Last Thursday Alan Lindsay, Pete and Bella took a walk from Mosedale up Carrock Fell 2174' and along onto High Pike 2157' . The wind driven snow stung our faces as we battled along the broad ridge ridge westwards towards distant High Pike. Yet despite the cold there was little ice and underfoot it was surprisingly wet with much boggy ground to avoid.

The view north west from Carrock Fell towards High Pike with the sun making a welcome though brief appearance.

Bleaberry Tarn above Buttermere on Saturday with a snow cloaked Red Pike 2479' above.

This is where Lyn was standing in the picture she posted last night.

Pete shares his cheese 'n tomato sandwich with Bella... we put our Kahtoola minispikes on here, anticipating an icy ascent from the tarn.

A wintery view from the shoulder of Red Pike towards Scafell Pike and the prominent notch of Mickledore which separates it from Scafell in the far centre distance. On the left the ridge rises towards High Stile and High Crag beyond.

Lyn's face lights up and Alan is all ears as Pete, just out of camera shot, tells them his latest good idea..."Why don't we do something to please our regular clients?" asks Pete. "We should let them use their KR Loyalty Cards during the Keswick Mountain Festival, it may encourage them to book more walks with us." They nodded eagerly in agreement and Pete, in generous mode continued..." and KR should hold the price of walks this year at the same level as last year, it could be a tough season." We were in happy accord; the wind dropped and sun came out to welcome our benevolence as we strode out for the summit of Red Pike.

The still depths of Crummock Water are far below us; a dusting of snow caps Melbreak in the centre beyond snowy Lingcomb Edge which leads north, offering an easy passage towards the path along Scale Beck, our descent route.

Heading west on the descent from Red Pike towards Lingcombe Edge, on the right, with snow capped Starling Dodd beyond Lyn and Great Bourne far in the distance. Note the ice axe carried on Lyn's rucksack which, although it proved unnecessary in the conditions, was a worthwhile precaution in case it had turned out to be icy on the tops.

You'll be pleased to hear that the KR leaders agreed with Pete and decided that our loyalty cards will be valid during the KMF and the price per walk this year will remain at £15.