Borrowdale Bliss

Originally scheduled for Wasdale, and then moved to Borrowdale. Originally due to be wet and cold, and then turned out to gloriously sunny. Originally due to be much fun, and proved to be so!

Highlights of the trip:

• Peter and Rich successfully find Catherine and Matt at 4am without waking any neighbours
• Swift agreement to climb at Upper Scout Crag given (incorrect) forecast of afternoon rain and Chairman’s need for a beg/borrow rack
• Andy and Gemma’s tiredness, following a seven pitch Scafell adventure the day before, leading to climbing at Lower Scout Crag (and not seeing the fantastically talented climbers above)
• All three groups at the Upper completing the two best routes, and useful reinforcement of leading skills for Rich and Roland
• An impromptu late afternoon forced march up Stickle Ghyll and Jake’s Rake just to make sure we were all thoroughly tired out
• A ‘ewe with a view’ at the top of Pavey Ark, and a bleeting lost lamb that pulled the heartstrings of the even the toughest, most bearded moutaineer
• Splitting of groups on Sunday: keen climbers to Raven Crag, Rog and Carol to Wasdale and a less knee-breaking walk, and a Scafell-from-Langdale exped for Catherine, Matt and Bramble
• Overtaking all the baristas from Newcastle on way up to Scafell summit, and after many previous attempts Catherine’s first view from Scafell Pike summit
• Glorious afternoon sunshine, and Matt’s sneaky descent into Upper Eskdale for high-grade, high-quality scramble
• Reconvening at Wainwright Inn and enjoying their blanket policy, namely supplying warm blankets to all those sitting outside
• A quick but dry ascent of Loughrigg on Monday, before a little shopping and eating in Ambleside

Only downside was the long, long drive home, caused by M6 congestion. Even there had a little bit of fun, with a shortcut taking us over a toll-bridge manned by a teenager demanding the princely sum of 12p!

Overall, another great trip!