Log 1 Nov 2009

GRISEDALE PIKE,   SUNDAY 1 NOVEMBER 2009

The second cross-border raid of the year saw two members of the Club leave the car park just after 7am.  The weather forecast had not been good but Fraser and Donald decided to take a chance and head south.
By 10.15, as they sat by the window of the Whinlatter Forest Visitor Centre enjoying morning coffee with scones and waiting for the sun to kiss the asphalt outside, a decision was made.  They would go for it!

A shortish walk led through the forest and then steeply uphill to join the tourist track along the finely defined ridge to the 2595ft summit. 
Although the rain hadn't yet stopped there was no sign of the 80mph gusts forecast so they continued round the edge of the northern corrie to Hopegill Head (2525ft). 
From there to Ladyside Pike (2306ft) involved a steep and tricky descent over some smooth and slippery rock slabs.

Occasionally throughout the walk there were tantalizing glimpses down Coledale and into the valley below Hobcarton Crag. 
The temperature remained mild but no other fellwalkers were met. 
Solitude can still be found in this popular area as long as you can choose which days to visit.

The crossing of the swollen Hobcarton Gill by wooden plank and two wires strung over it provided the final challenge of the day. 
Just over 4 hours after setting off pints of Jennings were being enjoyed in The Royal Oak, Braithwaite, before driving home.

Report by Donald Irvine