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Swaledale Outdoor Club |
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Swaledale Outdoor Club |
| > Home > Newsletter > Walking > Patterdale |
Patterdale15 People met in Richmond market place to car share for the short journey to Ullswater. On arrival at Patterdale the fells where basking in bright winter sunshine with a good covering of snow on them. By 9.45 our numbers had increased to 19, any party member who didn't have their own ice axe had been issued with a club one, and we set off for an 8 mile circular to Fairfield via Hart Crag and return via St Sunday Crag. As we departed Tim said to me "Do you have your crampons with you Brian." "Yes I have Tim." An excellent day was in the making. A nice gentle, but chilly start, as we walked along the valley paths to Bridgend but we soon warmed up as height was rapidly gained as we made our way up to and along Hartsop above How by which time we had reached the snow level. At this point Tim said "Who would like some real excitement and play in the snow by doing a gully snow/ice climb scramble." We then split into 2 groups. John said "My walks are also exciting as he took the main group along the main path to Hart Crag and then onto Fairfield. After checking each person had crampons Tim, Roger, Roland, Peter and I contoured around from the main path over to the buttress containing many gullies on Hart Crags NE face. At this point we stopped and Tim discussed the possibilities with us before we all decided which route to take. We then continued to contour round but our route soon turned upwards in fairly deep but fresh snow to the foot of our main scramble route. At this point a quick timeout was taken to put crampons on. With Tim leading we continued upwards generally over the rock slabs but occasionally having to cross the gully at a narrow point, but only after checking the stability of the snow, as safety was always put first. The climbing was exciting all right We gained height quickly, but safely, with a few awkward steps giving hairy moments and a little exposure thrown in to add to the excitement. No sooner had we started, the final obstacle had been passed and all that remained was the steep short walk onto the flat plateau between and then onto Fairfield summit. The end of an exciting and enjoyable gully snow/ice climb scramble was then rewarded with excellent views of much of Lakeland in winter conditions while quickly refuelling tired bodies with a spot of lunch. "How was your part frozen banana Peter." We soon departed Fairfield and then continued along the path to St Sunday Crag where we caught up and rejoined the main group to complete the walk back into Patterdale. Upon reaching Patterdale a leisurely pint was enjoyed by all to round off an excellent day before the short journey home. All that remains is to thank John for organising the day and also to thank Tim for an excellently led gully snow/ice climb scramble. Brian Paddington |