Steel Fell

20th March 2010

3 Dallam runners, 2 Colts

The route: Steel Fell, Calf Crag, Sergeant Man, High Raise, Thunacar Knott, Harrison Stickle, Pike of Stickle, Rossett Crag, Allen Crags, Glaramara, Langstarth, Long Crag, Calf Crag, and Steel Fell

As we drove through we were hoping to be able to view the hills above Langdale to check out the snow conditions but the clag put pay to that idea. I would have normally been slightly concerned about the amount of clag but the forecast was good and I know the route pretty well. We started the leg burning climb of Steel Fell with the clag all around us it wasn’t long before climbed up out of the clag to a nice clear day. The first summit came in good time everyone was keen and we were flying along . We pushed on hitting the summits well up on the 23 hour schedule. I tried a different route to Sergeant Man the Colts followed me, Mick P and Stuart keeping to the normal line we hit the summit at around the same time they had a little climb but we had wet grass.

We pressed on hitting the summits well up on the 23 hour schedule even when I took my eye off the ball when chatting and heading slightly off route. At Pike of Stickle we left our bags at the base, ‘is that wise’ someone said ‘some one may take our food’ they didn’t no one else around for miles. Rossett Crag came giving us a good view of Bow fell with loads of snow still covering the slopes we headed for Angle tarn no point taking any risks that far into the hills. After quick chat we opted for the climb to Esk Hause then take another look. Still looking pretty grim we had lunch at the shelter at which point we decided to head along The Borrowdale Valley before picking up our intended route back.

The forecast was right the weather had a turn for the worse in the form of damp clag navigating was going to be tricky. Allen crags being our next Summit followed by Glaramra the clag was still down but we had our very own Tom Tom with us and he did a first class job taking us over some new ground and a good descent into Borrowdale Valley before a mega long climb out again which proved to be the hardest and longest one of the day. We tramped on crossing to wet soggy ground slipping and sliding our way back to Steel fell happy with the route we had taken, one which we may never do again. We only had that killer descent of Steel Fell to do, my Swoops proving a little under par compared to my trusty Mudroc’s on the wet grass.

Overall we had a good training day not the route I intended to do but a great one in the end. Yet again the banter was good as was the company. Having wet feet all day had taken it toll I had a blister much to Andrews delight.

Totals: 19miles, 6hours, 6703ft Ascent, 3.1mph ave speed.