Stuc a' Chroin and Ben Vorich

Stuc a' Chroin and Ben Vorich

Sunday 6 April 2014

5 April - Blaeberry Fell

Not even the slopes of Walla Crag were visible or much else for that matter, so we reckoned it wasn't worth driving anywhere for the same conditions. Blaeberry would at least give us a summit, however modest and: "There's a certain sensuous pleasure to be obtained from getting wet through - really wet through to the skin - which is something akin to the joy of robbing orchards...." A H Griffin. I expect most who read this blog will have been at some time wet through to the skin and can decide for themselves whether or not the experience was sensuous. I know what Griffin is getting at, but can't possibly comment about the robbing orchards bit!

Despite the steady rain people were abroad in fair numbers but we were alone in turning off for higher things, all others continuing along the path high above Derwentwater.

I am always pleasantly surprised at the absence of litter on the fells but a brief stop at the sheep fold revealed various debris lying around - tissues, bits of drinks cartons and so on; near the summit, orange peel was scattered; an old banana skin lay further on. The mentality of those responsible is beyond understanding.

The top was an exposed, wet and misty place but as usual we were enjoying being out in 'weather' though no photographs were taken, the new Sony and older Lumix staying safe in the packs.

All was quiet back at the path to Ashness Bridge so we followed it for a while enjoying the misty view down Borrowdale before calling it day.

Tea was finished by the yew* trees on Walla Crag; a Scots Pine reminded of home. The weather even more so.

Edit: being back among the Herdwicks I originally spelt this 'ewe'! Either no-one noticed or they were too polite to point this error out-:)

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5 comments:

Sir Hugh said...

I well remember a riotous camp at Ashness Bridge (probably illegaly) back in the early 60s. A whole group of us unruly youths, and also memories of many weekends climbing in Bprrowdale on Shepherd's and Black Crags and others. It's good to be there whatever the weather.

afootinthehills said...

Hi Conrad. Ah yes, memories of days on Shepherd's Crag and Black Crag as well as Falcon Crag are very happy ones for me too, although my visits were holidays only. Your camp gives new meaning to the term 'wild camping'

Greg said...

I was on the same walk yesterday. Parked in the National trust car park beneath Walla. We also kept the camera safely ion the bag out of the rain.

afootinthehills said...

Hi Greg. In all the Lakes there we were, both in exactly the same area. Hope you enjoyed the day out.

AlanR said...

We had some rain here too. In fact in the late afternoon the rain was so heavy it was difficult to see through it. We havn’t seen rain so heavy for a long time.
I’m not a big fan of being soaked through to the skin but on a day walk when you have a change then it’s not so bad.
I agree with you on litter. Banana skins are very dangerous for sheep. No they don’t slip on them they get stuck in the throat. Some people think that if its degradable litter then its ok to leave it. Wrong.