Friday 27 May 2011

Keswick Mountain Festival 18-22 May 2011

The KMF this year was memorable for high winds, and though there was some rain and mist, particularly on the Friday walk over Sheffield Pike and Helvellyn, it was chiefly the strength of the wind, sometimes gusting to over 50mph that characterised the festival. Thursday however was an exception; it was a perfect day, with no wind and a good deal of sunshine. Here's Pete's group taking a break in Langstrath at the foot of Stake Pass on their way to the Langdale Pikes. There were fourteen walkers as well as Pete and Tim, his assistant, and now a qualified Mountain Leader in his own right.




This view was taken just after lunch from Pike o'Stickle 2323ft looking towards our next objectives, Loft Crag 2271ft, and Harrison Stickle 2403ft, in the background.



Here's Bella, the tame Border Terrier, on Harrison Stickle; she's thinking what a long way it looks to Thunacar Knot 2351ft in the distance. The next summit, High Raise 2500ft, was the highest point of the walk and even further away, though the going after the Pikes was easy and made for quick progress. We dropped off High Raise past Long Crag and skirted Sergeant's Crag to drop down to Greenup Gill below Eagle Crag, where we met the footpath to return to Stonethwaite; a long day, but enjoyed by all. Thanks to Trevor Coucil for the photos.

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