At the time I’d presumed that’d be the end of my fledgling return to hill walking but as it turns out it would appear that I’m one of the lucky ones. At present my lower limbs aren’t too badly affected. Many others with this wretched disease aren’t as fortunate. Obviously I won’t be doing any mammoth rounds or breaking any time records anytime soon but with a little learning of my new limitations & a whole lot of drugs

We’d taken a week’s break in the Lakes back at Easter with my 6 year old nephew for his first taste of any hill walking. It was also an opportunity for me to try out a few short up & downs to see how my legs would react & Helm Crag had been our first stop off on the way to our accommodation. With no problems on shorter walks I’d decided the Greenburn round would make a nice gentle reintroduction to building up to longer walking & immediately proposed to come back this month.
So after a 5am start from Worcestershire, three hours of daydreaming behind the wheel later & I found myself stepping out at Grasmere & immediately depositing my life savings in the pay & display machine



The first part of the walk & it seemed the wildlife had come out to greet me.
Then the weather forecast lived up to expectations & I was hit with the first of what was to be a recurring theme of rain & hailstones for the duration of the walk.
It's a short climb to the shoulder of Helm Crag & the first glimpse of The Lion & The Lamb. Despite the gloomy grey weather the Lion was looking as regal as ever but Wow!! . . . . how realistic does the Lamb look??

The weather was certainly very different form when we were last up here just some 4 weeks previous.
A short stroll further on and it's at the proper summit or the "The Howitzer." From afar & in the guidebooks it always appears a bit intimidating but up close it really isn't much to worry about. I can't help but think AW is a bit of a wuss for not climbing it. Having said that the strength of wind & wet polished rock was sufficient for me to not warrant standing on top so just a pat on the top with my hand was enough for today.
Next stop is onward to Gibson's Knott just as the next hailstorm was heading straight for me.
Despite the weather it was still an enjoyable stroll along the undulating ridge & I was soon atop the next summit.
Following the easy path onward along & up to Calf Crag & soon I was enjoying the views back down along Far Easedale.
It was then that another hailstorm arrived. This time the really hard "Stings through your clothing & bites at your face" sort of hail. With the hood of my waterproof drawn tight around my face, head down & low visibility from the conditions I somehow managed to keep walking further along the path that continues toward the head of Far Easdale than I should have

The going along here is pretty boggy in places but the path becomes more defined the closer you get toward Steel Fell. Still its a soggy but nice stroll as you gaze back along the ridge you've just walked to Helm Crag until you reach the summit cairn & the views along Thirlmere with Blencathra & Skiddaw are revealed.
All that was left was to follow the path down off Steel Fell & follow the minor road that leads back to the Easdale Road & that was that for a first walk back!
In summary the weather could have been kinder but all in all a great nice easy walk to get me back in the swing of things. As for the RA, well I've never been the fittest walker but it's certainly slowing me down a little & walks are going to be done at an even more sedate pace with more frequent stops. On the bright side that just gives me even more time to look at the scenery

Looking ahead I'm not sure how this disease will affect me further down the line & my heart goes out to all those afflicted with any of the various forms of arthritis who are simply unable to enjoy the simple pleasure that walking brings. So for now I shall just continue exploring my limits, count my blessings & enjoy walking in the hills again for as long as i'm able:thumbup: ..... Next stop back to The Langdales!
