Rainy days & Monday's.... C.

[thefallwalker]

This walk was supposed to be 12 miles with an intended height gain of over 5500ft taking in Glaramara, Alan cragg, Esk pike,leading ultimately to Scarfell pike and a few other birketts that my partner ( trailmasher) had yet to get to. A nice pre holiday walk up the fells to keep the legs going as I hadn't been out for a few weeks due to work comments
To be honest I wasn't going to post this report as the intended walk was not achieved,
We started off at Seathwaite farm to make the ascent via Hind Gill. As we parked the car on the lane just outside the farm the rain began to fall which for me was not the start I was hoping for!
The route up was via Hind Gill, as there were reports that it was accessible but other reports saying to avoid this way up. The route up is fine if a little obscure at first however if you keep the Gill just on your left until you reach the wall & gate it's absolutely no problem and once through the gate the path is more visible and just a steady plod up.
The rain continued and got heavier and the wind picked up from nothing to the point where it was blowing you off your stride, this was certainly not a nice day to be up the fells! The views were non existent which for me is the main reason I love to walk in this area.
We eventually stumbled upon Glaramara, but didn't hang around and decided that enough was enough I was soaked right through from my feet upwards! and came back down via the traditional route which leads down back to the farm along the ridges next to another Gill ( sorry can't remember the name!) on your right side.
Unfortunately the weather was so bad that I did not get my camera out, visibility was next to nothing so didn't see much point!
Lesson learned on this walk,
You only get what you pay for with the gear you decide to wear, so a little warning to all others like myself who may just of started walking please spend a little more to begin with and add to to it as you require, my partner was totally bone dry when we arrived back who is an "old hand" at this walking lark so always listen to experience!
Also Don't be put off by the Hind Gill route, it's a good way up and more direct for Glaramara

[ChrisW]

Wise words Fallwalker, shame about the bloody miserable weather but you are right about the gear. Good quality wet weather gear is a must for the UK...the best laid plans eh