Abandoned (intentionally) on Red Screes

[Jaxter]

Yet another Terrible Idea (which didn't seem so terrible at the time) was to visit my parents while they were on holiday in the Lake District. We had done it the previous year and I had felt pretty good (for Long Covid anyway!) that week and it had been good. Unfortunately this year turned out to be the opposite.

On the way down I had offered to do the last wee bit of driving in order to allow Malky a longer walk - he was up for this, so he parked up at the top of the Kirkstone Pass and we set off up Red Screes together.


From where we had parked it was only a few hundred metres of ascent to the summit so we thought I could manage it (Could - yes. Should - probably not. In hindsight!)


We made our way across the flat section and soon found ourselves headed upwards. The path was well-made but my coordination was off and I was struggling (a sure sign I should have stopped, as it turns out)


As we gained a bit of height we were able to see more - this is Ill Bell I think


Looking down the glen towards Ambleside and the top of Windermere


Red Screes itself is a pretty cool hill - very rocky and I almost felt like I could have been in Torridon


Further up there were some steeper sections and bits where hands were needed. I felt very unstable and was a bit worried as I'd be descending this on my own


More of Windermere visible now


Finally off the steep bit, the gradient relaxed and it was a grassy stroll to the summit for any normal person. I had to get pushed up by Malky


Now on the summit we were able to see towards the bigger hills


Brother's Water (and Malky's next summit )


Summit of Red Screes


I didn't have the confidence in my balance to get higher than this


Malky showing off (and showing some leg )


I needed a breather but Malky, conscious of time, headed off - he was planning to walk to Langdale via a big load of other hills.


I enjoyed the views for a bit before starting to head down - it was quite windy so not very relaxing


Tip of Windermere


Wee shower over Ambleside


Looking down on the Kirkstone Inn


From here I made my way slowly down to the car - I did manage to drive the few miles to Langdale but I also fell asleep as soon as I arrived and that kind of set the tone for the week...

[Pointless Parasite]

I felt very unstable and was a bit worried as I'd be descending this on my own

Wow, this long covid thing really is the gift that keeps on giving isn't it . I knew people have problems with tiredness and shortness of breath, but had no idea about feeling unsteady as well. Has there been any improvement since it started?

Nice report though. I bet that guy spends half the evening picking ticks of his legs

[Mal Grey]

Somehow Red Screes has still escaped my attention. Must make amends for that one day.

Thanks for sharing, as always, looks like a good 'un.

How many more reports have you got up your sleeve now awaiting publication? I see these two, though months apart, were posted almost simultaneously!

Hope there are now signs of recovery.

[Jaxter]

I felt very unstable and was a bit worried as I'd be descending this on my own

Wow, this long covid thing really is the gift that keeps on giving isn't it . I knew people have problems with tiredness and shortness of breath, but had no idea about feeling unsteady as well. Has there been any improvement since it started?

Nice report though. I bet that guy spends half the evening picking ticks of his legs

Yes it really is, and seemingly endless. Every time I think I'm improving or have a breakthrough, there's always a down afterwards. I'm now resting more and I think it might be helping...Being off work is probably helping too!

Somehow Red Screes has still escaped my attention. Must make amends for that one day.

Thanks for sharing, as always, looks like a good 'un.

How many more reports have you got up your sleeve now awaiting publication? I see these two, though months apart, were posted almost simultaneously!

Hope there are now signs of recovery.

It was a good hill - I just didn't enjoy it very much!
I've got loads - I was struggling to find any motivation to write any because they are mainly small walks that don't seem so interesting and I just couldn't be bothered. Plus screens are so tiring, but I've sorted my way through a load of photos recently so expect a big dump...(of reports )

[past my sell by date]

Red screes is a nasty place - steep and loose. A Patterdale mountain rescue volunteer had a dreadful accident there last February
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cumbria-55978537

[Sgurr]

Boo to Long Covid. I suppose you saw the bit of research that featured the possible association with micro-clots ? https://www.npr.org/2022/01/09/1071706533/the-role-of-tiny-blood-clots-in-long-covid?t=1641986187066

Did Red Screes ages ago, and used hands as well. I REALLY regret not doing Middle Didd at the time as it looks very steep from the valley floor and I don't want to do Red Screes again. just to get at it. One of the Lake District hills where I did feel wobbly, and that was ages ago, so can't be put down to old age.

[nigheandonn]

Brotherswater to the Scandale Pass, and up by the wall from there? Not that I've tried it, apart from cutting the corner from Middle Dodd to the corner on the way down. You do seem to have left it a bit lonely...

I enjoyed Red Screes from Kirkstone much more than I expected to - no messing about, just get up there!

[Jaxter]

Boo to Long Covid. I suppose you saw the bit of research that featured the possible association with micro-clots ? https://www.npr.org/2022/01/09/1071706533/the-role-of-tiny-blood-clots-in-long-covid?t=1641986187066

Did Red Screes ages ago, and used hands as well. I REALLY regret not doing Middle Didd at the time as it looks very steep from the valley floor and I don't want to do Red Screes again. just to get at it. One of the Lake District hills where I did feel wobbly, and that was ages ago, so can't be put down to old age.

I did see that research - it's definitely promising! I'd be keen to do Red Screes again if anything just because I can't enjoy it any less than the last time

I enjoyed Red Screes from Kirkstone much more than I expected to - no messing about, just get up there!

That was the idea (turns out it was a bad one!!)