Wet, wild, windy Watson's and co

[The English Alpinist]

Now one-sixth of the way through my quest to do the all the Wainwrights in the 5 months of winter. That''s another walk done, taking in 7 peaks, but I nearly didn't try it. A pretty grim day, high winds, not so bad at first but from late morning onward near incessant rain, trying its best to become snow, driving in horizontally. A bit scary along the tops, an elevated route but very obvious and safe paths. The thought of getting stranded up there was pretty horrible, though (quite a long way down from Great Dodd in any direction), but I was grateful those summits are easy (if very wet) walking and made better time than I expected. The damp got through everything in the end, even a £300 Goretex waterproof, but only by the time I was well on the way back along the Old Coach Road. Just about felt within physical comfort zones. Briefly got disorientated on Hart Side, which might have become a bigger setback if visibility hadn't returned for a moment to put me right. Otherwise no dramas, an efficient if grim day.

Most of the 'pleasure' was early on, up to Sheffield Pike - great views - but thereafter wild 'adventure satisfaction' only. A good little reminder that the 700m+ fells are no walk in the park in bad weather at this time of year. Fine if nothing goes wrong, but if it does, how long will clothing keep you protected? That's about the worst weather I'll go up in, unless its lower peaks. 100kph wind together with 'moderate rain' forecast for 2 day's time when I was hoping to do some of the Far Eastern Fells (Wether Hill high point) - it's a no!

Update - now 'only' 65-70kph forecast, with moderate rain till midday. That's on the edge of tolerance, I'm going to go for it. Plenty of retreat points around Place Fell, Beda Fell and Steel Knotts, and nothing so high as the Dodds across the lake. Heck, I can quit after the titchy Hallin Hell if its unbearable.

Update 2: Gave it a miss after all!

Failed to find the little access path, but got this stylish old tree in foreground of Ullswater view instead!

Glenridding Dodd with Sheffield Pike awaiting.

Rainbows are two-a-penny in these parts!

On Sheffield Pike.

The summit shelter on Stybarrow Dodd.

Thumbs down for conditions on Watson's Dodd

Clough Head, so close I could touch it.

The walk's climax, minus the views. Excellent pillar at least.

The Old Coach Road below, one of the most welcome sights of my fellwalking career.

On the Old Coach Road, happy about it.

The unfordable ford on the Old Coach Road.

Glenridding Dodd & Sheffield Pike looking moody later afternoon as I come full circle.

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[trailmasher]

A hell of a day to be out TEA but well done for persevering and getting a good few tops in . You couldn't have picked wider open spaces to walk in bad weather than you did.

[ChrisW]

Already 1/6th done, you're going to have to slow down TEA or you'll be done by Feb Great to see you still loving the hills on what was clearly a bloody miserable day

[The English Alpinist]

Already 1/6th done, you're going to have to slow down TEA or you'll be done by Feb Great to see you still loving the hills on what was clearly a bloody miserable day

I wish! I'm just about on schedule, and 'just about' enjoying it so far! Such an unspeakably dismal November it's been.

[ChrisW]

'just about' enjoying it

I think otherwise..........in your shot 'Thumbs down for conditions on Watson's Dodd' I can clearly see in your one good eye that's not hammered by the weather, there's a glimmer of enjoyment

[The English Alpinist]

'just about' enjoying it

I think otherwise..........in your shot 'Thumbs down for conditions on Watson's Dodd' I can clearly see in your one good eye that's not hammered by the weather, there's a glimmer of enjoyment

Ha! My spirits are restored!