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Following the huge snow fall the previous Friday it was with some trepidation that we ventured over to the Lake District for the Easter weekend. The initial plan for the Thursday when we arrived was to wander up Wansfell from Ambleside but a quick look at just how much snow was up there we decided to go shopping instead and bought some micro-spikes. We’ve been thinking about purchasing some of these for a while and with four days to fill walking in the Lakes with much snow and ice even on low fells we finally took the plunge.
We returned to climb Wansfell the next day but this time from the delightful village of Troutbeck to the East. An initial look at the fell from this side made it look as if there wasn’t much snow. The fact was it was all hiding in Nanny Lane, our ascent route.
The Mortal Man by
johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Ill Bell ridge from Nanny Lane by
johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
After about 100 yards up the lane we encountered a covering of bone hard ice so it was spikes on. I have to say that from the very start these fantastic bits of kit were superb.
On ice that would be just about impossible to traverse could be walked upon as if it was normal dry ground. Better was to follow as the drifting snow had filled the lane up to the brim necessitating walking on top of the fairly solid drifts with the occasional plunge through the top.
Over the Fence by
johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Ill Bell Ridge again by
johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Getting Stuck in! by
johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Soon enough Nanny Lane and its drifts were left behind as we struck out up the path to Wansfell. There was still enough ice and snow to keep our new acquisitions on our feet but we did have to avoid rocks and stones on occasion.
It was on Wansfell Pike (a fine viewpoint indeed) that my camera told me it required a new battery. A sense of dread overcame me as I realised not only had I failed to charge my spare but left the charger at home. To make matters worse Grace’s camera was also on red and the charger for that was sitting somewhere in our front room.
Wansfell Pike Views by
johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Kirkstone Pass by
johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
We set off along the fantastically built dry stone wall towards the true summit of Wansfell. I managed a few more snaps before the last few electrons drained from my battery and left me feeling somewhat gloomy. The spikes were proving there worth time and time again on the undulating ridge and we made good pace helped by the need to get out of a very cold wind that was blasting in from the East. We reached the cairn at the Northern end of the ridge which I assume was what AW felt was the summit. Subsequent maps suggest the point across the dip where the wall lies is the true top so we visited that as well.
Wansfell Wall by
johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Natures Sculpture by
johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Looking back along the Ridge by
johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr (taken with camera phone)
Just what is that dog doing? by
johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr (taken with camera phone)
Grace on Baystones Summit by
johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr (taken with Samsung point and shoot)
And a third view of the Ill Bell ridge by
johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr (taken with camera phone0
We found a sheltered spot for lunch and had a go at making snow angels in a drift before making our way down, following the wall and many more impressive drifts back to Nanny Lane.
We capped off the day by enjoying a cup of tea and a selection from the pudding menu and the Mortal Man inn.
