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Park & Stride 19 - Skiddaw from Bassenthwaite |
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Written by Mark Richards
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Saturday, 07 July 2007 |
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Skiddaw is a much-loved landmark fell, a Munro firth of Scotland. The cornerstone of the northern Lakes, revered down the generations by native and tourist alike as a gracious backdrop, particularly to views from Derwentwater and Bassenthwaite. It is a massif in its own right, with a company of supporting fells leading to an remotely sited summit. Built of slate and therefore almost bereft of crags, its upper slopes are beset with scree. Many who climb the fell do so as a one-off fell-walking event, they see the sleek slopes and judge it an ’easy’ ascent to a magnificent viewpoint. They are correct. But judgement and a little local knowledge are needed to avert tedium and fashion a memorable day on the fell. To unlock Skiddaw’s finest qualities begin your walk from the charming little village of Bassenthwaite, which lies in the vale immediately to the north-west. Eyes turn quickly to the razor-edge leading to Ullock Pike, Long Side and Carl Side. Follow on from these grand-galleried viewpoints to traverse the southern slopes of Skiddaw and gather up Skiddaw Little Man, possessing the most comprehensive and expensive fell-top view in Lakeland. Backtracking over the main summit, des-cend via Bakestall to the beautiful waterfall of Whitewater Dash. Follow on down the enchanting Dash valley and subsequent green pastures to the regain Bassenthwaite where it all begun.  Download complete PDF (947KB)
© Mark Richards 2007 |
 Driving along the A13 recently, I noticed familiar mountain names emblazened on the side of a car. On return home I was keen to discover the amazing project being advertised by the vehicle and the equally incredible expedition being undertaken by a group of scuba divers in order to raise funds for Help for Heroes. Find out more about this expedition from Shane Farnham and then why not consider their worthy cause in support of 'Help for Heroes'. |
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 The continued good fortune of being in Cumbria along with good weather, continued again on this outing, as a few OFC again gathered in Coniston. My intentions were not to stay in Coniston, but with £100 to give to Coniston MRT it seemed logical to overnight in Coniston for two nights in order to make the best of my time. Robbie K had already contacted me to say he would join me and Lorraine also hinted at a walk out. However, as with all things, matters can change but I was mighty pleased when those who said they would walk did so. Along with myself, Robbie, Lorraine and even Steven P joined me on the long ascent of the Walna Scar Road from the village. It really was a magic morning! |
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| HAVE YOU SEEN? |
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Scratch & Co. The Great Cat Expedition, known latterly to only the keenest Lake District and Wainwright aficionados, is now available once again for readers to enjoy. For years the rare, classic mountaineering novel was only appreciated by those with enough spare funds, with some copies exchanging hands for several hundred pounds.
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 Eric Robson was born in Southern Scotland and has lived for most of his life in Cumbria. For the latter part of his life he has owned a small farm near Wasdale and is most famous for his role as chairman of Gardeners' Question Time on BBC Radio 4. Over the last five years he has also chaired the Wainwright Society. This book examines his own life with quite amusing anecdotes of his experiences as a freelance broadcaster and documentary maker. |
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"A big thank-you too to Peter for piecing together the latest Lost Sheep, I feel honoured to find a place in this extra special issue and serve AW's dearest cause." Mark Richards
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