Remembrance Sunday 2011 Print
Written by Peter Burgess   
Sunday, 27 November 2011

Others' Photographs

The OFC wander off across Grey Friar
Grey Friar
Having set my plans into shape, a message about my intended walk gave response on the OFC board, and at 8am on Sunday 13th November 4 other club members joined me for the walk up Coppermines Valley.  Starting at the TIC carpark, we quickly passed the new HEP plant in Levers Water Beck and bypassed the YHA at Coppermines before turning into the upper valley of Levers Water Beck. 

Ascending to Levers Water
Early Morning Ascent
A reasonable ascent with great views behind, we soon reached the dam of the aforementioned water, to be met by still waters and fantastic mirror-like reflections. We all grabbed some great photographs before turning our attention to the ascent in mind, turning west onto the Prison Band and quickly gaining the summit of Swirl How, the highest peak in the Coniston group. 

Levers Water Reflections
Reflections on Life!
We were a little surprised at how quiet it seemed and after ambling round to the summit of Great Carrs itself, we then gathered at the Halifax memorial just a few yards to the south west of the top.  We all presumed that the day would be marked by something official, but I guess that had happened on the 11th.  So it was that five OFC members were joined by a family of four to acknowledge our own debt of gratitude for those who gave their service in wartime.  It was this site that witnessed the death of 8 brave air crew, their doomed bomber breaking the silence on this lofty peak in 1944.  This we believe is the only such wartime memorial in the district; a location where servicemen lost their lives whilst on active duty.  The two minutes silence was held and we all reflected on the fact that the families of the airmen would feel pleased that someone had stood there on the important day to remember their loved ones.  I think some of us will definitely return.

The weather was fine with good views except for an hour or so when the cloud came down. A good walk enjoyed by all.....Best wishes to all.... Bob Eaves

 

Halifax LL505 Crash Site
Halifax LL505
With the informal proceedings over, the family departed and we made our way to Grey Friar.  On return Peter and Ed ascended the 'Matterhorn', that lofty boulder so akin in profile to the famous Alpine edifice (see the photo below from a 'Summiteer' fan who skied down the Matterhorn for real).  Turning south-eastwards onto the western, windward flank of Swirl How, we ate lunch near Levers Hawse before continuing in heavy fog to Brim, or as Richard named it, 'Grim' Fell and Coniston Old Man. 

Bob Eaves, Richard Ratcliffe, Neil Haslewood, Peter Burgess and Ed Harrison
OFC Quintet
We waited for a break in the clouds which predictably never came, before retracing our steps to Brim Fell.  Peter and Bob had ascended to the peak on a few occasions via Gill Cove Crag, so despite no recommendations from Alf Wainwright, we set off north-east from the summit to pick a way down to the aforementioned crag.  Playing it slow and safe, we traversed the upper terraces of Gill Cove Crag before switching back to the western shore of Levers Water.

Donald Campbell used The Sun Inn as his base in 1967
Post walk beverage
Richard suggested a descent through Boulder Valley, so with a brief viewing of nearby mine levels we paused for photos at the Pudding Stone where Peter even made an ascent!  Now we were below the cloud, improving atmospheric conditions gave lovely views across Levers Water Beck before we all retired to The Sun Inn for a departing pint.  It was great to walk with friends both old and new and I think I'd be right in expressing our satisfaction in marking the day on the summit of Great Carrs.  Having been on Great Gable for many such November gatherings, the visit to Great Carrs just 10 kilometres from the FRCC memorial was an odd juxtaposition and it felt right that someone was there to remember those equally worthy men who died on that savage fell top in October 1944.

 

We weren't alone at the memorial, but if two people hadn't thought of this opportunity, then it would have been unattended, which would have been rather sad. Richard Ratcliffe 

RCAF/Halifax LL505 Information

The slate plaque on the summit of Great Carrs
8 Men Remembered
The walkers today were Bob Eaves, Richard Ratcliffe, Neil Haslewood, Peter Burgess and Ed Harrison.  Apart from Peter, everyone made a fantastic effort to be there especially Neil who had travelled for 3 hours by car just to be there.  Well done everybody!  It must be noted that other OFC members ascended other peaks today and several including Jo Hall, John Paterson, Dave Leslie, Freddy Phillips, Mark Richards and Ben Hammond ascended Great Gable for the FRCC gathering - photo links above. Simon Howard was also walking in the Peak District, ascending to 'Pots and Pans'.  His photo link is also included above.

A sketch map for today's walk can be seen here.  Another variation on a theme but a great route through some great territory.  Can you plan your own adventure away from the more familiar ways?

N.B. This map is not to scale
Great Carrs from Coniston

 

Pity so few were there really, maybe something for some others of us to think about for next year. Dave Leslie 

Peter and Ed ascend the Matterhorn!
The Matterhorn!

Great day out and most unusual weather. We walked in from Honister and managed to get to the summit of Great Gable with 40 minutes to spare. The views were rather splendid and we spent a good hour up there relaxing before returning via a greasy scramble to Beckhead and round Stone Cove to join the trudge back to Honister. Ben Hammond 

 



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