Langdale Weekend
Over the last weekend in April, 24 of us went up to the Lakes for a
bargain weekend at High Close Hostel (Langdale). A small, select party
set off earlyish on Friday morning and after lunch within the grounds of
Ambleside Youth Hostel, proceeded to High Close where we were to spend
the night. During the afternoon we circumnavigated Loughrigg Fell,
getting our first views of the Langdale Pikes, which were to feature
prominently in next days walking. By the time we had returned to the
hostel, other members of the party had started to arrive.
Saturdays A walk, led by me, started from the hostel and was to take in
The Langdale Pikes with an ascent of Jack's Rake for those that felt so
inclined. 11 brave or perhaps foolish people decided to tackle the
climb, the sensible ones taking the easier route up. Nevertheless
everyone made it and despite being rather tired, we all felt rather
proud of ourselves. Our next ascent was up Harrison Pike but when given a
choice, most people decided that the further peak of Pike of Sickle
would have to wait for another day. We descended to the New Dungeon
Ghyll hotel where refreshments were taken, the majority of the party
opting to catch the bus along Langdale, your intrepid leader however
plus three others opted to finish the walk that came out at about 10.5
miles.
The B walk led by John Gregory, was chosen by many thinking this to be
an easy option, it did however turn out to be about a mile longer than
the A walk. It followed a similar route to start with as far as Stickle
Tarn, then veering northwards towards High Raise before dropping down
Far Easdale Gill and into Grasmere. Here I was very surprised, knowing
the leader, that they went to a tea shop!
The next day there were a couple of walks of about 5 miles that finished
soon after lunch, just as the rain arrived. Up to this point the
weather had been very good and we consider ourselves very fortunate.
Many thanks to Shaun for organising such a good value and convivial weekend.
Jack
More Photos HERE
