Eleven of us enjoyed the weekend at Skiddaw House, a remote hostel, one and a half hour's walk from the car park and set high on the side of Skiddaw (at over 1500 feet, the highest hostel in England).
The forecast had been atrocious and we all expected our time there to be wet, soggy and thoroughly miserable. In the event Saturday was a bright and breezy day. The unexpectedly fine weather lifted our spirits immeasurably.
Four rather more intrepid members went off to conquer Skiddaw, whilst others opted for a gentler, bus-assisted circular walk of the mountain.
We were made very welcome by the wardens, Martin and Louise, and we all enjoyed the experience of staying at this traditionally simple hostel, with its cosy, wood-stove heated communal area and fantastic panoramic view. A good range of beers and wines at very reasonable prices were available -guaranteeing a jolly time! A tasty communal meal was prepared by the group's resident chef and this was followed by a lively evening of conversation, Martyn's piano entertainment, a sing-song and a darts competition of which Harvey was the eventual winner, beating Sue H quite
decisively in the final! All great fun! We were joined by the only other people in the hostel, Robin and Jill, a Yorkshire couple who were walking the Cumbria Way, and who seemed to enjoy the evening with us.
Sunday was a gentler, sunny day. We reluctantly left the hostel at 10 and made our way back to the cars and some of us did a short walk in the hills over looking the lovely valley of St. John's in the Vale.
We were sorry that four members who had booked to go were forced, for medical or other reasons, to pull out. We send our good wishes for speedy recoveries to the "infirm" and hope that these four may have another opportunity of visiting this hostel. It certainly was a weekend that all of us would wish to repeat someday.
John.
