Saturday, April 24, 2010

England. Skiddaw Peak

Yes, I am back in the land of Aus! I thought I would start my trip notes with fantastic walk I did in the Lakes district with two mates Ken and Jim. Skiddaw peak is in Keswick- perhaps the most beautiful part of the lakes area and, at only just over 900 metres, seemed to be an "easy " climb. Rather than write too much I have posted some photos and videos of the walk. Needless to say, towards the summit it was a bit more difficult.


Jim and Ken preparing for the walk. A pleasant start to the day.


Stunning views towards Keswick. The walk is very different to the Blue Mountains. Very open, with a broad, easy path and a steady climb.


As we climb- snow! At an altitude where snow does not fall in the Blue Mountains and a dramatic shift in the wind and a sudden temperature drop make it interesting.


Jim and Ken disappear into the howling wind and sleet. The terrain shifts from heath to just slate underfoot...


He's alive! Scott of the Antarctic!!


Nah.. It's Simon of Skiddaw! By this point it is as cold as the Snowy Mountains in a storm.


The peak!


Here is a little video of the peak. That noise is the wind. Very very strong and cold. The only respite was to sit behind some rocks. After a quick lunch of banana, and a mint cake ( sugar covered in chocolate basically) we began to descend the steep but faster route. This proved difficult for me as my old Scarpa boots are almost out of tread and I spent a great deal of time sliding instead of stepping.


Ken looking at the descent below the cloud cover.


A beautiful view again as we descend.

This is one of the best walks I have done. Tremendous variation in terrain and weather plus a couple of pints in a Lakes disctrict pub with frinds made this the perfect day.

More posts on England to come!

22 comments:

  1. Simon, this looks so wonderful!!! What an adventure you had!! It reminds me of the day I climbed Croagh Patrick in Ireland- only 765m high- couldn't be too hard, right? Wrong..... weather changed at the top and the descent in the wind and wet was treacherous. But exciting!!
    Looking forward to your next adventure!

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  2. Exactly Kiwi. I am glad, as a NZer , you said that. Very different to walking here thats for sure!

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  3. great view from the top. AND pints with friends. all in all a good day
    cheers
    ~laura

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  4. Hey Simon
    Welcome back.. hope you made it back for your daughter's 21st????? Well looks like you had a wonderful time none the less.. and being stranded with friends isn't too bad... sounds like they are great company... Beautiful pics..... must be a wonderful place to visit... The snow surprised me.. not sure why.. expected it to be warmer I guess...

    Take care... xx Julie

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  5. pooch! yes the views were pretty good.
    Julie- could have been a lot worse, and yes, the snow and conditions ( variation) surprised me too...to the point where I bought warmer clothes

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  6. Hey, did you see me waving from Craggy Isle? My goodness, that is not so much a walk, as an endurance test! Shame the weather misbehaved some, but it doesn't seem to have spoiled your trip any. Glad you finally made it home, trust you to pick a time to come away in the midst of a volcanic eruption (grin).

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  7. looks fun! I love walking in mad weather - no choice in Shetland!! so glad you're back with lots of wonderful memories and pics

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  8. Shrinky- yes I did! hahah!
    Abby- mad weather is right and mad planes!

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  9. Pleased to see you're home in one piece! You know - boots without tread work really well for coming down a mountain quickly ;-) Looks fabulous and I'm going to keep it in mind as a great place to visit...In SUMMER!
    xx

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  10. yes back in one piece! My MOSt favorite boots are now retired. My scarpas are about 35 year old ( if not older) and they have finally worn out the tread... it was very quick downhill. :o)

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  11. That looks mighty cold. I love the beautiful Lake District (a bit lower)!

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  12. Don i am with you there mate!

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  13. how was Tibet and Everest Loranzo??

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  14. Longer than she expected Simon ;-). Something you two share in 2010...

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  15. My soul! It looks like Tibet! I can't believe the snow, and the wind. Lovely view though. Well done!

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  16. Glad you are safely home mate. It's great to re-live the day on your blog :-)

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  17. welcome back mate! Had a great time thanks to you

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  18. I must visit the Lakes for a walk too. I'm glad you enjoyed your visit in the UK and I'm sure Maalie's hospitality was second to none.

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