15th May 2013 - Lake District 10 Peak Challenge

It was much windier than it looks!

Terrific view to Buttermere and beyond

Beasting up the Haystacks

Tough going up to Green Gable

A well earned rest before the final descent into Borrowdale - well done lads!

Last night I headed down to the very quiant Buttermere in the Lake District in order to help guide on a 10 peak challenge for Big Walks. I had never done any work down here before, so was looking forward to a bit of a challenge and a pleasant change of scenery, and I wasn't left disappointed.

The group of 21 were from a large pub/restaurant chain and were raising money for a childrens charity (so far having raised £50,000 through various efforts - great job guys!) and were a range of managers, chefs and general staff. This morning I met Geoff, who operates Big Walks, and Mike and Steve who were also guiding today, at the Buttermere Youth Hostel where the group were staying. After last minute preparations and a few words about safety, we split the group into three and took each of our guys for a more personal brief on the day and sort out any issues.

In no time we were off, walking through pleasant countryside through the picturesque Buttermere and on towards the first peak of the day: Red Pike. The walk up to the tarn which nestles high on Red's shoulder was challenging enough for a few guys from all three teams, and we had a few drop outs here. I was with the middle team, and due to different walking paces we decided to stop at the tarn and wait on the last group in order to sort the groups out into more appropriate speeds. I took 8 slightly quicker folk, and we quickly ascended Red Pike before regrouping in the mist and heading for High Stile. The wind really picked up here, and some of the group really struggled walking at times, but we managed to persevere at a good pace onto the final peak of this stretch, High Crag. Here we met Geoff who was working in a support role, gathering folk who wished to call it a day in the Scarth Gap below. My group got into the Gap and had lunch, where 4 of the group decided they had done enough and opted to head back down with Geoff. So with only 4 left in my group, we ploughed onto the Haystacks in much improved weather, and enjoyed good craic as we picked our way amongst the crag and heather. There were a few interesting scrambling sections for the guys to enjoy on the way to the top.

After the Haystacks we made our way over broken ground towards the 5th peak, Brandreth. A rather non-descript summit, it compensated with superb views in every direction. From here the lads pressed on to Green Gable, nestled quietly under its bigger brother Great Gable which would have been our next peak had the team decided that enough was enough, and opted to head down to Borrowdale and a rest!

Just as we turned away, the cloud cover came rolling in, and it began to rain quite heavily. Waterproofs on, we plooded for home, and after a rather and strenuous descent into Borrowdale the guys could finally relax and massage their tired legs.

All in all it was a tremendous effort; everyone pushed themselves hard and found some pleasure in being in the mountains; 4 members of the team in front made the full 10 peaks; and they raised a hell of a lot of money for a worthy cause. Beers all round back at the hostel - and rightly so!

Thanks to Geoff at Big Walks for the opportunity - I look forward to my next visit to the Lakes!