Highs and Lows

ROUTE STATS (including map) Blencathra scrambling I don’t often feel nervous on the morning of a mountain walk. It’s normally a mixture of excitement, anticipation and longing for being in places where I feel most at ease. But today, parked in a lay-by just off the A66, I’ll admit to noticing the odd butterfly in my stomach. This walk has been almost 30 years in the making. Today I’m visiting the spikier ends of Blencathra: Sharp Edge and Hall’s Fell…

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ROUTE STATS (including map) The Easedale Skyline Mountains are the classic metaphor for strength, resilience and fortitude. Always there to reassure us with their perpetuity, they are steadfast and strong, oblivious to the troubles of the world. When you frame the mountains in our human timelines, the metaphor holds true. Even with the passing of the seasons, their underlying presence is undoubtedly permanent. ‘The mountains will always be there’ has been an oft-quoted phrase during lockdown. But switch your eyes…

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ROUTE STATS (including map) Aber Falls and the Northern Carneddau I’ll admit to feeling a little nervous about heading across the border. Even a casual glance at the headlines in 2020 would have you convinced the entire population of the British Isles could be found jostling for position on the summit of Snowdon / Yr Wyddfa. I certainly don’t want to add to the pressures and become part of the problem. But equally, I’ve learnt that the press is rather…

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ROUTE STATS (including map) The Deepdale Round I have never understood potholing. Why anyone would want to head underground in their wellington boots, in the dark, to squeeze through tight passages filled with water is beyond me. I’ve visited a couple of show caves in my time and can appreciate the beauty of a delicate stalactite or stalagmite as much as the next person. But I’d still rather be standing on a lofty ridge knowing I can always get back…

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ROUTE STATS (including map) The Swindale Fells It was all going so well. Two summits in the bag. Two more to go. Despite the fog, cold wind and distinct lack of views, this is my kind of walking. Striding out beside a dry stone wall, I am guided reassuringly through the gloom. My lockdown legs are injected with new life. This is the first walk of 2021 I’ve not had to start from my front door. I inhale the damp…

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ROUTE STATS (including map) The Fairfield Horseshoe It’s not hard to see the appeal of horseshoe walks. After the initial effort of reaching high ground, that’s where you’ll stay all day until it’s time to come down again. Look around and you’ll see the route that’s gone before you, plus what’s on offer later in the day. And whether you are an ardent ticker of hill lists or not, there’s no denying people will be impressed when you tell them…

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