Public Notice - Use of the promenade is at your own risk

I took that risk ........... and I'm back.
Although I say so myself, it couldn't have gone much better.
The weather was pretty decent (only 3 grotty days out of 12).
All the accommodation was spot on (just one iffy night in Grasmere YH, but that was due the occupants not the Hostel).
The kit all did what it was meant to do.
The body did what it was meant to do (knees are a bit dodgy but that's all, they weren't that clever before I started)
All in all a great walk. Back at work now but will endeavor to post more details as and when I get chance.

This is it........

.........the packs packed, the tickets are in my pocket and I've got half an hour before I go for the train. I doubt I'll get chance to blog en route so watch this space and providing all goes to plan will update on my progress in around 12 days time.

CtoC training

With less than 2 weeks to go the CtoC is suddenly becoming a bit more real. After several walks from home to Dalby (about 12 miles) we decided to go a bit further, including an overnight and carrying full kit.
We left Dalby on Monday and headed up over the Moors to Boggle Hole. The weather was superb and despite my pack being heavier than expected the 14 miles came relatively easy. We stayed at Boggle Hole YHA and given that's about 20 years since I last stayed at a Youth Hostel was surprised how expensive it seems to have become. We enjoyed the experience but came to the conclusion that the value of Hostels is either for singles or large families. If it was purely cost driven I'm sure we could have a got a B&B for less.
Tuesday saw us heading down the coast to Cloughton before following the disused railway to Scalby, then heading to the woods to get home. The weather was once again superb with the only grumble being the number of flies along the clifftop. We did another good 17 miles and got home mid afternoon.

PUMA Hawkshead 15k Trail Race

On Saturday 18th, the day after Blencathra, we headed for Hawkshead for the 15k Trailrace, part of the Lakeland Trails series. I've never done anything like this before but I'd read about it being one of the most scenic races in the UK so thought I'd give it a go. The weather was fantastic and there was a great atmosphere in the town square where we all gathered pre race. With three big climbs I found it tough going and wished I'd done a bit more training, but the sweat and effort was more than made up for with the views and the scenery. Time wasn't bad, but as always wished I done a bit better - there's always next year!

April

Had a few days in the Lakes.
Friday we did Blencathra. Very windy and the cloud was low, we climbed into it just after Scales Tarn, which luckily hid the big drop of Sharp Edge. No view at the top unfortunately, but just after dropping off the summit it all cleared and gave us sunshine for the descent.

Bit of a catchup.....

It all started so well........
Anyway here's the bits I fully intended adding as when they happened, better late than never!

It all starts here...

This is it - in a bid to get back into the stuff I love I've just completed a NNAS Silver navigation course up in the Lakes.
Weather was good for March with no rain, although bitterly cold in the tent at night.
The course was based around Keswick and run by More than Mountains, with (rather fortunately) one to one tuition due to a couple of cancellations. The 2 day course with Jill was great and just what I needed to get me back in the hills.
Picture is of Keswick from above Walla Crag on the Sunday.