WALK: Scafell Pike...finally!

So, my first criminal act was not going to Snowdonia walking (see previous blog). My second is not climbing Scafell Pike before. I mean, come on I am 43 and been climbing and walking in the hills for over 30 years, but I had never been up England's highest peak. So, this year I was on a mission....

The day was one of contrasts, we got up early and headed to Seathwaite. It wasn't exactly busy, I think I counted all of 7 other cars in the layby, and oooh, at least 2 tents on the campsite. We set off in glorious sunshine and we were starting to really think our luck was in; quiet car parking and sunny skies. But that delusion gradually started to dissipate as we walked higher and higher.

It was tough going, I was tired and to be brutally honest I was not at my fittest, but I was at my most determined. As we walked up the valley we were being overtaken by the more fit and cheerful. I started to get a little bit grumpy and Tony was trying his hardest to keep me going, and keep things light! But as we topped out on to Great End I forgot the slight pain of the ascent and basked in what was laid out before me. As the cloud started to roll in, I just about had time to get a panoramic shot of the jaw dropping view that lay before us. However, that was going to be the only view we were going to get for the rest of the day...

From Great End we walked over and up on to Scafell Pike, the mist had come down and the visibility was down to a mere 20 metres or so. As we walked on to the boulders we started to feel a little less alone. It was like a scene from a B-movie where people just appear out of the mist and fog, all heading, like zombies for an unknown but mutually agreed point. And the point we were all heading to was the highest peak in England. 

When we arrived at the summit there was sadly no view and people literally everywhere. The most alarming thing about the majority of these people was that they were strolling around in trainers and carrying a bag for life and there was me in layer upon layer, hat and gloves! I think my northern friends would call that a 'southern pansy!

But, southern pansy or not, I had made it. 3 years too late (I had said I would climb up for my 40th Birthday) and it had been an amazing days walk. I was slightly broken but exhilarated. But I tell you what, that cider at the end was very, very welcome.

Next on the tick list is Snowdon (yes I know, I haven't even climbed Snowdon!), Ben Nevis and then Mont Blanc. Oh yes, that is high up on my tick list and I cannot wait....
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