Crown Walking Club

Crown Walking Club Autumn High Level Walk 7th October 2017 Kentmere Round Present: Jeff Hibbert, Dave Thompson, Theo Dibbits, Kevan McMinn, Martin Charnock Colin Billiet, David Morris, Richard Morris, Peter Brookes, Peter Proctor. The 10 high level walkers met at Kentmere church and everybody managed just to park there. As the weather forecast was not too auspicious and some rain was forecast up to 1.00pm two alternative lower level walks were suggested. However, being the intrepid and adventurous (some may say foolish) group that they are, they elected to tackle the planned Kentmere Round. The group duly set off at 9.15am through the Kentmere village and onto the Garburn Pass. It soon became apparent that one of our members was struggling and decided to opt out of the walk. Peter Proctor agreed to return with Peter Brooke sand they both returned to Kentmere to complete a low level walk on their own. As the remaining group ascended the Garburn Pass, the weather deteriorated and it became apparent that the two Peters had probably made a wise decision. We soon reached Garburn Nook which was shrouded in mist and rain and turned north heading for the Yoke, which was to be our first major ascent of the day. Heading down from the Yoke, our next ascent was to be Ill Bell, we had fleeting glimpses of Kentmere reservoir as the mist cleared. Fortunately at this stage of the walk the paths are good and steady progress was made and the summit of Ill Bell was soon attained. The next summit to be reached was Froswick and by this time the mist was starting to clear although there was still persistent light rain. At the summit of Froswick a suggestion as to whether we should go to the beacon on Thornthwaite or continue along High Street as planned. This suggestion was immediately rejected and it was agreed that we should continue as planned. I started to get the feeling that some of our group were becoming a little bit disgruntled at this stage of the walk. Descending Froswick our route took us onto High Street and the path above Bleathwaite Crag. This path turned out to be boggy and wet but with the consolation that the rain and wind was abating and we had splendid views down Kentmere valley. After lunch our target was Mardale Ill Bell but unfortunately on the way Dave Thompson slipped on the wet grass and twisted his ankle. Being the brave soul that he is he continued manfully to the summit. At the summit we had great views of the summits we had already attained, Kentmere valley and Haweswater looking towards Shap. Richard was sure he could see his house in Shap! From Mardale Ill Bell the descent took us to the shelter at Nan Bield Pass. Some members of the group were at this stage feeling somewhat tired and a short discussion took place as to whether they should descend down the path to Kentmere, but to a man they all agreed to carry on and tackle the final main summit of Harter Fell. After a bit of puffing and panting the cairn at the top of Harter Fell was reached and to the delight of everyone the summit of Kentmere Pike seemed miniscule compared to the previous heights reached. The only problem was that to reach Kentmere Pike the footpath is about 30ft wide and is, more or less, a continuous bog. Notwithstanding the new difficulties Kentmere Pike was soon attained and we started our gradual descent to Kentmere. The next decision was whether to take the short cut down to Hallow Bank or to carry on to Rough Crag and Shipman Knott. As you may have already guessed, it was decided to carry on the main route. They are an adventurous bunch these high level walkers! At Shipman Knott a welcome rest was taken before our final descent to Kentmere. There was some jubilation when we reached our cars in Kentmere, some of our members had thought they would never see them again! Congratulations were offered all round. We met up with the Low Level Walkers at the Crooklands Hotel for a shower and a fine meal. Some alcohol was taken to numb the pain. David Morris very generously supplied the wine for the evening meal to celebrate his 50 years of being a member of the Crown Walking Club. Thank you David and congratulations on reaching your 50 years in the club. Jeff Hibbert Photos – Richard Morris 19-10-2017 .

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