Finally a recce of Leg 1!

After a frustrating weekend looking after a sick P (he's getting better now!), I got out on Monday for a recce of Leg 1. The weather forecast wasn't great but it wasn't bad either so I got up pretty smartish and drove round to Keswick. I didn't start from Moot Hall, as I figured I can sort that wee bit out at a later date, and parked on Briars Rigg. The climb up Skiddaw went well, I took it steady and didn't push it. I'd been told by friends that a good point to aim for was about an hour at the fence line by Jenkin Hill, and I was there in just under 55 minutes. It felt easy going to get to there in that time, which I guess it should do! 

The clag was well and truly down by this point but making it to the summit of Skiddaw wasn't a problem, and I was about 10 minutes under schedule pace at this point. It was on my mind though that the last time I was on the summit of this fell it was 13 years ago in deep snow, and the rest of the route until I hit the summit of Blencathra was going to be new territory. I'm used to being on fells I know in the mist!!

Its funny how I do get apprehensive about navigating in the clag, but really I'm quite capable! I found the line off Skiddaw down to the bridge on the back o' Skiddaw track no problem, and was quite surprised by the well worn trod over Hare Crag and up Great Calva! I know the numbers involved in BG's these days but I still didn't expect such a line! The climb was easy up Great Calva, although I did have a vague worry that I wasn't actually on the summit. Again, times where up on schedule, which surprised me as I had been taking it really (and I mean really!) steady and stopping a lot in the mist to check my nav.

The descent off Great Calva wasn't the nicest as I had been told. But the heather wasn't as high as I thought it might be and crossing the River Caldew wasn't a problem either. I took it steady on the climb soaking in the remoteness that you feel around there, and keeping an eye on the terrain. Visibility was about 20 meters in the clag so the sixth sense came in very handy!!

I think I did go a little to far left in an effort not to drift too far right! But made it to the summit of Blencathra only a little down on the schedule. I'd made a few stops to sort out my layering as I was getting too hot, retying my laces several times (!) and making use of the on-hill facilities! Once on the summit ridge I made the decision not to head down Halls Fell. I have no idea what this ridge is like and the rotten cornices and old snow still latched onto the hillside up there put me off. I'd chosen to run in my old highlanders, which have little or no tread left on them, and were very little use in the hard snow. Maybe this was the wrong decision, I don't know, but I'm always glad not to be a statistic. Descending the main path down Blease fell only took me 3 more minutes that the schedule time down Halls Fell, so I shouldn't have too many problems there. 

All that was left was for a trog down the old railway line back to Keswick, a feed at the Lakeland Pedlar and a wee bit of retail therapy in Keswick!! A great day out only marred by a sore knee on the final run in.

Luckily the knee seems to be better already. I rode to work and back yesterday and it was pretty sore afterwards but strangely not while riding or walking. I've taken a rest day today, to give a bit more of a chance, but I'm hopeful that tomorrow I'll be able to get out again. It feels great to finally get out on a proper recce. I don't count the ventures I've had on Leg 4 as I know that pretty well already. Leg 2 next as that's the other one that I have little knowledge of, but none of it is new territory - just old territory!! 

Stats:

Total Mileage: 17.61, Total Ascent: 6300'