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Post by Deleted on Oct 29, 2017 21:20:12 GMT
Yeah - it's great than isn't it!
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Post by Humph on Oct 29, 2017 21:21:42 GMT
Well, yes it is, it shouldn't be, but it is !
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Post by Deleted on Nov 12, 2017 17:35:46 GMT
Went up Pen-y-gent today. Very windy day and bit chillier than two weeks ago, but a more enjoyable walk overall with a little bit of scrambling up and down and more interesting once back walking on the valley bottom.
I have yet to find the perfect country pub though. Today's had superbly clean (and warm) toilets and friendly staff, but instant coffee only or tea; no hot chocolate for our regular walking companions. Two weeks ago was great coffee, no chocolate and chilly loos.... The week before that was not so friendly staff.... Given we were on the North York Moors, the sign saying 'No boots and No dogs' was a bit off putting and surprising. Luckily we had changed our boots and sun shone, so we sat outside with Polo.
The days are getting shorter; need some walks within 30 minutes of North Manchester.
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Post by Humph on Nov 12, 2017 17:45:07 GMT
Trough of Bowland is supposed to be nice. Driven through, but never had the opportunity to walk or cycle there.
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Post by tyrednexited on Nov 12, 2017 18:30:41 GMT
Trough of Bowland is supposed to be nice. Driven through, but never had the opportunity to walk or cycle there. I like it round Chipping, and there are some good pubs in the area. |
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Post by bromptonaut on Nov 13, 2017 14:34:43 GMT
Went up Pen-y-gent today. Very windy day and bit chillier than two weeks ago, but a more enjoyable walk overall with a little bit of scrambling up and down and more interesting once back walking on the valley bottom. I have yet to find the perfect country pub though. Today's had superbly clean (and warm) toilets and friendly staff, but instant coffee only or tea; no hot chocolate for our regular walking companions. Two weeks ago was great coffee, no chocolate and chilly loos.... The week before that was not so friendly staff.... Given we were on the North York Moors, the sign saying 'No boots and No dogs' was a bit off putting and surprising. Luckily we had changed our boots and sun shone, so we sat outside with Polo. The days are getting [Pedant] Pen-y-gent is in the Dales not North York Moors [/pedant]. No boots is still surprising though. Walking in the Chilterns last weekend Merlins Cave in Chalfont St Giles had no problem with 20 or so of us all booted up. |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 13, 2017 17:10:25 GMT
Think you misunderstood. The offending pub was not below Pen-y-gent but near to Thirsk in the North York Moors three weeks ago. Think they were trying for an upmarket gastropub effect, which failed significantly when my friend ask for a cider and was handed soda water!
Actually I do recall a really nice pub near to Bassenthwaite two summers ago, which welcomed dogs and muddy boots, had a fantastic whiksy and gin selection and did a great coffee. The Pheasant I think. When coming off a long and sometimes cold walk, I want a warming drink and if I'm driving, I want a good flavoursome, non-alcoholic drink.... Having said that, a good pot of tea does hit the mark as well.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 7, 2018 22:42:02 GMT
Aiming for Ben Nevis in July. All advice gratefully received....
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Post by Deleted on Jan 8, 2018 11:04:41 GMT
Even in July you'll not want to be commando under the kilt.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 8, 2018 12:24:31 GMT
I'll tell the wife....
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Post by Deleted on Jan 8, 2018 13:08:57 GMT
Good idea. She can get you some new skiddies next time she's in Marks.
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Post by tyrednexited on Jan 8, 2018 17:19:34 GMT
...I get why people choose to do it (because it's there), and of course, lots of people manage it. It isn't, however, IMO, one of the best walks in Scotland and given its annual record of cloud on the top (less than 60 cloud free days) it isn't always the best to get views from either. The cloudbase is often 3000 feet or below, which leaves an awful lot of hill with no views. I've done the Ben twice, both in serious winter conditions, so my experience is likely to be somewhat different from your plans, but, even by the tourist route this is a serious walk, and could easily turn into a very serious undertaking. Remember, the "tourist track" starts at nearly sea level at Achintee, so you have almost the full 4,400 or so feet to climb (considerably more than most other climbs in the UK). Whilst the route up the zigzag is fairly straightforward (and a long, boring slog), navigation once you reach the top can be somewhat more difficult in mist/cloud (especially if there is still snow, which is not unknown). You will almost inevitably end up coming down the same track. (The ascent via the Car Mor Dearg arrête is much more pleasant, but also longer and more challenging - generally only for the experienced). It's worthwhile making an early start, as a space in the visitor centre car park will reduce the amount of ancillary walking to get to the start, but it is likely to be busy in July. The time taken for an ascent/descent means there is ample time for the weather to change (and it does!) so you need to be well-equipped with warm clothing and good waterproofs, and it goes without saying, decent boots. Neither of the times I've done it have I had views from the top. The first time via the tourist track the cloudbase was at 1500ft and it was almost a white-out at the top - an achievement to get there and we were roped-up on the top (to avoid falling over the invisible North Face) - it really was like this photo at the top!  The second time I did it via the Car Mor Dearg arrête, on a much better day, in much better (bitter) conditions, but the top 200 feet or so was still in cloud.   ....don't let me put you off, there'll be a bit less snow in July.  |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 9, 2018 8:51:56 GMT
Oh Lordy.... Thanks. Will forward to our trek leader who is known for taking on challenges that are perhaps only just within our capabilities...  |
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Post by tyrednexited on Jan 9, 2018 9:24:15 GMT
Oh Lordy.... Thanks. Will forward to our trek leader who is known for taking on challenges that are perhaps only just within our capabilities... ...I couldn't resist the snow pictures, as they relate to the two times I've been up there (and it was a fast descent using a poly-bag 'sledge' and ice-axe brake  ) but it genuinely is a tough undertaking on most days. This says it all in practical terms: www.walkhighlands.co.uk/fortwilliam/bennevis.shtmlThe pictures look quite nice, but remember you have only about a 1 in 6 chance of seeing anything above the lower levels. |
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Post by Humph on Jan 9, 2018 11:04:17 GMT
The only sensible reasons to climb anything pointy are to ski or bike back down them. Walking up a hill just to walk back down again seems so unrewarding.
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) but it genuinely is a tough undertaking on most days.