Spur of the moment decision to walk this morning seeing as it looked as if the rain would hold off for most of the day. Parking at Cinderdale Common (Crummock Water) I did what David Hall calls a "make it up as you go along" walk. I took the track which brings you into Rannerdale above the bluebell area (and it was more like walking up a stream than a path) so that I could make a decision at the footbridge. I decided to take the steep way up Rannerdale so walked back to the road and took the horribly steep path straight up to the crags. For most of this time I was asking myself why the h*ll I thought fell-walking was a good idea - does anyone else have periods when they question their sanity? Once at the top the pain was instantly forgotten although the wind was not to be trifled with. A steady 20-25 mph with gusts of 40 mph so lunch was taken in the shelter of a crag facing Fleetwith Pike and Haystacks. It occurred to me that whilst this was, to me, a totally normal place to have mince pies and hot coffee, it is likely that most folk would probably think me quite mad (all OFC members excepted)! A lovely walk along the ridge, and a decision at the hause not to nip up Whiteless Pike because it was getting more windy (nothing to do with my lack of fitness!). I took a bit of a detour off the main valley path into High Rannerdale onto a track which is faintly marked on the OS map crossing a bridge which did not inspire confidence but was remarkably stable. Over the big ladder stile, back down to the bluebell area and a gentle stroll back to the car. The GPS thinks I did 4½ miles but it didn't feel that far and was a lovely bimble for a breezy day.

said TheViewFrom 2007.11.29 at 10:01:54 PST