Tuesday 5 June 2012

3 Peaks Weekend 2nd - 5th June

Finally, our 3 Peaks Weekend. All the training that had been done over the last 8 months would finally pay off. We travelled to Fort William on Friday and took in a couple of the sights before tackling Ben Nevis....


3 Sisters of Glencoe


The famous Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge


The memorial looking toward the Nevis Range


A visit to the Clan Cameron Museum at Achnacarry


Our first night at the Ben Nevis Inn


Ben Nevis - 10.5 miles - Crinja Walk - 2nd June


The walk very nearly never started because Barry couldn`t get the gate open. We finally got going and it wasn`t long before we were mingling with the masses who were taking the opportunity to walk Ben Nevis on a glorious sunny day.


View of The Glen of Nevis


Even 2 of the fittest guys were finding the walk tough


The Glen from higher up the path


A view of The Mamores range


Carn Dearg


The north face of Nevis


Look closely to see the hidden face with its hand outstretched


Carn Mor Dearg Arete


A rare opportunity on a very busy day to get the Trig point to ourselves


Lunch before the trek down


Marty standing guard



The Grampian Mountain Range


Marty, Barry and Steve


All good things must come to an end. The weather was kind to us thats for sure. The descent route followed the ascent. 


Smiles all round for an amazing day at the best seat in the house at the Ben Nevis Inn. Note, Barry is smiling because he has got the biggest plate of food.


Scafell Pike - 3rd June - 14 mile - Ninja Walk

An eventful journey from Fort William was the cause of a 12 o`clock start from Eskdale Hostel. The group decided not go on the "Winja" route from Wasdale, so it was boots on and go.


The guys looking fresh as daisy`s at Scale Gill bridge, a good 2.5 miles from Eskdale.


From Scale Gill it was fairly steep ascent.


As we rounded Silverbield Crag, we get our first look at look at Scafell Pike, center of pic and Ill Crag, right of pic.


Cam Spout Crag is a perfect place to stop before the push up to Mickledore.


Well, the waterfalls at How Beck were a perfect place to stop for a pic before the ascent to Mickledore.


There were going to be a lot of stops before we get to the top. The River Esk winds its way down the valley below. Note 2 people at the bottom deciding to take on the climb. Something is amusing Eddie.


Near Mickledore it was just a question of if the weather would hold out.


A superb scramble up to this point. Scafell in picture and the track just visible at the col.


Two down, one to go. Why are we stood in front of the trig point?


A group decision was made by Ste to descend by a different route. "It can`t be any harder than the climb". Well, we`re going down for a start! Looking down Little Narrowcove at Broad Crag col.


Looking northwest from the col toward Lingmel Crags in the foreground.


The dotted green line indicating a path down Little Narrowcove on the OS map must be a figment of someones imagination.


It was a long walk back to the hostel at Boot, especially as we took a detour just to make sure we were on the right path. It was after 9pm when we arrived, pizza and lights out before another early start tomorrow. Lets make sure sure we have enough fuel to get us to Snowdon eh!


Snowdon - 4th - June - 8 miles - Crinja Walk


The Snowdon Ranger Path was our preferred route. It`s one of the easiest paths up and the descent via the South Ridge would cause us to finish at the Cwellyn Arms for a celebratory pint or two.


Looking back toward Llyn Cwellyn and Mynedd Mawr


We were delighted to be joined by Rachel and Mark for todays walk. Questions were asked about there fitness but we got them through the day.


Nearing the top, looking back down the path toward Clogwyn Coch

From the same point looking toward the decent of the Ryd Ddu Path


One of the best views from Snowdon, were the miners/pyg track emerge on to the summit


Hurray, third one done


A welcome suprise for the lads. The Queen takes time out to see us


The return path down the ridge to the col at Y Arran


Marty and Eddie


The deserted slate mines