The rain was pouring down when I dragged myself out of bed but by the time we had all rendezvoused and transferred to Glenridding it had moderated to a drizzle. Several other parties were foolish enough to bother ascending the track, including a group of youths whom we encountered at Red Tarn; they were wearing shiny white trainers and street jackets…
The rain had washed away nearly all the snow so we did not need axes and crampons to get up Striding Edge. It was just very wet and a bit slippery in places.
We didn’t need to hang about for views so it didn’t take long to complete the ridge.
The interest came when we reached the remaining snow on the headwall where we kicked and cut steps to the top.
The remaining cornice was 7-8 feet deep where it had not collapsed in the recent avalanche, but there was no other snow – just rain and wind.
By the time we had got down Swirral Edge and reached the pub we were very wet indeed and enjoyed the mulled wine or, in Zac’s case, a very impressive hot chocolate with all the trimmings. That’s what I’ll have next time 🙂 Sorry I didn’t get a picture!
It just goes to show what a fantastic place the Lake District is, that even a wet grey day with no views does’t stop people getting out and having fun. 🙂 🙂
Especially when there are rewards at the end. :yum: :yum: