This weekend saw the addition of a new hut to our repertoire – High Moss – and also the possibly earliest sign-up ever with all places taken by 6.55am. The rucksack club hut lies in the peaceful Duddon Valley near the other Seathwaite. As directed by the detailed instructions given, all groups arrived at the hut by midnight having driven right through various dubious fields and a gazillion fences in the dark. Soon everyone settled on the 3-tiered bunks in the rooms upstairs (pillows provided!) to rest their weary heads and prepare for the day ahead.
Despite a grim weather forecast of low cloud and high winds, we woke up to moderate cloud and moderate winds. Six participants set off on a navigation course up the Walna Scar track with Nick from More than Mountains who taught them basic navigation skills and compass work, making them find ring contours and other features. Another group set off to do some scrambling on the Coniston Fells and survived despite injury. Other groups set off further afield to take in Wetherlam. The subsequent evening was a laid-back affair with people either going on night navigation in the worsening weather to Old Man of Coniston or Caw or choosing the cosier option of the fire-warmed snug and odd board games in the bunkhouse.
The following day was much worse than forecast. Much, much, much, much worse. 80% chance of cloud free summits was a definite 100% lie [that's MWIS for you]. No views were ever, ever, ever seen. Nevertheless groups headed out – because that’s what hillwalkers do (although one group gave up on some ‘hard scrambling’)! Two groups headed out to the Coniston Fells yet again, going as far a Wetherlam before evacuating down to Seathwaite Tarn. Other groups went out to Harter Fell. All in all it was a good trip, and much more relaxing than the previous but memorable as any other! To all freshers: I promise we do get good weather trips.
Peter K, Vicky W, Paul C, Tom L, Rose P, Marcus T, Jack B, Tom O, Tom H, Tom A, Valerie A, Paul F, Alex L, Dave F, Jo S, Joe H, Becky H, Conrad K, Fiona P, Shen G, Julia H, Gareth A and Anthony C.
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