The Summit of Place Fell (honest)
A Wet and windy ascent of Place Fell
Having both been injured for the last few months Morgan and I were very keen to test our legs with a walk. In addition the stags have been doing their stuff on Place Fell for the last few weeks so it seemed like a good chance to head up for some photos. The forecast wasn’t great but the day started clear enough so when Chris suggested a walk we were all set.
I should have guessed things would take a turn for the worse when Chris arrived in his full deep sea diving wet weather gear. I of course was suitably ill equipped with a small rucksack stuffed with an apple, a hat, and enough dog treats to keep Morgan and Scruffy happy for the morning. Plus ca change.
Scruffy after a treat
The Ascent
We set off in the dry although it was looking a little grey and headed along the side of Place Fell from Patterdale towards Silver Point. Ullswater was looking mighty fine as always and the views as we climbed were still very good…
Morgan enjoys the views of Ullswater
Ullswater from the side of Place Fell
I was still quite happy with my choice of outfit at this point as the weather looked to be in the “dank” rather than “dire” category. Chris of course was still predicting gloom..
Chris and Scruffy
Deer Alert
As we neared the top of the ascent Chris spotted a couple of deer on the ridge above. Luckily Morgan and Scruffy were otherwise engaged and the deer managed to stay put long enough for me to take a photo..
Red Deer on Place Fell
Morgan and Scruffy Otherwise Engaged
Suffice to say it would be our last sighting of the day. As we reached the plateau we got the first spots of rain, and the wind started to pick up. Chris assumed the smug “I’m prepared” aura of an experienced mountain man and I made a vain attempt to shrug it off as nothing to worry about. Rather than heading straight for the top we decided to wander around on the plateau below looking for some more deer.
Ullswater from below of the summit of Place Fell
We didn’t spot any more deer and Morgan decided it was all a little boring…
Morgan posing
It was about this time that the weather really closed in. The rain went from drizzle to stair rods and the wind picked up to the point where lighting my celebratory cigarette proved a little tricky. I decided it was time to don my hat, and had to borrow some gloves from Chris as obviously there wasn’t enough room in my rucksack due to the excess of dog treats. Whilst having a quick fag break I realised we were not alone…
Fell nutty walker
At least they looked well prepared…
The Summit
We decided to head for the summit and then head for home. By now as well as the wind and rain we had some nice mist as well. Luckily Place Fell is pretty close to home and so there was no real danger of getting lost (especially with Chris around), although by now it was getting more than a little unpleasant.
Chris and the boys just below the summit
It has to be said that the hounds didn’t seem too fazed by the weather and as usual Place Fell provided an array of old sheep bones to keep them happy..
Morgan and Scruffy enjoy the weather
As we approached the summit from the north side we were marginally sheltered from the wind but when we got to the top we got the full effect. At this point even the hounds looked a little unhappy.
The Summit of Place Fell (honest)
Now was not the time for lots of summit posing, indeed for the first time ever I didn’t even have a fag at the top. All we wanted to do was get back down. The wind was gusting on the summit ridge and the rain had turned to horizontal hail, making for pretty grim conditions.
Summit ridge of Place Fell
Morgan and Chris trying to escape the wind
To give you a sense of what it was like here’s a rather pathetic video I took on the summit ridge…
We made good our escape down to Boredale Hause and by then the weather had eased a little. Still even Scruffy was not looking that happy and we were all keen to get back home as quickly as possible..
A damp Scruffy
We did pause briefly on the way down to try and dry out the camera a little. This led to some unintentional selfies…
Chris
Your Truly
As you can see (just) I’m looking slightly rougher than usual – this is all in a good cause. I’m currently attempting to grow some unsightly facial hair to raise money for Myeloma UK. A very good friend of mine has this (currently) incurable form of cancer and we are trying to raise money for this great charity. Please feel free to sponsor us!
Anyway back to the walk. The descent from Boredale was made to the accompaniement of squelching from my boots – time for a new pair methinks. I also managed to slip over and nearly disappear down a gully but was saved by the weight of dog biscuits in my rucksack…
Morgan and Scruffy on the way down from Boredale
Obviously by the time we did get home the weather had cleared and noone understood what all the fuss was about. Well now you know…
For more pictures of our adventures in the Lake District around Ullswater, Patterdale and Helvellyn, please follow Helvellyn on Twitter. You can also follow Ullswater on Facebook and Helvellyn on Facebook. If you want to come and stay in the Lake District, please come and visit one of our pet friendly Ullswater Cottages.
