Leaving Newcastle and driving into the beautiful sunset was the perfect start to the first weekend trip of the year.

We arrived at Felldyke bunkhouse safely in time for some card games despite Markos deciding to test the brakes in the carpark as well as successfully collecting Harry who had managed to escape beautiful Barrow for the weekend.

Saturday morning arrived and we were ready to rhumble. We left for the short drive down to Bowness carpark in picturesque Ennerdale. From here we set of through the broad leaved woodland along the lake before passing some inquisitive cows and beginning the ascent up Haycock enjoying the views whilst they lasted. Just before we summitted Haycock (797m) after some easy scrambling up little Gowder crag the rain and wind started to come in buffeting us as we reached the top. Continuing along the ridge to Great Scoat fell (802m) we enjoyed the hail squalls and then continued down over the more rocky terrain in the wind and rain to Steeple (819m). Despite a few grassy slides on the descent we coped well with the strong winds well and returned down into the Ennerdale valley with its multitude of mosses and diverse native trees where we finished off our lunch after we had dropped out of the wind. As the sun returned we enjoyed the valley walk back to the vans where we then headed back to the bunkhouse.

Some nice Bangers, Mash and Peas cooked by committee ensured everyone was well fed, Jacobs onion gravy was particularly enjoyed, whilst others were playing games a few members headed back out up to Floutern cop and Floutern tarn for some night walking to practice their navigation skills.

Sunday dawned and with good weather forecast after cleaning the bunkhouse we headed for Buttermere. We ascended Red Pike (755m) giving stunning views of both the lakes and across the Solway to Scotland and across the Irish sea to the Isle of Man. From the top of Red Pike we split into two groups one went on over High Stile (806m) and High Crag (744) before splitting again with some members returning to the pub and others pushing on over Seat (561m) and enjoying the scramble on Wainwrights favourite fell Haystacks (597m). The other group descended west past Scale force waterfall the highest in the lakes plunging 170ft down the gorge. After admiring the waterfall we returned to Buttermere safely despite Oli having a standoff with an inquisitive Herdwick ewe. After enjoying a warm drink at the pub in Buttermere we returned to Newcastle safely despite having to avoid the pheasants and sheep of the Newlands valley.

Overall a lovely trip showcasing the beauty and weather of the western Lake District. A great way to start the year.

Josh

Above: Buttermere from half way up Red Pike

Below: Ennerdale water

Above: Climbing up Haycock

Below: Haystacks summit

Above: Red Pike summit