Climbing Scafell Pike

The achievement of the week, in fact, of the month has got to be climbing Scafell Pike.

This time I had a partner in crime, my boyfriend came with me to climb the wonderful mountain in Cumbria, UK. Not sure he did this willingly, but he sure stuck with me. Months before we made sure we had all the equipment that numerous sites recommend. I must say, I already had all these from when I climbed Snowdon in Wales. 

Although slightly cloudy we still went ahead with our walk and with map in hand we started the ascent. The route we chose was the recommended one (easiest) according to many sites. Although the Wasdale route does get quite a few people as you get to the top and it becomes cloudy you look for people for reassurance that you are going the right way! And do not be fooled, maybe called the tourist route, but sure is hard work. 

One thing I must say, Scafell Pike is not well signposted, you need the map and a compass. When the cloud comes in you can just see about 5 metres ahead of you, that is all. What about the path I hear you say? Yes, what path? There is no path but random piles of rock that have been put together to guide you roughly where you should be going. That is, if the fog and clouds lets you see the next one!

Also, whatever you do, unless you are fit AND have experience, do stick with the tourist route... nothing wrong with the tourist route. Because you might find like us, you think you took a shortcut and then realised that you cannot turn back, cloud is all around you and the only way forward is to literally hold on to rocks as hard as you can to pull yourself up... one tiny slip and my kids could have been orphaned.

However, all in all, we had fun and we made it.

Would I do it again? Oh yes... The next one I am doing is Ben Nevis... that will be a 2016 challenge.

My boyfriend and I, photo taken on our way down by a wonderful lady who was also climbing Scafell.

Yes, look at the amazing views!

And this is when we realised... ooops... we can see what is ahead... and then the cloud came in.