A very memorable day on Wast Water, with some of the most idyllic flat calm conditions you could imagine. Breathtakingly still. Given the forecasts, we thought that it should be calm, but it was better than calm – it was glassy. The water was really clear, which allowed us to see right to the bottom… Read more

In an attempt to avoid any potential busy areas, we had a little explore of some of the lesser known crags in the Duddon Valley. Matt had lent us the newly published guidebook, which is full of all kinds of hidden outcrops off the beaten track. We started off at Seathwaite Crag, which has a… Read more

After the full on day of yesterday, today was designated a delightful day of rest. A slow start and fine breakfast set us up nicely for a stroll around the village, which let us into the tourist office, bakery and even the pub for a drink before lunch! Local pies from the bakery and tea… Read more

It was a bit of a struggle to get up and out first thing this morning, but as is usually the case, it was worth it in the end. We were on the shore of Coniston and setting out on the padddleboards by 8am in order to catch the windless conditions. It didn’t take long… Read more

A little light drizzle in the air saw us optimistically drive up the Duddon Valley, where the farmer gave us a friendly welcome, declaring us ‘a good omen’. Two minutes later, we were back in the van as a shower blew through. Having got that far, we went for a walk up to Wallowbarrow Crag… Read more

I’ve led several groups over and around Dow Crag in the Lake District and even walked past on a few of my own expeditions in the past, but until now, had never actually climbed a route on it. Things had changed since my last visit and in true Lakeland style, there is now a pay… Read more