Tag: Climbing

A Solo Winter Ascent of Blencathra

On By James HandlonIn Hiking AdventuresLeave a comment

The Route: Blencathra | Distance: 8km | Time: 3 Hours
Height gain: 699m | Max Altitude: 862m | Start: Scales Farm | Finish: back at Scales Farm
Map: OS Explorer OL6 | Date: 05/02/2013

As the day dawned on my birthday the snow began to fall. This was exactly what I had been praying for. I had travelled up from London two days prior together with my ice axe and micro spikes plus an array of other assorted winter garb all in the hope of striking it lucky with some winter conditions up in The Lakes this February. A regular visitor in the summer I had long dreamt of returning when the national park became transformed each year into a winter playground.

blencathra1 Continue reading “A Solo Winter Ascent of Blencathra” →

Ascent of Goatfell and North Goatfell – Isle of Arran

On By James HandlonIn Hiking Adventures7 Comments

The Route: Goatfell and North Goatfell | Distance: 12.4km | Time: 4 Hrs
Height gain: 954m | Max Altitude: 874m
Start: Brodick Castle Grounds | Finish: Corrie
Map: OS Explorer OL361 | Date: 12/06/2012

Route Map

The clouds finally lifted after a week spent on the island and the high summits where finally revealed for the first time since landing ashore all those days ago. The opportunity had come at last – Summit Day!

I excitedly packed my rucksack before I’d even had time to consume my breakfast. The car door was quickly slammed shut and I drove south towards The Goatfell Range eager for some high adventure in Arran’s highest mountains. Continue reading “Ascent of Goatfell and North Goatfell – Isle of Arran” →