BG 2012 Recce's....

Recced leg 2 after work last night - it was a late one!

Conditions pretty poor - windy, wet with vis' down to about 5m, I kid not! On the plus side it can't get much worse on the day.

First time ascending Fairfield via Cofa Pike, always done it the other way around. I do prefer the zig zags down to Grisedale Tarn but not convinced from there on! However it was hard to see anything around us so maybe there was a slightly better route we didn't take.

Anybody any thoughts on the best ascent of Fairfield?

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Originally Posted by lantern rouge

Recce'd Leg 1 again ... a bit of navigational ambiguity on Leg one and then a tentative explore of the parachute drop... ?

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Hi Simon, what was up with Nav??
Parachute drop......well, how far did you get?? Did you continue to bottom??

Interested Auld Ken

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Originally Posted by Spooney

Best way up Fairfield?

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Jury still out on Fairfield, been up both ways several times!! Last time we were up there we went down zig zags (ish) and climbed to right of Cofa, seemed to take ages and mates who went to right of Tarn and up main path got there about 6/7 minutes before us!! However they didn't enjoy the climb and whinged a bit when going straight back down the same way!!

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Originally Posted by Nee Bother

Jury still out on Fairfield, been up both ways several times!! Last time we were up there we went down zig zags (ish) and climbed to right of Cofa, seemed to take ages and mates who went to right of Tarn and up main path got there about 6/7 minutes before us!! However they didn't enjoy the climb and whinged a bit when going straight back down the same way!!

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It was me who led that little group up Fairfield wasn't it Ken? Tell you what, I bet it was more like 10 minutes faster, but the bottom line (I believe) is that straight up and straight down is still faster than the Cofa Pike route. I also remember finding a couple of short grassy lines to the left of the main descent routes that I don't normally see (it's usually dark when I come down Fairfield) and think I came down pretty fast. I'll be up on leg 2 before long, must try and find those lines again.

Apart from that, how are you doing?? :D

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Originally Posted by Martyn P

It was me who led that little group up Fairfield wasn't it Ken? Tell you what, I bet it was more like 10 minutes faster, but the bottom line (I believe) is that straight up and straight down is still faster than the Cofa Pike route. I also remember finding a couple of short grassy lines to the left of the main descent routes that I don't normally see (it's usually dark when I come down Fairfield) and think I came down pretty fast. I'll be up on leg 2 before long, must try and find those lines again.
Apart from that, how are you doing?? :D

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Hi Martyn,
Not too bad mate, not getting anywhere near enough miles in but that's the way it is at my age!!
Hope your training going well and you back to full fitness.
Yup, I remember you went up and down there pretty quickly :thumbup:. Our little group went a bit too slow for me tho' so i'm still not convinced, i'm going to time both routes with Ash next month so will keep you posted.
Ken

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Originally Posted by Nee Bother

Hi Martyn,
Not too bad mate, not getting anywhere near enough miles in but that's the way it is at my age!!
Hope your training going well and you back to full fitness.
Yup, I remember you went up and down there pretty quickly :thumbup:. Our little group went a bit too slow for me tho' so i'm still not convinced, i'm going to time both routes with Ash next month so will keep you posted.
Ken

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Not too bad thank you, last week was tough with some serious mileage, but the injury is behaving itself and I'm nearly back to full fitness ... I just wish my ankles would stop creaking!

Let me know what you come up with re. Fairfield. I know that the true summit is a little open to debate, so could you do your timings to the shelter? I'm taking leg 2 a bit seriously at the moment, as Becca has asked me to navigate on her round and I don't want to bugger it up for her. I've got a couple of good navigators on leg 2 of my attempt, have been very lucky with support and have a cracking team.

Martyn

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Originally Posted by Nee Bother

Hi Simon, what was up with Nav??
Parachute drop......well, how far did you get?? Did you continue to bottom??

Interested Auld Ken

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Well, the nav problem was picking up the right trod off Skiddaw... we came off the top and over the fence too early, which meant we were too far over to the right.. the correct trod was to our left. But this is was recces are for, eh!?

As for the parachute, we probably did come off it too early and re-joined the main ridge of Hall's Fell, but I didn't enjoy any of it:o!

I seem to recall the Doddick is paved with gold (so to speak!!) and we'll have another look this week. Going up Wednesday and staying overnight in Threlkeld.

You around Ken?

Well I managed a successful recce of Leg 4 yesterday with Ken (nee bother), yewbarrow certainly lives up to its nickname!! Some very technical rocky descents in this one, certainly not my strong point, but I did well all the same. It has given me a clear indication of what training I need to do between now and 15th June!!
I was pleased with my strength and current fitness level...

Hi Simon,
When we recce'd leg 1 in Sept or Oct last year in very wet conditions, we came down Halls fell ridge and a couple left the summit at the same time, ran down the Doddick route, we beat them down, not by much but if it was a drier day I think we would have been even quicker.
I know Ken mentioned to you in previous communication that someone else would be tagging along on your attempt in May, well that is me, so hello and good luck!!:thumbup:

On the times I've recced leg 2, once i went the zig zags way and the look of the climb up the side of Fairfield was not appealing. Round to the right means you can drop your bag off and there looks to be less climb and descent. If your in a good rythm then it pretty much flies by, especia;ly the descent as it's possible to hit a couple of grassy bits to avoid the rocks.

I think myself and Martyn will get to have a chat about it anyway as we are recceing leg 2 next Sunday. I have a day of hiking around Fleetwith Pike and Haystacks planned for the day before :-D Hopefully I'll get better luck than I did last time I ran up there. Ran down to the right of Grizedale Tarn with my girlfriend and dislocated my shoulder. Luckily I was bale to pop it back in before MR had to be called :-D

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Originally Posted by Dave A

On the times I've recced leg 2, once i went the zig zags way and the look of the climb up the side of Fairfield was not appealing. Round to the right means you can drop your bag off and there looks to be less climb and descent. If your in a good rythm then it pretty much flies by, especia;ly the descent as it's possible to hit a couple of grassy bits to avoid the rocks.

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I'd agree with that Dave... I have come off Dollywagon on the zig-zags a few times and always end up on mi Arris.. most embarrassing..

...the drop to the right of Grizedale Tarn makes more sense to me and that's the way I'll be going... but we are all different I suppose.

Hi Ash... Perhaps bump into you before the big day but if not... see you then.

Going up on Wednesday and shall be going over legs 1&2 (weather permitting).

All of a sudden May 25th looks VERY close!!!

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Originally Posted by lantern rouge

I'd agree with that Dave... I have come off Dollywagon on the zig-zags a few times and always end up on mi Arris.. most embarrassing..

...the drop to the right of Grizedale Tarn makes more sense to me and that's the way I'll be going... but we are all different I suppose.

Hi Ash... Perhaps bump into you before the big day but if not... see you then.

Going up on Wednesday and shall be going over legs 1&2 (weather permitting).

All of a sudden May 25th looks VERY close!!!

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Is Ash attempting on the same day as you Simon?

Don't think so... I think Ash is going in June sometime.

You alright mate?

All getting a bit imminent now:w00t:

The team for the day is coming together and I seem to be managing to stick to the training plan I'd put in place.

Tell you what though... 10,000' / week leaves you feeling a bit knackered at times!

Going up again Wednesday / Thursday to do Legs 1 & 2 to death:D

Ah right, just got confused with Ash's post about tagging along.
Yeah alright mate, been ill and it's left me feeling knackered but it'll be reet.
Keep getting them never ending knackering climbs in, it's the only way Mrs C. tells me, and she's usually right:wink:
Good luck with the rest of the training Simon and i'll see you on the day:thumbup:

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Originally Posted by lantern rouge

Tell you what though... 10,000' / week leaves you feeling a bit knackered at times!

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No kidding! Just back from a long day out on leg 3 and am a tad weary :D

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Originally Posted by stevefoster

Ah right, just got confused with Ash's post about tagging along.
Yeah alright mate, been ill and it's left me feeling knackered but it'll be reet.
Keep getting them never ending knackering climbs in, it's the only way Mrs C. tells me, and she's usually right:wink:
Good luck with the rest of the training Simon and i'll see you on the day:thumbup:

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Aye, she's a good 'un old Gezza.

I'll be doing Clough Head again a couple of times this week, and whilst it's a pig and gets no smaller, the impact of it upon your morale seems to lessen a little each time. I can get 8000' in a day round here easy enough, but those LONG, LONG climbs and descents are hard to find anywhere in England except the Lakes.

Look after yourself mate and see you soon.

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Originally Posted by lantern rouge

Well, the nav problem was picking up the right trod off Skiddaw... we came off the top and over the fence too early, which meant we were too far over to the right.. the correct trod was to our left. But this is was recces are for, eh!?

As for the parachute, we probably did come off it too early and re-joined the main ridge of Hall's Fell, but I didn't enjoy any of it:o!

I seem to recall the Doddick is paved with gold (so to speak!!) and we'll have another look this week. Going up Wednesday and staying overnight in Threlkeld.

You around Ken?

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Hi Simon, Can't make it on weekdays unfortunately otherwise i'd come along (I've noticed on Macc site most your recce's are midweek).
Had a good recce of leg 4 with Ash on Sat, parked car in Seathwaite and went over Styhead. Hit most splits on 23 hr schedule, lost a few minutes on Kirkfell and Gable but were spot on overall.
It's a couple of years since I've been over leg 4 and enjoyed it, I can still feel my quads today tho'(must do more big stuff!!). We had a couple of hail and snow showers but the route is even more obvious now.

Marra Steve.....don't be getting confused with Ash's dates...........you're supposed to be coming along too :w00t:

Ken

Hiya Steve,
Sorry for the confusion, I just meant I would be tagging along with Ken to support Simon's attempt. My own attempt is in June and you are supporting me on leg 4 with Linda.

I need to try and get more climbing in over the coming weeks.

Hey up Ash and Auld Ken, not confused anymore, be there on the day, unconfused:thumbup:

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Originally Posted by lantern rouge

All of a sudden May 25th looks VERY close!!!

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April 27th seems even closer! I'm definitely feeling the miles and climb in the legs now... i.e. I'm proper knackered. Work and other commitments mean I'm down to five big days and a night run over leg 2 before I have a couple of weeks rest. Scary stuff. I'll be out tomorrow from Hartsop doing something in the region of 40k/3000m if anyone's around and fancies sharing the pain.

Not going up 'til Wednesday Hank, but would've joined you otherwise.

Good luck mate... Is there a reason for such an early attempt, if you don't mind me asking?

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Originally Posted by lantern rouge

Not going up 'til Wednesday Hank, but would've joined you otherwise.

Good luck mate... Is there a reason for such an early attempt, if you don't mind me asking?

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Not at all. I guess the main reasons are weather's been good the last couple of springs and (if all goes to plan!) I'll get it done early in the year with plenty of time to recover for the LAMM and Saunders. There are a couple of other long distance things that I'm toying with the idea of doing which might be on if an early BG goes to plan... we'll see!

This is the 2012 recce thread, correct? :) Here's a pic from a leg 3 recce last Sunday for a bit of inspiration. Taken from Great End in wonderful weather.

Attachment 5889.

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Originally Posted by Martyn P

This is the 2012 recce thread, correct? :) Here's a pic from a leg 3 recce last Sunday for a bit of inspiration. Taken from Great End in wonderful weather.

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Sorry Martyn. Recces in good weather don't count. You'll have to go back & do it again in clag & sleet. Why should you get it easier than the rest of us? I've been wondering what Great End looks like - I already know what it feels like...

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Originally Posted by Splatcher

Sorry Martyn. Recces in good weather don't count. You'll have to go back & do it again in clag & sleet. Why should you get it easier than the rest of us? I've been wondering what Great End looks like - I already know what it feels like...

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I'm classifying Sunday as a special one-off :) Great End is singularly unimpressive on the approach from Esk Pike, the best view of it (methinks) would be on the approach up to Esk Hause from Sprinkling Tarn.

Anyhow, I'll make sure to wait for a crap day before venturing out on leg 3 again. I would hate for anyone to think I'm having it easy :D

Good man - that's the spirit

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Originally Posted by Nee Bother

Jury still out on Fairfield, been up both ways several times!! Last time we were up there we went down zig zags (ish) and climbed to right of Cofa, seemed to take ages and mates who went to right of Tarn and up main path got there about 6/7 minutes before us!! However they didn't enjoy the climb and whinged a bit when going straight back down the same way!!

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Further to the 'Best way up Fairfield' debate started last week, I have done a not so scientific test!

Did the leg (2) from Helvellyn at the weekend and went up via Cofa route. Went back and did the same route after work on Tuesday - this time around tarn, out and back. Timed them both from exactly the same spot on DW to summit shelter / cairn on FF. Took 37 mins via Cofa and just 30 up main path. Don't think I was pushing any harder but it's fairly conclusive to me - 7 minutes is 7 minutes! My mind made up!

Other issue is that if the clag sets in and in darkness, the direct route up is much easier to follow.

On another note...................

I'm going to be recceing Leg 4 on Saturday (25th). Probably from Seatoller area, over Styhead route to Wasdale and begin from there. Should be 7-8 hours and a fairly early start. Anyone who fancies joining me and sharing the pain would be more than welcome!

Martin

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Originally Posted by Spooney

Further to the 'Best way up Fairfield' debate started last week, I have done a not so scientific test!

Did the leg (2) from Helvellyn at the weekend and went up via Cofa route. Went back and did the same route after work on Tuesday - this time around tarn, out and back. Timed them both from exactly the same spot on DW to summit shelter / cairn on FF. Took 37 mins via Cofa and just 30 up main path. Don't think I was pushing any harder but it's fairly conclusive to me - 7 minutes is 7 minutes! My mind made up!

Other issue is that if the clag sets in and in darkness, the direct route up is much easier to follow.

On another note...................

I'm going to be recceing Leg 4 on Saturday (25th). Probably from Seatoller area, over Styhead route to Wasdale and begin from there. Should be 7-8 hours and a fairly early start. Anyone who fancies joining me and sharing the pain would be more than welcome!

Martin

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30 mins from Dollywaggon to Fairfield isn't just nippy, it's very fast indeed!! All of a sudden I feel fat and slow ....

I'd love to join you but am already engaged with Martyn on Sunday.
BTW have you considered parking at Honister and heading out over Beck Head.

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Originally Posted by Martyn P

30 mins from Dollywaggon to Fairfield isn't just nippy, it's very fast indeed!! All of a sudden I feel fat and slow ....

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Ahhh......but I did have a four legged pacer pushing me along!

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Originally Posted by keswicksimon

I'd love to join you but am already engaged with Martyn on Sunday.
BTW have you considered parking at Honister and heading out over Beck Head.

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No worries.

To be honest I only decided on L4 today - hadn't thought too hard about route over. Will look at the map tonight - thanks for the tip.

Spooney.

I'd also recommend parking at Honister and heading out to Beck Head via Drum and Moses trod. You get some cracking views of Gt Gable with it looming over you (clag permitting) and you can always have a go up Dale Head at the end if you're feeling fit. Or just have a brew in the cafe?

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Originally Posted by Spooney

Did the leg (2) from Helvellyn at the weekend and went up via Cofa route. Went back and did the same route after work on Tuesday - this time around tarn, out and back. Timed them both from exactly the same spot on DW to summit shelter / cairn on FF. Took 37 mins via Cofa and just 30 up main path. Don't think I was pushing any harder but it's fairly conclusive to me - 7 minutes is 7 minutes! My mind made up!Martin

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Cheers Spooney, thanks for info :thumbup:

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Originally Posted by Spooney

I'm going to be recceing Leg 4 on Saturday (25th). Probably from Seatoller area, over Styhead route to Wasdale and begin from there. Should be 7-8 hours and a fairly early start. Anyone who fancies joining me and sharing the pain would be more than welcome!

Martin

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We did exactly that last Sat from Seathwaite, was a nice route!! Took about 1.45 over pass then 5.05 ish for leg 4. After Grey Knotts we headed towards Honister then turned right (at about 525 mtr, from memory) which took us nicely to the top of Sourmilk Gill waterfall avoiding Raven Crag!! Enjoyed sun, hail and snow and a great run out, the drop down the 'path' at Sourmilk was bit unpleasant tho!!

Did a run up over Scafell Pike from Seathwaite on Saturday. Managed 15mile/5000' ish climb in about 5.5 hrs. Intended going up Yewbarrow and round BG route back to car. But set off, and consiquently arrived at Wasdale too late. Also not 100% as to route up Yewbarrow(....am now! Thanks Mr Wightman!). I'm seriously now thinking I've not done enough, and am thinking of leaving it until next year. Don't really seem able to cover the ground quite quick enough, not consistently at any rate. I think I need to serve my dues a wee bit more! Going to see how I am at end of April, I'd really like to get out with people of here more, but a combination of lack of confidence in my speed etc, my shifts at work clashing and a general feeling that people are a fair bit ahead ofme puts mockers on it!

Ok fjell guy. I really understand the confidence thing. For some people, like myself, they are always uncertain. You just have to put that aside if you can.
I failed 16 years ago and have been putting it off ever since.
But now I've stuck my neck out and am going for it on the June bank holiday weekend.
Am I unsure? Of course I am.
Want to join us on sunday for leg 2 and the start of leg 3?
It'll be a steady pace rest assured.
Or leg 5 loop Monday night
Or leg 4 On Tuesday from Honister
Logistics are easily sorted out.

Simon

Let them truckers roll, 10 -4

I'm definately going to see if I can get out with someone off here sometime!! I went with Hank, one day in January, but it was shortened due to weather!! Since then most recces advertised have been no use to me. The dates you've put up I'm working!! BUT I will send you some dates by p.m. and see if you fancy something. Leg 1 or 2 possibly. Cheers!!

fjell guy, was that you who we saw 9.30 ish splashing about in muddy bits just along from Seathwaite farm?
We were 2 blokes and a girl who went just slightly higher than you then climbed up Taylorgill Force??

No, Nee Bother! Not me! I didnt get away until 1pm ish, finished 6.30pm ish. Take it you had a good day!? Weather was great! :)

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Originally Posted by that_fjell_guy

No, Nee Bother! Not me! I didnt get away until 1pm ish, finished 6.30pm ish. Take it you had a good day!? Weather was great! :)

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Mistaken ID :o Oh well, there was someone who looked as tho they were recce'ing.

Yup we had great weather although the hailstones on Pillar were huge. We also had a bit of a snow flurry on Gable but not to bad.

(We were spot on 23 hr schedule which was great for friend who's going in June :thumbup: )

Auld Ken