My partner and I reached Honister at about 3-4PM on our way back to Seathwaite. Mr Weir was telling everyone to turn around at the Slate Mines or to wait there to be ‘rescued’. He certainly convinced my partner and me as we thought he was someone from mountain rescue and therefore speaking with authority and local knowledge. We returned to the barn at Gatesgarth. On talking to others when we eventually got back to Seathwaite on Sunday we should have made straight for the base camp. On reflection it is clear to see that Mr Weirs intervention (whatever his motives) confused the situation.

It’s worth pointing out that late arrivals to the barn found no room and a few were forced to camp in the field anyway!!!

It’s also worth pointing out that whilst we were walking down the pass to Buttermere we could see his bus driving up the mountain to the mine, so the weather conditions did not stop him trading!

I think he was feeling left out – maybe we should send him an entry for next years OMM?


Stu