Hello Ian,Originally Posted by fellgazelle
Sounds like you had a good day Martyn?
We tried "Hanks variant" on Halls Fell Ridge today and am convinced it's quicker if I can get the best line. Headed down the scree but wasn't exactly sure wherabouts to start the traverse across to the ridge itself. We found a faint trod heading leftwards which appeared to peter out at some difficult ground. At this point I'd spotted a better trod some 30m below so headed down (a bit sketchy) to this which led across to the ridge.
An easy day today, just got one more week then tapering for me
Yes, it was a good day out. We split up on the Blencathra descent, Becca and Patrick went down Hall's Fell with the Hank/Eagles/Whatever modification at the top, while I went down Tom's variant of the Parachute with Simon. Only my second time trying this and it was a bit tricky getting the right line, I lost a couple of minutes by dropping too low/East into the gully then had to clamber back up in order to get right line above some nasty bits and gain the gentler, grassy descent towards the end (it takes you on the low ridge above that ruined building/sheepfold - or whatever it is - at the bottom of Middle Tongue) and leads practically to the gate. ..... I tried to save my legs as much as possible and even with my messing around it was 27 mins from top to the bottom of Fellside where Helen had parked. I don't think Simon was too impressed and will be sticking to his Doddick plans and to be honest, I can see this - I was just reading Mark's thoughts on this and there is a huge amount to be gained from saving your legs for later in the round, but a few minutes gained from charging down a fell at full belt will be of little consequence in the grand scheme of things. Not that I am changing my own plans mind you!
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