Some four years had elapsed since this annual fixture enjoyed good weather but hopes were high as twelve of us, 50:50 members and visitors, set out from Patterdale on a fine morning with the autumn colours adding a touch of magic to the day. After an easy start along the valley floor the village of Hartsop was reached in short order. Two walking wounded members surveyed the intimidating slopes of Hartsop Dodd and sensibly sidled off towards Hayeswater.

The remainder girded loins and ascended rapidly, ably led from the rear by Tony returning at last after discovering the delights of the wrong side of the medical world! Our four new friends from Surrey were heard muttering uncomplimentary comparisons with Box Hill but seemed happier after the summit of Hartsop Dodd was reached and the angle relented. Unfortunately the weather did not improve and a cold southerly wind saw us climb into cloud on the way to Caudale Moor enjoying a reviving drink and nuts and raisins stop on the way.

It remained misty on the rocky descent to Threshthwaite Mouth which required care and concentration on the slippy rocks. All height lost was then regained on the way to Thornthwaite Beacon with its fine summit obelisk. Encouraged by the knowledge that the climbing was virtually over we sauntered onto High Street and lunched behind the wall on the way to Riggindale. By this time our visitors had learned about Wainwrights and were keen to add to the day’s tally.

With visibility improving glimpses of Haweswater and Hayeswater were enjoyed on the way to Knott the fifth, final and easiest Wainwright of the trip. A direct return was the order from the Leader keen not to over tire the Southerners though secretly much more concerned with his knees! This involved a walk past beautiful Angle Tarn with its islands, the fine balcony route above the valley to Boredale Hause and a final swoop down to base in Patterdale with Ullswater in the foreground completing the visual feast.The stats showed a walk of twelve miles in less than 7 hours and with some 3,600 feet of climbing leaving plenty of time to prepare for the AGM and bid farewell to our guests.