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From Offa's Dyke to Scafell Pike

On 10th July 2009 twenty five happy hikers made their way to the Lake District to take on our Scafell Pike Challenge. Among them was Compton Hospice challenge veteran David Prentice, here is his story:

Alfred Wainwright poses the question ‘why does one climb mountains when he could be doing any number of other things?’ Alternatives are sitting on the beach, sleeping or eating ice cream. Hoping to find an answer to this riddle (as well as raise money) I signed up for Compton Hospice’s Scafell Pike challenge. It was with a nice line in irony that we found ourselves outside Compton Hospice for the coach to take us up to Wasdale Hall YHA in the Lake District, the base for our attempt on the summit of England, Scafell Pike. Why irony? Several planned trips to the Lake District had become trips to Snowdonia, so I found it ironic that a planned trip to Snowdonia (Michelle had suggested on the coach back last year that the challenge for 2009 would be Mount Snowdon) had turned into a trip to the Lake District.

Once we finally left Compton, the coach journey passed without incident until we got within sight of the Southern Fells and I could hear their siren voices pleading “climb me…no me!”, and as the coach passed along the southern edge of the Lake District we were anxiously, but excitedly, asking each other “Do you think that one is Scafell Pike?” None of us knew and before long we had turned inland towards Wastwater and Englands deepest lake. After the coach performed a frankly nerve-jangling 15-point turn on a narrow country lane, with the signpost adjusted to avoid it being damaged (it was then returned to its original bearing) we found ourselves pulling up outside the grandiose settings of Wasdale Hall YHA. For some, the all-consuming search for mobile phone reception began in earnest, although my best was achieved on a couple of rocks which jutted out into Wastwater.

The route we took up Scafell Pike showcased some fine views (weather permitted) from Lingmell Gill back down over Wastwater before we reached the top of Hollow Stones. The views opened up eastwards to allow sightings of Styhead Tarn and Derwent Water as well as, after three dispiriting false summits, a long desired sighting of our goal, the roof of England. The final ascent from Hanging Stones (700 feet below the summit) was a particularly unpleasant climb with unlimited angular boulders underfoot. The sense of achievement as Darren & I made the final 100ft climb to the summit was palpable (as was our desire to sit down and have lunch!).

The walking bible for Scafell Pike, Wainwright’s ‘Southern Fells’ notes that “the difference between a hill and a mountain depends on appearance, not on altitude…grass dominates on a hill, rock on a mountain. … In the case of Scafell Pike, opinions must agree that here is a mountain… and a mountain that is, moreover, every inch a mountain.” With clear blue skies and absolutely stunning views from the summit I was put in mind of a peacock showing off his wares with his tail feathers on display. Having heard Dave and Jen, our mountain leaders, refer to Scafell Pike as “she” in their briefings, I was forced to re-assess my mental description of Scafell Pike’s performance though. Likening it to Ladies day at Ascot doesn’t seem as good an analogy to me as with its rocky and craggy approach Scafell does seem quite masculine to me.

Saturday night back at the hostel was good fun as we helped each other celebrate our achievement with several muscle relaxing drinks and a laugh while attempting Mandy & Chris’ quiz sat in the hostel library. Sunday morning saw a reduced number of people prepare to set off on a shorter walk up Whin Rigg, whose scree covered slopes loom ominously over Wastwater and the hostel. At 535m it is shorter than Shropshire’s Stiperstones (536m) but for sheer presence it leaves many taller peaks looking on in awe. The heavy overnight rain had left the paths rather more treacherous, and the ascent was slippy as a steep, wet grassed track isn’t conducive to achieving good grip. All too soon though we were descending the flanks of Irton Fell with Whin Rigg behind us clothed in cloud, and as we passed through woodland for the majority of the walk back to the hostel and, depressingly, the coach home the walking took on a friendlier tone.

So what reasons can one have for climbing mountains? Because it’s there? Satisfaction and personal achievement? Delight in the beauty of the hills? A chance to realise that no one in England is on higher ground than you? Check on all of these, but also, importantly for me on this trip was the chance to raise money for an incredibly worthwhile cause. I had heard it said that people feared intruding on an Offa’s Dyke reunion, that was never going to be the case as the group changes from year to year (and I feel is stronger for it) with only the sense of achievement and laughter remaining the same. All that remains is for me to say as always a very big thank you to everyone who has so generously sponsored me and to those who ensured that the weekend was so memorable.

Compton Hospice would like to thank all those who took part, the event is expected to raise £15,000.

If you have any further questions about Compton Hospice and Fundraising, please call 0845 225 5497 or contact us. We will do our utmost to help with your enquiry.

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