JOHN MERRILL'S LAKELAND CHALLENGE WALK - 18 MILES, 6,000 FEET OF ASCENT
ABOUT THE WALK AND STORY -
My first introduction to the Lake District was rather a rude awakening, being sent to the Eskdale Outward Bound Mountain School. I was a very keen climber, and after soloing the 90 foot high school building my headmaster sent me to Eskdale to “learn how!” In the event it was a magnificent month’s holiday in torrential rain! But I
learnt the basic craft and the layout of the peaks. Ascending all the main mountains and camping under walls. Far from taming me I became even more determined to make a living out of the outdoors. As a result I often visit the Lakes to run up a few more mountains from different locations.
Having written about and inaugurated many challenge walks, I am continually being asked for new ones. The Lakes were the next on my list and I began to cast around ideas in my mind. My aim, like my other challenge walks, has been to link together my favourite places and illustrate the variety of walking to be found. At first I selected Wastwater and the Pillar group but it wasn’t challenging enough. I looked at other areas but nothing really gelled in my mind. All the time my mind kept thinking of Langdale and its peaks.
As a result, when we came to the Lake District I made the ascents of all the peaks and Scafell Pike — now more than fifty times. Finally my mind was made up. A tough walk where care is needed in bad weather but a fell walk that can only be rated as one of the finest in England. Having walked it all in sections I waited for good
weather and on May 7th, instead of voting, was on my route from the Great Langdale Campsite. Ahead were about sixteen miles and more than 6,000 feet of ascent over ten peaks. As I climbed Sickle Ghyll the mist clung around and tops were covered. But as the time progressed the sun burned through bringing about one of the finest and most perfect mountain days I have ever had in Lakeland. The
views and clarity were exceptional. I ate my way through four bars of chocolate and wearing a T shirt and shorts was soon badly sunburnt!
Have a great walk!
A5. Placed in a plastic wrap around cover, and signed by author.
Embroidered cloth badge and signed certificate avalable to successful walkers.
Names added to me Walkers Roll of Honour page.