Christmas Activites

[Special_K]

Seems that we've been discussing what we're doing over xmas and the new year in various threads. Thought I would pull it all into one and if you feel like telling us why not let us know where you're going (you never know it may lead to an impromptu goXplore meet-up).

I'm off to Wasdale to do Scafell on the weekend of 29th & 30th of Dec.

:)

[MariaD]

My plans are:

15-16 December - Lake District (weather dependent)
22-23 December - Lake District (weather dependent)
29/12/07 - 5/01/08 - Cairngorms

[Ingieuk]

Ribblesdale, Peaks 27th/28th....and possibly 29th if i get an extra day off work.

Cant wait!

[insane_climber]

my plans are 26th dec-2 ajn kinlochleven

[insane_climber]

sorry suposed to say jan

[Ant]

nothing.. Not got any decent gear for winter walking... and little experience of winter walking.

[MariaD]

Do you have a pair of decent (warmish & reasonably stiff) boots?

When I started doing winter grade I stuff in the Lakes all I had was a pair of stiffish 3 Raichle season boots, a rucksack, some (non-technical) jumpers & a rubbish Wynnster cagoule. No axe, no crampons, and certainly no thermal base-layers or duvet jackets.

In fact, most of my 'base layers' were of the H&M or Topshop variety, and I distinctly remember doing Striding Edge under deep snow in a pair of Corduroy trousers! (not recommended, btw)

You don't need special gear to walk in winter, as long as you use your common sense, take a headtorch & survival bag and wrap up warm. You need special gear to do harder routes in icy weather, but it's not the same thing.

Unfortunately, most winter weather is of the cold / damp variety, with a bit of soft snow or hail near the tops. There is rarely enough snow / ice south of the border to make axe & crampons a necessity, and if there is you'll know about it!

[Ant]

I'll head over to snowdon then..

[MariaD]

Yay! Just wrap up warm, don't try to walk on sheet ice & avoid scramble routes and you should be fine. And take two pairs of gloves - they're very easy to lose!

(Usual rules re: map, compass, headtorch, survival bag etc. apply)

[Ingieuk]

hmmmmmmmmm im not going to the peaks 27th/28th of Decemeber, neither is Ribblesdale in the peaks.......



.............*phew* no one noticed..........

:)

[Ant]

To keep it simple then, ill take the llanberis path.

[insane_climber]

ive just been on the ice factors website and they have photos on their blog of the instructors climbing on the ben 2 days ago and at the end of november, its in season already

[MariaD]

The ice climbs on the Ben aren't really in nick yet - it's mainly the mixed stuff which people are doing at the moment. However, there was a winter route done in the Cairngorms back in September.

The weather's looking good for the Lakes this weekend...

[insane_climber]

mixed is winter climbing

[MariaD]

I know, but the winter routes on Ben Nevis are predominantly ice-climbs rather than mixed, snowed up rock or turfy routes. So most of the routes on Ben Nevis aren't 'in season' yet. The main climbing season for Ben Nevis comes when the ice routes have had time to establish.

[guru]

If I can find someone to go with and weather permitting I'm gonna climb woodhous scar, it's really close to my house, but all my regular partners are down south or in germany!! holidays are a bit sucky when on ur todd!!

[wandering_fox]

To add to Maria's kit list for walking in winter, I'd say a pair of gaiters is almost as essential as the waterproofs. They keep the snow out of the top of your boots (if you are that lucky).

I might get a day in the peaks in, with a bit of luck.

[Ollie]

What did everyone get up to for Christmas in the end?

[David]

work - wow that sounds lame
:(
(I did manage to sneak into the local woods to do a single day camp out though)

[Ant]

Nowt....And am not going to get up to much untill I pass my driving test booked for the 12 of feb... which is a week when I'm off so may spend a night or 2 in snowdonia (maybe with a spot of wildcamping...should be able to find a quiet spot in the quieter areas of the park)

[Special_K]

Not much to be honest. My plans for Scafell - fell through (pardon the pun)

Snowdonia in Feb/Mar instead I think to make up for it. My go for Tryfan instead see if I can get some good piccies whilst wild camping

[MariaD]

I spent the 16th December in the Lakes & went to the Cairngorms, so not too bad really.