LANGDALE – 4th to the 6th of July 2025
Recent weather records have been broken over and over again with record high temperatures and prolongued periods of dry weather. With remarkable regularity our planned weekend trips have coincided with the solitary heavy downpour in the midst of the drought and the July Langdale trip was no exception. The BBRCC Raven Crag Hut was perfectly situated for many ambitious and optimistic mountaineering objectives, however, low-level walking was the only realistic option due to the inclement conditions.
On Friday afternoon a dedicated group of nine made an early start to the weekend and gathered at the hut hoping to (1) climb, (2) walk or (3) drink beer. The weather had arrived at the hut shortly before we did so option 1 was out of the question. Dave M was talked out of option 3 by Laura E in her enthusiasm to get outside and onto a hill, a plan adopted by all present. It rained. A lot.
The initial thought was to walk up to Lingmoor Tarn but the elements conspired against us and instead we found a path leading to the summit of Side Pike. Here, in the driving rain we decided that our gear was now wet enough to return to Raven Crag for a full, practical assessment of the hut's drying room. The descent was via a scenic, indirect route through tall ferns and steep, uneven ground. This enabled further testing of the capability of waterproofs and equipment which far exceeded manufacturers' expectations, soaking up more rain than had ever been dreamed of. After the walk and over the remainder of the weekend much creative thought was put into the idea of developing a 'rate my drying room' app which would be an invaluable tool for future planning of club weekends away.
Laurence and Jade arrived at the hut when we returned from our walk and Will M showed up shortly after. The drying room was put into action and plan 3 became a reality. The Old Dungeon Ghyll pub is conveniently situated a few metres outside of the front door of the hut. During the evening and unhindered by the weather, we made it our mission to check out the food and refreshment on offer, counting our blessings that, unlike other customers from the nearby campsite, we had solid walls and a roof over our heads and were not at risk of being flooded. Emma arrived later in the evening and settled into the social assembly back in the hut.
Saturday's foreast was for more intermittent rain, especially higher up. Carwyn stuck with his plan to make a circular walk around Pavey Ark to the Langdale Pikes and Bow Fell. The route gave him options to scramble on various easy routes if the conditions allowed or to drop off the route early should it prove unworthy. Carwyn bailed early, came back to the hut and still had time to take the bus to Ambleside for retail therapy.
The rest of the group remained at lower altitude. The rain was occasional and mostly light but the temperature was warm. Waterproofs or tee-shirt? What a dilemma.
The weather was kind to us for pretty much all of our 12 mile walk. We walked past Elterwater and crossed south to Little Langdale and Hodge Close Quarry before Cathedral Cave. After lunch we continued west past Slater Bridge along to the bottom of Wrynose Pass before heading north past Blea Tarn and down again to Raven Crag. Remaining on the road, before reaching Great Langdale and the National Trust Campsite is a field beside Wall End Farm where York MC had a weekend climbing expedition in 1949. I've attached a couple of photographs which were taken by Mr Thomas Armitage Waller, a member of the club at that time.
Back into the hut at Raven Crag and we set about creating a team meal. Everyone was involved in one way or another and thankfully no serious injury occurred during the making of the Veggie Thai Curry. A terrific effort by Will and Laurence to prepare the majority of the veg. Carwyn returned from the shops in good time to help out and enjoy the meal. The forecast for the following morning was for more showers but there was no great enthusiasm for another low level walk.
On Sunday morning the first objective was to clear up in the hut and then to beat a hasty retreat to Brambles Cafe, above the Co-Op in Chapel Stile for breakfast. Another all-round team effort in the hut meant that we made good time and beat the rush to the cafe. Over breakfast our plans for the day were thrashed out and we split up from here to go our own ways. Jade and Laurence remained in Langdale and enjoyed a dry day.....it didn't rain.....walking in the Scout Crag area. Some of us went home, Will checked out the bouldering wall at Kendal and, after instruction from afar, John caught up with some DIY shopping at Kendal.
It was disappointing that the weather limited our objectives over the weekend. Nevertheless, we had a good time and according to Laura achieved many things such as: Getting outside, testing waterproofs, testing drying room, touching rock, eating good food and drinking beer. Also there was Laura's personal achievement of carrying four full pint glasses without the use of mechanical aid. Truly remarkable. John, however, failed miserably in his bid to become a club recruitment officer. Despite being a very open-minded club his selection of potential candidates in the Old Dungeon Ghyll fell well short of what we would hope for. The club achievement was that we had five newish members on their first weekend trip away. Hopefully the weather won't put everyone off joining another trip because next time it's bound to be a bit better. Thanks to all for coming to Raven Crag, making the most of the weekend, sharing in good natured banter and for helping in the kitchen and around the hut.
Cheers!
Dave M