Winter Walk – 2025
Location: Borrowdale, Lake District, UK
Date: January 31st - Feb 2nd, 2025
Jo Bradwell, Sarah Clarke, Tim Clarke, Sam Davis, John Delamere, Luke Cutts, Tim Harvey, Maggie Harvey, Ruth Hand and Nick, Ewein Howes, Kelsey Joyce, Liz Joyce, Will Malein, Ciaran Simpkins, Kyle & Thomas Pattinson, Caitlin Pollock, Taea, Scott, Ben Talks, and Will Trender.
By Dr Caitlin Pollock
BMRES members descended on The Royal Oak hotel in Borrowdale on the evening of 31st January, having travelled from Chichester to Dundee and everywhere in-between. Jo and John had of course arrived early and already been out on the fells by the time the rest of us gathered. As they recounted their adventure above the snow line earlier in the day, Jo recommended crampons for those hoping to summit some peaks the next day. Completely unprecedented advice from the lifelong champion of hiking trainers. Then, after sufficient wining and dining, everyone headed to their respective abodes, including a delightful (bright blue) British Gas van subtly parked in the car park of the now closed Scafell Hotel next door.
Left: Tim, Ruth and Nick enjoying the sun (photo by Sarah). Right: Ben, Will T, Will M leaving the sun behind (photo by Ciaran).
The rest of us ascended towards the cliffs and into ‘Mordor’, quickly losing the sun and views of Derwent Water. Nearing the peak of Glaramara (783m), Jo’s recommendation proved sensible. However, all 10 survived the slip and slide to this top, despite only having two ice axes and crampons between us. We celebrated this achievement by tucking into semi-frozen Percy Pigs (a real jaw workout!). Before continuing along the ridge through sections of knee-deep snow, past solidly frozen High House Tarn to reach Allen Crag, the highest peak of the day at 785m. We then descended off the ridge, stumbling across a sheep fold, which provided much welcomed shelter from the wind for lunch. Sandwiches were consumed (by those that had them) and a yummy cherry cake was distributed (thanks Will M!). We all then safely descended back into (still sunny!) Borrowdale.
Once showered and changed, we all reassembled in the hotel, where stories of the day were shared over a delicious three course dinner. Thankfully, there was no evidence of Fawlty Towers to be seen. Some exciting news shared at dinner includes Ruth’s upcoming presentation at the last ever International Hypoxia Symposium at Lake Louise and Will M’s first consultant post! Congratulations both.
On Sunday, a few of us headed towards Grasmere for one last frolic before home, where we were led up to Easedale Tarn by Sidney (the Labrador). Others headed to Keswick and Ambleside to do some essential shopping ahead of the fast-approaching BMRES Everest Base Camp Expedition in March. On our return to Grasmere, we reconvened with Kyle and Tommy and were rewarded for our efforts with the saltiest chips on earth. Although the cafe was appalled at requests for mustard or mayonnaise to accompany them, they could provide remoulade, which was surprisingly similar to both, and inspired plans to source powdered Coleman’s mustard, seemingly a travel essential for Nepal?
So, to summarise the weekend with a high, low, and kudos. Highlights included (1) uncharacteristic February sun in the valley and (2) the saltiest chips on earth. The low of the weekend, at least for Ciaran, was when he realised his hands (and steering wheel) had been contaminated by Sidney’s urine (I’ll let you try and work out how). Finally, kudos to Tommy for thriving in the winter conditions in smooth soled sketchers. Hopefully the shopping in Ambleside was successful!
Looking forward to seeing everyone again in Nepal in a few weeks’ time (don’t forget your merino underwear or powdered mustard!).
