BB2316 : APOLOGIES FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE

Wednesday 17th May 2023

Yes it was inconvenient.  Very.  We were heading for Sadgill to climb the Gatesgarth Pass, then up Harter Fell to enable it to regain its position as our second most visited Wainwright.  We noticed a group of bikers at the turning for Longsleddle but thought no more about them.  After all, as far as we knew, Tony wasn't with them.  Down at Garnett Bridge we did see a sign suggesting that it was a no through road but we knew that to be the case (except for off road vehicles once a month).

2½ miles further along we were stopped by a man in a yellow jacket.  He asked, in a very purposeful manner, whether we lived in the valley.  When we explained what we were doing, his attitude changed and said "Very sorry gentlemen.  The road is closed for resurfacing.  Would you mind awfully if you were to turn your vehicle around and head back to the main road?"  As if.  He was build like a sumo wrestler except that his face was even more..... no, I shouldn't say it for fear of the woke police.  Even with Robin, our driver, being of not insignificant size, he clearly was not the sort of chap to argue with.  He suggested that we should have seen the signs at the A6 saying the road was closed.  We explained that if there were any such signs, they were obscured by the bikers.  This had no effect on his demeanor. You will understand why I didn't take a photo of him.

We now had two problems.  Firstly we (Robin, Stan and I plus Hollydog) were due to meet Mike, Terry and newly rejoined BOOTboy- Robert, at Sadgill which clearly was not possible.  There was no telephone signal.  How to get in contact with them?

Secondly, assuming we were able to make contact, what should do now that our itinerary had been wrecked?

The first problem was soon resolved as we saw them heading up the valley towards us so we could explain the situation.

However, a new problem arose.  Large wagons were heading in both directions. How on earth would we escape?  

One of them carried the very sympathetic message "APOLOGIES FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE". The look on the driver's face didn't quite seem consistent with the sentiment.  Fortunately a field came to our rescue, much to the puzzlement of its sheep.

Once back at the A6, we saw the sign that had been hidden by the bikers.  

We stopped there to plan an alternative adventure.  Kentmere was the decision, to tackle the same hills but from Green Quarter.

It was touch and go as to whether we would be able to reach it.  Big wagons on the narrow lanes were causing several difficulties.  Eventually we had a bit of luck.  A large forestry wagon was in front of us, clearing the way up the valley.

Parking proved no problem at our secret farm, so more than an hour behind schedule, we set off east to the top of the pass then turned north.

Apart from some mild scrambles, it was a straightforward climb up the fell, although we do seem to be taking a lot longer than used to be the case.  The views, particularly across the western side of the valley and beyond were good.

Shipman Knotts, Kentmere Pike and Harter Fell were achieved so the partaking of lunch was now permitted.  We dropped down towards Nan Bield and found a suitable dining place out of the wind with views down to Small Water and Haweswater.  Holly was insistent that she should share my apple.

Next, we paused briefly at the Nan Bield shelter for the team picture then took the track that leads down to Kentmere.  

Holly had puddled in something smelly so Robin wanted to wash her in the reservoir.  She loved the opportunity have a swim.  We thought Terry might feel similarly and resurrect his erstwhile hobby of skinny-dipping in tarns but he said he couldn't as he hadn't brought a towel.  A very lame excuse if you ask me.

It was a long trek back to the cars but an interesting one as the terrain changed from slag heaps by the stream to open field then ancient lanes with bluebells and other wild flowers.  There were yellow poppies which I said were Californian but others thought the were Welsh.  Uncle Google seems to think they were right.

You will not be surprised to know that we finished up at the Brewery in Staveley, an act for which I am not going to apologise.  No inconvenience there, just a decent pint of ale to round off the day.

Don, Wednesday, 17th May 2023

Bonus Pictures from Mike

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STATISTICS

BB2316 : APOLOGIES FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE

Date:

Wednesday 17th May 2023

Features:

Shipman Knotts, Kentmere Pike, Harter Fell

Distance in miles:

9.8

Height climbed in feet:

2,329

GPX track:

BB2316.GPX

Comitibus:

Don, Mike B, Robert, Robin (+ Holly), Stan, Terry

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