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BB2534 : The
Great Buttermere Adventure
Wednesday 20 August 2025
A
number of people (well, one is a number)
have asked what Stephen did after blowing
the starting whistle for Stan's Big Day-
BB2532.
Here is his report of the third part
of the Scafell Pike Trilogy:
Having thought I would
accompany the main party on their Scafell Pike summit attempt as far Stockley
Bridge, Stan turned right at Seathwaite Farm and took the more challenging path
on the other side of the Derwent. So, the challenge of Stockley Bridge
would wait another day.
I set off solo from
Seathwaite, boldly tackling the Honister Pass by car. The engine wheezed, my
knuckles whitened, and I’m fairly sure the sheep were placing bets on whether
I’d stall. Somehow, both car and driver made it over the top without needing
rescue.
Arriving at Buttermere, I
attempted the lake circuit. The scenery was glorious, the air fresh, and the
paths cunningly designed to trip the unwary. My sandwiches exploded in the
rucksack, turning my map into a ham-scented lure for every dog within a mile.
I finished the loop damp,
slightly battered, but triumphant — and celebrated like a true explorer in the
tearoom with coffee and heroic amounts of cake. What next?
Stephen,
Wednesday 20th August 2025
BB2534xtra
: A Different Sort Of Report
Thursday
28th August 2025
Well, that was different. It was a bit like the Covid days with an
outing contrived to fit in with whatever the socially distanced rules were at
the time. We each started from our own home
and happened to end up at the Strickland Arms. Normally when we end up at the pub it is at the conclusion of our efforts. In this case, it was exactly in the middle.
Tony
regaled us with the story of the operation
on his hand. Meanwhile a flock of
sheep invaded the car park, only to turn
back when they saw what was on the menu.
After a jovial lunch (excellent lamp pie in my case) we each
reversed our tracks. For Ian, Stan and Tony this must have totalled
about 4 ½ miles each way. Half that for
me and likewise for Mike. Half again for
Stephen and Terry. Total distance walked? At least 20 yards and 10 feet of climbing.
What? I hear you ask. A BOOTboys walk? Twenty yards?
What went wrong? Well, the simple
answer is the weather forecast.
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It was supposed
to start raining at 11 and be pouring down from noon for the rest of the
day.
It didn’t. In fact it remained dry the whole time from
setting off to returning home from the pub.
So we could have walked there.
And back. But we didn’t. We went by car. It was only when Ian dropped me off at home
that it started to rain. Even then it was little more than a bit of drizzle
that didn't last long.
So you could view that whole
episode as a wasted opportunity. Or you
could view it as another excellent convivial session. Take your pick. I know what way I’m voting.
Don, Thursday 28th
August 2025
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