Lingmoor

This was a very special day !

I'd saved Lingmoor Fell as my last Wainwright to climb out of the 214 as I thought it would be a nice easy fell in one of the best parts of the Lake District with good pubs to visit at the end. I'd asked a few relatives and friends to join me but it sort of snowballed and I think there was about 30 of us who climbed it on the day plus a few others who stayed at ground zero to provide support (parents). The choice was perfect - It was a great little walk and ideal for beginners

I had checked out the route to make sure there wasn't any navigational mishaps a few weeks earlier although making sure I didn't climb all the way to the top.

Gathering at the New Dungeon Ghyll Car Park on the morning with an air of excitement - we took a few photographs and then set off towards the ODG - It must have only been 500yards before I realised that being at the back of the group was a mistake as the difference in pace between the young lads and the older girls was very significant. We were all already spread out in a thin line across the fields heading towards the Old Dungeon Ghyll pub, and some were almost out of ear shot. The worrying thing was that they hadn't a clue which way to go anyway, they'd have probably gone straight on up The Band to Bowfell ! I turned to my fellow experienced fellwalkers, Davy & Paul and asked them if they could stay at the back and keep the stragglers safe and I would go to the front to slow down the speed merchants and try to bunch us all up more. It worked ! We all stayed together for the rest of the day - although my mate Paul did complain that with all these pretty young girls around that he'd had to stare at my wife's backside for the entire walk - he got a clip from Christine for that remark !

After a few "cragfast" shouts and individual walking styles that were more akin to a Silverback Gorilla - we managed to reach the top and I was able to celebrate my achievement with a drink and I even felt comfortable enough to say a few words - to everyone's disappointment.

I'd enjoyed all the walking in the lakes over the last four years so much, that there was no way I was going to ease off - In fact I decided there and then to target my next round of Wainwrights in just three years and then the following in just two - let's just see if I succeed.

After the summit celebrations it was the lovely ridge walk towards the Langdales and the descent just before Side Pike back to the valley.

As the day draws to a close, I was able to say thank-you to everyone over a bite to eat in the Stickle Barn and was overwhelmed with my surprise gift from everyone (A limited edition signed print 'The Climb' by Alan Stones) now with pride of place in our living room.

The best of days !