Hi, First real post on here other than my intro...
Off up to Lakes this weekend with a mate of mine. We've done a fair bit of walking together over the years including some very tame winter stuff. This time though, we are heading for a bit more adventure. He has never walked with axe and crampons before. We'll be camping in Langdale but will probably head over to Coniston on Saturday. Walna Scar Road, Brown Pike, Dow Crag, Goat's Hawse, Old Man and back down the Bell. I've done this route in winter before and feel that it gives just enough to make things interesting but not hugely dramatic for someone on their first trip out with the "spikes" on.
I did think of doing something in the Langdales but we only did Crinkles and Bow Fell on October and also I'm not sure how straightforward Crinkle Crags will be in full winter. Other option would be up to Stickle Tarn and onto Pavey Ark/Harrison Stickle but think East Rake would be to gnarly and 'tother end is a bit boring!
Might have a trot up The Band onto Bow Fell on Sunday morning, just to squeeze a quickie in before we head for home...
Any thoughts or suggestions appreciated...
Oh and I've just bought a shiny new pair of Black Diamond Contact crampons along with a new Grivel Brenva axe...love taking new kit out for the first time!
First thing I'd do, shortly after setting off is to find an easy slope and show him the basics of ice axe braking, how to carry and use properly.
Otherwise he could do serious damage to himself, or slip and not be able to brake in time to fall over a cliff, etc.
You would at least need to show him how to front point, if he has the right boots to do so. Otherwise how to ascend slopes by zigzaging, cutting steps.
You may also want to take a 'confidence' rope, just to be safe and sure.
Without having a Winter Skills course, he may well struggle, I wouldn't try anything to hard, steep, for a first outing.
I did my first outing with Crampons /Ice axe etc the other week on a lightly encrusted Moel Siabod. It wasnt anything serious (it was doable easily without the gear if you stayed on the grassy bits) - just me and a mate trying out the gear for the first time. What I will say though, is it amazed both of us how tiring it was wearing crampons compared to just trotting up the hill in boots so th eroute you have planned might be a bit of a shock to his system.
Nope..you arent a wuss. walking in pons is remarkably tiring
Personally, I'd wander off and find something easy that you can throw yourself off - there is nothing sharpens up iceaxe braking technique faster than doing it. Doesnt have to be a massive slope, just something with a nice clear run off so, if your mind takes, you can just toboggan down the slope to finish in a cjildish giggling heap.
Using crampons takes at least 10% more effort/energy to walk in than normal.
The harder the conditions, depth of snow, hardness of ice, etc. the more effort it takes.
It also means you need to drink and eat more in winter, to keep energy and hydration levels up.
It's better if you can drink warm fluids, as cold drinks will make you cold from inside, plus take energy to 'heat up'. Food should should be preferably carbo. dense, carbs. are easier for your body to convert to energy.
Higher fat level food helps also, it's 'slow burn' so can keep you warmer for a bit longer.
You still need a bit of protein to repair your body from the exercise you've put it to, but energy rich food IMO, is more important.
Another thing - if it is deep snow it will be even harder work than wearing crampons. I think the snow in the Lakes is fairly fresh, so you may find it hard going unless someone has broken trail for you. I found it very hard going climbing Helvellyn in early December.
Yeah, axe arrest practice is first thing on the list...practical, essential, safe and FUN FUN FUN
We took a few newbies on the same route a year ago and they all coped well, despite one or two being a little unfit! Reckon this guy will manage just fine.
Got a little 8mm Confidence rope in the bag, just incase...
Last time we did this, deep snow on Old Man was very tiring...kicking steps all the way up from the tarn. Didn't actually need crampons until we got to the shoulder of the summit ridge...nowt like a bit of hard graft to make sure that you appreciate the view from the top, just that little bit more!
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