Lakes and Ae

A late night arrival at a wild van camp spot after a cheeky pint just before last orders in Rosthwaite.

A good winter day's walking from Seathwaite to take in Glaramara and Allen Crags in windy and cold conditions. Descent via Sprinkling tarn. A bit of retail therapy and scran in the Dog and Gun ensued as well as showers at Keswick YHA before we headed north to join Tom and Will for another camp, this time in the forest of Ae in Dumfries.

A blast round the red route was enjoyed by 3 of us and we had a nice time back in Richmond refuelling with Gill too. A great weekend!

Looking across to Fleetwith Pike and Dale Head

Was it 13.50? They can only be Tim's footprints! 

On steeper ground to the summit of Glaramara

Towards Allen Crags

Kendal time

As always we enjoyed spending some time at no. 7 with family this weekend.

A quick climb on Saturday at Kendal wall in belay jackets and beanies.

Nomie and I enjoyed a trip to Zeff's in Ambleside for a little drinkies and to watch Wild on the big screen. A powerful film which was both moving and entertaining. Being in the Lakes, there seemed to be a huge feeling of empathy for the trekking and backpacking aspect. It's always nice to be part of an audience who seem to live in the film with the main character and are not just silently passive.

John and Tim went for a wintery run up on the scar on Sunday morning while I attempted to wade through the insurmountable pile of reports!

A little early but haggis neeps and tatties was on the Sunday night menu. 

Naomi (with a Bachelors degree in Geography) provided Tim with a map of how to get to the tip...

These 2 birds made me smile

Hope Clara's not getting into anything with her cigar like biscuit!

Strava 2014

2014 stats 

Trek Superfly 5 debut ride on 19th January

Trek Madone 4.9 debut ride on 20th September

Definitely the year of the bike!

Mallorca at New Year

Thanks to Louis and Jen for letting us join them on their festive break, we enjoyed a week on the beautiful island of Mallorca.

Stayed in a wonderful cottage in the mountains in Fornalutx. There wasn't much rubber left on the hire car tyres after attacking the drive on several occasions!

The Mallorcan cycling is amazing.

Friendly gradients meant uphill sections were very sustained but doable and enjoyable and the downhills were epically awesome. Stunning scenery everywhere and Tim enjoyed exploring the mountains on foot.

After a veritable feast at the cottage, New Year's Eve saw us in the village square supping cava and dancing til the wee small hours with the locals at the outside disco!

Fornalutx 

Lunch on arrival before being escorted to our accommodation!

Boxing day view from the tunnel 800m and 10km of 5% up from cottage. 50 minutes of up for 15 down! Thanks for the loan of your bike and shoes, Louis!

The day we bailed our group walk due to hail and wind! 

Interesting and gnarly parking...

Playing 5s and 3s in the local bar. Timmy had to pick up all of the bones!

My steed for the week; same as I ride at home but the 2014 model

A cold and windy day at Port de sa calobra

Time for a pic on the col dels reis

The loveliest of guard perros in the village

View towards Torrent des Pareis

Cúber reservoir

Happy New Year 2015! 

New Year's Day walk from Port de Pollença

There's a natural window in this picture...

Here it is up close

Tim bewildered at the spine chilling vertical drop of 350m into the Med... I stayed well back.

Lost in translation?!

Pyrenees next?

Notes on the trip