Sponsored Three peaks challenge - Sca Fell Pike
Image by multimap
9pm Chris was keen to see just what a Citroen C8 can do on the Scottish highland roads so he took the first stint behind the wheel out of Fort William. We had a great run down to Inverardran through beautiful countryside. After that we hit the Loch Lomond road which winds along the side of the loch and offers no opportunities for overtaking. Within a couple of miles of this we found ourselves stuck behind cars that were happy to pootle along at 25-35mph on a road that is perfectly safe at 50-60mph. A frustrating drive and Chris' blood pressure was climbing through the roof.
It took about 2 hours to get to Dumbarton where we had a short 5-10 min break for toilet and drinks. It would have been shorter still if Dan hadn't been standing outside the toilets waiting for the non-existent occupant to vacate. Ali took over the driving and took us through the night down a succession of motorways to Penrith in about 2 hours.
Dan took the wheel by the side of the road at Penrith taking the A66 coastwards. A great road - wide and fast - although there were a surprising number of other vehicles around for the time of night. Then onto the winding A road through Egremont down to Gosforth where we turned off onto small B roads through the villages. As soon as we went over the first cattle grid the road became single track and very windy, with sheep lying in the road with no intention of moving. Speed dropped dramatically to 15-20mph for the last 9 mile stretch as embedding a sheep in the radiator could have scuppered any chances of 24 hours.
2:15am We eventaully arrived at Wasdale Head after 5h15 driving from Fort William.
2:35am Ready to go in the dark with a bright moon helping Chris find the way.
4:10am Dawn is on its way and there is enough light that head torches are no longer required.
4:20am Looking North East (towards Angle Tarn?).
4:50am Reached the summit of Sca Fell Pike in time to see the sun rise.
Wast Water from the summit with the sea in the background.
5:00am On the way down again - no time to hang around and enjoy the view.
6:10am Is Mike going to stay up here with the sheep?
6:40am Made it to the bottom of number 2.
7:00am On the road to Snowdon.