3 August 2006 - Askham - Loadpot Hill

We all met at the Askham outdoor swimming pool car park, well when I say all there were 4 (Grant, Fred, John, Joel)... we then consulted the map to determine the route and then we were off, and then Jamie arrived, and then five of us set off.

We followed the route out of Askham to Helton on the road, through Helton and then a second right on to the rough track towards Cockle Hill (again the map comes in handy).

En route we noticed a number of red markers had been set along our path and it was mentioned that it was considerate of Jim to have placed the markers for the hard of map reading.

At this point it was all up hill on the grassy hill that climbs up towards high street, luckily it was a warm and dry evening, and then someone mentioned the summit at 2200ft… we were currently a lot less than that and then someone’s chain broke (joel). Luckily, Jamie was on hand with some spare SRAM links and then we were off, err, well, we continued pushing to the top.

Although most of us cursed our way to the top, we were all impressed to see Jamie enjoy the ride and it was worth it for the view and the sunset.




There was also a photo opportunity at the summit before we prepared to descend!

The descent was worth it, all 2200ft of it!

We stopped off half way at the Lords Seat for another view over Ulswater, and then it was downhill for the final section, across the crossroads at Ketley Gate (ah, the map again) and the all downhill across Askham Fell.

It was too late for a pub stop when we got back to Askham around 9.30pm so we all set off home.

Next week, 10 August: Park at The Watermill at Ings 6.15, YES the earlier time of 6.15 for the ride up or down Garburn Pass (Brasher boots and map cases optional).