Scafell Pike and Mam Tor (Winter)
After a long stretch of inactivity this winter, the itch to stretch our hiking legs was undeniable. The plan was to warm up our legs on a hike in the Peak District, and on the next day to hike Scafell Pike in the Lake District National Park.
The Peak District: Mam Tor
The day started with a 3-hour drive to the Peak District National Park. Setting off early ensured we had time for a hike. Our chosen path, originating at the foot of Mam Tor, was a 17km challenge, marked by an ascent of 805m.
Mam Tor means “mother hill” because of the mini-hills below it. These mini-hills are made from the frequent landslips which are caused by the unstable shale layers that make up Mam Tor. They layers are always moving giving to the nickname “Shivering Mountain”.
The only shivering we felt on our hike was from the chill in the air. Dressing appropriately was a challenge. We aimed to insulate enough to ward off the cold, but not so much that we would sweat and freeze on the descent.
This trail was nothing short of invigorating. The clear weather rewarded us with panoramic views, stretching far and wide. We could see the Edale Valley, the Hope Valley, and a large chunk of the Peak District.
After taking in the views at the top, we descended and made it back in time for a good meal. The day ended at our AirB&B, where a night of rest (and one whisky too many) was had.
Reflecting on the day, it did feel good to get the legs moving uphill again, and I would be happy to repeat this hike.
Scafell Pike: A Slippery Ascent
Our legs were feeling warmed up after the previous days hike, so we decided to tackle England’s highest peak.
We started at the base of Scafell, near the Wasdale campsite. Though the hike was a shorter 9km, it promised an uninterrupted ascent of 910m with conditions that would prove challenging.
This turned out to be an extremely slippery climb. The rain from last night had iced over the trail and rocks. We all needed to use two hiking poles for the climb to keep from slipping and falling.
Usually you can see vast stretches of the Lake District, and on clear days, parts of Scotland, Wales, Ireland and the Isle of Man. It was a mostly cloudy day, but we did have the occasional great view of the Lake District below.
The wind was gusting at the top, so we didn’t stay long. We managed a summit picture before starting down seeking shelter.
Walking in the dampness of the clouds and the cold caused moisture to start freezing on my beard.
The descent was the hardest part of the day due to the slippery terrain. It tested our patience and balance. The slow pace added to the cold, especially numbing our hands.
In typical UK weather fashion, the sun came out as we touched base. We wrapped up our day with a stop at a local pub. We reminisced over the adventure, before returning to our AirB&B. Then home the next day.
The call of the mountains is always strong, but after our winter hiatus, it resonated more than ever. It felt good to climb up a mountain again and had me excited about the next adventure.
Final Thoughts
After a dormant winter, we heeded the mountains' call. We warmed up on Mam Tor in the Peak District with its breathtaking panoramas then, braving the icy conditions, we reched the summit of England's tallest peak, Scafell Pike.
Both hikes rekindled our passion for the outdoors. As the chill of winter receded, our urge for the next mountainous adventure grew stronger.
It's clear: once the hiking bug bites, the mountains keep calling. We'll answer every time.
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