MelyvnBragg
21-09-2009, 04:00 PM
Me, my Hubby and our 12 year old daughter walked up the Watkin Path - well, mostly walked- there is a bit of scrambling near the summit and descended via the South Ridge and then back onto the Watkin path this last Saturday.
Only my hubby had any experience of hill walking, let alone walking up mountains, so we enlisted the help of a local guide who was fantastic! I wouldn't advise this route unless you have at least some experience or take a guide with you, as it can get a bit hairy near the summit- the path isn't always clearly defined up here and people do get into difficulty.
With plenty of rest/snack breaks, it took us about 5 hours to ascend and 3 to descend- not fast at all but we weren't racing- just completing it was achievement enough!
The scenery is stunning and our guide, Pete, pointed out the separate peaks, told us some stories about the local area and was a top bloke! We booked him through Great Adventures UK ltd. Pete & his wife run it and they are both lovely.
Our daughter is particulary pleased with herself for not only doing it but for taking one of the more difficult routes. Myself, I'm already planning on Scafell Pike next year, then Ben Nevis. Well, maybe when my leg muscles have stopped protesting anyway!
If you want to do it, go for it- just be safe.
Only my hubby had any experience of hill walking, let alone walking up mountains, so we enlisted the help of a local guide who was fantastic! I wouldn't advise this route unless you have at least some experience or take a guide with you, as it can get a bit hairy near the summit- the path isn't always clearly defined up here and people do get into difficulty.
With plenty of rest/snack breaks, it took us about 5 hours to ascend and 3 to descend- not fast at all but we weren't racing- just completing it was achievement enough!
The scenery is stunning and our guide, Pete, pointed out the separate peaks, told us some stories about the local area and was a top bloke! We booked him through Great Adventures UK ltd. Pete & his wife run it and they are both lovely.
Our daughter is particulary pleased with herself for not only doing it but for taking one of the more difficult routes. Myself, I'm already planning on Scafell Pike next year, then Ben Nevis. Well, maybe when my leg muscles have stopped protesting anyway!
If you want to do it, go for it- just be safe.