Lake District Winter Mountaineering Expedition

Over the weekend of 10th - 11th February, members of Lambard Troop joined Kent Scouts 'Invicta Mountaineering Club' on a testing trial in the Coniston area of the Lake District. After an overnight coach journey followed by a few hours sleep at the hostel we split into our groups and prepared for the days hike ahead. After the issue of Ice axe and crampons, Joe joined a group of 12 year olds and set off toward Levers Water. The winter weather conditions put the tops out of reach due to the 60-70mph winds!! However, there were more sheltered areas which proved to be prime locations for snowball fights.

Scouts can walk on water !!

Meanwhile, Scott (Lambarde Troop Leader) led a group of Explorer Scouts over open country (footpaths were by now obsolete) and up into the higher crags near Levers Hawse.

After setting up some ropes, they began practise with their crampons followed by instruction on arresting a fall using their ice axes.

Even though the snow began to fall in earnest and visibility was only a few feet they still managed to gain some valuable winter experience whilst also having great, albeit wet, fun (the snow manages to get in everywhere when your sliding 20 meters down a mountain side!!)

After an evening in the games room at the hostel, everyone set off on the following days hikes in much brighter weather. Navigation skills were put to the test on some of the more remote areas before heading back to the coach for the trip home. During this weekend, Joe qualified for his Hikers badge.

It is hoped that Lambarde Troop members will participate in more IMC activities that are run throughout the year to many of the UK's favourite hill walking areas.