April 2018 Weekend Meet: Stair Hut, Newlands Valley, Lake District

For the first time ever, Forth Valley MC, had the let of Fylde MC's excellent hut in the tiny settlement of Stair to the south-west of Keswick. Eight members attended and a full weekend of fellwalking ensued. Although a bit dreich on the Saturday, the rain held off until late afternoon and the Sunday was brighter with spells of sunshine.

Two members ascended Blencathra by the scrambling route Sharp Edge which provided them with an entertaining outing, topping out just as the rain started to dampen the rocks.

Three members went south from the hut and tackled four of the Newlands fells, High Spy, Maiden Moor, Hinscarth and Robinson. Another enjoyed a relaxed ascent of Cat Bells.

Two others found their round of Coledale fells interrupted by that weekend's fell race which tackled the horsehoe walk in the opposite direction from their route. Fells climbed included Causey Pike, Scar Crags, Sail, Crag Hill, Grasmoor, Sand Hill, Hopegill Head, Hobcarton Crag and Grisedale Pike.

On the Sunday ascents were recorded of Causey Pike and Blencathra whilst one member cycled to Buttermere and back before tackling Helvellyn on the Monday.

Two members, unable to secure a suitable parking space below Skiddaw, turned their backs on the area and stopped off at Moffat for a wee ramble up to Hartfell Spa, now seemingly renamed ''Merlin's Well''. Thanks to Marian and Brian for the pix.