Great Whernside, G/NP-008 - 704m ASL - SE 001 739 - OS Explorer OL30 - 6 SOTA points       

After Birks Fell G/NP-031, it was down the narrow lane from Litton to Kettlewell, and up the very steep (25%) hairpins to Tor Dyke, the saddle between Buckden Pike G/NP-009 and Great Whernside G/NP-008. This was yet another summit that I had activated, that Jimmy had climbed, but before he was licensed, so another that was on the to-redo list. Setting out from the car after 3pm, I realised that we would be walking in darkness at some point on the later descent, so ensured we took a good torch with us as back-up, in addition to our three headtorches.

After the initial drop from Tor Dyke, the coarse moorland began to rise again, and underfoot became very damp and boggy. Liam walked right into one and sank up to his thighs at one point, drawing only laughter, ridicule, and not a jot of sympathy or support from his loving father. It did not put him out of his stride, and he seemed to be relishing this particular ascent, putting in most uncustomary speed and effort.

       

Just before the stile is reached, and the gradient becomes much more graded to the summit ridge, there is a hellishly steep and slippery little section. This was tough going getting up it, and I was not relishing the prospect of descending down it in darkness. It was now after 4pm, and the day was starting to dim. The sun was getting ever closer to the horzion along Fountains Fell G/NP-017. Still, we were now only a short easy stroll from the shelter, which offered a convenient activating position well within the activation zone, while saving a further few minutes walk to the trig point just a couple of metres higher. G4BLH was found on S20, and Mike kindly agreed to post a spot for "QRV in 15 minutes, 2m FM only". I had decided not to set up the FT-817 and SOTA Beam for this one, but to use the VX-7R and RSS (Rucksack Special) aerial instead.

       

Plenty of stations were worked, and with great discipline and consideration for each other too. Most were standing by after working myself in case Jimmy needed the contacts, but in the event, many different stations called, and those already worked continued to stand by to allow all the chasers to claim the points.  Thanks to all the stations worked, all on 2m FM with 2.5 watts:
 

Setting off, it was getting ever dimmer and colder, with the bottom of the sun appearing to be resting upon Fountains Fell. I told Jimmy and Liam to rendezvous with me at the top of the steep gully, where we would be adding coats, fleece hats, headtorches and finishing the soup. This we did, but descended the steep section still in daylight, without turning on the headtorches. However, immediately after doing so, it quickly became sufficiently murky to have to turn the lights on, and so the remaining 30 minutes of the day's walking would be illuminated. Keeping the indistinct path across the lower boggy and grassy sections was difficult in torchlight, but the large grey dome of Buckden Pike G/NP-009 ahead of us was a useful clue as to our general direction. We were back in the car at 5.55pm, and a few moments were taken to study the clear night sky, free from all light pollution up at Tor Dyke. Some astronomy to accompany the weekend's undoubted gastronomy.

I hadn't realised that Great Whernside, in the Yorkshire Dales, was absolutely nowhere near Ingleton, in the Yorkshire Dales. So it was a good hour's drive to get us to our accommodation, where we had a quick shower and change, before heading across to the Wheatsheaf pub for dinner and drinks. Jimmy: starter of mushroom and stilton pot, mains of roast topside of beef in yorkshire pudding and pints of water; Liam: starter of nachos and salsa, mains of rib eye steak, and J2Os; Tom: starter of mushroom and stilton pot, mains of "Sausage of the Day" (pork and black pepper), and pints of Cains FA (Formiddable Ale, 5%). The food was great. The beer was great. The service was great. Recommended.

Back at the Youth Hostel, I was disappointed, but not surprised to see no mention of a TV lounge. As I was washing out the flask and bladders in the members' kitchen, an excited Jimmy burst in to tell me the the "Quiet Lounge" had a telly in it. Result. The YH had run out of beers, so I nipped back up to the Wheatsheaf for a couple of take-outs. Liam, shattered, went to his bunk, while Jimmy and I relaxed over a couple of drinks, and Match of the Day.

A very satisfying day. A new activator Unique (two for Jimmy), 10 points each, good food and beer, Liam happy and MOTD. It just doesn't get any better than this!  We retired to our bunks tired, happy, and eagerly anticipating the next morning's walk up Great Knoutberry Hill G/NP-015.