Lakes MicroAdventure

About a month ago now, Joe (the 'anonymous' expedition buddy from previous microadventures) and I arranged a Lakes microadventure. We set our sights for Scafell Pike, England's highest peak, close to Wasdale, Lake District. To both of us it was another adventure to tick off the list, another expedition conquered. I use expedition lightly here, as we are starting small! For me personally, it was another thing to show to the 'doubters' that I have determination, and that a neck fracture would not hinder me.

the beginnings of a spring, en route through the dales.

We planned the trip for the weekend beginning the 2nd, with me taking a short train journey up to Northallerton, North Yorkshire, early Friday morning. We headed out at 10am from there, basically west, across the country. I'd like to say we walked or biked, but am slightly ashamed to say it was by car, having only the weekend to complete the walk. To break up the days driving, we decided to take a detour to White Scar Caves, one of the first explored caves in England. This was an interesting experience, something I have wanted to try my hand at for years, yet was let down by the touristy feel of it. When it was mentioned to me by my mate as something we could do, I imagined quite a hands on approach, ropes and carabiners, hard hats and harnesses.

From a Geological point of view it was very interesting, first explored by Christopher Long, August 1923, in shorts and Jumper, with four candles as his headlight. I can't quite work out whether this man is a nutter, or a hero! We descended 93 metres underground, and travel in about 150 metres having to 'Duck March' for 20 metres or so, but that is as hard as it got I'm afraid. The tunnel had be carved out quite well, with scaffolding used as a platform in some areas. A very Info-tourism outing.

Image from the website, whitescarcave.co.uk

Some of the stalactites and stalecmites where incredible, don't get me wrong. You got to see first hand, how water running through minerals, causing it to become slightly acidic, can alter rock faces within as little as 50 years. Complete with under ground lake, and waterfalls, this was something I would recommend to those 'tourists'. Steer clear semi pros!