A near maximum twenty-five members of the Society and one dog attended this walk, organised by Mark Richards (well known writer)! We assembled at Sam Read's bookshop (always a dangerous place for someone with a serious book-buying problem) at about 11.00 and posed for the first (of many) pictures.

In Wainwright style we boarded the 'bus for Dunmail Raise and after a briefing from Mark, at about noon, the party traversed across the foot of Seat Sandal and ascended Raise Beck. We made good time to the col above Grisedale Tarn where we were allowed a breather. Traversing around and above the Tarn we arrived at Grisedale Hause where famine overcame the group and sandwiches etc were consumed amidst much banter.

The steep, stony, ascent to Fairfield was carried out in silence, and finally all the part arrived at the somewhat featureless ridge where we were observers at a helicopter rescue on the crags over on the Helvellyn range.

During our climb the summit was shrouded in cloud and it proved that our choice of lunchtime was inspired as we arrived at the top with clear views all around. The sky was very dark and warned us of what was to follow upon our descent to Great Rigg, which was a classic Lakeland shower. We got wet through! Pressing on we negotiated Stone Arthur and the steep and pretty eroded descent to the Swan at Grasmere.

Back to the comfort of Baldry's tearoom for tea and scones (superb) The rain had swelled the numbers in Baldry's such that half of the party resorted to the 'Coffee Pot', where they were similarly served.

A great first outing thanks to Mark and his colleague Martin Varley of the Friends' of the Lake District. The dog was particularly well behaved, as were the members!

Peter Linney